Remote Vietnam and Laos by Bike

We meet in Vietnam's elegant capital of Hanoi for dinner and a trip briefing.

We ride the Red River Delta, exploring its villages and the workshops of local artisans. This is the perfect place to get comfortable cycling in Vietnam as we make our way to the breathtaking limestone formations of Tam Coc.

Our scenic ride takes us to the ancient Vietnamese capital Hoa Lu and Dinh Le Temple for a glimpse of the country’s imperial heritage. We explore Vietnam's first and largest national park with a visit to the Endangered Primate Rescue Centre, home of rescued and rehabilitated native monkeys, gibbons, and langurs.

We cycle through the jungle canopy of Cuc Phuong Park and through dramatic mountain landscapes along the Buoi River. Transferring a bit further along, we resume cycling and arrive at the hushed valley town of Mai Chau with its many ethnic groups.

Take a scenic stroll around the Mai Chau valley before we depart by bicycle to Dong Tam. After lunch we'll continue cycling west towards Laos, and along the way you will be treated to the dramatic scenery of mountains, rivers and local villages.

We cross the border in the morning, and our Laos guides will lead us on a vigorous climbing route along streams and farms to the historic Vieng Xai caves, once the war-time headquarters of Laos’ communists.

We cycle amongst the vast network of caves, which were used as shelters from air raids during the Vietnam War, entering the sites on foot with information from our audio guides. After lunch, we cycle to Xam Neua, Houaphanh’s provincial capital.

Today we will have a rest from the bikes and go on a different type of adventure, a safari in the Nam Et-Phou Louey National Protected Area. As we enter the park, we stop to see Saleuy Waterfall, and in the late afternoon, we boat upriver so that we can drift down in the evening to spot wildlife.

After floating back to town this morning by boat, we cycle to the Xieng Khouang Plateau and to the Ban Xang Hot Springs, where we’ll be staying the night in a community lodge.

This morning we ride up to the town of Phonsavanh, but on the way, we'll stop for a cool down and lunch at Tad Ka Waterfall in Tachok and hike a spectacular jungle trail that winds its way up and crosses the waterfall.

Today, our ride is an exploration of the cryptic Plain of Jars, a Bronze-Age World Heritage Site of hundreds of stone-hewn vessels that dot various sites on this plateau. We also learn about the more recent history of the American War (Vietnam War) in this region that underwent heavy aerial bombardment.

We head east to Phou Khoun via Nong Tang, a large natural lake surrounded by high limestone cliffs. We explore nearby temple ruins and have lunch, then continue cycling another 27 km before transferring to Phou Khoun, where we will stay the night amid awe-inspiring mountain views.

Today features an extra climbing option for the keeners! There are definitely still some hills along the regular ride, but overall, the ride is a descent to charming Luang Prabang, a charming UNESCO Heritage site on the shores of the Mekong. This evening, enjoy dinner in the atmospheric town.

We start with a leisurely ride to Pak Ou to visit the sacred Buddha-filled Tham Ting and Tham Teung Caves. We return to Luang Prabang by boat, with a stop at Ban Xang Hai. Return to your hotel to freshen up before your onward journey. Sabaidee! Hen gap lai!