Laos is a landlocked country with five incredible neighbours: Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar, China and Vietnam. The magnificent Mekong River flows right through the heart of the country, offering a bountiful source of fish, irrigation, and fertile farmland in the delta. The country is home to 6 million people, living in a fascinating mix of modern towns, rural villages and isolated, ethnic, mountain tribes.
 The deeply entrenched Buddhist culture touches every part of life, making encounters with the Lao people one of friendship and warm welcomes – it's an incredible experience!
Laos is an amazing country! It's peaceful, mountainous, historically fascinating and spiritually rich. You'll be blown away by this incredible destination and want to visit again and again! 
After years of isolation and war, Laos is finally getting the recognition it deserves! With its almost intact culture and the most relaxed people on earth, it's no wonder travellers are falling in love with this hidden gem. It's developing fast, but it still has so many of its traditional ways intact!

The 15-day Northern Laos Bicycle Loop is packed with incredible surprises that will absolutely mesmerise tourists! Luang Prabang is the perfect place to embark on a cultural adventure! A visit to the homes of the friendly locals is a fantastic opportunity to experience the amazing Baci welcoming ceremony!
It is a truly magical experience to stroll through the traffic-free, pleasant alleys and streets of this old city, immersed in the rich Lao tradition that has prevailed for centuries. You'll be blown away by the gilded temple and the novice Buddhist monks! You'll get to spend some private time with some rare species of Asian elephant in the sanctuary just outside the town! It's an incredible experience that you'll never forget feeding these gentle giants!
Further afield, you can set off on an incredible cycling adventure in Northern East, where its shared border with Vietnam beckons. Wind your way through sleepy valleys, tackle awe-inspiring passes and meander along winding roads through pristine tropical forests. Along the way, you'll have the chance to interact with curious hill tribe people or chat with local kids on their way to or from school.
And there's more! We'll be riding to the Plain of Jars in Phonsavan, where the mysterious Jars have been around for over a thousand years. It's a big question, and we're excited to find out more!
Our 15-day Northern Laos Bicycle Loop will continue with some slope mountain cycling back to Luang Prabang. We'll also be riding, challenging and experiencing the tranquil beauty of nature, immersing ourselves in fairyland scenery.

Day 1; Luang Prabang Arrival

We extend a warm welcome to you on your visit to Laos. We hope you will enjoy your 15-day Northern Laos cycling loop in Luang Prabang. Upon your arrival, we will be delighted to assist you with your transfer to your hotel. The UNESCO World Heritage town of Luang Prabang is situated in a beautiful location, surrounded by mountains and nestled on the banks of the Mekong at its confluence with the Nam Khan river. You are free today to explore this delightful city at your leisure. There are a number of historic temples, ancient monasteries, the magnificent Royal Palace Museum and elegant French Colonial architecture to take in. This is a place to relax and enjoy the food, the peaceful surroundings and the people before we embark on our challenging cycling adventure. There will be a group meeting late afternoon/early evening for introductions and a tour briefing.
Summary:
Activity: Transfer and city tour
Accommodation: Sanctuary Hotel or My Laos Homes Resort
Meals: /L/D
Transferiing Only

Day2: Luang Prabang – Kiu kacham

Once we have recharged our energy at the hotel, we will set off on our 15-day cycling tour of the Northern Laos Loop. We will cycle gently on the asphalt road out of the city. After warming up with a 20 km ride from the hotel, we gradually build up our strength to tackle some challenging passes.
We then embark on the first of two long ascents, riding a 16 km climb through breathtaking scenery of limestone peaks, some of which are among the highest in Southeast Asia. We then have the opportunity to enjoy a cycling descent of 15 km before we begin riding the second challenging climb of 24 km to reach Kiu Kachan.
Summary:
Activity: Cycling from Hotel - Hotel
Meals: B/L/D
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Cycling distance:  78 Km

Day 3; Kiukacham – Phou khuon

We would like to thank the guesthouse or local restaurant for providing us with the opportunity to recharge our energy. Today has presented us with a challenging day on our trip. We spent a significant amount of time cycling up the mountain slope, navigating a winding road that twists around the soaring mountains. As we continue cycling through Laos, we will have the opportunity to enjoy beautiful scenic views across the cloud-hovered mountains and valleys before reaching Phou Khoun, our stop for the night. Phou Khoun is a modestly sized town situated at the crossroads where travellers typically divert their course to Phonsavan and the Plain of Jars.
Summary:
Activity: Cycling from Hotel - Hotel
Meals: B/L/D
Accommodation: Phuokhuon Resort
Cycling distance:  51 Km

Day 4; Phou Khuon – Muong Souy

Today is another day of cycling in Laos that presents a few challenges. We are cycling on mountain pinnacle routes with a few steep stretches as we cycle toward the legendary Plain of Jars, enjoying beautiful surroundings. However, the most rewarding aspect is undoubtedly the stunning scenery and the breathtaking panoramic mountain views.
Summary:
Activity: Cycling from Hotel - Hotel
Meals: B/L/D
Accommodation: Muang Souy Guesthouse
Cycling distance:  88 Km

Day 5: Moung Souy - Phonsavan

We warmly welcome you to enjoy a new adventure day in our beautiful surroundings. We would like to kindly propose that we start a new cycling adventure day after breakfast in a local restaurant. We will then have the opportunity to enjoy a cycling experience, with an undulating 20km ride through dramatic scenes of craggy limestone peaks. We then have the opportunity to descend over 1,500 metres before embarking on another climb. The route then continues on a beautiful, quiet, undulating road with a few challenging stretches and a final climb. It would be remiss of us not to mention the unfortunate legacy of the Indochina War, which left its mark on this area. As we pass the remains of bomb craters in the hillsides, we are reminded of the devastation that has left its scars on the landscape. We conclude our day's activities in Phonsavan, the provincial capital situated in the heart of the Plain of Jars.
Summary:
Activity: Cycling from Hotel - Hotel
Meals: B/L/D
Accommodation: Falvanmai Hotel***
Cycling distance:  48 Km

Day 6; Phonsavan Exploring

If it suits you, we could perhaps take the time today to explore the Plain of Jars. The area is home to a vast archaeological complex. It is thought that the megalithic stone jars are over 2,000 years old. It is thought that they may have been Iron Age burial urns, but their true origin remains a mystery. There is a legend that they could have been created to brew potent rice wine to celebrate the victory of a band of mythical giants over their enemies. Some have suggested that the jars may have held whisky for a thirsty giant who lived in the mountains above Phonsavan.  There are three sites to explore, as well as some local villages and Ban Xiengdi, where there is a small monastery with Buddha images. You may also wish to consider a visit to the MAG Centre. MAG is a humanitarian organisation dedicated to the clearance of UXOs (unexploded ordnances). It is estimated that Lao PDR has been the most heavily bombed nation in the world (per capita).
Please note: Please note that the Plain of Jars was heavily bombed during the war. To ensure the safety of all visitors, we kindly request your respect for all signs and your adherence to the defined trails, as there may still be unexploded ordnances and landmines in the area.
Summary:
Activity:  Cycling or bus to explore Plain of Jars
Accommodation: Falvamai Hotel***
Meals:B/L/D
Cycling distance: 45 Km ( Option)

Day 7: Phonsavan – Muang Kham

We will be recharging our energy from the hotel today. Once we have returned our bikes, we will be riding along the Xieng Khuang Plateau, where we will have the opportunity to observe further traces of the remaining impact of the war.  Once more, we will have the opportunity to observe numerous bomb craters on the hillsides, which will be visible from our bikes. From Phonsavan, we have the opportunity to cycle on relatively flat terrain through rice paddies before beginning a downhill ride on a surfaced road through rolling, verdant scenery.  In the Muang Kham area, visitors may wish to take the opportunity to experience the local hot springs and the Ban Nam Hom Jar Site.
Just 3 km east of Muang Kham, you will find Xang village, where Tai Dam women sell traditional woven textiles. You may wish to consider crossing the river on a small bamboo bridge to visit Phuan village and observe the women at work crafting their wares.
Summary:
Activity: Cycling from Hotel - Hotel
Meals: B/L/D
Accommodation: ASA Hot Spring Water Resort
Cycling distance:  52 Km

Day 8: Muang Kham - Nam neum

We begin our day in a dreamy valley, surrounded by clouds that gently hover over the valley and mountain. From our hotel in Laos, we embark on a new cycling adventure, ready to gear up for another long and challenging day of cycling. We commence our journey with a 15km ascent, traversing more rugged and secluded landscapes. Shortly after leaving Muang Kham, we pass Tham Piu Cave, the site of a tragic incident during the secret war. An aircraft fired a rocket that killed 374 people sheltering inside.
The route continues with a few gentle undulations along the edge of Phou Bia mountain, which is thought to be the highest mountain range in Laos. We will be riding along a winding road through shady forested areas, passing through Hmong and Tai Dam minority villages. We conclude our day with a 15km downhill cycle to Nam Nern, a small town where we will be staying overnight.
Summary:
Activity: Cycling from Hotel - Hotel
Meals: B/L/D
Accommodation:  Guesthouse Nam Nuem
Cycling distance:  88 Km

Day 9: Nam Neun -  Ban That Hium ( Vieng Thong Muany Hiam)

After breakfast at the hotel, we set off on our bikes. We have a challenging route ahead of us, cycling on a gravel road along a Vietnamese mountain site with a 5km climb before joining road 1C for a short but steep downhill ride. From this point on, the route becomes more challenging. We anticipate that the majority of the day will be spent on uphill cycling, with a distance of approximately 35 km. We are fortunate to be rewarded with a very pleasant 15 km downhill cycle to Muang Vieng Thong, also known as Muang Hiam.
Summary:
Activity: Cycling from Hotel - Hotel
Meals: B/L/D
Accommodation: Guest House
Cycling distance:  66 Km

Day 10; Ban That Hium – Vieng Kham

Following a brief interlude for sustenance in the form of a Vietnamese-style breakfast, our cycling tour will resume, traversing the rural landscapes of Laos. We commence our journey with a 15km ascent, which is followed by a series of undulating descents. We have the opportunity to cycle through a densely forested part of the National Biodiversity Conservation Area. We will have the opportunity to pass through small villages that are not often visited by tourists. This afternoon, we have the pleasure of enjoying a downhill ride to our rural stop at the Viengkham guest house, which is located just beyond Pak Xeng.
Summary:
Activity: Cycling from Hotel - Hotel
Meals: B/L/D
Accommodation: Guest House
Cycling distance:  54 Km

Day 11: Vieng Kham – Nong Khiaw

We would like to extend a warm welcome to our Northern Laos Bicycle Loop. As we embark on this challenging day ahead, we will be riding and perhaps experiencing a range of emotions. As we cycle closely to Luang Prabang, we hope to find some serenity amidst the bustle of the day.  We begin with some more challenging hills as we continue our journey towards Nong Khiaw, and we end our day with a pleasant downhill section.  Once we have checked into our riverside hotel, we have the option of walking up to a magnificent viewpoint to take in the full beauty of our surroundings. This evening, we have the opportunity to relax in our scenic surroundings with coconut pancakes and Lao Lao cocktails at the hotel. It is regrettable that an ongoing programme of dam building may potentially alter these beautiful landscapes, which have thus far been relatively untouched by human activity.
Summary:
Activity: Cycling from Hotel - Hotel
Meals: B/L/D
Accommodation: Paxang Resort***
Cycling distance:  47 Km

Day 12: Nong Khiaw – Oudomxay 

We would like to suggest that you enjoy a hearty breakfast at the resort before we set off on our new cycling adventure. We will be starting our day at the hotel and then riding gently on tarmac and flat roads for 40km. We hope you will enjoy admiring the magical scenery and wonderful landscape on the way, as well as the small tar road into the karst and the scenic limestone mountains to Pakmong town. We would like to suggest that you take a refreshing drink, perhaps cold water or a soft drink.  Once we have had a chance to recharge our energy, we will prepare ourselves for the first and longest climb, which will take us to the peaks. We have the opportunity to stop on another slope mountain for a picnic lunch.  Once we have had our lunch, we will be getting back on our bikes to cycle on a winding road that winds its way up the mountain before descending on a gravel road to Oudomxay Town.
Summary:
Activity: Cycling from Hotel - Hotel
Meals: B/L/D
Accommodation:  Charming Laos Hotel
Cycling distance:  114 Km
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/new

Day 13: Oudomxay – Pakbeng

Today we have the opportunity to enjoy a long, full day of cycling to Pak Beng. This particular stretch of road is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular long mountain roads. The road is interspersed with small villages, which provides an excellent opportunity to gain insight into the local rural way of life. The dramatic limestone and green rolling hills formations provide excellent photographic opportunities. There will be plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy the wonderful scenery. The route traverses some truly breathtaking mountain ranges and Hmong hill tribe villages. The population here is made up of an astonishing 23 ethnic groups, which is quite remarkable. As we journey along the trail, we will have the opportunity to observe the vibrant colours of local vehicles and livestock, which will give us a glimpse into the daily life of rural Asia. We will have the opportunity to enjoy a picnic lunch before heading south to Pakbeng along the Beng River.
Summary:
Activities: Cycling and Transferring

Accommodation: Sanctuary Ecolodge****
Meals:B/L/D
Cycling distance: 90 Km

Day 14; Pakbeng – Luang Prabang

The Slow Boat offers a distinctive and gratifying cruise experience, ideal for those seeking to discover the captivating and picturesque landscapes of the north in comfort. Many people find that cruising down the Mekong is a very relaxing experience. You may find that your sense of serenity increases as you become absorbed by the physical pull of the river and its surrounding lush green landscape. As we glide smoothly on the river, we will have the opportunity to soak up the slow-paced atmosphere, and we will be able to greet the friendly, smiling locals we see along the way to Luang Prabang.
At 8:00am, we will be departing from Pakbeng. The boat sets sail for another day of awe-inspiring natural landscapes along the river. We hope to make two stops during the afternoon. You may wish to use your free time in the morning to ask the guide some questions about Luang Prabang and Laos.
At 12:30 pm, we will arrive at our next destination. We hope you will enjoy lunch on board. We hope you will enjoy tasting some traditional Lao food, with a selection of dishes to choose from.
1:00 pm: After lunch, we will have the opportunity to visit the renowned Pak Ou Caves (Tham Ting), home to thousands of Buddha images.
2:30pm: We will then proceed to the Lao Lao village, which is commonly known as the Whiskey Village. The guide will be happy to provide information about the locally made rice whisky, and you will have the chance to taste it if you wish.
You may also wish to take the opportunity to appreciate the charm of this small and authentic village, its temple and local artisans. We hope you will enjoy some local snacks and fresh fruit before we arrive. We anticipate your arrival in Luang Prabang at approximately 4:30 pm. We will then transfer you to your hotel. We would like to invite you to join us for a farewell dinner in a cosy restaurant.
Summary:
Activity: Explore Minghty River by long slow boat
Accommodation: My Laos Homes Resort and Spa
Meals:B/L/D
Cycling distance: No

Day 15: Luang prabang onward

We regret to inform you that our Laos Northern Bicycle Loop Tours will be coming to an end this morning. We would like to assist you with your return flight home by arranging for your transfer to Luang Prabang airport.
Summary: 
Activity: Transfer
Accommodation: No
Meals:B/

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Note: Hotels  are subject to change due to availability. In that case we will choose equivalent  rooms.
Meals: if you have any specific food requirements ( vegetarian, vegan, food allergies) please inform us in advance so that we can provide notice to our restaurant, tour guide, our partners so that they can server you better. If you are a food lover, Snail Adventure tours can be your culinary guide and provide you opportunity to savor tempting local food and world famous – dishes.

Important Notes:

We strongly recommend the purchase of travel insurance (covering emergency medical evacuation) for trips to Vietnam.
Tour cost will be valided during 45 days from date of offer. Past this date price and conditions may be readjusted.
The cost of air tickets is subject to change without prior notice by the airlines.
Reservations during peak times (Christmas, New Year, Vietnamese Lunar New Year, National Holidays) may be subject to supplementary charges.
Rooms at hotels are available only from 14:00 P.m on arrival day till 10:00 A.m on departure date. A supplement will be added if early check-in or late check-out is desired.
Please note that all the above services & tours have yet to be booked, they are proposed for your information only and we will not make any reservations before we receive your confirmation to do so. If one or some proposed service(s) is (are) not available at the moment of booking, we will try to find other possibilities/options or other similar service(s) in order to avoid changes to the program.

Meals: if you have any specific food requirements ( vegetarian, vegan, food allergies) please inform us in advance so that we can provide notice to our restaurant, tour guide, our partners so that they can server you better. If you are a food lover, Snail Adventure tours can be your culinary guide and provide you opportunity to savor tempting local food and world famous – dishes

Tour included in:

English speaking cycling guide ( other languages upon requests)
Accommodations are based on double/ twin occupancy
Meals details in itineraries ( 14 breakfast, 14 lunches, 14 dinners)
A/C transfer/ and transportation
Van or bus supported during the cycling times.
Truck supported for the group size from 6 and above.
Trek mountain bikes – 4300  with disc brake and  helmets/ Trek FX3 Hybrids
Sightseeing excursions as outlined itineraries
Bike tour pump, bike tools, spares tubes, spare bikes
Long slow Boat in Mighty River – Pakbeng – Lung Prabang
First aid kit
Cold water box, small fresh towel.
Mineral water for drinking
Fruit and snack for cycling days

Tour excluded in:

International airfare
Travel insurance
Items of personal nature
Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks in meals
Mineral water beyond that supplied
Optional excursions
Additional transport required due to any emergency situation
Personal expenses such as telephone, laundry bills.
Visa fee
Departure  tax
Visa fee in Laos ( 35 USD per person upon arrival + 02 passport pictures
Tip for team and guide

Creating Unique Touring Experiences:

All the touring itineraries on this website have been carefully crafted by our in-country management teams and represent a series of experiences we can certainly recommend. However, we understand that every travel experience should be as unique and individual as each traveler. Our consultants are waiting to hear from you so that we can tailor or custom design a Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar tour to your individual specifications