“Sabaidee” in Lao is similar to “Hello” in Vietnamese and is commonly used in daily conversations, reflecting the warmth and hospitality of the Lao people. Cào Cào Adventures would like to use this familiar Lao phrase to invite you to join a cycling journey through Laos, a peaceful land filled with ancient temples along the Mekong River, untouched mountain landscapes, and the gentle smiles of the locals.
Departure: 11 – 16/12/2024
Total distance: 250 km
Difficulty level of the program: The route is rated as 2.5/5.
The program includes 4 days of cycling to explore the beautiful Laos.
The cycling route is mainly asphalt and concrete roads, with a few short sections of dirt and rocky roads, suitable for MTB, Touring or Gravel bikes.
Requirement: Able to cycle over 70 km/ a day.
Detail itinerary:
Day 1: Wattay International Airport (Vientiane) (Dinner)
The group will meet at Wattay International Airport around 5:45 PM, where we’ll connect with our local guide and head to the hotel.
After checking in, we’ll visit the Patuxai Victory Gate, a famous landmark in Vientiane designed to resemble the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.
Later, enjoy dinner and have free time to explore the Vientiane Night Market. This vibrant market offers shopping, local cuisine, and a lively atmosphere with street music. You can relax at a riverside bar, sip on a cold Lao beer, and admire the sparkling Mekong River.
Overnight at Season Riverside Hotel or a similar accommodation.
Day 2: Vientiane – Thalat (Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner)
Cycling distance 85km Elevation gain +600m
We’ll start the day with breakfast before embarking on our cycling journey.
We’ll first ride along the Mekong River, taking in local markets and temples that showcase the rich culture of Laos. The route will lead us through lush green rice fields and tranquil villages, reflecting the local way of life.
After lunch, we’ll continue our ascent to enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. Our final destination for the day is the Nam Ngum Dam, known as the “Sea of Laos” for its stunning natural beauty. This is the country’s first hydroelectric project and the largest freshwater reservoir, featuring thousands of islands. It attracts thousands of visitors each year.
Overnight at Long Ngum View Resort or a similar accommodation.
Day 3: Thalat – Vang Vieng (Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner)
Cycling distance 80km Elevation gain +800m
After checking out in the morning, we’ll cycle to Vang Vieng.
Starting from Long Ngum Resort, we’ll ride along the tranquil Nam Ngum River, enjoying the fresh air and peaceful scenery. The initial stretch is relatively flat, leading us through serene rural paths. As we progress, the terrain will become more challenging, featuring gentle slopes and winding turns that reveal stunning views of majestic limestone mountains and lush valleys.
After lunch, we’ll continue along paths flanked by towering limestone cliffs and picturesque landscapes alongside the Nam Song River. By the end of the day, we’ll arrive in Vang Vieng, a charming town nestled in a scenic valley.
Overnight at Vansana Hotel or a similar accommodation.
Day 4: Vang Vieng – Luang Prabang (Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner)
Cycling distance 40km Elevation gain +200m
After checking out, we’ll cycle to the Green Bridge and continue our exploration of Angel Cave, a hidden gem along the Nam Song River. Inside the cave, you’ll be amazed by the diverse stalactite and stalagmite formations, featuring unique shapes from gigantic Buddha statues to shimmering stone gardens illuminated by colored lights.
Next, we’ll ride along the river and through beautiful valleys, passing by peaceful villages. After lunch, we’ll head to the train station to catch a train to Luang Prabang (train schedule: 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM).
Overnight at Sanctuary Luang Prabang Hotel or a similar accommodation.
Day 5: Luang Prabang (Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner)
Cycling distance 45km Elevation gain +300m
After breakfast, we’ll start our day exploring the ancient town of Luang Prabang, located on a peninsula formed by the Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers. Surrounded by mountains, especially Phou Thao and Phou Nang, Luang Prabang offers a lush, green landscape. In December 1994, it was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
Our first stop is Wat Xiengthong, the most famous temple known for its unique architecture and rich history. This is not only the most beautiful and significant religious structure in the ancient capital but also one of the oldest temples, showcasing ancient architecture and paintings that symbolize the traditional temple culture of Laos.
Next, we’ll conquer the majestic Kuang Si Falls. The journey to the falls takes us through lush rice fields, peaceful villages, and dense forests, offering an incredible experience of pristine nature. Upon arrival at Kuang Si Falls, you’ll be awed by the stunning multi-tiered cascades dropping from great heights, creating a misty atmosphere and beautiful turquoise pools.
After lunch, we’ll cycle back to a small village and take a scenic boat ride down the Mekong River to return to town, concluding a day full of adventure.
Overnight at Sanctuary Luang Prabang Hotel or similar accommodation.
Day 6: Luang Prabang – Saigon (Breakfast)
In the morning, we’ll participate in the traditional almsgiving ceremony known as “Binthabat”. Monks walk through the town in a line, carrying their alms bowls, while locals offer sticky rice, fruits, and traditional snacks.
Afterward, we’ll return to the hotel for breakfast, rest, and pack our bikes.
The group will then head to the train station to take a train from Luang Prabang to Vientiane (train schedule: 12:55 PM – 3:00 PM), arriving at Wattay International Airport around 4:00 PM.
This concludes our journey.
Package tour price:
Package price (not including bicycle rental fee): 27,500,000 VND / person
Private room Surcharge: 6,000,000 VND / person
MTB bicycle rental price in Laos: 2,400,000 VND / tour
Ebike rental price in Laos: 3,900,000 VND / tour
Cancellation Policy
If you (the client) choose to cancel a booking, Cao Cao Adventures must be notified in writing or by email.
The following cancellation fees apply for our day tours:
- More than 15 days before departure: Full refund of the deposit.
- From 7 to 14 days before departure: Non-refundable deposit or 50% of the total tour cost.
- Under 7 days before the tour starts: 100% loss of all payments made.
- Late arrival at the starting point of the tour for any reason: This will be considered a cancellation and will result in a loss of all payments made.
- No refund will be issued if you voluntarily leave a tour early for any reason, including not being able to ride a bicycle at a sufficient level to participate in the tour.
- In some cases, the deposit may equal the full value of the tour.
For more information, please contact us via email at [email protected]
