Laos: Rivers & Villages

This is our most comprehensive bike tour of Laos and an incredible way to discover the charm and beauty of this hidden gem with great cycling and beautiful sights.

'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: fun and tasty with the potential for a little bit of pain the next day.

This trip's cycling offers wonderful variety as we ride along the back roads and quiet highways, alongside rivers and past scenic limestone mountains. There are some short manageable climbs, but the stunning views and Hmong village scenery are ample rewards for the effort.

Most days you'll find yourself on undulating terrain, but there is a fair share of flat gentler pedaling along winding river roads and daily distances are moderate. When not exploring on the bikes we make use of boats or our own two-legs for some added variety to your adventure.

This trip offers a good mix of on and off-bike activities with a number of free afternoons to spend at your leisure, be it enjoying some well earned R&R or delving deeper into your new environment by exploring town or trying some optional suggested activities.

Highlights

• Hike above your Muang Xai resort to visit local villages and farms before taking a refreshing swim.
• After a boat ride to Luang Prabang, explore the sacred caves of Pak Ou.
• Join the monks giving alms in UNESCO World Heritage Luang Prabang for an amazing cultural experience.
• Cycle to the aquamarine waters of the Kuang Si Waterfall for a dip in this idyllic spot.

The terrain is a mix of sealed and unsealed roads sometimes on the main roads but generally on secondary roads. Main roads in Laos are actually like a backstreet anywhere else due to the low number of vehicles on the road.