Laos to Vietnam

Ride Vientiane / Luang Prabang | Sapa | Hanoi

Rating

5/5

Distance

260/480mi

Next tour

16 Oct 23

Duration

12/19 days

Itinerary

Brochure

Price from

£1850

Cycle Laos to Vietnam

Laos and Vietnam Cycling Holiday

Challenge yourself to cycle across the mountains of Laos and northern Vietnam, and be rewarded with an experience of a lifetime. Starting in either Vientiane (19 days) or Luang Prabang (12 days), this epic journey comes to a rest in Hanoi, Vietnam.

Social Cycles will take you on a journey to interact and connect with local grassroot Non Government Organisations (NGOs) and the beneficiaries of a funded project of your choosing. Research what really happens on the ground and out in the villages with Social Cycles in a holiday that carefully balances ethical research and local impact with cycling and site seeing.

Confirm your place with a AU$100 deposit.
You can choose your dates and duration following the above button

£ 2,550 Price set in AUD ($4450)

15 of 19 days cycling
Approx 480 miles
Moderate to challenging
E-Bikes Available
Start: Vientiane
Finish: Hanoi

£ 1,850 Price set in AUD ($3200)

8 of 12 days cycling
Approx 260 miles
Moderate to challenging
E-Bikes Available
Start: Luang Prabang
Finish: Hanoi

Confirm your place with a AU$100 deposit.
You can choose your dates and duration following the above button

The cycling is considered ‘moderate’, meaning that there is one day in there that is challenging, amongst some easier days. All rides are fully supported with a van that tails us, which you can get into whenever you like. There is no rush, plenty of time to take photos along the way and we have plenty of breaks. The average moving speed is about 15km per hour. All our rides are designed to be open and available for the beginner to average recreational cyclist.

Send me a free brochure

Luang Prabang to Hanoi

12 days; £1850

Approximately 260 miles, 8 of 12 cycle days and some exciting climbs

Vientiane to Hanoi

19 days; £2550

Approximately 480 miles, 15 of 19 cycle days and some challenging climbs

Features & Inclusions

Tour Inclusions

All accommodation in comfortable hotels (twin share basis)
A$200 donation to the NGO of your choice (refundable on request)
Full Bicycle hire
Local guides, support van driver and mechanic
Full support vehicle for the ride with water and fruit
NGO presentations with local staff across Laos
Multiple field trips to villages and communities
Entry to attractions as per the itinerary
All boat rides as per the itinerary
Train (sleeper cabin) from Sapa to Hanoi
Most meals as per the daily itinerary
Airport transfers for arrival

Tour Exclusions

International flights Tips and Gratuities (from US$0 to US$100 pp) Drinks with meals Departure airport transfer (US$8-US$10) Travel insurance Visa’s (if required) Other items of a personal nature E-Bikes available for additional cost (US$20 per day) Single room available for additional US$250

Social Impact

For every Social Cycles tour, all riders have contributed AU$200 to go to the NGO of your choice. During the course of the tour, you are given the chance to engage with, and learn from, local NGOs. We visit no less than two NGOs during the Laos tour and spend some time learning about their projects, strategies and challenges. At the end of the tour, the riders are then empowered with new found knowledge and have the opportunity to combine the allotted donation money and make an impact towards a project of their choosing. In addition to building a profile for our impact partners, Social Cycles also pays each NGO for their time and resources. We spend 1-2 hours with each NGO. You can read more here The donation part is included in your ticket price. We want people to be open to the idea of supporting one or more of the NGOs we visit and learn about. If, after meeting some of the local teams and learning about their programs, the riders did not want to donate, then they are not required to and a refund will be arranged.

Hotels

We understand how important it is to take rest in a place that’s clean and comfortable – especially after a hard slog on the bikes. That’s why we always make an effort to get you settled in somewhere in town suited to that description. To make the most of Laos, we stay in a variety of different accommodation styles. In Luang Prabang, we stay in a beautiful French colonial style building in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage City. Once we move away from the major towns and into the rural villages, we stay in clean & comfortable guest houses. All local guesthouse rooms have their own private bathroom with a western toilet. Just before we get to Vientiane, we stay at Long Ngum View resort, with a pool to relax view the mountains by.

Please bear in mind though some some rural towns only have local guesthouses.

Hosts

In 2023, the Cycle Laos adventure is hosted by local cycling legend and guru, Phout. With a smile that stretches from ear to ear and a ‘nothing is too much trouble’ attitude, we’re proud to have Phout donning the SC uniform! Phout is particularly passionate about highlighting the many features of Laos. He’ll grab the menu and order a feast, ensuring you get to try the best of Lao cuisine, make sure your bike is in top condition at all times and be there in the van ready to give you a lift when you need it most! Brett Seychell, Social Cycles founder, will try and make the adventure too.

Food

Sticky rice, fresh vegetables, mountains of fresh herbs, fish and meat, fish sauce, chilli, spices, fruit and more sticky rice… one of the wonderful features of the Lao diet is the almost complete absence of processed foods. Ironically, it’s the poor economic status of this small, landlocked South-East Asian country that has kept its cuisine fresh, vibrant and healthy for hundreds of years. Lao’s culinary offering includes universal hits, like steamed fish in banana leaf and pork laap salad, alongside options for the adventurous eater, such as duck’s blood salad.
Most of the included dinners are at social enterprise based restaurants, supporting the local NGOs. But this is not the main reason we eat here, it’s because the food is delicious!
All meals are shared, ‘family style’, so you get an abundance of choice sitting in front of you at the table. A great chance to try a bit of everything! Dietaries are catered for as well, just let us know in advance.

Bikes

In Laos, we have a great range of bikes that are designed to deal with the local environment perfectly. The bikes used are either Trek 3900 and/or Giant Rincon mountain bikes. All mountain bikes have a 24 speed gear set to help you get up and down those hills!
You’re welcome to bring your own saddle if you’re slightly nervous about getting a bit sore, or haven’t had the chance to get a lot of saddle time before the ride. Another good option is to bring along a gel seat (cushion). The bikes are fitted with standard pedals. Again, you’re welcome to bring clip ins should you want them. All bikes are fitted with a water cage.

Distance

The overall distance, should you cycle the whole way, is just over 770km over the 15 cycling days. In addition to that, there are a lot more hills than there is flat. More often than not, you’re either going to be climbing a mountain, or flying down! In total, it is a 16,243m ascent and descent over the trip. It can sound a little daunting, but with the aid of the support van, you can cycle as much or as little as you like. Should you choose, you can even just cycle the downhill!

E-Bikes are available on request (but are limited). There is an option to have an E-Bike in Vietnam only, and a regular bicycle in Laos. Just get in touch. More details on the cycling routes can be found here.

Group size

We take a minimum of four riders and a maximum of 12. We strongly believe that when you travel with a group beyond 12, there is a risk that voices and opinions may be drowned out when we have the rare opportunities to visit NGOs and ask questions to local leaders.

NGOs

Friends International are leading the charge in the ‘ChildSafe’ movement and the ‘Think Families, Not Orphanages’ campaign. Friends International have a restaurant in Luang Prabang, which makes for a great introduction to Laos. Their programs of ‘Saving Lives’ and ‘Building Futures’ have been used as templates all over the world. Lone Buffalo Foundation are committed to improving opportunities for young people through English study and football coaching. LBF aims to enhance the opportunities for careers in the business and tourism sectors for Phonsavan’s young people. Quality of Life Association provides support to UXO victims, people with disabilities and UXO affected communities in Xieng Khouang province, Lao PDR. HopeBox is a new introduction to the program, based in Hanoi. this is an excellent opportunity to understand the important work being carried out in regards to supporting victims of gender based violence.

Our Next

Laos to Vietnam Adventures

Confirm your place with a $100 deposit.
Tours are charged in AU$. The below prices are indicative only and the current exchange rate will be applied at checkout. Tours start at AU$3200 (12 days) and AU$4450 (19 days).

If this is your second, third or even fourth Social Cycles adventure, then we’d like to welcome you back with a special SC Ambassadors rate. Just book as normal and we’ll apply the discount on your invoice. We’ll remember you!

Departure Date

Ride

Duration

Status

SC Ambassdor

Price

Upcoming adventures

2023

16th October

23rd October

4th December

11th December

2024

8th January

15th January

5th February

12th February

4th March

11th March

Rider reviews

I highly recommend travelling with Social Cycles. I have just completed my second SE Asia trip with SC.The NGO focus is one of the reasons I travel with SC. I found these visits so educational, informative and creating awareness of such important situations, causes, challenges existing I may previously have been unaware of. I can't wait for my next SC trip, it's a permanent feature of my ongoing travel planning!

CECILE

This trip will enable you to experience the real Laos in the most spectacular part of the country. This is not just a cycling tour . . . you will enjoy the boat trips that include a fascinating night safari, the side trips to archaeological sites and even a hands-on visit to a hamlet where spoons are made from ordnance found locally.

Andrew W

This Laos tour was my 3rd trip with Social Cycles. Based on previous trips I expected and got another excellent tour! The tour went into pretty hilly remote areas. Food was great and plentiful. Backup driver Toh was brilliant. Can't wait for tour no 4. Thanks Brett

Alan Opie

Reviews

I highly recommend travelling with Social Cycles. The NGO focus is one of the reasons I travel with SC. So educational, informative and creating awareness of such important situations, causes, challenges existing I may previously have been unaware of.

CECILE

Andrew

This Laos tour was my 3rd trip with Social Cycles. Based on previous trips I expected and got another excellent tour! Toh was brilliant. Can't wait for tour no 4. Thanks Brett

Alan

19 day itinerary

Day 1: Vientiane

Arrival day

There’s a feast of exciting activities to sink your teeth into. Spend your day exploring around the many markets, museums and temples. The day is yours to potter, caffeinate and watch the world go by. The group will meet up for dinner at 6pm at the hotel, where we’ll head over to the banks of the Mekong for a drink, followed by a Lao style BBQ.

Inc. Meals: Dinner
Cycling: NA
Transit: Airport transfer
Hotel: Azalea Park View Hotel (or equivalent)

Day 2: Vientiane

Buddha Park, COPE and Friends

After breakfast, we’ll get fitted for the bikes and start the day with a gentle 22km ride to Wat Xieng Khouane Luang, otherwise known as the Buddha Statue Park. The van will follow and take us back to town to visit COPE Visitors Centre, where we will get an introduction to the effect the Second Indo-china war had on locals and what COPE is doing to enhance mobility of land mine victims.
Mini Makphet restaurant is another local NGO by Friends International where we will have lunch and learn about the vocational training programs and the social work carried out by this amazing NGO.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Cycling: 22km
Transit: 22km
Hotel: Azalea Park View Hotel (or equivalent)

NGO: Friends International | COPE

Day 3: Long Ngum

Lao Conservation Trust for Wildlife

We’ll get out of the city hustle by van for the first 22km, making Tha Ngon our launching pad for the days ride. Our morning destination is 39km away on paved roads, as we make our way to the Lao Conservation Trust for Wildlife. LCTW works with authorities and individuals to rescue, rehabilitate and release as many animals as they can from the illegal wildlife trade.
Cycling on from LCTW, we’ll find a local restaurant for some sustenance, then tackle the remaining 28km to Long Ngum View Resort on the Nam Ngum Lake.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Cycling: 67.8 kilometers · +532 m / -464 m
Transit: 22km
Hotel: Long Ngum Resort
NGO: Lao Conservation Trust for Wildlife

Day 4: Vang Vieng

Boat Ride & Blue Lagoons

We’ll start the day after breakfast on a boat, making our way north towards Van Vieng (2.5 hrs). From shore, we’ll be met by our van and transit to the hotel by mid morning (22km/ 45 mins). This gives us the chance to explore Vang Vieng by bike. We’ve created a round trip of 31km that takes us to Blue Lagoons 2 and 3, where we can have a dip in the open pools and grab some lunch from one of the food stands. We’ll also have the chance to explore Patong Cave Temple and a feast of surrounding attractions. The cycling is mostly on dirt roads, reasonably flat with 286m of incline and decline. The evening is yours to relax and explore Vang Vieng.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Cycling: 31km +264m/-264m
Transit: 2 hr 30 boat | 45 min drive
Hotel: Bearlin Bungalows (or equivalent)

Day 5: Kasi

Sunrise trek to the Hot Springs

If you’re up for it, there’s the option to go on a sunrise trek to Pha Ngern Viewpoint for epic views across the surrounding mountains. It’s not without it’s challenges but well worth the reward. We’ll allow 4 hours for the return trip, starting at 5am. Or you can always sleep in.
There is every opportunity to ride from Bearlin Bungalows to Kasi Hot Springs Resort, where we’ll spend the evening. The total distance is 81km on a paved but patchy road, we’ll aim to ride to Kasi for lunch (62km) and the final 19km in the afternoon.
Kasi Hot Springs is basic, but a great place to relax and unwind in the pool.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Cycling: 81km +1302 m / -865 m
Transit: Optional
Hotel: Kasi Hot Springs Hotel

Day 6: Phonsavan

Cycling mountains

We have approximately 160km to get to Phonsavan, so the first 110km will be covered in the van, which should take just over 3 hours. From the small village of Muang Souy, we’ll tackle the final 50km over some undulating paved roads. The road is a thoroughfare for transport around Laos and can be busy at times.
We’ll aim to arrive in the mid afternoon, giving us enough time to check in, shower and visit Quality of Life Association, who support UXO victims in the surrounding region.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Cycling: 52.1 kilometers · +568 m / -574 m
Transit: 3 hrs, 110km
Hotel: Anoulack Khoun Lao
NGO: Quality of Life Association

Day 7: Phou Khoun

Cycling mountains

In the morning, we’ll see the Plain of Jars UNESCO Heritage site, an archeological landscape consisting of thousands of stone jars scattered throughout the valley. If available, we’ll also meet a micro NGO, Lone Buffalo, that provides free English tuition, female empowerment programs and sports coaching. The van will take us 90km West, allowing us to cycle the final 50km to Phou Khoun. The road is paved with the usual pot holes and is not foreign to some traffic. For something different, we’ll spend the night under the stars camping at Phou Khoun Strawberry Farm. Watch the sea of clouds floating over the mountains.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Cycling: 50km +1,416 m / -1,088 m
Transit: 2 hrs 90km
Hotel: Strawberry Farm Camping (or alternative basic guesthouse)
NGO: Lone Buffalo

Day 8: Luang Prabang

Cycling into town

We’ll skip the first 53km of climbing by jumping in the van to the viewpoint. From here we’ll attempt to cycle all the way into Luang Prabang, with twice as much downhill as up in the remaining 76km.There’s no rush and a support van that’s with us the whole way. Once we get into Luang Prabang, we’ll meet up again for dinner at the Friends International restaurant, KhaiPhaen. It’s a social enterprise based restaurant that empowers disadvantaged youth with vocational training amongst other support.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Cycling: 76km +1283 m / -2382 m
Transit: 2 hrs 53km
Hotel: Sala Prabang Hotel (or equivalent)

Day 9: Luang Prabang

Bears, buffalos and waterfalls

We ride to Kuang Si Falls, one of the most spectacular swimming holes on the continent. Along the way we’ll visit the Lao Buffalo Dairy, whose initiative provides an insight into the issues surrounding village farmers and water buffalo care. Before taking a dip in the beautiful Kuangsi Falls, we’ll visit Free the Bears. This sanctuary rescues and rehabilitates sun and moon bears from bile farms, working closely with Lao Conservation Trust for Wildlife.
It’s a ‘there and back’ ride, totaling 57km. If you’re keen to get back to town and make the most of Luang Prabang for the evening, you can jump in the van and halve the cycling for the day.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast
Cycling: 57km +694 m / -694 m
Transit: Optional
Hotel: Sala Prabang Hotel (or equivalent)
NGO: Lao Buffalo Dairy, Free the Bear

Day 10: Nong Khuay Village

Jungle Jars, family life and homestay

Fairtrek initiative is working extensively within the village to create new streams of revenue to boost the village economy through tourism. This is where your Social Cycles bamboo water bottles are made. We’ll have the opportunity to spend time with the local families and fumble our way through the language barrier, with the assistance of the SC guide. We will stay the night with the community and experience real village life, eating with our new host families. The experience is very real village life, so expect simple, basic and authentic.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cycling: 21km | +510m / -157m
Transit: None
Hotel: Nong Khuay Village Homestay (basic)

Day 11: Nong Khiaw

Cycling through remote villages

We cycle out of the village on dirt roads for 6km and tackle a pretty decent downhill, almost 15% at some parts. Then there’s a flat 7km of paved road before we jump in the van and head to Pak Mong (127km, 3 hrs). From here it is a further 29km through little villages nestled in between spectacular Karst peaks, on undulating paved roads.

The small town of Nong Khiaw is a favourite and the rustic charm of this quiet enclave is intoxicating.. relax along side the river in the shadow of elephant head mountain.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Cycling: 13km | +130m /-677m & 29km | +364m / -402m
Transit: 3 hours
Hotel: Mandala Ou Resort (or equivalent)

Day 12: Muang Khua

River cruising in a long tail boat

Today we transfer to the river to board a traditional long boat for the cruise up the Nam Ou river to the entrance to Phongsaly district. We call in at the sleepy town of Muang Ngoi on the way to stretch our legs, along with some other riverside villages.

We’ll enjoy a pre-packed picnic lunch along the way, arriving into Muang Khua around 5pm

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Cycling: None
Transit: All day boat
Hotel: New Chaleunsouk Guesthouse

Day 13: Dien Bien Phu

Crossing into Vietnam

The Social Cycles Vietnam team will be waiting on the other side with a new set of bikes for you to take on the ride down to Dien Bien Phu. The ride is mostly paved and just 41km away with a nice drop in elevation.

Once in Dien Bien Phu, the evening is yours to explore. Be led by the guide and feast on local, authentic Vietnamese cuisine!

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Cycling: 35km | +458m / -1,121m
Transit: 1 hr 45
Hotel: Muang Thanh Hotel

Day 14: Mường Lay

Valleys, rivers and a lost city

Today we cycle along windy valleys on a paved road that snakes through the beautiful countryside. We are surrounded by rice fields and villages. We climb to an elevation of over 1000m and are rewarded once again with stunning views before descending (20km) to Muong Lay town.

Lunch will be simple and authentic, at one of the villages along the way. Once into town, the evening is yours to explore.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Cycling: Up to 95km | hard | +1997 m / -2258 m
Transit: None
Hotel: Thanh Binh Hotel (or equivalent)

Day 15: Lai Châu

The mountain challenge

Get up early to capture pristine nature and picturesque scenery over the Black river. After breakfast at the hotel, we will cycle the first 25km on a tarmac road to Chan Nura. A vast landscape opens up beneath you: endless mountains stretching into the distance and craterous valleys dotted with stilt-home villages clustered around clear streams. Today is a hard day’s cycling, but definitely worth it. The reward at the end of it is some of the best views in the whole region.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Cycling: 70km | hard | +1,718m / -2,387m
Transit: None
Hotel: Muong Thanh Lai Chau Hotel (or equivalent)

Day 16: Sapa

Epic mountains, incredible valleys

This is the hardest riding day of the tour. The total distance from hotel to hotel is 76km with an overall climb of 2291m and a descent of 1700m. The road is mostly paved and the van is always close by and will be available should you want to take a break or even leap frog the group.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Cycling: 75km | hard | +2291m / -1700m
Transit: None
Hotel: Sapa Centre Hotel (or equivalent)

Day 17: Sapa to Hanoi

Overnight train to Hanoi

In the morning, we’ll take time to learn about Sapa O’Chau, a great social enterprise program which offers training in tourism and hospitality to youth of the Sapa region. A morning meander through the local market will highlight the melting pot of ethnic tribes and goods for sale.
You can choose to spend the afternoon cycling a gentle 25km downhill into the Sapa valley and experience the fantastic scenery of mountains, rice paddy fields and Hmong villages along the way. Alternatively, you can rest and relax in the town of Sapa.
The riders will be transferred back to Sapa and then to Lao Cai railway station for your overnight train to Hanoi.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Cycling: 25km | easy | +164m / -1267m
Transit: None
Hotel: Sapalay overnight train (4 berth cabin)

Day 18: Hanoi

The Great Donation Debate

Step out of the station and into the throngs of the city, the aromas of famous Hanoi street food awaits for breakfast. After checking into the hotel, we’ll spend the morning learning from our NGO partner, HopeBox. This micro NGO has created an incredible, social enterprise based system supporting victims of gender based violence in Vietnam.

The afternoon is yours to explore the Old Quarter, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex or just find one of Hanoi’s endless funky cafes to sit back, relax and enjoy a egg coffee. In the evening, we’ll enjoy our last supper together as we discuss the NGOs we learned about and where the donation money could and should go.

Inc. Meals: Dinner
Cycling: None
Transit: Train Station to Hotel
Hotel: Phoenix Hotel (or equivalent)

Day 19: Hanoi

Departure Day

Say goodbye to your new found friends and riding buddies after breakfast as you get set to continue your onward journey.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast
Cycling: None
Transit: Airport transfer arranged on request ($)
Hotel: Additional accommodation arranged on request ($)

19 Day Itinerary

Vientiane | Luang Prabang | Sapa | Hanoi

The 12 day ride from Luang Prabang starts at dinner on day #8

Vientiane:

Arrival day

Inc. Meals: Dinner
Cycling: NA
Transit: Airport transfer
Hotel: Azalea Park View Hotel (or equivalent)

Vientiane:

Buddha Park, COPE and Friends

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Cycling: 22km
Transit: 22km
Hotel: Azalea Park View Hotel (or equivalent)

NGO: Friends International | COPE

Long Ngum, Thalat

Lao Conservation Trust for Wildlife

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Cycling: 67.8 kilometers · +532 m / -464 m
Transit: 22km
Hotel: Long Ngum Resort
NGO: Lao Conservation Trust for Wildlife

Vang Vieng

Boat Ride & Blue Lagoons

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Cycling: 31km +264m/-264m
Transit: 2 hr 30 boat | 45 min drive
Hotel: Bearlin Bungalows (or equivalent)

Kasi

Sunrise trek to the Hot Springs

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Cycling: 81km +1302 m / -865 m
Transit: Optional
Hotel: Kasi Hot Springs Hotel

Phonsavan:

Cycling mountains

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Cycling: 52.1 kilometers · +568 m / -574 m
Transit: 3 hrs, 110km
Hotel: Anoulack Khoun Lao
NGO: Quality of Life Association

Phou Khoun

Plain of Jars UNESCO Heritage Site

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Cycling: 50km +1,416 m / -1,088 m
Transit: 2 hrs 90km
Hotel: Strawberry Farm Camping (or alternative basic guesthouse)
NGO: Lone Buffalo

Luang Prabang

Cycling into town

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Cycling: 76km +1283 m / -2382 m
Transit: 2 hrs 53km
Hotel: Sala Prabang Hotel (or equivalent)

Luang Prabang

Bears, buffalos and waterfalls

Inc. Meals: Breakfast
Cycling: 57km +694 m / -694 m
Transit: Optional
Hotel: Sala Prabang Hotel (or equivalent)
NGO: Lao Buffalo Dairy, Free the Bears

Nong Khuay Village

Jungle Jars, family life and homestay

Some 30km out of Luang Prabang is Nong Khuay Village. A very remote community, home to 80 families of both Hmong and Khummu origin. To get there, we will cycle 21km on a mostly dirt track, with some pretty reasonable climbs. Be prepared to get your sweat on! Then the road finishes and we need to trek through the mountains for almost 9km. The van will meet us in the village, so you can always hitch a ride if mountain trekking is not your thing. Fairtrek initiative is working extensively within the village to create new streams of revenue to boost the village economy through tourism. This is where your Social Cycles bamboo water bottles are made. We will stay the night with the community and experience real village life, eating with our new host families. The experience is very real village life, so expect simple, basic and authentic.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cycling: 21km | +510m / -157m
Transit: None
Hotel: Nong Khuay Village Homestay (basic)

Nong Khiaw

Cycling through remote villages

The small town of Nong Khiaw is a favourite and the rustic charm of this quiet enclave is intoxicating.. relax along side the river in the shadow of elephant head mountain.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Cycling: 13km | +130m /-677m & 29km | +364m / -402m
Transit: 3 hours
Hotel: Mandala Ou Resort (or equivalent)

Muang Khua:

River cruising in a long tail boat

We’ll enjoy a pre-packed picnic lunch along the way, arriving into Muang Khua around 5pm

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Cycling: None
Transit: All day boat
Hotel: New Chaleunsouk Guesthouse

Dien Bien Phu

Crossing into Vietnam

We start the day getting to the Tay Trang border crossing, into Vietnam. The 66km drive will take just under 2 hrs, but we’ll get to the border nice and early, then it’s time to say goodbye to the Laos team!The Social Cycles Vietnam team will be waiting on the other side with a new set of bikes for you to take on the ride down to Dien Bien Phu. The ride is mostly paved and just 41km away with a nice drop in elevation.

Once in Dien Bien Phu, the evening is yours to explore. Be led by the guide and feast on local, authentic Vietnamese cuisine!

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Cycling: 35km | +458m / -1,121m
Transit: 1 hr 45
Hotel: Muang Thanh Hotel

Mường Lay

Cycling rivers and valleys

Lunch will be simple and authentic, at one of the villages along the way. Once into town, the evening is yours to explore.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Cycling: Up to 95km | hard | +1997 m / -2258 m
Transit: None
Hotel: Thanh Binh Hotel (or equivalent)

Lai Châu:

The mountain challenge

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Cycling: 70km | hard | +1,718m / -2,387m
Transit: None
Hotel: Muong Thanh Lai Chau Hotel (or equivalent)

Sapa

Epic mountains, incredible valleys

Today is another great day as we conquer the O Quy Ho Pass. These 38km make for the longest pass of Northwest Vietnam. It is located in the system of four mountain passes of the North West. This climb takes you to an elevation of over 2000m, with the lowest point of the day at 700m. The views and stunning scenery will provide lifelong memories and will forever be ingrained as some of the most majestic and spectacular natural imagery on the planet. This is the hardest riding day of the tour. The total distance from hotel to hotel is 76km with an overall climb of 2291m and a descent of 1700m. The road is mostly paved and the van is always close by and will be available should you want to take a break or even leap frog the group.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Cycling: 75km | hard | +2291m / -1700m
Transit: None
Hotel: Sapa Centre Hotel (or equivalent)

Sapa to Hanoi:

Overnight train to Hanoi

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Cycling: 25km | easy | +164m / -1267m
Transit: None
Hotel: Sapalay overnight train (4 berth cabin)

Hanoi:

The Great Donation Debate

Inc. Meals: Dinner
Cycling: None
Transit: Train Station to Hotel
Hotel: Phoenix Hotel (or equivalent)

Hanoi:

Departure Day

Say goodbye to your new found friends and riding buddies after breakfast as you get set to continue your onward journey.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast
Cycling: None
Transit: Airport transfer arranged on request ($)
Hotel: Additional accommodation arranged on request ($)

Vientiane to Hanoi Cycling Stats

Cycling Stats

To see greater details of each cycling day (maps, terrain, advice etc), please refer to the detailed notes page.

Day 2- Around Vientiane

Distance 22km | Vientiane

Day 3 -Out of Vientiane

Distance 67km | +532 m / -464 m

Day 4 - Vang Vieng (dirt)

Distance 31km | +286 m / -286 m

Day 5- Kasi

Distance 80km | +1302 m / -865 m

Day 6- Phonsavan

Distance 50km | +568 m / -574 m

Day 7- Phou Khoun

Distance 50km | +1,416 m / -1,088 m

Day 8- Luang Prabang

Distance 76km | +1,279 m / -2,378 m

Day 9- Luang Prabang

Distance 57km | +264 m / - 264 m

15 out of 18 days cycling

Moderate to challenging
E-Bikes available on request
Up to 770km
Mostly elevation and descending
mostly paved, country roads
Average pace 15-18km/h

Day 10 - Nong Khuay Village

Distance 21 km | +510 m / -157 m

Day 11 - Nong Khiaw

Distance 42km | + 494 m / - 1179 m

Day 13 - Dien Bien Phu

Distance 34 km | +362 m / -970 m

Day 14 - Muong Lay

Distance 95 km | +1,644 m / -1,879 m

Day 15 - Lai Chau

Distance 69 km | +1,718 m / -2,387 m

Day 16 - Sapa

Distance 73 km | +2,291 m / -1,700 m

Day 17 - Sapa

Optional 25km | easy | +164m / -1267m

TOTAL

Distance 792km | + 12,830 m / -15,458 m

Features & Inclusions

Inclusions

The tour prices listed above includes:

all nights accommodation
AU$200 donation to the NGO of your choice (fully refundable on request)
Bicycle hire
One tour facilitator plus engagements from local experts
Support vehicle for the ride
NGO presentations with local staff across Laos and Vietnam
Multiple field trips to villages and communities
Breakfast, lunch and dinner as per the itinerary
Drinking water and fruit

Exclusions

The tour prices listed above excludes:

Social Impact

The donation part is included in your ticket price. We want people to be open to the idea of supporting one or more of the NGOs we visit and learn about. If, after meeting some of the local teams and learning about their programs, the riders did not want to donate, then they are not required to and a refund will be arranged.

Hotels

Hosts

The Vietnam side is hosted by a local Vietnam team. We will be changing teams at the border.

Food

Bikes

In Laos, we partner with a local supplier for the hire of our bikes and as a result, there is a great range that are designed to deal with the local environment perfectly. The bikes used are either Trek 3900 and/or Giant Rincon mountain bikes. Each mountain bike comes with a helmet, lock, comfortable gel seat and a handlebar bag. All mountain bikes have a 24 speed gear set to help you get up and down those hills!

E-Bikes are available on request and can either be used in Laos, Vietnam or both.

Distances

Group Size

We take a minimum of four riders and a maximum of 10. We strongly believe that when you travel with a group beyond 12, there is a risk that voices and opinions may be drowned out when we have the rare opportunities to visit NGOs and ask questions to local leaders.

NGOs