Laos - 'Lao Lao' Cycling (13 days)

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

We've taken the original Lao Lao tour and made it even better, with greater cycling and better accommodation this is now officially our favourite tour!   This is a great trip with wonderful variety, and the cycling is spectacular.

We ride along back roads and quiet highways and along side rivers before climbing up into spectacular limestone mountains and descending for a number of days through H'Mong villages to Vang Vieng, a travellers hangout town, then onto the (not so) bustling capital Vientiane.

Itinerary  

Day 1 | Chiang Khong
Meeting at the Bangkok airport we take a short flight to Chiang Rai in the far north and drive out to our rustic wooden guesthouse that sits on the banks of the Mekong River, looking out onto Laos.
Day 2 | Mekong River
After crossing the border we spend the day cruising down the wonderful Mekong River, over nighting in Pak Beng. This is the perfect relaxing introduction to laid back Laos.
Days 3-4 | Cycling to Nong Khiaw
Our first section of riding takes us along one of the quietest sealed roads in Asia, over a mountain pass, and cruising alongside a river into the stunning town of Nong Khiaw.
Day 5 | Trekking Muang Ngoai
We leave the bikes and take a boat to the remote town of Muang Ngoi where we take a light, but unforgettable trek into the forest to visit the people who call this area home. The lack of road access makes this place something very unusual in our modern world.
Days 6-8 | Luang Prabang
After a boat then a bike ride, we reach Luang Prabang. You won't want to leave this charming town. Our first day is yours to wander the temples, visit the King's Palace or just relax. The second day will be spent on a ride exploring the local region, wildlife and a waterfall that makes for a perfect place to swim.
Days 9-13 | Cycling to Vientiane
We depart Luang Prabang and take four days to cycle to the Lao capital Vientiane. The first day is the most challenging as we climb up into the mountains but the rewards are unforgettable, mountains all around with small villages clinging to their sides. In Vang Vieng we will have a free afternoon to explore the caves or tube on the river. Our final day of riding brings us to Vientiane, probably the quietest city in Asia to celebrate the end of the ride.

Facts and Information

Style - fully supported cycling
Inclusions - support vehicle, Mekong boat trip, Ou River boat trip, local guides, tour leader, most meals, entry fees
Group Size - minimum 2, maximum 14
Accommodation - 6 nights comfortable hotel, 4 nights local guesthouse (with private bathroom), 1 night basic guesthouse
Meals Included - 12 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 9 dinners
Days Cycling - 8
Kilometres Cycled - 626km
Difficulty - moderate/difficult (customer rating: 4.1 out of 5 - the hardest being 5)
Cycling Conditions - We cycle on a well-made main highway most of the way but traffic in Laos is very light. Three of the days have hills to contend with.

Operated by Grasshopper Adventures - trip code GHLL08

Departures: October to July