Cycle the Grand Loop
$0
per person
13 Days
Pedal your way through the remote mountains, lush valleys, and timeless villages of Northern Laos on this challenging yet rewarding 13-day cycling adventure. The Grand Loop combines world-class scenery, fascinating history, and authentic cultural encounters, from the temple-lined streets of Luang Prabang to the hidden war caves of Vieng Xay and the mysterious Plain of Jars. Along the way, you’ll ride through national protected areas, pass traditional hill-tribe villages, soak in natural hot springs, and uncover stories from Laos’ ancient and modern past — all at the pace of two wheels.
Highlights:
- Luang Prabang Heritage & Spiritual Life – Explore ancient temples, the Royal Palace Museum, the sacred Mount Phousi, and vibrant Night Market. Witness the dawn Tak Bat alms-giving ceremony.
- Pak Ou Caves Cruise – Sail along the Mekong to visit caves filled with thousands of Buddha statues.
- Khouangsi Waterfalls & Ethnic Villages – Swim in turquoise pools, walk forest trails, and meet Lao minority communities.
- Bolaven Plateau Adventure – Travel by 4WD through coffee, tea, and spice plantations; visit tribal villages.
- UNESCO World Heritage Wat Phu – Discover pre-Angkor ruins set on a dramatic hillside.
- 4,000 Islands Exploration – See French colonial relics, Liphi and Khone Phapeng waterfalls, and the rare Irrawaddy dolphins.
- Vientiane City Tour – Visit sacred temples, the national symbol Pha That Luang, Patuxay Monument, and bustling Talad Sao Market.
- Buddha Park – Wander through an eclectic collection of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures by the Mekong.
Expert:
Cycle through Northern Laos on a 13-day adventure showcasing majestic mountains, traditional villages, historic sites, and highlights like Luang Prabang, the Plain of Jars, and Vieng Xay for a truly immersive cultural journey.
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Reviews
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Departure/Return Location
Luang Phrabang (start) / Onward flight (finish) -
Departure Time
Depend on flights -
Return Time
Depend on flights
Tour Plan
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Day 1: Luang Phrabang
Today, explore many of this former royal capital’s cultural highlights. You’ll visit Wat Xieng Thong, a lovely example of architecture, and Wat Mai, one of the city’s largest and best-decorated temples. From there it’s on to the Royal Palace, a commanding structure in the centre of town that until 1946 was the heart of the Lang Xang Kingdom. Today it is the National Museum, and its halls contain rare religious and cultural artefacts. From here travel to Mount Phousi and climb 328 steps for panoramic views of the city. After lunch, travel to the stunning Kuang Si Waterfalls, which cascade over calcified limestone cliffs toward a series of turquoise pools. The water has a blue-green tint because of its high mineral content, which gives the area a magical quality.
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Day 2: Luang Phrabang
Today, explore many of this former royal capital’s cultural highlights. You’ll visit Wat Xieng Thong, a lovely example of architecture, and Wat Mai, one of the city’s largest and best-decorated temples. From there it’s on to the Royal Palace, a commanding structure in the centre of town that until 1946 was the heart of the Lang Xang Kingdom. Today it is the National Museum, and its halls contain rare religious and cultural artefacts. From here travel to Mount Phousi and climb 328 steps for panoramic views of the city. After lunch, travel to the stunning Kuang Si Waterfalls, which cascade over calcified limestone cliffs toward a series of turquoise pools. The water has a blue-green tint because of its high mineral content, which gives the area a magical quality.
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Day 3: Luang Phrabang – Nong Khiew (75km cycling)
Begin your cycling adventure by heading north from Luang Prabang into the surrounding countryside. You will then explore the Pak Ou Caves, which are jammed packed with statues of Buddha left by pilgrims hoping for good fortune. After the caves, continue north through rolling mountains to Ban Huay Pene, a Leu ethnic-minority village. Visit the town’s beautiful temple before continuing on to the village Nong Khiew, where you will spend the night.
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Day 4 – 6: Nong Khiew – Vieng Kham – Vieng Thong – Sam Neua (205km cycling)
This three-day journey spins through sleepy villages and the forests of the Nam Et-Phou Loei National Protected Area. This almost 6,000-square-kilometre jungle preserve was developed by the Lao government in partnership with the New York-based Wildlife Conservation Society as a way to protect nature while sustaining villagers’ livelihoods. You’ll finally arrive in Sam Neua, a town near the Vietnam-Laos border. Rest those legs and treat yourself to a beer!
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Day 7 – 8: Sam Neua – Viang Xay – Sam Neua – Nam Neun (70km cycling)
Cycle to Vieng Xay known as the cave city, where up to 23,000 people sheltered from American bombing raids in 480 caves! Wander through the amazing karst landscape in the middle of town and visit some of the caves that were used as hospitals, schools and even a theatre during the war. The night will be spent in a local guesthouse. Cycle back along the same route and pass by small villages on the way to Nam Neun.
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Day 9: Nam Neun – Muang Kham (96km cycling)
Today’s 96-kilometre journey covers especially remote terrain. Begin with a stop in Hintang, where mysterious stone pillars protrude from the ground – like the Plain of Jars, an archaeological mystery in a nearby province. Your next stop is Tham Piu, a vast cave with a tragic story from the so-called Secret War. A single rocket from an aircraft killed approximately 374 people who had taken refuge in the cave. Their bones are still buried in the rubble.The day ends with a visit to nearby Muang Kham, where you can soak in the hot springs and rest your tired muscles.
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Day 10: Muang Kham – Xieng Khouang (53km cycling)
This morning spin over to the Plain of Jars, a world-famous archaeological site that has stumped curious scientists and historians for decades. Scattered across the plains lie giant stone vessels – some as high as three metres – that are thought to be thousands of years old.
Some international scientists think the vessels are linked to burial practices of ancient communities that once lived in this area. However, no one knows for sure who created the vessels, how old they are or what their exact purpose was. You’re in the middle of a mystery! And you would be hard-pressed to find a site remotely similar to this in Southeast Asia – or, for that matter, the world.
Then cycle to Muang Khoun, the one-time capital of Xieng Khoang province that was destroyed by bombs during the Vietnam War. Although the bombing raids reduced the former royal kingdom to a handful of temple ruins, traces of its colonial grandeur are still visible.
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Day 11: Xieng Khouang – Phou Khoun (53km cycling)
Enjoy a shorter ride today, cruising from Phonsavan to Muang Soui with its wealth of Buddhist sites including historic temples and caves. Then continue by vehicle to the Phou Khoun to spend the night in a local guest house.
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Day 12: Phou Khoun – Luang Phrabang (90km cycling)
Explore the local market before cycling to Kioukacham. In the afternoon, begin your final descent to Luang Prabang. Enjoy spectacular scenery as you zip past H’mong and Khmu villages, arriving in Luang Prabang by late afternoon. Hit the town for a celebratory dinner!
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Day 13: Departure from Luang Phrabang
Today is a cycling free day! Sleep in or explore the town before you are transferred to the airport for your onward flight.
Tour Location
Luang Prabang – Pak Ou Caves – Nam Et-Phou Loei NPA – Vieng Xay Caves – Hintang Archaeological Site – Tham Piu Cave – Plain of Jars – Hill-tribe Villages – Laos Highlands
The 13-day cycling journey unveils Northern Laos’ most remarkable landscapes, historic sites, and cultural treasures — all experienced at the pace of two wheels.
- Luang Prabang – Golden temples, colonial old streets, Mount Phousi viewpoints, and the turquoise Kuang Si Waterfalls.
- Pak Ou Caves – Sacred limestone chambers filled with hundreds of Buddha statues.
- Nam Et–Phou Loei NPA – Pristine jungle trails, wildlife habitats, and remote ethnic villages.
- Vieng Xay Caves – The wartime “cave city” with hidden hospitals, schools, homes, and a theatre.
- Hintang Archaeological Site – Ancient standing stones shrouded in mystery and prehistoric origins.
- Tham Piu Cave – A solemn site tied to the tragic stories of civilians during the Secret War.
- Plain of Jars – Vast highlands scattered with enigmatic stone jars from ancient civilizations.
- Hill-Tribe Encounters – Meet H’mong, Khmu, and Leu communities along the cycling route.
- Epic Mountain Rides – Challenging climbs and thrilling descents with sweeping highland views.
A journey combining iconic highlights with immersive cultural encounters — the perfect ride through Northern Laos.