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Highlight:
UNESCO World Heritage City Luang Prabang: The cultural starting point of the tour, featuring visits to the nearby Kuang Si Falls and a local Buffalo Dairy.
100 Waterfalls Trek: A guided trek through streams, rice paddies, and water cascades along the Nam Ou River, complete with a local-style lunch on the falls.
Night Safari in Nam Et-Phou Louey National Reserve: An immersive overnight wilderness experience involving traditional boat travel, an eco-lodge stay, and jungle wildlife spotlighting.
Cuc Phuong Nature Reserve: Vietnam's first and largest national park, offering visits to the Endangered Primate Rescue Centre and cycling through primitive jungle trails.
Kuang Si Falls: Famous multi-tiered waterfalls with striking azure-blue swimming pools and picturesque natural surroundings.
From Luang Prabang’s Waterfalls to the Limestone Islands of Halong Bay
Travel from northern Laos to northern Vietnam on a journey that combines cycling with forest walks, river adventures, cultural encounters, and two nights cruising Halong Bay.
Starting in Luang Prabang, ride to Kuang Si Falls before heading north towards the riverside landscapes of Nong Khiaw. Trek through the cascades of the 100 Waterfalls, explore mountain roads between remote villages, and venture into Nam Et–Phou Louey for an overnight forest experience and a river-based night safari.
Continue through Sam Neua and the historic caves of Vieng Xai before crossing into Vietnam. Here, the journey unfolds through Pu Luong’s rice fields, the forests of Cuc Phuong, and the limestone scenery of Ninh Binh. After reaching Hanoi, exchange the bikes for a cruise through Halong Bay, with time for kayaking, cave visits, and quiet moments on the water.
Day 1 — Ride to Kuang Si Falls
Your first ride leads out of Luang Prabang towards Kuang Si Falls, where turquoise pools and tiered cascades provide a refreshing destination for the day. Along the way, stop at a local buffalo dairy to learn about a project that works with nearby farming communities and promotes animal health and welfare. Discover how buffalo milk is turned into dairy products, with an opportunity to sample cheese or ice cream. Continue to the falls and take time to enjoy the setting, with the chance for a swim before returning to Luang Prabang. Route: Luang Prabang → Kuang Si Falls → Luang Prabang Cycling: Approximately 60 km Meals: Breakfast and lunch Overnight: Luang Prabang
Day 2 — Follow the Nam Ou to Nong Khiaw
Begin with a transfer of approximately 40 km out of Luang Prabang before starting your ride beside the Nam Ou River. Follow the river through green countryside and jungle groves, then tackle a dirt-road section of around 10 km near the Nam Ou Dam. The final stage of the journey takes place on the water: board a traditional narrow boat for an approximately one-hour ride to Nong Khiaw. Settle into your bungalow accommodation beneath the surrounding mountains and enjoy the riverside setting. Route: Luang Prabang → Nong Khiaw Cycling: Approximately 50 km Travel: Approximately one-hour road transfer, cycling, and boat journey Meals: Breakfast and lunch Overnight: Nong Khiaw
Day 3 — Trek Through the 100 Waterfalls
Leave the bikes behind today and set off by boat along the Nam Ou River. Stop at a riverside village before beginning a walk through rice fields and small streams towards the 100 Waterfalls. The trail follows a succession of cascades into the forest, with flowing water and jungle surrounding you along the way. Your guide leads the route through the falls and prepares a local-style lunch in this natural setting. Return along a village trail, enjoying views across the Nam Ou Valley before boarding the boat back to Nong Khiaw. Activities: Riverboat journey, village visit, and waterfall trek Meals: Breakfast and lunch Overnight: Nong Khiaw
Day 4 — Mountain Villages & the Road to Muang Haim
Travel upstream to Muang Ngoi and spend time exploring its quiet main street before the day’s cycling begins. Ride along dirt roads through the mountains, passing small villages and stretches of countryside away from the main travel routes. This is a day for experiencing northern Laos at a slower pace, with village life and changing mountain scenery along the way. After rejoining the main road, transfer for approximately two and a half hours to Muang Haim, your base before entering Nam Et–Phou Louey. Route: Nong Khiaw → Muang Ngoi → Vieng Kham → Muang Haim Cycling: Approximately 50 km Road transfer: Approximately 2.5 hours after cycling Meals: Breakfast and lunch Overnight: Muang Haim
Day 5 — Into the Forest: Nam Nern Night Safari
Transfer to a Khmu village, the starting point for your Nam Nern Night Safari experience in Nam Et–Phou Louey. After an introduction to the programme, board a traditional boat and head upstream with local guides. Along the journey, learn about the forest and the communities connected to it before arriving at your eco-lodge for lunch and a rest. Later, continue upriver and gather for dinner beside the fire as daylight fades. After dark, take to the river for wildlife spotlighting, watching and listening for signs of forest animals. Return to your Lao-style bungalow for a night surrounded by the sounds of the forest. Activities: Village introduction, riverboat journeys, and night safari Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner Overnight: Forest eco-lodge in Nam Et–Phou Louey
Day 6 — A Forest Walk & Onwards to Sam Neua
Start the morning with a walk accompanied by a local Khmu guide. Learn about plants used in traditional medicine and see the remains of an old village within the forest. After breakfast, return downstream by boat to complete your overnight national park experience. The journey then continues towards Sam Neua, combining cycling with a vehicle transfer. Arrive in town and settle into your accommodation for the evening. Route: Nam Et–Phou Louey → Sam Neua Cycling: Approximately 50–60 km Travel: Boat journey, cycling, and road transfer Meals: Breakfast and lunch Overnight: Sam Neua
Day 7 — Vieng Xai Caves & the Crossing into Vietnam
Leave Sam Neua early and travel to Vieng Xai, where limestone hills conceal a network of caves used as shelters and a command centre during the wartime years. Explore this historic setting before continuing to the border. Here, say farewell to your Laos team and meet the crew who will accompany you through Vietnam. Once across the border, return to the bikes for a ride through mountain scenery. Complete approximately 40 km of cycling before transferring to your accommodation in Pu Luong. Route: Sam Neua → Vieng Xai → Vietnam border → Pu Luong Cycling: Approximately 40 km, after entering Vietnam Travel: Road transfers, border crossing, and cycling Meals: Breakfast and lunch Overnight: Pu Luong
Day 8 — Pu Luong’s Water Wheels & Bamboo Rafts
Begin with a short transfer to a suspension bridge over the Cham River. From here, walk past rice fields towards the bamboo water wheels that lift river water into handmade irrigation channels. Continue to a local fisherman’s house, where you prepare for a bamboo-rafting experience. Float along the river, enjoy the scenery, and try your hand at paddling and steering the raft. Disembark at Tan Lap Bridge and continue the day’s journey towards Cuc Phuong, combining cycling with road transfers. Arrive in the late afternoon and settle in for the night. Route: Pu Luong → Cuc Phuong Cycling: Approximately 50 km Road transfers: Approximately 2–3 hours in total Activities: Village walk, water-wheel visit, bamboo rafting, and cycling Meals: Breakfast and lunch Overnight: Cuc Phuong
Day 9 — Forest Roads & Pineapple Country to Tam Coc
After breakfast, visit the Endangered Primate Rescue Centre before transferring further into Cuc Phuong National Park. Begin cycling beneath the forest canopy and follow the park road towards the entrance. Beyond the forest, the landscape opens into the agricultural countryside around Dong Giao. Ride through pineapple-growing areas, with an opportunity to enjoy fresh fruit from roadside sellers. Continue through Tam Diep and onwards to Tam Coc, where limestone hills form the backdrop to your overnight stay. Route: Cuc Phuong → Dong Giao → Tam Diep → Tam Coc Cycling: Approximately 60 km Meals: Breakfast and lunch Overnight: Tam Coc, Ninh Binh
Day 10 — Discover Tam Coc by Boat & Climb to Mua Viewpoint
Take a break from cycling and explore Ninh Binh from the water. A rowing-boat journey follows the Ngo Dong River through the limestone scenery of Tam Coc. Over approximately one and a half hours, pass through three natural river tunnels and travel between steep-sided hills and riverside fields. Later, visit Mua Cave and climb the nearly 500 steps to its mountain viewpoint. The ascent brings a different perspective on the landscape, with wide views across the surrounding countryside. Activities: Tam Coc rowing-boat trip and Mua viewpoint walk Meals: Breakfast and lunch Overnight: Ninh Binh
Day 11 — A Final Countryside Ride Before Hanoi
Leave Ninh Binh and head towards Kenh Ga, combining a shorter cycling stage with a boat trip around the riverside village. Spend time observing daily life along the waterways before stopping for lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, transfer to Hanoi and settle into your hotel, ready for the next part of the journey. Route: Ninh Binh → Kenh Ga → Hanoi Cycling: Approximately 20 km or more Road transfer: Approximately 2.5 hours Meals: Breakfast and lunch Overnight: Hanoi
Day 12 — Board Your Halong Bay Cruise
Travel from Hanoi to Halong Bay and board your cruise boat. Enjoy a welcome drink as you settle in, then watch the limestone islands appear as the boat makes its way into the bay, passing Fighting-Cock Islet. After lunch, explore the Tung Sau area by kayak, paddling through a landscape of sheltered water and limestone formations. Return to the boat for time to relax before an onboard cooking or fruit-carving demonstration. Enjoy the evening views from the sundeck, followed by dinner in the restaurant. Later, unwind on deck, visit the bar, or join the evening squid-fishing activity. Route: Hanoi → Halong Bay Activities: Cruising, kayaking, onboard demonstration, and optional evening squid fishing Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner Overnight: Cruise cabin in Halong Bay
Day 13 — A Full Day Among Halong Bay’s Islands
Early risers can begin with a Tai Chi session on the sundeck before breakfast. Set out by rowing boat to explore the Luon Cave area, then continue to Cua Van Floating Village. Discover the surroundings by kayak or traditional rowing boat, taking in the relationship between the village and its sheltered waters. After lunch, cruise towards the Trinh Nu area, with time to enjoy the beach or visit Trinh Nu Cave. Return to the main cruise boat in the afternoon and relax before the evening’s fruit-carving demonstration and dinner. Spend your second night on the bay. Activities: Tai Chi, rowing-boat excursion, kayaking or rowing at Cua Van, and Trinh Nu exploration Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner Overnight: Cruise cabin in Halong Bay
Day 14 — Sung Sot Cave & Return to Hanoi
Enjoy a light breakfast before a morning visit to Sung Sot Cave. Follow the pathways through its chambers and take in the limestone formations along the way. Back on board, sit down to brunch as the boat cruises towards the harbour. Disembark at Tuan Chau International Marina and transfer to Hanoi. The final evening is free to spend at your own pace. Route: Halong Bay → Hanoi Activities: Sung Sot Cave visit and morning cruise Meals: Light breakfast and brunch Overnight: Hanoi
Day 15 — Departure from Hanoi
Enjoy breakfast before your onward departure from Hanoi, bringing your journey through Laos and Vietnam to a close. Meals: Breakfast Overnight: None
Inclusive of:
- All sightseeing as described in the program above
- Night Safari
- Accommodation in hotels (Double and Twin) with Breakfast
- Bike Rental with helmets and safety gear
- English-speaking guide
- Admission fees to the sights described above
- Meals: B= breakfast, L= lunch, D= dinner as stated by each day in the itinerary
- Lao PDR governmental tax and service charge
- Luggage handling
Exclusive of:
- International air tickets to/from Laos
- Visa fee (approximately US$35/pax, depending on nationality)
- Travel insurance of any kind
- Meals not mentioned in itinerary
- Tips, drinks, personal expenses and other expenses not described in the program above
- Single room surcharge on request
Amigo Resort (Pu Luong - Night 7)
A beautiful lodge perched on the mountainside that serves as a welcome retreat after a long day of crossing the Laos-Vietnam border and cycling through spectacular scenery.
