16 Days Hanoi Cycling To Vientiane

16 Days Hanoi Cycling To Vientiane
Tour Itinerary

Hanoi Cycling To Vientiane - Starting from Hanoi the capital city,pass through Luang Prabang the World Heritage town in Northern Laos. We cycle apporoximately 812km. The road is a bit hilly but we will be able to see the beautiful and peaceful mountains of Sapa, the historical Dien Bien Phu, the Red River Delta and Hanoi. This biking tour has spectacular changing scenery as you bike. Being mostly downhill, one can concentrate on the views, far more than the pedaling. This tour includes a support vehicle, all meals and a professional guide.

Day 1: Hanoi – Overnight train to Lao Cai
21:00 AM Pick up from your hotel transfer to Hanoi Train Station for Overnight on train to Lao Cai. Lao Cai is on the gateways to China, Lao Cai lies at the end of the train line on the Chinese border. The border crossing slammed shut during the 1979 war between China and Vietnam and remained closed until 1993. Lao Cai is now a major hub for travellers journey between Haoi, Sapa (38km away) and Kunming.

Day 2: Lao Cai – Sapa – Supan Valley afternoon ride (40km cycling)
Early arrival and transfer to Sapa up the mountain side and have time to fit bikes before biking into the Sapa Valley. The Queen of Mountains, Sapa sits regally overlooking a beautiful valley, lofty mountains towering over the town on all sides. Sapa is the French hill station was built in 1922. Overnight in Sapa (B,L,D)

Day 3: Ta Phin Loop ride full day (30km cycling)
Cycling off road track to the village of Ta Phin, when the ride will be more challenging in a loop across a steep and forested hillsides and minority villages. Overnight in Sapa (B,L,D)

Day 4:Sapa – Tam Duong (Phong Tho) – Than Uyen (80km cycling)
Cycling shortly uphill as warm up to the Tram Ton Pass, before starting a long descent ride to Binh Lu and ride a truly off the beaten track (jeep track) mixed of hard pack gravel and clay to Tam Duong and Than Uyen. Overnight in Than Ueyn. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Than Uyen – Tuan Giao (96km cycling)
Take a brutal ride this day to Lai Chau and Sin Ho and get a reward of truly spectacular views. The ride is on the main road, uphill and tarmac downhill, mixed of gravel and hard pack clay. Overnight in Tuan Giao. (B,L,D)

Day 6: Tuan Giao – Dien Bien Phu (87km cycling)
Take a hardest but challenging ride this day to Tuan Giao and Dien Bien Phu, on a rough tarmac terrain all the way, but you will be rewarded with the stunningly beautiful scenery and untouched remote villages. Overnight in Dien Bien Phu (B,L,D)

Day 7: Dien Bien Phu – Crossing Border – Muang Khau (70km)
Early morning explore the historical sites of Dien Bien Phu. It used to be the big battle field between the French and Vietnamese when Vietnam fought again the French to get independence. Then we cycle 70km to Muang Khau by crossing Laos North-East border at Tay Tran. You have to get Laos visa in advance in order to cross Laos land border. Laos visa on arrival can be obtained only arrival at the airport. This northeast area has the least population of Laos. In the afternoon, we continue cycling to Muang Khua along Nam Ou river. Overnight in Muang Khau. ( B , L,D)

Day 8: Muang Khua to Oudomxai (75km)
After breakfast, we cycle 75km on the main road to Oudomxai. This is a scenic lightly traveled road to bustling Oudomxai. During the second Indochina War, the provincial capital became the center for Chinese troops supporting Pathet Laos. Today, it is the junction of National Road 1, 2 and 4 has made its position a booming alos – China trade center. (B,L,D)

Day 9: Oudomxai to Pak Mong (60km)
After breakfast, we fill in the water and then do a bit expercise to warm up our musscles.  We begin to cycle with a tough climb with hill after hill but the scenery is magnificient. Then take a break to enjoy snack, fresh fruits and drinks to get energy before continuing to cycle to Pak Mong. Overnight in Pak Mong. (B,L,D)

Day 10: Pak Mong to Luang Prabang (105km)
Today is our longest bike ride. Early morning, we cycle on the main road passing Ban Thabu. Then we cycle along Nam Ou river. It is an interesting to cycle along the river through villages to enjoy the rural lives. Enjoy picnic lunch on the river bank and take a power nap before heading to Pak Ou.  It has the famous tourist attraction, Pak Ou caves. The end of the day, we finally arrive at Luang Prabang, the World Heritage town. Dinner and overnight in Luang Prabang.( B , L)

Day 11: Luang Prabang (Kuang Sii Waterfall) 62km
After a restful day we hit the bikes for a ride to the stunning Kuang Sii Waterfall. The ride is along a small road alongside the Mekong River passing through small villages, rice fields and forest. At the waterfall enjoy a swim, picnic lunch and a visit to the tiger and bear rescue centre before riding back to Luang Prabang. (B,L)

Day 12:Luang Prabang to Kiew Ka Cham (78km)
After breakfast. We begin our cycling heading to Kiew Ka Cham. we are faced with what is without doubt the most difficult part of cycling but also one of the most rewarding with two huge uphill climbs . Then we have a 20 minutes power nap before continue cycling to Kiew Ka Cham.after lunch We pass through lush forest and many small H’Mong villages that sit dwarfed by the amazing landscape of limestone mountains that surround them.Dinner and overnight in Kiew Ka Cham. Few people stop here overnight so the accommodation is very simple. It is special experience to stay in such a place. (B,L,D)

Day 13: Kiew Ka Cham to Vang Vieng (94km)
After breakfast, fill in water and be prepared to get on the bike.  Today is the hard part of cycling with some up hills and down hills. So, we will start a bit early. It is time to relax a bit as the road is largely downhill along a valley from Kiew Ka Cham, a small village on top of the mountain.in the afternoon You will be high in the mountains for the second half of the day following a ridge line up and down with peaks all around.Overnight in Vang Vieng known as the gate to Northern Laos or backpacker’s paradise a busy town which packed of young tourist from all over the world because of its charming landscape and variety of fund activities.(B,L,D)

Day 14:Vang Vieng to Nam Ngum Lake (85km)
After breakfast, we prepare for our hard day biking. We stop every 20km for drink and snack stop. Overall route is modulated and steep hill on some part. We will arrive in Nam Ngum lake, the biggest reservoir in Laos. Dinner and overnight on the edge of Nam Ngum lake.(B,L,D)

Day 15:Nam Ngum Lake to Vientiane (80km)
Breakfast at the hotel. Fill in water and be prepared for our biking day. Event Vientiane is a quiet capital city comparing to their neighboring countries but the road is still busy. So, we ride to follow a single line and watch for the traffic. We stop in a Hmong market for s short break. Lunch on route. Afternoon, we head to Vientiane ,the capital city.Overnight in Vientiane.(B,L,D)

Day 16: Vientiane Departure
after breakfast at the hotel.free and easy .End of the tour.

Departure date : Join in group departure on 25th Monthly

Group Size  : From 2 to 16 riders

Tour cost : Contact Us

TOP THINGS TO DO IN LAOS

Laos is a treasure trove of natural and architectural wonders. With a little patience and some time you can see incredible man-made and natural wonders from north to south in the Lao PDR. Don’t miss these top 10 things to see and do.

Wat Xieng Thong

Luang Prabang's best-known monastery is centred on a 1560 sǐm (ordination hall). Its roofs sweep low to the ground and there's a stunning 'tree of life' mosaic set on its western exterior wall. Close by are several stupas and three compact little chapel halls called hŏr. Hŏr Ɖąi, shaped like a tall tomb, houses a standing Buddha. The Hŏr Ɖąi Pha Sai-nyàat, dubbed La Chapelle Rouge – the Red Chapel – by the French, contains a rare reclining Buddha.

Fronted in lavish gilt work, the Hóhng Kép Mîen stores a ceremonial carriage, festooned with red-tongued naga (river serpents) designed to carry the golden funeral urns of Lao royalty.

Pha That Luang

Pha That Luang, Vientiane Laos
Pha That Luang, Vientiane Laos |
Boun That Luang takes place every November, over three days around the full moon. The stupa in Vientiane is the national symbol of Laos and is said to house a piece of Buddha’s breastbone. Thousands of pilgrims gather at That Luang to give offerings to the monks who come from all over Laos. Processions, parties, and a trade show follow. Even if you don’t make it for the festival, the stupa is a sight to behold any time of year. Join the faithful and place offerings of flowers, candles and incense at the alter, or quietly stroll around the massive enclosed yard.

Vat Phou / Wat Phou

Wat Phou
Along with the Champasak Cultural Landscape, the 5th century Khmer ruins of Wat Phou is the second inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List of Laos. Wat Phou, meaning ‘mountain temple.’ Blended into the surrounding nature, the remains of Wat Phou are dotted all over the mountain face. Oriented toward the east, the ruins have two large reservoirs on either side of a long column-lined road, leading toward the mountains. Past the palace ruins, up a steep staircase, you’ll find the sanctuary with a modern Buddhist shrine and a natural spring considered to be sacred.

Tad Lo

Tad Lo
Tad Lo is 56 miles (90 kilometers) away from the southern town of Pakse. Soak in the visual and aural splendor of the falls or take a dip and cool off from heat. Three cascades make up the falls: Tad Hang, Tad Lo itself and Tad Suong. Accommodations are available to spend the night and enjoy the surrounding scenery. Tad Lo is an impressive three-tiered waterfall in Salavan Province. Several guesthouses and restaurants around the falls make it an ideal lunch spot or stopover for trekking, swimming, and tubing. Tad Lo is accessible by bus, motorbike, or as part of a group tour package of the Bolaven Plateau.

Swim in the Mekong at 4000 Islands

French Bridge at Sunset on Don Det
French Bridge at Sunset on Don Det |
Don Det has a beach at its northern tip that doubles as a ferry landing. You can also take a dip in the Mekong, the largest river in Southeast Asia, on either of the two beaches on Don Khon–one by Liphi Falls and one farther south. Easy Go Backpackers Hostel on Don Det has a beach area and Don Som Riverside Guesthouse has a swimming spot on Don Som. If river swimming isn’t your thing and you’d rather lounge by the pool, check out the one by Little Eden Guesthouse at the north end of Don Det or the Blue Lagoon Swimming pool at the southern tip of the island.

Tat Kuang Si

Thirty kilometres southwest of Luang Prabang, Tat Kuang Si is a many-tiered waterfall tumbling over limestone formations into a series of cool, swimmable turquoise pools; the term 'Edenic' doesn't do it justice. When you're not swinging off ropes into the water, there's a public park with shelters and picnic tables where you can eat lunch. Don't miss the Tat Kuang Si Bear Rescue Centre, where wild Asiatic moon bears, confiscated from poachers, are given a new lease of life.

Many cheap eateries line the entrance car park at the top end of the Khamu village of Ban Thapene, selling everything from local snacks to grilled chicken and fish.

Visiting Kuang Si by hired motorcycle is very pleasant now that the road here is decently paved and allows stops in villages along the way. By bicycle, be prepared for two long, steady hills to climb. A tuk-tuk from Luang Prabang costs 150,000K for one person, and 50,000K per person in a group of three, so it's best to get a group together. A private minivan will cost 350,000K.

Plain of Jars

Plain of Jars - Site One
Plain of Jars
Plain of Jars’ thousands of mysterious megalithic jars are scattered throughout Xiang Khuang Province in northeastern Laos. Dating from the iron age, the oldest jars go back to 500 BC. The largest “King Jar” is at Site 1 and the longest jar is at Site 2. It’s possible to hire a guide to take you on a trek from Site 2, which is behind a rice paddy to Site 3, which is in the forest on top of a hill. The leading theory suggests these stone vessels were used in burial rituals. Evidence suggests that bodies were distilled in the jars until only bones remained. The bones were then removed and interred in a ceramic jar or in the ground. Nine of the 90 sites containing jars have been cleared of UXOs, so stick to the established routes and bring a guide out trekking with you.

Kuang Si Falls

Kuang Si Falls
Kuang Si Falls |
In the north of Laos lies Luang Prabang, a portion of the old town which is a UNESCO World Heritage listed site. Ride or cycle to Kuang Si or Tad Saw waterfalls, take a boat cruise down the Mekong river, and eat local Lao or fantastic French food at one of the restaurants in town. This former royal capital is home to some of the most elaborate and best preserved temples in the country. Visit the Royal Palace and the watermelon-shaped Wat Wisunarat or hike up Mount Phousi for sunrise or sunset.

Tour Cost Includes:

  • MTB Bikes for complete Tour and helmet
  • Accommodation in tour - 15 nights
  • All Meals B = Breakfast , L = Lunch , D = Dinner
  • Lunch in Midway restaurant/City Restaurant or Pack Lunch
  • Mechanic throughout the tour
  • Boat trip , local ferry in tour
  • Express train tickets from Hanoi to Lao Cai
  • Back up AC vehicle for complete tour ( Bus , + Truck for group )
  • English speaking Local Guide - Cum biking guide
  • Fresh Fruits/Snacks (Only Cycling Part)
  • Unlimited filter water during cycling (Only Cycling Part)
  • All road and transport taxes
  • Driver Allowance
  • Toll and Parking charges
  • 10% Government Taxe

Tour Cost Excludes:

  • International flight tickets , visa
  • Accommodation in Hanoi
  • Other personal expenses
  • Tips and Gratitude
  • Travel insurance
  • Any Hard and Soft Drink with meals

Travel Information

Bikes: Trek MTB Bikes

Bike Hire: Includes on Tour Cost. You may bring your own bikes, but in this case let us know in advance. Other equipment provided: Pedals, helmet, water bottles.

Accommodation

Accommodation is offered at all locations. Most of the hotels are Culture Resort, Home-stay , guesthouse ,Eco Resorts & family run hotels - all with a common line of quality in service. Our costs are based on 'twin-sharing' foundation. For those who wants single room, we offer single room, but at extra cost.

Terrain

The landscape is mountain, biking through the village streets ,fields, fruits garden , local ferry and monkey bridges

Climate

The annual monsoon cycles that affect all of mainland Southeast Asia produce a ‘dry and wet monsoon climate’ with three basic seasons for most of Laos. The southwest monsoon arrives in Laos between May and July and lasts into November.
The monsoon is followed by a dry period (from November to May), beginning with lower relative temperatures and cool breezes created by Asia’s northeast monsoon (which bypasses most of Laos), lasting until mid-February. Exceptions to this general pattern include Xieng Khuang, Hua Phan and Phongsali Provinces, which may receive rainfall coming from Vietnam and China during the months of April and May.
Rainfall varies substantially according to latitude and altitude, with the highlands of Vientiane, Bolikhamsai, Khammuan and eastern Champasak Provinces receiving the most.
Temperatures also vary according to altitude. In the humid, low-lying Mekong River valley, temperatures range from 15°C to 38°C, while the mountains of Xieng Khuang it can drop to 0°C at night.
When to go
The best time for visiting most of Laos is between November and February, when it rains the least and is not too hot. It’s also Laos’s main season for both national and regional bun (festivals).
If you plan to focus on the mountainous northern provinces, the hot season (from March to May) and early rainy season (around June) is not bad either, as temperatures are moderate at higher elevations. Southern Laos, on the other hand, is best avoided from March to May, when day-time temperatures break into the 40s and nights aren’t much cooler.
The rainy season is not as bad as you might think. While it will rain – very heavily – the downpours are often fairly brief and can be bracketed by long periods of sunshine. The rains also clear dust from the skies and land, making everything clearer and brighter. Of course, there are downsides; unsealed roads can become quagmires and extensive travel in remote areas like Salavan, Phongsali and Sainyabuli might be impossible. River travel can be a good alternative during these months. If you intend to travel extensively by river, November is the best; flooding has usually subsided yet river levels are still high enough for maximum navigability. Between January and June, low water can make navigating some rivers difficult.
December to February and August are the peak tourist times. January, in particular, is very busy and booking ahead is advisable.

Transportation/Support Vehicles

All transport is involved in the cost. We provide backup vehicle at all times during cycling trip. The vehicle can be used to boat your baggage & yourself as required.

Food

Food is a very essential part of these trips. We make sure that the meals we offer is method delicious, unless you ask for dull meals. You are also permitted the choice of veggie or non-vegetarian meals. We suggest that you consume only the canned standard water. Please make sure that the container is enclosed.

What to bring

  • Footwear
  • Bike shoes
  • Helmet
  • Pedal
  • Water Bottle
  • Sun cream lotion
  • Relaxed shoes for walking
  • Shoes for other sightseeing
  • Socks

Clothing

  • In Laos, the conventional of outfit is more traditional. We counsel you to prevent very short shorts/skirts and limited tops/tanktops when viewing small non-urban places,pagodas, temples, mosques or other sacred sites as this may limit your access.
  • Water resistant jacket.
  • Riding a bike equipment like safety gloves and shorts.

Others

  • Torch
  • Mosquito repellent
  • Eyewear, cap
  • Sun lotion of spf at least 35
  • Individual Bike riding equipment like bar finishes, pedals, chairs and headgear
  • Helmets for riding a bike

Health

Malaria is a avoidable disease that can create trouble if neglected. One can prevent disease by taking recommended anti-malarial drugs and defending against insect attacks. The areas you will be passing are Malaria-free. Make sure that your insurance provider includes illnesses and injuries overseas.

Precautions

  • Bring all the important medications and OTC medications. Do not ignore to have the brands as well as the general titles of the medications one needs to have.
  • Use a sun hat when revealed.
  • Consume a lot of liquids. Don't drink tap water. Use only bottled water which is always kept in the back of your automobile.
  • Bring your personal medical kit and pest resilient.
  • To avoid fungus and parasitic attacks, keep legs clean and dry, and do not go without shoes.
  • Do not eat food bought from road providers.
  • Do not drink drinks with ice.
  • Do not eat milk products unless it is known that they have been pasteurized.
  • Prevent managing creatures (especially apes, pets, and cats) to avoid attacks and serious illnesses.

Medical Information Update

Details given above are liable to change every now and then and one should contact the Native Lao tasks of the specific country or the government vacationer offices for more details.

Shopping

You will get possibilities en-route to do a bit of purchasing. However unless particularly requested for, our guide will not suggest any particular store. Neither we nor our driver/guides take any percentage on purchasing.

Spending Money

Every visitor will have different cash specifications and varying personal costs. Please assess your own spending routines while enabling for beverages, purchasing and falling. Also keep aside cash for extra costs like:

  • Foods which are not included
  • Emergencies
  • Optionally available activities /additional sightseeing
  • Shopping/Souvenirs/Tips

Foreign Exchange

As Laos currency value tend to go up and down, make reference to the following website for daily return rates: https://www.ldblao.la

Airport Taxes

There is no airport terminal or leaving taxation from any airport terminal of Laos .

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