28 DAY NORTH THAILAND - THROUGH LAOS - NORTH VIETNAM BICYCLE JOURNEY

Itinerary

Our 28 Day North Thai Land – Laos – Vietnam bicycle Journey cycling route; Chiang Mai – Chiang Dao – Chiang Saen – Chiang Khong – Boat Ride – Pakbeng – Uodoumxay – Nong khiaw – Luang Prabang – Kiew Ka Cham – Kasi – Vang Vieng – Nam Ngum – Vientiane – Paksan – Thasi – Muang Khuon – Phosavanh – Muang Kham – Sam Nuea – Vieng Xai – Crossing Border to Na Meo ( Vietnam) Quan Son – Pu Luong – Mai Chau- Hanoi.

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41225047

Immersing yourself in bicycling through the beautiful landscapes of Northern Thailand or the rich historical city of Chiang Mai and enjoying the spectacular scenery.A bicycle tour through a fascinating region under your own ability. On two wheels, you can really get a sense of a place. Feel the wind in your face, the sun on your back. The smells and sounds reach you instantly. You connect with your surroundings, are in the middle of it all. And just ahead, the next unexpected moment you’ll remember forever: a temple shrouded in mist as the sun appears over the mountains, or a flock of birds rising in a shimmering cloud from a river.
Meanwhile, Laos is landlocked by its neighbors Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar, China and Vietnam. The mighty Mekong River runs the entire length of the country, providing fishing, irrigation and fertile farmland along the delta. Its population of 6 million people is distributed through 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. Temples, pagodas and stupas dot the country, with glints of golden rooftops visible as the sun rises over the mountains and the early morning alms giving ceremonies see the towns flooded with saffron robed monks.
The Mekong River and its many tributaries are integral to the Lao way of life. They provide water for laundry, cooking, washing, playing, fishing, travelling and irrigation. Through your service and travel options you will see Laos as a truly captivating country, where the gentle pace of life invites the visitor

Luang Prabang, Lao PDR, is situated on the Mekong River, one of the world’s great river systems, and is the center of northern Lao arts and culture. The town has rightfully been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status. Easily accessible with direct flights daily, Luang Prabang and the natural beauty of the Seuang River Valley, create the perfect setting for community service groups.

Our 28 Day North Thailand – Laos and Vietnam cycling holiday which start in Chaing Mai to Chiang Rai before crossing border to landlock Laos.

We also visit Luang Prabang, UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995. This ancient royal city, full of exquisite Buddhist Temples, where time seems to stand still, is a magical place to explore and relax. Our trip continues to Southeast. We will cycle on hilly road and admire mysterious plain of Jars.
Cycling on scenic road and rustic villages to Muang Kham and Vieng Xai to visit and learn bout the history of Phathet Laos. These huge caves were home to around twenty thousand Pathet Lao communist fighters during the secret war of Laos. This war, termed secret because the US was not supposed to be engaged in combat in neutral Laos, was all part of the larger geo-political events and changes of the sixties and seventies. While the communist forces were being bombarded from the air by the CIA funded Hmong Army, they used these caves as a refuge, complete with hospital, school and underground villages. we will say good bye our Laos’ Crew, check in Vietnam Border again and cycle to Pu Luong and Mai Chau Scenic Valley.

Day By Day Detail Itinerary

Day 01: Chiang Mai Arrival – Warming Up

After refueling in Hotel for new adventure day, we do briefing itinerary thoroughly and make sure the bike fit. We jump on bus for short transfer out of the town, Upon arriving on cycling point, we commence with easy and nice ride along the Ping River to get accustomed to riding in Thailand. Our stopping point of Ban Tawai is the arts and crafts area and we have time to browse the stalls for souvenirs before heading back to Chiang Mai.
Summary:
Activity: Picking up and transferring, warming up cycling
Accommodation: Resort in Chiang mai
Meals:L/D
Cycling distance: 45 Km

Day 02: Chiang Mai – Chiang Dao

Having breakfast in Hotel, we greet new day by taking short transfer to the nearby reservoir where we take a boat to our trail head. We gear up on an outstanding trail through a scenic teak forest enjoying some great single track. We eventually spill out of the forest at a waterfall where our support truck is waiting to replenish water supplies and provide a snack. We then ride on road to our lunch stop, a great little restaurant overlooking a reservoir. After lunch we ride along country back roads before cutting off road and riding through the forest. We then transfer to our resort near Chiang Dao. Time to enjoy the swimming pool before dinner.
Summary:
Activity: Transferring, Boat ride and Cycling
Accommodation: Hotel in Chiang Dao
Meals:B/L/D
Cycling distance: 60 Km/

Day 03: Chiang Dao – Chiang Rai

Following to hearty breakfast, we hop on our bike from hotel, ring on scenic route to Chiang Dao Cave.. Today’s ride is a real treat for mountain bikers. We ride through rice fields and among soaring limestone cliffs before hitting the dirt. We ride dirt roads cut by local hill tribes and we will meet Akha, Lisu,Lau and Palaung peoples. The colorful Palaung are recent migrants and you will see their women adorned with heavy brass waist-bands working the fields. We stop for lunch at a Forestry Camp before a memorable afternoon riding some quite outstanding mountain trails. Our support vehicle will be waiting at the trail end to transport us to Chiang Rai.
Summary:
Activity: Short transferring and cycling to Hotel
Accommodation: Resort in Chiang Rai
Meals:B/L/D
Cycling distance: 48 Km

Day 04: Chiang Rai – Chiang Saen

After leaving Chiang Rai, you follow the Kok River north through fruit plantations and paddies. You also pass a rubber plantation, something uncommon in Northern Laos. Chiang Saen, the oldest urban settlement of Thailand and former capital of the Lanna Kingdom, is in a beautiful location on the banks of the Mekong river. In the afternoon, you can visit the viewpoint in the heart of the Golden Triangle.
Summary:
Activity: Cycling from Hotel - Hotel
Accommodation: hotel in Chiang Saen
Meals:B/L/D
Cycling distance : 65 Km

Day 05: Chiang Saen – Chiang Khong

After recharging fully energy for new adventure day, we are setting off our way from hotel to cycle leisurely space with mountain backdrops, the road follows the Mekong river through picturesque hilltribe villages, tobacco and rice fields. The last 12 kilometers are more challenging, with some steep but short ascents. The road joins the main road just before the entry to Chiang Khong, the border entry to Laos. This is the last night that you will stay in Thailand on this tour.
Summary:
Activity:Cycling From Hotel - Hotel
Accommodation: Hotel in Chiang Khong
Meals:B/L/D
Cycling distance ; 65 Km

Day 06: Boat Ride - Pakbeng

Having breakfast in Hotel, we say good bye our Thailand team, do formality exit and entry Thai – Laos, we jump on slow for our journey to Pakbeng. The ride is slow and laid-back, passing through spectacular scenery as you chug through the mountains of Udomxai Province to arrive at Pakbeng some 10 hours later. This journey gives a wonderful insight into how important the river is to the survival of the Lao people – not only as a means of transportation, but for irrigation, its fishery, and the shipping of goods to areas inaccessible by road.
Summary:
Activity: Clear Formality Thailand - Laos
Accommodation: Sanctuary Resort
Meals:B/L/D
Cycling distance: On Boat

Day 07: Pakbeng - Oudomxay

After a one hour transfer, we are cycling in very rural Laos, an area inhabited by hill tribe villages who eke a meagre existence from the land. Along the way, you will pass villages of Phu Tai, Tai Lu, Hmong, Tai Dam, Lao and Khamu. The people are very friendly and not yet tired of seeing tourists. We stop at weaving villages along the way, where you still see families sitting in the shade weaving on old looms. After climbing a 300 meter pass, a long descent brings you to Oudomxay, the capital of the Oudomxay Province.
Summary:
Activity: Cycling and transfer
Accommodation: Charming Laos Hotel
Meals:B/L/D
Cycling distance: 70 Km

Day 08: Oudomxay – Nong Khiaw

We'll head back into the jungle for stretches of this spectacular route; although hilly, it soon gives way to gentler gradient and opens to magnificent scenery and finally a 30 km downhill ride to Pak Mong, a small supply depot town. This is one of the more difficult days of the trip, so you have the choice of challenging yourself or firing up your camera from the comfort of the vehicle. Add an extra day to your trip to enjoy the amazing 100 waterfalls trek.
Summary:
Activity: Cycling from Hotel - Hotel
Accommodation: Pakxxan Resort
Meals:B/L/D
Cycling distance: 103 Km

Day 09: Nong Khaiw – Luang Prabang

Start the day with a 2 hour boat ride down the serene Nam Ou River before flatter and better roads today will enable you to complete the longer distance to Luang Prabang. Only a few minor passes have to be climbed before you're cycling along the banks of the Nam Ou river with stunning views of huge mountain ranges. On the last stage of the day, you'll be cycling through teakwood plantations before arriving in Luang Prabang.
Summary:
Activity: Boat Ride and Cycling
Accommodation: The Sanctuary Hotel
Meals:B/L/D
Cycling distance: 95 Km

Day 10: Luang Prabang - Exploring

Luang Prabang remains one of Asia's most beautiful historic towns, earning it the status of a World Heritage Site in 1995. Rising from the confluence of the Mekong andNam Khan Rivers, it is popular for its many temples and preserved French colonial architecture. There are also ancient monasteries and a Royal Palace Museum. For those who still have energy, optional activities around Luang Prabang include kayaking, trekking, elephant riding, or a jungle trek to Kuang Si waterfall.
Summary:
Activity: Walking or Cycling to explore city or Kuang si Water fall.
Accommodation: The Sanctuary hotel
Meals:B/L/D
Cycling distance: 30 – 45 Km

Day 11: Cycling from Luang Prabang to Kiu Kacham

Have hearty breakfast, we commence cycling from hotel. Although the day starts easy as we ride out of Luang Prabang we begin the first of 2 climbs, 15 km up into the mountains. Take your time and remember the support vehicle is there to help. The scenery will help the pain as you pass some of Asia’s highest and most spectacular limestone mountains with odd angles from jungle covered mountains. You will see Phu Pha a craggy limestone peak considered holy to the animist hill tribes and Buddhists alike. The ride down the other side will help you recover for the next onslaught a further 22 km to our much awaited guest house at Kiu Kachan. Overnight simple guest house. Over Night in guesthouse .
Summary:
Activity: Cycling from hotel to Hotel
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Meals: B/L/D
Total cycling distance: 75 Km

Day 12: Kiu Kachan - Kasi

More mountains today though less steep passes. The day will take you up and down the rolling hills and through the magnificent, craggy, limestone mountains and dense jungle. We stop for lunch along the way. We journey down hill as we leave behind the mountains into the fertile valley and rice fields of Kasi. Guest house in Kasi. Over Night in guesthouse .
Summary:
Activity: cycling from Hotel - Hotel
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Meals: B/L/D
Total cycling distance: 90 Km

Day 13: Kasi - Vang Vieng

A much easier day today as we cover a shorter distance on gentle rolling hills to Vang Vieng where we will be in time for lunch. In the afternoon you can choose to visit the Tham Xang or Tham Hoi caves which are set in dramatic scenery on the banks of the Nam Song. Relax with a Lao beer and watch the dramatic sunsets over the mountains you have just crossed. Over Night in Resort
Summary:
Activity: Cycling from Hotel - hotel
Accommodation: Villa Vang Vieng Resort***
Meals: B/L/D
Total cycling distance:60 Km

Day 14 : Vang Vieng - Nam Ngum lake

Continueing on the main road, you cycle to the ‘sea of Laos’: the 250 square kilometer artificial Lake Nam Ngum. A 2 hours boat ride brings you to the dam, where are some great fish restaurants. After lunch, you continue on a quit back road through hidden small valleys and authentic villages. You stay overnight on the banks of the Nam Ngum River. Over Night in Resort.
Summary:
Activity:Cycling from Hotle - Hotel
Accommodation: Nam Ngum Sanctuary Resort****
Meals: B/L/D
Total cycling distance: 55 Km

Day 15: Nam Ngum Lake - Vientiane

Today, you cycle on dirt roads through paddy fields with fine views in the Phou Khao Khouay mountain range to the village of Thangon before entering the capital city of Laos: Vientiane. You'll pass through the suburbs as you cycle to the centre of this historic, lively city situated along the bank of the Mekong. Overnight in Hotel.
Summary:
Activity:Cycling from Hotel- Hotel
Accommodation: Rashmi'shePlazaVientiane
Meals: B/L/D
Total cycling distance:65 Km

Day 16: Vientiane city tours

Located along the banks of the mighty Mekong River, Vientiane is one of the least discovered capitals in Asia. To provide a comprehensive insight into this laidback capital, this full day tour explores the different highlights of the city, including gilded temples and important monuments, complimented with the chance to savor Lao cuisine at a vocational restaurant.
Today enjoy a guided tour to discover the hidden charms of Vientiane, whose name means ‘the city of sandal wood’. Vientiane is one of the quietest capital cities in the world, far away from the hustle and bustle of other Asian capitals.
Your guide will pick you up at 0900 this morning. Your tour begins at the serene Wat Sisaket, the only temple left intact after the Siamese (Thai) invasion in 1828. It is one of the most beautiful temples in the capital, and its breezy teak covered hallways are filled with thousands of miniature Buddha statues.
Continue on to the nearby Wat Phra Keo. Used as a religious museum, Wat Phra Keo displays a collection of both Lao and Khmer works of art. Also nearby, is the Presidential Palace. Although you are not allowed to visit inside, it is a good glimpse in to the town’s colonial past as this building formerly served as the French governor’s palace.
Summary:
Activity: Visiting
Accommodation: Rashmi's The Plaza Vientiane****
Meals: B/L
Total cycling distance:No

Day 17: Vientiane – Paksan

The provincial capital of Bolikhamsai is Paksan, locates in the middle part of the country a blip of a town that sits at the confluence of the Nam San and Mekong rivers almost opposite the small Thai town of Bueng Kan, visible across the river. The provincial capital is a sleepy transportation hub, mostly just used as a place to stay before heading along the back road to Phonsavan or across the border into Thailand.
After recharging energy for new adventure day, we do short transfer out of bustling city to cycling point. Upon arriving in ideal place for cycling, we hop off our bikes and gear up on concrete road, along Mighty River, passing quaint villages and gentle road lead tranquil pagoda. Have lunch in local restaurant. After refueling energy, we kick off our bike to cylcle on scenic road, along Mighty River to Hotel.
Summary:
Activities: Transferring, warming up cycling
Accommodation; Sokbounma Hotel**
Meals: B/L/D/
Cycling Distance: 80 Km/ 160 Km

Day 18: Paksan – Thasi

Having hearty breakfast in hotel, we hop up our bike from hotel, , we turn left from main road No. 13 south head east in the direction to Vietnam along the main road in remote area, on the way we’ll pass a small town of Muang Bolikhan and villages almost they are Lao low landers. Picnic lunch will be brought from restaurant in Paksan and we will find the good place when we are hungry. We stay overnight at Thasi village, dinner at local restaurant .
Summary:
Activities: Cycling from Hotel - hotel
Accommodation; Guest House
Meals: B/L/D/
Cycling Distance : 80 km

Day 19: Thasi – Muangkhoun

Our guide will prepare breakfast for the group, after breakfast, we continue our journey to our destination of Muangkhoun, the road at the first section is gentle and surrounded by beautiful scenery, we pass the paddy fields and dry rice field (slash and burn cultivation) and villages at remote area some are Kmu (up lander people). We find lunch stop by the road when we are hungry. The last section of 30 km is hilly, we start climbing up to 1200 m on top of the highest point for today, optional drive to the top or transfer to last section to our destination depending on the time. Overnight at the guesthouse in Muang Khoun.
Muang Khoun the old capital of Xiengkhouang which was heavily damaged during the Indochina war all houses and temples were bombed and burned in 1963 - 1973.
Summary:
Activities: Cycling from Hotel - hotel
Accommodation; Guest House
Meals: B/L/D/
Attitude: 300 m – 1200 m above sea level
Cycling Distance: 110 km

Day 20: Muangkhoun – Phonsavan

Today is short day, after breakfast we continue riding to the capital district of Xiangkhuang province (Phonsavan). On the way we turn from the main road to visit the plain of jars form site 2 and site 1. We stop for lunch at the local restaurant before cycle to the town and after check in hotel free to explore the small town on your own, we recommend visit the UXO center (unexploded ordnance), we stay overnight at the hotel in town.
The history of the stone jars (ancient stone jars) remain a mystery today, there are more than 60 sites, scattered in different group all across the plateau. Only three groups have been surveyed and assigned registration. The other groups have not yet been surveyed because the locations are covered with thick bushes and contaminated by many remaining UXOs (Unexploded ordinances) leftover from the Indo-China war. The highest jar is more than 3 meters. There are several difference theories as to the purpose of the jars, which are estimated to be 2500 – 3000 years old. According to local legend, King Khoun Chuang had them constructed in order to store wine for the big celebration of his victory in the 6th century. Phonsavanh used to be the battled field between Lao communist government and royal government in 1964 – 1973.
Summary:
Activities: Cycling from Hotel – hotel and visiting
Accommodation; Vansana hotel or Favanhmai Hotel****
Meals: B/L/D
Attitude: 1060 m – 1100 m above sea level
Cycling Distance: 40 km

Day 21: Phonsavan – Muangkham

Today is short day so we don’t have to start early; we turn right on direction to Vietnam border, on the way we stop at Hmong villages (high lander) and stop for photo of rice fields, riding today is not very hard, the road is up and down hills, we reach our destination a small town of Muangkham in the afternoon, optional cycle to visit the cave, local people sheltered during Indochina war, it was shot by the rocket from the royal Lao air force, more than 300 villagers were killed in the cave because of Napalm bomb. Overnight at the guesthouse and dinner at the local restaurant.
Summary:
Activities: Cycling from Hotel - hotel
Accommodation; Guest House
Meals: B/L/D/
Attitude: 1100 m – 650 m above sea level
Cycling Distance: 51 km

Day 22: Muang Kham - Sam Neua

We start with a 2.5 hours transfer to a mountain pass. Today, we are cycling up and down through thick forest between 1400 and 1600 metres. On the way, we visit Saleuy Waterfall and for a refreshing dive. After a long descent, we arrive in Sam Neua.
Summary
Activitiy: Cycling and Transferring
Accommodation: Chittavan Hotel ***
Meals: B/L/D
Total distance: 85 km

Day 23: Sam Neua - Vieng Xai

In the morning, we are cycling through a nice landscape to Vieng Xai, famous for its caves. These huge caves were home to around twenty thousand Pathet Lao communist fighters during the secret war of Laos. This war, termed secret because the US was not supposed to be engaged in combat in neutral Laos, was all part of the larger geo-political events and changes of the sixties and seventies. While the communist forces were being bombarded from the air by the CIA funded Hmong Army, they used these caves as a refuge, complete with hospital, school and underground villages.
Summary
Activitiy: Cycling
Accommodation: Naxay 2 Hotel/ Bungalow
Meals: B/L/D
Total distance: 49 Km

Day 24: Vieng Xai - Ban Sop - Na Meo - Pu Luong

Through a narrow valley, we are driving to the border, where you say goodbye to your Lao support team. Our private Vietnamese driver will be waiting to transfer you to Pu Luong. The road trip lasts 5½ hours. Upon checking in the hotel, the rest of time would be at leisure.
Summary
Activitiy: Cycling and Transferring
Accommodation: Pu Luong Retreat***
Meals: B/L/D
Total distance: 89 Km

Day 25: Pu Luong Nature Reserve – Mai Chau

Experience the rural life of Mai Chau valley from the saddle of your bicycle. After breakfast we’ll take the cycling trip from the hotel. We cycle the back roads through quaint small villages where you can experience Mai Chau close-up including: bamboo factory, and village surrounding like Poom Coong or Lac village. After lunch we will drive back to Hanoi
Summary
Activitiy: Cycling
Accommodation: Mai Chau Ecolodge***
Meals: B/L/D
Total distance: 76 Km

Day 26: Mai Chau back Road

Waking up you early in the morning by birds and chicken sounding, you will be treated by Thai traditional cake for breakfast with hot coffee and tea. After light breakfast, we cycle through different villages on a mix of good single track paths link from villages to anothers, the view are stunning as the ride passes and cross lush rice paddies./ Unique to this area are fan palms, grown specifically to use for roofing.We pass hot springs, cycle cross suspension bridges and follow the contours around beautiful terraced rice fields. We stop for lunch en route in local family. After lunch, we cycle back road, single tracks, buffalo trails through rice terraced fields .Stay at local homestay of Phom Coong Village. The rest of afternoon is at leisure to wander by foot or explore the village trails further by bike. Dinner and over night at Thai Homestay
Summary
Activitiy: Cycling
Accommodation: Mai Chau Ecolodge***
Meals: B/L/D
Total distance: 45 Km

Day 27: Mai Chau – Hanoi

After breakfast, we pick up our bike and cycle on the scenic route around Mai Chau, past green rice paddies and villages, meeting friendly local villagers. Arriving back in phomcoon Village for in local home stay. After lunch we have sometimes to explore the village and to do some shopping of the local handmade textiles.Transfer 3hours back to Hanoi, arriving Hanoi at late afternoon
Summary
Activitiy: Cycling and Transferring
Accommodation: The Light Hotel****
Meals:B/L/D
Total distance: 56 Km

Day 28: Hanoi – Onwards

Having hearty breakfast in hotel, you will be free by yourself until departure times. Meet our crew again and take transfer to Noi Bai Airport to catch the next flight on wards. Our service will be finished. Thanks for joining brillaint cycling tours with us..
Summary
Activitiy: Transferring
Accommodation: No
Meals: B
Total distance: No

Note: Hotels are subject to change due to availability. In that case we will choose equivalent accommodation
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.