Tour code: ITL18

Cycling tour from  Luangprabang to Vientiane Capital

Itinerary

Day 1: Luang Prabang to Kiu Kacham

The big one, the ultimate challenge of the trip! After a pleasant start with a fairly easy 12 miles (20 km) we begin the first of two long ascents (support vehicle on hand) a 10 mile (16km) climb passing a spectacular scenery of limestone peaks, some of which are the highest in South East Asia. We than have a descent of 9 miles (15 km) before the second monster climb of 14 miles (24 km) before we arrive in Kiu Kacham

Cycling Distance: 78 km  (48 miles)
Total Climb: 2,061m (6,762ft)
Total Descent: 971m (3,186ft)
Accommodation: Very Basic Guest House (L, D)

Day 2: Kiu Kacham to Kasi

This morning begins with another challenging cycle, covering the first 30 miles (50 km) of a roller coaster ride. We stop for a well deserved lunch at Phu Khoun before continuing with a spectacular 22 mile (38 km) descent, passing dramatic views of craggy limestone mountains. The scents of jasmine and lotus blossom drift through the clear air from the rich jungle flora. We end our day coming off the mountains at Kasi.

Cycling Distance: 95 km (59 miles)
Total Climb: 1,422m (4,665ft)
Total Descent: 2,395m (7,858ft)
Accommodation: Guest House (B, L, D)

Day 3: Kasi to Vang Vieng

Today is an easier day covering 48 miles (60 km) of gentle rolling hills to Vang Vieng. After lunch we have an option of a side trip to Tham Xang caves set in dramatic scenery on the banks of the Nam Song. Vang Vieng has recently become a destination for backpackers and is therefore a comfortable place with nice restaurants and guesthouses. Once we get there we can treat ourselves to some fruit milkshakes and pancakes, or have a Beer Lao and relax watching the sunset over the river behind stunning limestone pinnacles.

Cycling Distance: 59 km (37 miles)
Total Climb: 450m (1,476ft)
Total Descent: 571m (1,873ft)
Accommodation: Hotel  (B, L)

Day 4: Vang Vieng to Nam Ngum Lake

After a relatively gentle 14 miles (24 km) we reach the fishing village of Tha Heua where you can see all manner of salted fish being sold by the road. Here you have the option to take a 3 hour boat journey on the Ang Nam Ngum reservoir to Na Nam a small fishing village, passing many picturesque islands dotted along the way. Alternatively you can cycle the moderate 50 miles (84 km) along the road, climaxing in a steep 2 km climb before reaching our guesthouse at Na Nam.

Cycling Distance: 105 km (65 miles)
Total Climb: 695m (2,280ft)
Total Descent: 706m (2,316ft)
Accommodation: Hotel  (B, L, D)

Day 5:  Nam Ngum to Vientiane

Our last day of cycling begins with our final two short but challenging climbs, followed by a 57-mile (95 km) flat road to Vientiane. Here, the land is agricultural, passing paddy fields and more intensely farmed areas. As we near the Lao capital of Vientiane, the roads, which until now have been relatively traffic-free during our trip, start to become busier. We arrive at our guesthouse in the afternoon. We should have enough time to do any last-minute shopping, then relax and celebrate the end of a great trip.

Cycling Distance: 97 km (60 miles)
Total Climb: 425m (1,394ft)
Total Descent: 489m (1,604ft)
Accommodation: Hotel  (B, L)

Day 6: Home

The tour finishes, and a transfer is offered to those flying back on the morning flight to their next destination.

Meals included: B

 Tour Information

. Tour Guide

. Bikes

. Hotel & Guesthouse

. Food & Drinking Water as listed above ( B, L, D )

. Fruit & Snack

. Tour Permit

. Entrance fees

. Minivan & Truck for Supporting the tour