Your body is like an analog stick on a controller.. if it doesn’t start properly calibrated to center.. it becomes difficult or even near impossible to navigate.. especially when you need to shift your weight around as much as you do on a DH bike.

Jennifer Hammond
Minneapolis Car Donation
Wheels for Wishes

Itinerary in brief

HANOI TO VIENTIANEHanoi to Vientiane Bicycle Tours
Road Bicycling with Support
13 Days/ 12 Nights
Intermediate Cycling
90% Good Condition Paved Roads
Arrival: Hanoi, Vietnam
Depart: Vientiane, Laos

Highlight:
“Luang Prabang is a little city of about 100,000 people that neither teems with excitement nor seethes with intrigue. Life flows slowly here, like the muddy Mekong. The people are gentle and unassuming. Two lazy rivers happen upon each other in their wanderings through Luang Prabang — the Nam Khan and the swirling brown Mekong. Traditional Lao houses, high on teak pilings, creep down to the river's edge, engulfed in tall swaying palms and jungle shrubs. Children laugh and play here, jumping from high trees into the rich brown river — bathtub of millions. A few small pirogues drift downstream, carrying fruits or hauling nets. A person could stay here forever and not even realize it.” ~Ben

What were the rural roads in northern Thailand like twenty years ago? Vietnam ten years back? They were much like the roads on this trip through northern Laos. On a recent trip our group spent a couple of hours at the new Vietnamese immigration post, then exiting Vietnam and processing our visas on the Laos side of the border. During this time, nobody passed through the border area. That's how empty these roads are.

Come ride through picturesque karst scenery, punctuated by jungle laden national parks and rural villages in Southeast Asia's least populated countries. New roads make for a comfortable ride and newer guest houses are far from roughing it. Meals are served up with all the usual favorites, including spring rolls, noodle soup and curries. Another pleasant surprise is the tall, cold Beer Lao gets the nod over Angkor beer and Vietnam's selections of brews, who'd have figured? In ten years, you'll be able to say you went there when it was like this.

Cycling: A note on mileage. With multiple vehicles, our custom tours provide for any amount of cycling your group, or even particular people in your group, want to ride (or not ride). Mileage below is only a suggestion, shorter (and much longer) distances can be arranged, even during each day's ride, and off-bike activities planned to fill the time.

Meals: B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Day 1: Arrive Hanoi, Vietnam
Arrive Hanoi's war-era Noi Bai Airport. After clearing immigration and customs meet driver and escort for transfer into Hanoi, the cultural and political capital of Vietnam that has slumbered largely unchanged for decades. After transfer to hotel on central Hoan Kiem Lake, midday meeting at hotel for lunch orientation at an outdoor cafe for introductions, followed by bike assembly, testing and other preparations for beginning of the trip. Afterwards, free time in the capital before we rendezvous at our hotel and stroll for dinner of local specialties such as pho in the busy Old Quarter. (B,L,D)
Acommodation: Flower Hotel

Day 2: Hanoi to Mai Chau
In the morning, early departure for Mai Chau, a picturesque river valley region populated with a diversity of hilltribes. After a 2.5- 3 hour drive, arrive Mai Chau for late lunch. Balance of afternoon leisurely, warm-up cycling in and around Mai Chau to hilltribe villages, farms and scenic back roads of the area. In the afternoon, we'll cool off in the swimming pool before strolling through a nearby White Thai hilltribe village, perhaps spying a local futbol match, before visiting a private home for a traditional dance performance and dinner in the village. Overnight in Mai Chau, our last night of comfort before the moving on into the hinterland of Laos. (B,L,D)
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Distance Cycled: ~40 km
Acommodation: Mai Chau Lodge, Mai Chau

Day 3: Mai Chau to Vieng Xai
This morning, we make a run for the border by bus on National Highway 15 through Pu Luong and and Pu Ha Nature preserves to beat the 11:00AM border closing (about 70 miles). After crossing into Laos, obtaining visas and meeting up with crew, begin riding on national route 217 , cycling uphill towards Vieng Xai on paved roads under some of the most picturesque karst scenery in Laos, passing hilltribe villages in the area, including Thai Dam, Thai Dang, Meuy, and Kmu. Picnic lunch en route.
After lunch, continued riding to Vieng Xai. After arrival, freshen up before driving outside of the town to explore a nearby network of hundreds of caves. The caves, both natural and artificial, were developed and used by Pathet Lao in Vieng Xai during the Vietnam war, including Khayson Cave, the office and residence of the Pathet Lao chief during the war period, and Souphanouvong Cave, also called Red Prince Cave, the residence of royal Prince Souphanouvong at one time. Then, onto Nouhak Cave, named for Nouhak Phoumsavang, who served as Lao PDR president from 1992.

Note: One passport-sized photo and US$35 cash required for Laos visa.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Distance Cycled: 53 km (31 miles) Laos border to Vieng Xai Caves
Acommodation: Simple Guesthouse in Vieng Xai

Day 4: Vieng Xai to Vieng Sang
After sunrise breakfast, departing for an epic day's journey over the “Laotian Alps” to Vieng Thong, cycling over the massive 4,000+ foot Phou Lao and Phou Leuy mountain passes, where we'll spy the 2,062 meter peak of Phou Leuy and 2,079 meter Phou Pan-Cnai in the distance.
From Vieng Xai, we continue riding on national highway 6 to Nam Noen (64.5 miles and about 4,500 feet) of climbing. En route, pausing to explore Hing Tang (Suan Hin), a man-made formation of vertical stones that may be related to those on the Plain of Jars. At Nam Noen, we'll turn northwest (right) on route 1 towards Vien Thong, a hilly 36 miles way. After arrival in Vien Thong, walking to nearby hot springs to soak worn legs before exploring the small town set on the Nam Khan River and largely inhabited by a collection of hill tribes particularly Hmong and “lowland” Lao. Before dinner, we'll stroll to neaby hot springs to soak our legs. Overnight at simple guesthouse.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Distance Cycled: 76 km (45 miles)
Acommodation: Simple Guesthouse

Day 5: Vien Thong to Nong Muang
Our longest, most difficult day. Another early sunrise departure after breakfast (optional, but recommended van shuttle to ay least top of the first climb). National route No 1c between Vieng Thong and Nong Khiaw passes through beautiful scenery with lush green mountains, even in the drier season when we are passing through.
After departing Vien Thong, cycling on flats until reaching our first challenge, a 2,400 foot climb, before descending to a winding river valley road for about 12 miles until we reach our next climb of about 2,100 feet, plummeting down to Vieng Kham at mile 86 (at 1,200 feet elevation). After a third climb of 900 feet, the rest of the day is over the undulating hills on a paved, good-condition side road heading northwest to Nong Muang, a picturesque northern outpost being discovered by backpackers. (B,L,D)
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Distance Cycled: 70 km (42 miles)
Acommodation: Nam Ou Bungalows (Riverview)

Note: Nong Khiaw, it doesn't get much better than this anywhere Asia. Nestled between high stone peaks covered with lush green vegetation along a tranqil river, this small town is only recently being discovered. After cold beer Laos, curry and noodle dishes, our tired legs will be treated to traditional Lao massage.

Day 6: Nong Khiaw excursion around Muang Ngoi
After breakfast, board longtail boat for one-hour cruise on the picturesque Nam Ou river, between jungled-covered karst peaks to Muang Ngoi. After arrival, refreshments before we begin our hike to several of the outlying, remote villages in the area.
Muang Ngoi was controlled by the communist before 1975 and the province was under control of Pathet Lao. During Vietnam War, people in this area hid in the caves in the day times and worked at night because of continuous bombing. Light trekking to Tham Kang, where, according to local legend, a sacred Naga resides.
Also pausing at the villages of Ban Na and Thai Daeng before returning back to Nong Muang by boat in the afternoon for dinner and accommodation. (B,L,D)

Day 7: Nong Khiaw to Luang Prabang
From Nong Khiaw to Luang Prabang is 140 kilometers and we'll ride from breakfast through some of the prettiest and flattest parts. After turning onto the main road to Luang Prabang, the road begins to roll and some may want to pack it in not long afterwards. Slacker option: roughly a 6-hour cruise to Luang Prabang by long tail boat. This section of river is very scenic as there are jagged limestone peaks lining either side of the river. Once we reach the Mekong River we would make a slight upstream detour to visit the amazing Pak Ou caves. This open cave is locate beside the river, is packed with hundreds of Buddha images and is an important place of worship for locals. If you choose to go by boat we can arrange it on the spot and the boat fee will be split amongst the passengers.
Another option (the third if you are counting), combines the two, riding 54 miles to where the road meets the Mekong River. From here a boat can be arranged to take us to the Pak Ou cave and then downstream to Luang Prabang. In the late afternoon we arrive Luang Prabang, one of Asia's gems and a UNESCO World Heritage. It is pleasantly located at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers and encircled by distance jagged peaks. In recent years it has been a popular, but not spoiled tourist destination, but it will be a bit of a shock to see so many tourists for the first time since Hanoi. Dinner together in town. (B,L,D)
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Distance Cycled: 0, 90, or 140 km (54 or 85 miles)
Acommodation: Salaprabang Boutique hotel (city center)

Day 8: Luang Prabang
After breakfast, day free or optional cycling outside of the city to passing through several villages and pausing to visit a local family and school as well as cottage industries in the area. Aftwrwards, return to town in time for lunch.
Afternoon relaxing on the riverfront before sunset cruise on the Mekong, enjoying drinks on board. (B)

Day 9: Luang Prabang
Rise at dawn to view the traditional alms procession by monks moving slowly through town. After, return to hotel for breakfast and then transfer by tuk-tuk to explore Luang Prabang's local Phuosi Market before beginning exploration of the town on foot. Pause to explore major temples dating to the 15th century such as Wat Xieng Thong — a masterpiece of Buddhist architecture — followed by the Royal Palaces and museum, and other French-colonial period buildings.
At dusk, climbing to the top of Mount Phuosi for sunset before strolling through the extensive night market. (B,L)

Note: Luang Prabang's night market is one of the best in Indochina for finding unique, handmade goods and at a bargain rate. The market makes a good stop after watching sunset from Mount Phousi. How much to bargain? Typically, counter with offer that is about 1/3 from the price quoted. Want to see where the locals shop, take a tuk-tuk out to Phuosi Market, about 1 kilometer from the central area.

Day 10: Luang Prabang to Kiu Cham, Kiu Cham to Bor Thang
After early breakfast, if you wish to avoid about 18 miles of climbing, depart Luang Prabang by van, shuttling to the summit town of Kiu Cham (48 miles, about two hours) to begin our ride. Our ride this day involves more beautiful mountain scenery with longer rollers up and down, although staying at an attitude of about 4,000 feet. In the afternoon, a 15-mile downhill ride, losing about 2,500 feet, the road surrounded by peaks and cliffs before the short, steep mile and half climb to Bor Nam. A day's ride from Van Vieng, Bor Thang is nothing more than a dusty town known for its small hot spring, a tiny guest house (ours) and a trucker's restaurant (our featured dining). The bungalows are very simple, but clean with hot water provided by the hot spring. The spring warm not hot, but it's definitely worth going for a dip to loosen up those leg muscles. Next to the hot spring is a good restaurant with simple tasty food and a gorgeous views of the mountains. (B,L,D)
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Distance Cycled: 74 km (46 miles) from Kiu Cham
Acommodation: Simple Guesthouse

Day 11: Bor Thang to Vang Vieng
Depart early again, not to cover a long distance, but so we have the afternoon to enjoy Vang Vieng. Early on, more downhill ride to the valley floor and after 21 kms, to the town of Kasi. From here to Vang Vieng is pretty easy riding with one small climb. For the those interested, we can tube down the tranquil Nam Song River in the afternoon with a cold drink in hand watching the rick cliff scenery go by. There are a few easy rapids and the river is suitable for beginners. Our hotel is set beside the Nam Song River with a long row of beautiful karst peaks as a the back drop. Drinks all around to celebrate this last day in the saddle! Dinner free to sample the local fare. (B,L)
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Distance Cycled: Distance: 78 km (47 miles)
Acommodation: Elephant Crossing Hotel

Day 12: Van Vieng to Vientiane
After breakfast, cycling for a couple of hours on the empty dirt road into the valleys around Van Vieng, pausing to swim in the blue lagoons and explore one of the larger caves. Afterwards, return to town for lunch before we transfer to the capital by van (distance: ~200 km, about 3.5 hours by van). If we reach Vientiane earlier, we can canvas almost all sites of importance in the small, sleepy capital such as the Emerald Buddha Temple, That Luang Stupa (the national symbol of Laos) and the market area before farewell with crew. In the evening, farewell dinner and live traditional music performance at a place popular with locals. (B,L,D)
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Acommodation: Sengtawan Hotel

Day 13: Vientiane – Departure
After breakfast farewells, transfer to airport for flight home or two-hour flight to Phnom Penh for our optional Cambodia extension.

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