The cultural melting pot of South East Asia, Laos is often overlooked as a cycling destination, much to the reward of those who venture out there. Northern Laos is by far the jewel in terms of cycling with epic scenery and stunning views. Choose your route carefully as it’s easy to find yourself facing climb after climb. It’s an area not to be missed, but if you can, get on a supported tour and have your bags carried.
Highlights. Whatever ride you do, make sure you either start or finish in Luang Prabang. This small city is a peaceful retreat to spend more than few days. From there, get to Nong Khiaw and marvel in the limestone caves and cliffs as you cycle through narrow tracks in the jungle. Laos is also home to may hill tribes ready to give you a wave and a smile as you cycle through remote villages.
Terrain. A surprising amount of the roads in Laos are paved and in reasonable condition. The mountain scenery in the north ensures that there aren’t a big variety of roads to choose from, making the main road to be in reasonable condition. Saying that, it’s always worth watching out for potholes and small stretches of gravel sections. Road construction is common and can pop out of nowhere.
Got to Laos if…. You’re looking to get beyond the tourist bubble and see some really remote places in South East Asia. More adventurous that Cambodia or Vietnam but still open and available to new cyclists with a positive mental attitude.

Learn more about our cycling adventures from Hanoi to Luang Prabang here.