The Northern Loop Luang Prabang - Discover the real Laos. Highlights of this bicycle tour include a boat ride on the Mekong River, scenic valleys between Pak Beng and Oudom Xai, where tourists rarely venture, and a panoramic mountain ride to Nong Khiaw with its surrounding limestone mountains. The absolute cultural highlight of this tour is the charming World Heritage town of Luang Prabang. This tour can be customized and extended with the classic bicycle tour from Luang Prabang to Vientiane.

Day 1: Arrival in Luang Prabang
Flight to LuangPrabang meet Lao guide at the airport and transfer to hotel after check-in hotel walking tour around town or short ride to discover the world heritage town depending on your arrival time before shopping at the night market on the main road.
Meals: D
Accommodation: LuangPrabang Inn

Day 2: Round trip to Kuang Si Waterfall 60 km
After breakfast, we cycle to Kuangsi Waterfall, on the way to visit villages, and see the local people working in the rice fields and local activities. After 30km riding enjoy swimming at the waterfall then we have lunch at the local restaurant before cycling back to town

Distance: 30km (one way)
Meals: B, L
Accommodation: LuangPrabang Inn

Day 3: Boat ride on the Mekong River to Pak Beng
Today, board another vessel on another river. Not just any river though, the Mekong River, that mighty stream coming from the Tibetan plateau. Travel by slow boat, a covered boat made from Teak Wood. There is lots of space to spread out and enjoy the journey as you pass through scenic gorges and valleys with dense forest, the occasional small village and if you are really lucky, maybe elephants. Reach your destination for the evening, the small town of Pak Beng where travelers moving in both directions spend the night.

Distance: boat ride 7-8h
Meals: B, L
Accommodation: Phetsokxai hotel

Day 4: Pak Beng – Muang Beng
After breakfast, we start riding from the hotel on the way we see mostly minority villages belonging to the Khmu tribe (up Lander), Hmong tribe (hight Lander), and Lao (low Lander). The people of the mountains in southern China that long ago migrate south and defined the civilizations of Thailand and Laos, they are divided into black Thai, red Thai, and white Thai regarding the color of their traditional dresses. After 52km of riding, we arrive at Muanghoun where we have lunch. After lunch we continue another 32km to the small town of Muangbeng and end at Phonethong guesthouse after 7 or 8 hours of riding that depending on how strong you are, we stay in a primitive guesthouse with shared bathrooms and our dinner is prepared by the owner of the guesthouse.

Distance: 84km on good quality asphalt road
Meals: B, L
Accommodation: Phonethong guesthouse (primitive)

Day 5: Muang Beng – Oudom Xai
Our breakfast today is prepared by our guide, after having breakfast we cycle to Oudom Xai. We leave the guesthouse at 8:00 am, the first section of 39km riding takes us up and downhill but short climb through numerous villages, and lovely children wave their hands with smiling, it is very nice riding in the morning, at 39km this is the star of the 4km climb to the top, here we decide for lunch, we can have in shade under the tree or we continue riding another 20km into the town. We stay in a nice guesthouse with a private bathroom and 24h electricity. Internet is available

Distance: 63km on good quality asphalt road
Meals: B, L
Accommodation: Villa Keosermsack

Day 6: Oudom Xai – Muangkua
After breakfast, we head west in the direction of the Vietnam border, you should be feeling refreshed, although it is a gradual downhill it is uphill in some places but does not worry it is not too steep. There are some excellent photo opportunities of the friendly Khmu tribe and their families. Lunch is prepared by our guide and helpers so we can find a nice spot for lunch stop by the team. Today is a great day for riding

Distance: 103km
Meals: B , L , D
Accommodation: Xernaly Hotel

Day 7: Muangkua – Nong Khiaw
After breakfast, we board a long-tail boat on the Nam Ou River. The boat journey takes us down one of the most beautiful stretches of all the rivers of Laos. The limestone mountains become steeper as further south we go and the amazing landscape passes by in a quiet and relaxing place after 4 hours we arrive at Muang Ngoi village ( it was the capital district of LuangPrang provide controlled by communists before 1975 during the Indochina war) lunch at the restaurant. After lunch continues another an hour to Longview.

Distance: no ride, boat to Nongkiaw for 5h
Meals: B , L , D
Accommodation: Phaxang Resort

Day 8: Nongkiaw – LuangPrang

After breakfast we ride along Route 13 north and head to LuangPrang, today is the longest day, the road is up and downhill but no big climb, it is an easy ride. At kilometer 30 to LuangPrang we turn from road 13 to the dirt road toward the Mekong River at Pak Ou village and visit Buddha caves. Optional riding or driving the last 30km to LuangPrang.

Distance: 140km
Meals: B, L

Accommodation: LuangPrang Inn
End of program

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Departure date: Join in group departure on 20th Monthly

Group Size: From 2 to 16 riders

Tour cost: Contact Us

TOP THINGS TO DO IN LAOS

Laos is a treasure trove of natural and architectural wonders. With a little patience and some time you can see incredible man-made and natural wonders from north to south in the Lao PDR. Don’t miss these top 10 things to see and do.

Wat Xieng Thong

Luang Prabang's best-known monastery is centered on a 1560 sǐm (ordination hall). Its roofs sweep low to the ground and there's a stunning 'tree of life' mosaic set on its western exterior wall. Close by are several stupas and three compact little chapel halls called hŏr. Hŏr Ɖąi, shaped like a tall tomb, houses a standing Buddha. The Hŏr Ɖąi Pha Sai-nyàat, dubbed La Chapelle Rouge – the Red Chapel – by the French, contains a rare reclining Buddha.

Fronted in lavish gilt work, the Hóhng Kép Mîen stores a ceremonial carriage, festooned with red-tongued naga (river serpents) designed to carry the golden funeral urns of Lao royalty.

Pha That Luang

Pha That Luang, Vientiane Laos |

Boun That Luang takes place every November, over three days around the full moon. The stupa in Vientiane is the national symbol of Laos and is said to house a piece of Buddha’s breastbone. Thousands of pilgrims gather at That Luang to give offerings to the monks who come from all over Laos. Processions, parties, and a trade show follow. Even if you don’t make it to the festival, the stupa is a sight to behold any time of year. Join the faithful and place offerings of flowers, candles, and incense at the alter, or quietly stroll around the massive enclosed yard.

Vat Phou / Wat Phou

Along with the Champasak Cultural Landscape, the 5th century Khmer ruins of Wat Phou is the second inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List of Laos. Wat Phou, meaning ‘mountain temple.’ Blended into the surrounding nature, the remains of Wat Phou are dotted all over the mountain face. Oriented toward the east, the ruins have two large reservoirs on either side of a long column-lined road, leading toward the mountains. Past the palace ruins, up a steep staircase, you’ll find the sanctuary with a modern Buddhist shrine and a natural spring considered to be sacred.

Tad Lo

Tad Lo is 56 miles (90 kilometers) away from the southern town of Pakse. Soak in the visual and aural splendor of the falls or take a dip and cool off from the heat. Three cascades make up the falls: Tad Hang, Tad Lo itself, and Tad Suong. Accommodations are available to spend the night and enjoy the surrounding scenery. Tad Lo is an impressive three-tiered waterfall in Salavan Province. Several guesthouses and restaurants around the falls make it an ideal lunch spot or stopover for trekking, swimming, and tubing. Tad Lo is accessible by bus, motorbike, or as part of a group tour package of the Bolaven Plateau.

Swim in the Mekong at 4000 Islands

French Bridge at Sunset on Don Det |

Don Det has a beach at its northern tip that doubles as a ferry landing. You can also take a dip in the Mekong, the largest river in Southeast Asia, on either of the two beaches on Don Khon–one by Liphi Falls and one farther south. Easy Go Backpackers Hostel on Don Det has a beach area and Don Som Riverside Guesthouse has a swimming spot on Don Som. If river swimming isn’t your thing and you’d rather lounge by the pool, check out the one by Little Eden Guesthouse at the north end of Don Det or the Blue Lagoon Swimming pool at the southern tip of the island.

Tat Kuang Si

Thirty kilometers southwest of Luang Prabang, Tat Kuang Si is a many-tiered waterfall tumbling over limestone formations into a series of cool, swimmable turquoise pools; the term 'Edenic' doesn't do it justice. When you're not swinging off ropes into the water, there's a public park with shelters and picnic tables where you can eat lunch. Don't miss the Tat Kuang Si Bear Rescue Centre, where wild Asiatic moon bears, confiscated from poachers, are given a new lease of life.

Many cheap eateries line the entrance car park at the top end of the Khamu village of Ban Thapene, selling everything from local snacks to grilled chicken and fish.

Visiting Kuang Si by hired motorcycle is very pleasant now that the road here is decently paved and allows stops in villages along the way. By bicycle, be prepared for two long, steady hills to climb. A tuk-tuk from Luang Prabang costs 150,000K for one person, and 50,000K per person in a group of three, so it's best to get a group together. A private minivan will cost 350,000K.

Plain of Jars

Plain of Jars’ thousands of mysterious megalithic jars are scattered throughout Xiang Khuang Province in northeastern Laos. Dating from the iron age, the oldest jars go back to 500 BC. The largest “King Jar” is at Site 1 and the longest jar is at Site 2. It’s possible to hire a guide to take you on a trek from Site 2, which is behind a rice paddy to Site 3, which is in the forest on top of a hill. The leading theory suggests these stone vessels were used in burial rituals. Evidence suggests that bodies were distilled in the jars until only bones remained. The bones were then removed and interred in a ceramic jar or on the ground. Nine of the 90 sites containing jars have been cleared of UXOs, so stick to the established routes and bring a guide out trekking with you.

Kuang Si Falls

Kuang Si Falls |

In the north of Laos lies Luang Prabang, a portion of the old town that is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site. Ride or cycle to Kuang Si or Tad Saw waterfalls, take a boat cruise down the Mekong river, and eat local Lao or fantastic French food at one of the restaurants in town. This former royal capital is home to some of the most elaborate and best-preserved temples in the country. Visit the Royal Palace and the watermelon-shaped Wat Wisunarat or hike up Mount Phousi for sunrise or sunset.

Tour Cost Includes:

MTB Bikes for complete Tour and helmet
Accommodation in tour - 8 nights
All Meals B = Breakfast , L = Lunch , D = Dinner
Lunch in Midway restaurant/City Restaurant or Pack Lunch
Mechanic throughout the tour
Boat trip, local ferry in tour
Back up AC vehicle for the complete tour ( Bus, + Truck for the group )
English speaking Local Guide - Cum biking guide
Fresh Fruits/Snacks (Only Cycling Part)
Unlimited filter water during cycling (Only Cycling Part)
All road and transport taxes
Driver Allowance
Toll and Parking charges
10% Government Taxe

Tour Cost Excludes:

International flight tickets, visa
Accommodation in Luang Prabang after day 8 .
Other personal expenses
Tips and Gratitude
Travel insurance
Any Hard and Soft Drinks with meals

Travel Information

Bikes: Trek MTB Bikes

Bike Hire: Includes on Tour Cost. You may bring your bikes, but in this case let, us know in advance. Other equipment provided: Pedals, helmet, water bottles.

Accommodation

Accommodation is offered at all locations. Most of the hotels are Culture Resort, Home-stay, guesthouse, Eco Resorts & family-run hotels - all with a common line of quality in service. Our costs are based on a 'twin-sharing' foundation. For those who want a single room, we offer a single room, but at an extra cost.

Terrain

The landscape is a mountain, biking through the village streets, fields, fruits garden, local ferry, and monkey bridges

Climate

The annual monsoon cycles that affect all of mainland Southeast Asia produce a ‘dry and wet monsoon climate’ with three basic seasons for most of Laos. The southwest monsoon arrives in Laos between May and July and lasts into November.
The monsoon is followed by a dry period (from November to May), beginning with lower relative temperatures and cool breezes created by Asia’s northeast monsoon (which bypasses most of Laos), lasting until mid-February. Exceptions to this general pattern include Xieng Khuang, Hua Phan, and Phongsali Provinces, which may receive rainfall coming from Vietnam and China during April and May.
Rainfall varies substantially according to latitude and altitude, with the highlands of Vientiane, Bolikhamsai, Khammuan, and eastern Champasak Provinces receiving the most.
Temperatures also vary according to altitude. In the humid, low-lying Mekong River valley, temperatures range from 15°C to 38°C, while in the mountains of Xieng Khuang it can drop to 0°C at night.
When to go
The best time for visiting most of Laos is between November and February when it rains the least and is not too hot. It’s also Laos’s main season for both national and regional bun (festivals).
If you plan to focus on the mountainous northern provinces, the hot season (from March to May) and the early rainy season (around June) are not bad either, as temperatures are moderate at higher elevations. Southern Laos, on the other hand, is best avoided from March to May, when daytime temperatures break into the 40s and nights aren’t much cooler.
The rainy season is not as bad as you might think. While it will rain – very heavily – the downpours are often fairly brief and can be bracketed by long periods of sunshine. The rains also clear dust from the skies and land, making everything clearer and brighter. Of course, there are downsides; unsealed roads can become quagmires, and extensive travel in remote areas like Salavan, Phongsali, and Sainyabuli might be impossible. River travel can be a good alternative during these months. If you intend to travel extensively by river, November is the best; flooding has usually subsided yet river levels are still high enough for maximum navigability. Between January and June, low water can make navigating some rivers difficult.
December to February and August are the peak tourist times. January, in particular, is very busy and booking ahead is advisable.

Transportation/Support Vehicles

All transport is involved in the cost. We provide a backup vehicle at all times during cycling trips. The vehicle can be used to boat your baggage & yourself as required.

Food

Food is a very essential part of these trips. We make sure that the meals we offer are method delicious unless you ask for dull meals. You are also permitted the choice of veggie or non-vegetarian meals. We suggest that you consume only the canned standard water. Please make sure that the container is enclosed.

What to bring

Footwear
Bike shoes
Helmet
Pedal
Water Bottle
Sun cream lotion
Relaxed shoes for walking
Shoes for other sightseeing
Socks

Clothing

In Laos, the conventional outfit is more traditional. We counsel you to prevent very short shorts/skirts and limited tops/tanktops when viewing small non-urban places, pagodas, temples, mosques, or other sacred sites as this may limit your access.
Water-resistant jacket.
Riding bike equipment like safety gloves and shorts.

Others

Torch
Mosquito repellent
Eyewear, cap
Sun lotion of SPF at least 35
Individual Bike riding equipment like bar finishes, pedals, chairs, and headgear
Helmets for riding a bike

Health

Malaria is an avoidable disease that can create trouble if neglected. One can prevent disease by taking recommended anti-malarial drugs and defending against insect attacks. The areas you will be passing are Malaria-free. Make sure that your insurance provider includes illnesses and injuries overseas.

Precautions

Bring all the important medications and OTC medications. Do not ignore to have the brands as well as the general titles of the medications one needs to have.
Use a sun hat when revealed.
Consume a lot of liquids. Don't drink tap water. Use only bottled water which is always kept in the back of your automobile.
Bring your medical kit and pest resilience.
To avoid fungus and parasitic attacks, keep legs clean and dry, and do not go without shoes.
Do not eat food bought from road providers.
Do not drink drinks with ice.
Do not eat milk products unless it is known that they have been pasteurized.
Prevent managing creatures (especially apes, pets, and cats) to avoid attacks and serious illnesses.

Medical Information Update

Details given above are liable to change now and then and one should contact the Native Lao tasks of the specific country or the government vacationer offices for more details.

Shopping

You will get possibilities en route to do a bit of purchasing. However unless particularly requested, our guide will not suggest any particular store. Neither we nor our driver/guides take any percentage on purchasing.

Spending Money

Every visitor will have different cash specifications and varying personal costs. Please assess your spending routines while enabling for beverages, purchasing, and falling. Also keep aside cash for extra costs like:

Foods that are not included
Emergencies
Optionally available activities /additional sightseeing
Shopping/Souvenirs/Tips

Foreign Exchange

As Laos currency value tends to go up and down, refer to the following website for daily return rates: https://www.ldblao.la

Airport Taxes

There is no airport terminal or leaving taxation from any airport terminal in Laos.

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8 Days The Northern Loop Luang Prabang