Lao Lao
Bike tour in Laos | 12 days Bangkok to Vientiane | US$1,850
Mekong River Cruise - Luang Prabang - Laos Mountains - Vientiane
'Lao lao' is a rice wine distilled locally in villages and while we don't suggest you consume it while cycling it does give a good idea of this trip - local, fun and tasty with the potential for a little bit of pain the next day.
We've taken the original Lao Lao tour and made it even better, with more great cycling and better accommodation this is now officially our favourite tour!
This is a great trip with wonderful variety, the cycling is spectacular. We ride along back roads and quiet highways and along side rivers before climbing up into spectacular limestone mountains and descending for a number of days through H'Mong villages to Vang Vieng, a travellers hangout town, then onto the (not so) bustling capital Vientiane.
Itinerary
Day 1 | Chiang Khong
Meeting at the Bangkok airport we take a short flight to Chiang Rai in the far north and drive out to our rustic wooden guesthouse that sits on the banks of the Mekong River, looking out onto Laos.
Day 2 | Mekong River
After crossing the border we spend the day cruising down the wonderful Mekong River, over nighting in Pak Beng. This is the perfect relaxing introduction to laid back Laos.
Days 3-5 | Cycling to Luang Prabang
Our first section of riding takes us along one of the quietest sealed roads in Asia, over a mountain pass, and crusing alongside a river on our way to Luang Prabang.
Days 6-7 | Luang Prabang
You won't want to leave this charming town. Our first day is yours to wander the temples, visit the King's Palace or just relax. The second day will be spent on a ride exploring the local region, wildlife and a waterfall that makes for a perfect place to swim.
Days 8-12 | Cycling to Vientiane
We depart Luang Prabang and take four days to cycle to the Lao capital Vientiane. The first day is the most challenging as we climb up into the mountains but the rewards are unforgettable, mountains all around with small villages clinging to their sides. In Vang Vieng we will have a free afternoon to explore the caves or tube on the river. Our final day of riding brings us to Vientiane, probably the quietest city in Asia to celebrate the end of the ride.
Bangkok Early Arrival Package
If you are looking to spend a few days in Bangkok before the tour consider our pre-tour arrival package:
* 2 nights in a deluxe room at the Viengtai Hotel with breakfast
* airport transfers
* Bangkok Night Bike Tour - enjoy a different side of the city!
The package costs US$180 per person for twin share and US$230 per person for single. Bookings can be made when you book the Lao Lao tour.
Facts and Information
Style
fully supported cycling
Inclusions
support vehicle, Mekong boat trip, Ou River boat trip, local guides, tour leader, most meals, entry fees
Group Size
minimum 3, maximum 14
Accommodation
6 nights comfortable hotel, 4 nights local guesthouse (with private bathroom), 1 night basic guesthouse
Meals Included
11 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 8 dinners
Days Cycling
8
Kilometres Cycled
626km
Difficulty
moderate/difficult (customer rating: 4.1 out of 5 - the hardest being 5)
Cycling Conditions
We cycle on a well made main highway most of the way but traffic in Laos is very light. Three of the days have uphills to contend with.
Feedback and Reviews
“Amazing culture, people, scenery and riding experience.”
- Bettina & Wolfgang, January 2008
"Surpassed expectations - the group, the country and its people, the cycling and physical challenge, the food and accommodation and the value for money - all were outstanding."
– Paul, July 2007
