Laos to Vietnam

Ride Vientiane / Luang Prabang | Sapa | Hanoi

Rating

5/5

Distance

320/560mi

Next tour

15 Jan '23

Duration

12/18 days

Itinerary

Brochure

Price from

£1590

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 (18 days) or Luang Prabang (12 days), this epic journey comes to a rest in Hanoi, Vietnam.

Cycle majestic mountains, take boats through national parks, stay in local homes, learn from NGOs in regards to the effect of unexploded land mines and enjoy incredible food. This is arguably our most rewarding Social Cycles adventure!

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

£ 2,290 Price set in AUD ($4100)

13 of 18 days cycling
Approx 560 miles
Moderate to challenging
Start: Vientiane
Finish: Hanoi

£ 1,590 Price set in AUD ($2850)

8 of 12 days cycling
Approx 320 miles
Moderate to challenging
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; £1590

Approximately 320 miles, 8 of 12 cycle days and some exciting climbs

Vientiane to Hanoi

18 days; £2290

Approximately 560 miles, 13 of 18 cycle days and some challenging climbs

Features & Inclusions

Tour Inclusions

All accommodation in comfortable hotels (twin share basis)
Full Bicycle hire
Local guides, support van driver and mechanic
Full support vehicle for the ride with water and fruit
Minimum two NGO presentations with local staff across Laos & Vietnam
Multiple field trips to villages and communities
Most dinners and breakfast as per the itinerary
Airport transfers for arrival

Tour Exclusions

International flights
US$150 donation to NGOs (optional)
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

Social Impact

Laos is the most heavily bombed country in history relative to the size of population. The USA dropped more bombs on Laos during the Vietnam War than it dropped on Europe & Asia in all of WWII. There are an estimated 80 million unexploded bombs scattered across the country. We’ll meet just some of the NGOs tackling this issue. For every Social Cycles Adventure, riders are requested to contribute a nominal sum of US$150. During the course of the tour, you are given the chance to engage with, and learn from, local NGOs. This Social Cycles adventure has the unique opportunity to visit and learn from these projects. You can learn more about the individual NGOs we visit on the next tab. The funds raised from each rider will be able to influence which project they would like to support based on their learnings throughout the week. 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 who are then remunerated, regardless of whether or not there is a follow up donation from the group.

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.

To give you an idea, these are the types of hotels we choose to stay at when available: Vientiane- Le Luxe Boutique Hotel, Thalat- Long Ngum View Resort, Luang Prabang- My Lao Home Hotel.

Hosts

In 2019, the Cycle Laos adventure is hosted by local cycling legend and guru, Toh. With a smile that stretches from ear to ear and a ‘nothing is too much trouble’ attitude, we’re proud to have Toh donning the SC uniform! Toh 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 840km over the 8 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!

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 an office 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. Nam Nern Night Safari in the National Park of Nam et Phou Louey is supports the conservation of endangered wildlife, such as the tiger, gaur, Sambar deer, and white-cheeked gibbon. The initiative ethically balances tourism with conservation by financially rewarding local villagers to protect the wildlife, turning ex-poachers into protectors. 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.

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$2850 (12 days) and AU$4100 (18 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

15th January

21st January

2nd February

8th February

15th October

21st October

3rd December

9th December

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

18 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 dine at a social enterprise based vocational training restaurant, supporting Friends international.

Inc. Meals: Dinner
Cycling: NA
Transit: Airport transfer
Hotel: Le Luxe Boutique Hotel (3 star)

Optional activities: Wat Sisaket, Ho Prakeo, That Luang Stupa, Patouxay (Arch de Triumph)

Day 2: Thalat

Rice fields, rivers and rainforests

In the morning, we’ll visit the local NGO team of Peuan Mit (“Good Friends” in Lao). They are part of the Friends International organisation and operate a holistic program for children, youth and caregivers living on the streets and in marginalized communities in Vientiane and Luang Prabang. From here, we’ll depart Vientiane by van to get out of the city hustle. Our ride will take us from rice fields through to rainforests as we cycle passed the limestone cliffs of Phou Khao Khauy NP. Lunch will be in the small village of Ban Kern on the Nam Ngum river.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Cycling: 68km | easy | +560m/-485m
Transit: 20km
Hotel: Long Ngum View Resort

NGO: Friends International

Day 3: Phou Khao Khuay National Park

Boat rides, picnics and waterfalls

We’ll start the day after breakfast on a boat, making our way through to the village of Longsan, just north of the national park. Our ride takes us straight through the heart of this magnificent natural beauty and through to Tad Leuk waterfall for a well deserved break. We’ll cycle out of the park and transit through to Paksan for the evening.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cycling: 48km |moderate | +874m/-955m
Transit: 2.5 hr boat + 1 hr drive
Hotel: Sokbounma in Paksan

Day 4: Phon Savanh

Riding through time

An early start to beat the heat of the day, this ride departs directly from the hotel and travels through remote areas and deep forest, where villages are untouched by modern civilisation. Our lunch will be served at a local restaurant in Ban Thasi, after which, we truck about 2 hours to Muang Khoun where we will visit Old stupa and Buddha sculpture which was bombed during the Vietnam war.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Cycling: 81km | moderate | +1,088m/-1,032m
Transit: 3 hr drive
Hotel: Maly Hotel

Day 5: Phon Savanh

Plain of Jars, UXO ordinance and a local NGO

In the morning, we’ll visit a local NGO that works with victims of land mines, still remaining from the Vietnam War. This is an incredible experience to learn about the devastation let behind from the war and the effects that remains to this day.
In the afternoon we’ll visit the Plain of Jars site, an archeological landscape consisting of thousands of stone jars scattered throughout the valley. These ‘jars’ are considered to be up to 2000 years old and theorised to potentially be old burial pits.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast
Cycling: None
Transit: Local
Hotel: Maly Hotel

Day 6: Kasi

Cycling mountains

We’ll avoid riding the main road, the climbs and the trucks between Phonsavan and Phou Khoun by transferring in the morning. After lunch, we’ll take the bikes on the much quieter and scenic downhill ride to Kasi. This laid back little river town will be our last stop before riding into Luang Prabang.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Cycling: 45km | easy | +664m/-1,672m
Transit: 3 hrs
Hotel: Local Guesthouse

Day 7: Luang Prabang

Riding into town

We’ll skip the first 30km 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 95km.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: 95km | moderate | +1233m / -2778m
Transit: 30km
Hotel: My Lao Home Boutique Hotel

Day 8: Luang Prabang

Buffalos, bears and falls

The relaxed road out of Luang Prabang will take us as far as Kuangsi Falls, one of the most spectacular swimming holes on the continent. Along the way we’ll visit the Lao Buffalo Dairy. Here, you’ll meet Aussie farmer and founder, Suzie, whose initiative provides an insight into the issues surrounding village farmers and water buffalo care. The dairy also provides animal husbandry nutrition programs to the rural communities close to the falls. Before taking a dip in the beautiful Kuangsi Falls, we’ll get a behind the scenes experience with the team from Free the Bears. This sanctuary rescues and rehabilitates sun, moon and sloth bears from bile farms.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Cycling: Optional 30km | easy | +402 m / -291 m
Transit: 30km
Hotel: My Lao Home Boutique Hotel

Day 9: Nong Khuay Village

UXO education, family life and homestay

We’ll cycle via the UXO Education Centre to get an incredible insight into the horrific bombings endured by the Lao people and the effect it still has today. The UXO centre is an amazing NGO that does fantastic work, yet just scratches the surface of this little known issue. Some 35km out of Luang Prabang is Nong Khuay Village. A very remote community, home to 80 families of both Hmong and Khummu origin. Fairtrek initiative is working extensively within the village to create new streams of revenue to boost the village economy through tourism. We’ll have the opportunity to spend time with the local families and engage in some traditional handicraft masterclasses. We will stay the night with the community and experience real village life and eat with our new host families.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Cycling: Optional 30km | easy | +402 m / -291 m
Transit: 30km
Hotel: My Lao Home Boutique Hotel

Day 10: Nong Khiaw

Cycling through remote villages

We cycle out of the village on dirt roads for 37km and when we reach the city transfer north for 3 hours towards the Nam Ou Dam and then on to Pak Mong, from here it is a further 30km through little villages nestled in between spectacular Karst peaks.
The small town of Nong Khiaw is a favourite and the rustic charm of this quiet enclave is intoxicating.. relax poolside in the shadow of elephant head mountain.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Cycling: 67km (30km + 37km) | moderate |
Transit: 2 hours
Hotel: Mandala Ou Resort (pool)

Day 11: 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, visit the temple and the cave complex used as shelter during the 2nd Indochina war.
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 12: Dien Bien Phu

Crossing into Vietnam

Leaving Laos today, but not before an epic 65km ride to the border from Muang Khua. This tarmac road will take you on 2 climbs, one just over 600m (10km) and the last over 800m (15km).
Once you cross over to Vietnam, you’ll be transferred to the historical city of Dien Bien Phu to relax and explore. If possible, we may be able to meet the program coordinators of SOS to learn about their community development programs.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Cycling: 65km | hard | +2219m / -1404m
Transit: 1 hour
Hotel: Him Lam Resort (pool)

Day 13: 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 jungles. We climb to an elevation of over 1000m and are rewarded once again with stunning views before descending (20km) to Muong Lay town.

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

Day 14: 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 (pool)

Day 15: 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.

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Cycling: 75km | hard | +2291m / -1700m
Transit: None
Hotel: Sapa O’Chau Eco Lodge

Day 16: 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 17: 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, Mekong Plus.
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: Three star Hanoi Hotel

Day 18: 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 ($)
Hotel: Additional accommodation arranged on request ($)

18 Day Itinerary

Vientiane | Luang Prabang | Sapa | Hanoi

The 12 day ride from Luang Prabang starts at dinner on day #7

Vientiane:

Arrival day

Inc. Meals: Dinner
Cycling: NA
Transit: Airport transfer
Hotel: Le Luxe Boutique Hotel (3 star)

Optional activities: Wat Sisaket, Ho Prakeo, That Luang Stupa, Patouxay (Arch de Triumph)

Thalat:

Rice fields, rivers and rainforests

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Cycling: 68km | easy | +560m/-485m
Transit: 20km
Hotel: Long Ngum View Resort

NGO: Friends International

Phou Khao Khuay National Park

Boat rides, picnics and waterfalls

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cycling: 48km |moderate | +874m/-955m
Transit: 2.5 hr boat + 1 hr drive
Hotel: Sokbounma in Paksan

Phon Savanh

Riding through time

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Cycling: 81km | moderate | +1,088m/-1,032m
Transit: 3 hr drive
Hotel: Maly Hotel

Phon Savanh

Plain of Jars, UXO ordinance and a local NGO

Inc. Meals: Breakfast
Cycling: None
Transit: Local
Hotel: Maly Hotel

Kasi:

Cycling mountains

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Cycling: 45km | easy | +664m/-1,672m
Transit: 3 hrs
Hotel: Local Guesthouse

Luang Prabang

Riding into town

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Cycling: 95km | moderate | +1233m / -2778m
Transit: 30km
Hotel: My Lao Home Boutique Hotel

Luang Prabang:

Buffalos, bears and falls

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Cycling: Optional 30km | easy | +402 m / -291 m
Transit: 30km
Hotel: My Lao Home Boutique Hote

Nong Khuay Village :

UXO education, family life and homestay

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Cycling: Optional 30km | easy | +402 m / -291 m
Transit: 30km
Hotel: My Lao Home Boutique Hote

#10

Nong Khiaw:

Cycling through remote villages

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Cycling: 67km (30km + 37km) | moderate |
Transit: 2 hours
Hotel: Mandala Ou Resort (pool)

#11

Muang Khua:

River cruising in a long tail boat

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

#12

Dien Bien Phu

Crossing into Vietnam

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Cycling: 65km | hard | +2219m / -1404m
Transit: 1 hour
Hotel: Him Lam Resort (pool)

#13

Mường Lay

Valleys, rivers and a lost city

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

#14

Lai Châu:

The mountain challenge

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

#15

Sapa

Epic mountains, incredible valleys

Inc. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Cycling: 75km | hard | +2291m / -1700m
Transit: None
Hotel: Sapa O’Chau Eco Lodge

#16

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)

#17

Hanoi:

The Great Donation Debate

Inc. Meals: Dinner
Cycling: None
Transit: Train Station to Hotel
Hotel: Three star Hanoi Hotel

#18

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- Out of Vientiane

68km | easy | +560m / -485m

Day 3 -Phou Khao Khuay National Park

48km | moderate | +874m / -955m

Day 4 - Phonsavan

81km | moderate | +1,088m / -1,032m

Day 6- Kasi

45km | easy | +664m / -1,672m

Day 7 - Luang Prabang

95km | moderate | +1233m / -2778m

Day 8 - Luang Prabang

Optional 30km | easy | +402 m / -291 m

Day 9 - Village Homestay

30km | moderate | +501m / -159m

13 out of 18 days cycling

Moderate to challenging
Up to 800km
Mostly elevation and descending
mostly paved, country roads
Average pace 15-18km/h

Day 10 - Nong Khiaw

67km (30km + 37km) | moderate

Day 12 - Dien Bien Phu

65km | hard | +2219m / -1404m

Day 13 - Muong Lay

Up to 95km | hard | +1997 m / -2258 m

Day 14 - Lai Chau

70km | hard | +1,718m / -2,387m

Day 15 - Sapa

75km | hard | +2291m / -1700m

Day 16 - Sapa

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

TOTAL

794km | +13,711m / -16,388m

Features & Inclusions

Inclusions

The tour prices listed above includes:

all nights accommodation
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

Hotels

To give you an idea, these are the types of hotels we choose to stay at when available: Vientiane- Khamvongsa, Thalat- Long Ngum View Resort, Luang Prabang- Sunway Hotel

Hosts

In 2020, the Cycle Vietnam to Laos adventure is co-hosted by Social Cycles founder Brett Seychell. Brett is passionate about sustainable travel and enriching experiences by engaging with local experts. That’s why he will co-facilitate the 2020 tours and connect riders with local experts. To obtain an authentic Laos experience and truly gain from local knowledge, the adventure is co-hosted by a local Laos bike tour operational expert, based in Luang Prabang. 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!

Distances

Group Size

NGOs