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Highlight:
Kong Lor Cave: Experience a 7-kilometer river cave system in Laos, navigated expertly by native longboats through an illuminated section featuring impressive stalagmites.
UNESCO Site - Plain of Jars: Explore the high plateau of Xiang Khouang Province and discover the mysterious ancient stone formations whose past remains a fascinating puzzle.
Teak Forest Ride: Enjoy scenic cycling through lush natural landscapes along the route.
UNESCO World Heritage Town of Luang Prabang: Take in the rich culture, historic temples, and vibrant evening atmosphere of the Hmong Night Market.
Historic Hue: Visit the grand Imperial Citadel, follow the banks of the Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda, and explore historic royal tombs and monuments.
Central Laos & Vietnam by Bike: Luang Prabang to Hoi An
Cycle from the UNESCO-listed streets of Luang Prabang to the lantern-lit old town of Hoi An on an unforgettable 18-day journey through central Laos and Vietnam. Ride across the highlands of Xiang Khouang and the mysterious Plain of Jars, descend through quiet mountain roads to Ban Nahin, and explore Kong Lor Cave by longboat before crossing the border into Vietnam.
In Vietnam, follow sections of the Ho Chi Minh Highway and historic DMZ region toward Phong Nha National Park, then continue to imperial Hue, cross the scenic Hai Van Pass, and finish in Hoi An. With a mix of challenging climbs, peaceful back roads, ancient temples, dramatic karst landscapes, and coastal views, this tour is designed for cyclists who want a deeper, more adventurous way to experience both countries.
Day 1 — Arrive in Luang Prabang | 20 km
Meet at the airport and transfer to your hotel for check-in, bike fitting, and a full trip briefing. If time allows, take an easy one-to-two-hour ride through Luang Prabang’s UNESCO-listed old town, visiting temples and browsing the Hmong night market. Dinner is at a local vocational-training restaurant that supports employment opportunities for disadvantaged young people while serving excellent Lao cuisine. Cycling: 20 km Meals: Dinner Overnight: Luang Prabang
Day 2 — Luang Prabang to Phou Khoun
Begin with a one-hour vehicle transfer over the first major mountain range, covering about 65 km by van. From there, ride along high mountain roads to Phou Khoun, a small crossroads town set in the cool highlands. Check in to a simple guesthouse and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Meals: Breakfast Overnight: Phou Khoun
Day 3 — Phou Khoun to Phonsavan | 80 km
Today features some of the tour’s most demanding climbing as the road rises toward the Xiang Khouang plateau. Limestone peaks and sweeping highland views accompany the ride into Phonsavan, a fast-growing regional centre. Because of the distance and elevation, the day includes a transfer at the start and a short vehicle transfer into Phonsavan at the end. Cycling: 80 km Meals: Breakfast, lunch Overnight: Phonsavan
Day 4 — Plain of Jars Loop | 65 km
Spend the day exploring the Plain of Jars, a high plateau more than 1,000 m above sea level. The landscape is scattered with enormous ancient stone jars whose original purpose continues to intrigue archaeologists and visitors alike. This circular ride is a good introduction to the cooler climate and open scenery of Xiang Khouang Province. Cycling: 65 km Meals: Breakfast, lunch Overnight: Phonsavan
Day 5 — Phonsavan to Muang Khoun and Thathom | 90 km
Leave Phonsavan by vehicle and begin riding near That Foun, a 16th-century Buddhist stupa set on a remote plain. From here, cycle approximately 90 km south on challenging mountain roads toward the small town of Thathom. Expect a demanding but rewarding day through quiet, less-visited countryside. Cycling: 90 km Meals: Breakfast, lunch Overnight: Thathom
Day 6 — Thathom to Khoun Kham / Ban Nahin | 80 km
Travel by van and bicycle from Xiang Khouang into Bolikhamxay Province, passing beneath the forests of the Nam Kading region. The route continues toward Ban Nahin, where a riverside guesthouse provides a welcoming overnight base. This evening is a chance to relax by the river and enjoy one of the province’s well-loved local dishes: red curry. Cycling: 80 km Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner Overnight: Ban Nahin
Day 7 — Kong Lor Cave Excursion | 84 km
Ride the smooth new road from Khoun Kham through villages and farmland, with limestone karst peaks rising above the valley. At the end of the road, Kong Lor Cave opens into one of Laos’ most remarkable natural attractions. Board a local longboat for a journey through the cave’s extensive river passage. An illuminated section reveals impressive stalagmites and stalactites, making this one of the definitive highlights of central Laos. Cycling: 84 km Meals: Breakfast, lunch Overnight: Ban Nahin
Day 8 — Ban Nahin to Lak Seo | 74 km
Follow Route 8 east toward the Vietnamese border along a road that forms part of the well-known Thakhek Loop. The route offers varied scenery, rural life, and plenty of photo stops. Lunch is at Cool Pool, where you can swim in clear blue water and enjoy a picnic alongside local visitors. Continue to Lak Seo, the final overnight stop in Laos before crossing into Vietnam. Cycling: 74 km Meals: Breakfast, lunch Overnight: Lak Seo
Day 9 — Lak Seo to Vinh | 30 km
After a short morning ride to the border, say farewell to the Lao support team and meet your Vietnamese crew after completing immigration procedures. From the border, transfer toward Vinh, stopping at Kim Lien Village, the birthplace of Ho Chi Minh. Visit his former home and the associated museum before continuing by road out of the mountains to Vinh, arriving in the late afternoon. Cycling: 30 km Meals: Breakfast, lunch Overnight: Vinh
Day 10 — Vinh to Huong Khe | 80 km
Following breakfast, transfer 40 km to Pho Chau on the Ho Chi Minh Highway, where today’s ride begins. The route winds through forested hills, quiet villages, and striking karst formations beneath the Truong Son mountain range. Finish in Huong Khe, a peaceful town in Ha Tinh Province and a good place to rest before the next long day in the saddle. Cycling: 80 km Meals: Breakfast, lunch Overnight: Huong Khe
Day 11 — Huong Khe to Phong Nha | 80 km
Continue along the Ho Chi Minh Highway toward Phong Nha, enjoying quiet tarmac as the road rises, falls, and curves through the mountains. After roughly 80 km of riding, transfer by bus for about an hour to Phong Nha National Park. The park protects an extraordinary cave system with more than 65 km of tunnels and underground rivers. During the Vietnam War, Phong Nha Cave was used as a hospital and ammunition depot, and traces of wartime attacks remain visible near its entrance. If available, visit local community and conservation initiatives connected with the park’s forests. Cycling: 80 km Meals: Breakfast, lunch Overnight: Phong Nha
Day 12 — Phong Nha to Cam Lo and Khe Sanh | 80 km
Start the morning with a visit to Phong Nha Cave before transferring approximately 1.5 hours to the Ho Chi Minh Trail. Resume cycling across the former Demilitarized Zone, also known as the 17th Parallel, toward Cam Lo. En route, stop at the Truong Son Cemetery, a memorial honouring the many North Vietnamese soldiers who lost their lives in the Truong Son Mountains. After reaching Cam Lo, transfer to Khe Sanh, the former US Marine base and site of the major 1968 battle. Cycling: 80 km Meals: Breakfast, lunch Overnight: Khe Sanh
Day 13 — Khe Sanh to A Luoi | 65 km
Visit Khe Sanh Combat Base in the morning to see wartime relics and the former airstrip. Then ride predominantly downhill from the Lao border area toward the Dakrong River, crossing by bridge and following the waterway along what was once considered the southern section of the Ho Chi Minh Trail. The quiet road and rolling terrain provide a welcome change from the previous day’s flatter riding. Cycling: 65 km Meals: Breakfast, lunch Overnight: A Luoi
Day 14 — A Luoi to Hue | 60 km
Because of road conditions south of A Luoi, leave the Ho Chi Minh Trail and ride across central Vietnam toward Hue. The 60 km route follows back roads before joining Highway 1 a short distance south of the city. Depending on the group’s preference and conditions, either continue cycling into central Hue or transfer the final stretch by vehicle. Cycling: 60 km Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner Overnight: Hue
Day 15 — Hue Heritage Ride | 25 km
Enjoy a relaxed day exploring Hue’s countryside and imperial heritage. Begin at the Imperial Citadel, then cycle along quiet backstreets and the Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda. Continue through rural lanes to Minh Mang’s royal tomb, before returning across the river past Khai Dinh’s elaborate funerary monument. Arrive back in central Hue in the early afternoon with free time to relax or explore independently. Cycling: 25 km Meals: Breakfast, lunch Overnight: Hue
Day 16 — Hue to Hoi An via Hai Van Pass | 90 km
Today is one of the journey’s great rides. Tackle two shorter climbs before the main 11 km ascent to Hai Van Pass, where the road opens onto sweeping views of Vietnam’s coastline. Thanks to the nearby tunnel, traffic on the pass road is now light. Descend to Lang Co Beach for a swim and lunch, then transfer the final 35 km to Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage town. The evening is free to wander its old streets, riverside cafés, and lantern-lit lanes. Cycling: 90 km Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner Overnight: Hoi An
Day 17 — Hoi An to My Son and Return | 40 km
For the final cycling day, transfer a short distance out of Hoi An to avoid the highway, then ride quiet country roads through rice paddies, eucalyptus forest, and traditional villages. Arrive at My Son, the former religious and political centre of the Champa kingdom and one of Vietnam’s most important archaeological sites. Enjoy lunch near the temples, explore the ancient ruins, then transfer back to Hoi An by bus. Cycling: 40 km Meals: Breakfast, lunch Overnight: Hoi An
Inclusive of:
- All sightseeing and activities listed in the itinerary
- High-quality road or hybrid bikes with safety equipment
- Private air-conditioned vehicle support, bike transport, and helmets
- Twin-share accommodation in hotels, resorts, and guesthouses
- English-speaking guide
- Entrance fees for listed sights
- Meals as marked: B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner
- Lao government taxes and service charges
- Luggage handling
- Water and snacks while cycling
- All boat transfers and entrance fees
Exclusive of:
- International flights
- Visa fees, approximately US$30 per person depending on nationality
- Travel insurance
- Meals not specified in the itinerary
- Tips, drinks, personal expenses, and services not listed
- Single-room supplement, available on request
Vansanna Plain of Jars (Night 4 - Laos)
Situated in Phonsavan, the capital of Xiang Khouang Province in Laos, positioned on a high plateau over 1,000 meters above sea level. It serves as the overnight accommodation for Day 3 and Day 4 of the tour after days of challenging mountain riding and exploring the surrounding limestone peaks.
*This tour can also be arranged in reverse, with the same key experiences. The daily schedule may be adjusted to suit transport connections and local arrangements.