Laos Eastern Circuit: Cycling the Highland Loop — 11 Days
Road cycling from Luang Prabang through the Plain of Jars, Nong Khiaw, and volcanic springs — 11 days with mountain climbs and jungle trekking
This 11-day cycling circuit traces Laos's eastern highlands from the Mekong valley around Luang Prabang inland to the plateau at Phonsavan, where the Plain of Jars sits above 1,000 meters, then drops through remote mountain valleys to the limestone gorge of Nong Khiaw. The route covers tarmac with long climbs that reward riders with views of Hmong villages and terraced ridges. Days 1 and 2 establish fitness around Luang Prabang before the climb to Kasi; Days 3–7 navigate the high passes and the mysterious stone formations of the Plain; Day 8 ends with a steep descent into Nong Khiaw; Day 9 is a rest day devoted to a jungle trek to the 100 Waterfalls and Nam Ou river villages; and Days 10–11 return by boat and bicycle to Luang Prabang. The route flexes for different fitness levels — support vehicles travel alongside to carry luggage and provide shuttle options — making it feasible for experienced cyclists and those seeking long saddle time without competitive ambition.
Highlights
- Night Market stroll and dinner in Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage city
- Kuang Si Waterfalls swim and Lao Buffalo Dairy farm visit near Luang Prabang
- Cycling climbs of 15 and 24 kilometers through Hmong village terrain between Luang Prabang and Kasi
- Plain of Jars round trip at 1,000+ meters altitude near Phonsavan
- Mountain pass cycling with scenic valley descents from Phonsavan to Viengthong and Vieng Kham
- 800-meter altitude ascent and limestone valley descent into Nong Khiaw
- 100 Waterfalls jungle trek on the Nam Ou river with local village exploration and poolside lunch
- Nam Ou River boat ride through limestone mountains from Nong Khiaw to Luang Prabang
Day by day
1Arrival in Luang Prabang: Orientation Ride and Night MarketLuang Prabang · a restaurant in the city center · the night market
Meet the team for a short familiarization ride through Luang Prabang to establish comfort and confidence. A briefing follows, explaining the route ahead and what to expect over the coming 11 days. Dinner is held at a restaurant in the city center—a charity operation supporting marginalised youth—where you'll discuss the adventure with your guides. Afterward, the night market offers time to browse local crafts, textiles, and street food.
2Hike and Cycle to Kuang Si WaterfallsKuang Si Waterfalls · traditional Hmong village · Lao Buffalo Dairy · Luang Prabang
Transfer to a traditional Hmong village, then hike eight kilometers through forest to Kuang Si Waterfalls, where clear-water pools invite swimming. The Lao Buffalo Dairy, a working farm supporting local villages and focusing on animal welfare, is visited on the return; the facility also produces ice cream, and lunch is a picnic in the farm's grounds. The ride back to Luang Prabang covers roughly 60 kilometers on relaxed terrain.
3Luang Prabang to Kasi: High Mountain ClimbsLuang Prabang to Kasi · Hmong-inhabited hill villages
The day's cycling includes two major ascents—15 kilometers and 24 kilometers—over winding roads that pass through Hmong-inhabited hill villages. Views expand as altitude increases. The route is the most demanding of the circuit, designed to establish the fitness required for later mountain passes.
4Kasi to Phoukhoun: Ridge Cycling and Transfer to PhonsavanKasi to Phoukhoun · Phou Khoun · Phou Khoun to Phonsavan
Cycling covers 55 kilometers between 1,400 and 1,000 meters, navigating small scenic valleys and mountain ridges. After lunch at Phou Khoun, a vehicle transfer takes you to Phonsavan, where accommodation is set for the Plain of Jars exploration.
5Plain of Jars Round Trip CyclingPlain of Jars
A 60-kilometer round trip at elevations above 1,000 meters allows acclimatization to the plateau climate. The Plain of Jars—whose mysterious past remains contested among archaeologists—dominates the landscape: researchers and local guides continue debating whether these stone formations served burial, storage, or ritual purposes. The ride affords time to observe the monuments and surrounding terrain.
6Phonsavan to Viengthong: High Passes and Hot SpringsPhonsavan · Viengthong · scenic terrain across challenging passes · Nam Neun · hot springs outside town
After a one-hour transfer from Phonsavan, we begin cycling through scenic terrain across challenging passes that reward with panoramic views. The 98-kilometer stage demands stamina, with long climbs testing your legs. At Nam Neun, bikes return to the support vehicle for the final hour's drive to Viengthong. En route, we pause at hot springs outside town for boiled eggs and soy sauce—fuel for the descent ahead. Overnight in Viengthong.
7Viengthong to Vieng Kham: Mountain DescentViengthong to Vieng Kham · the day's highest point at 1,200 meters
A short transfer reaches the day's highest point at 1,200 meters. From here, the 98-kilometer ride descends through fantastic mountain landscapes with challenging ascents of 5–10 kilometers. Keep your camera ready as the terrain shifts between climbs and long downhill sections dropping into the small town of Vieng Kham.
8Vieng Kham to Nong Khiaw: Steep Descent into Limestone ValleyVieng Kham to Nong Khiaw · Nong Khiaw
The route features the circuit's most dramatic scenery: an 800-meter altitude ascent at the day's start, followed by sustained downhill cycling into the Nong Khiaw valley. The river town sits on the Nam Ou, ringed by limestone cliffs, providing stark contrast to the plateau terrain of the previous days.
9100 Waterfalls Trek and Nam Ou River Villages100 Waterfalls · Nam Ou · small riverside Lao village · Nong Khiaw
A peaceful boat ride on the Nam Ou opens the day, allowing time to visit a small riverside Lao village and learn about daily life along the river. After landing, the trek begins—walking through streams, rice paddies, and jungle—to reach the base of the 100 Waterfalls. Over several hours, the route ascends through cascades, passes multiple pools suitable for a refreshing splash, and winds deeper into green jungle. Water and landscape dominate the landscape in equal measure. Your guide prepares a local-style lunch in the middle of the falls, surrounded by the sound of clear waterfall cascades. The return follows a small villagers' trail along the cascade tops, descending gradually into the valley with expansive views over the Nam Ou valley landscape. Overnight in Nong Khiaw.
10Nong Khiaw to Luang Prabang: Boat Ride and Riverside CyclingLuang Prabang · Nam Ou River · Huai Kan dam
A relaxed two- to three-hour boat ride down the Nam Ou River showcases limestone mountains in gradual descent toward the Mekong. At Huai Kan dam, cycling resumes along the riverside, passing local bars and restaurants, before returning to Luang Prabang.
11Luang Prabang: Rest and DepartureLuang Prabang · the airport
A free day to visit the city at leisure or arrange a traditional Lao massage to ease any muscle fatigue from the circuit. Departure for the airport follows at your chosen time.
Where you go
- 1Luang Prabang
- 2Kuang Si Waterfalls
- 3Lao Buffalo Dairy
- 4Luang Prabang
- 5Luang Prabang to Kasi
- 6Kasi to Phoukhoun
- 7Phou Khoun
- 8Phou Khoun to Phonsavan
- 9Plain of Jars
- 10Phonsavan
- 11Viengthong
- 12Nam Neun
- 13Viengthong to Vieng Kham
- 14Vieng Kham to Nong Khiaw
- 15Nong Khiaw
- 16100 Waterfalls
- 17Nam Ou
- 18Nong Khiaw
- 19Luang Prabang
- 20Nam Ou River
- 21Luang Prabang
Included
- All sightseeing as described in program above
- Transportation in a private/c vehicle
- Accommodation in hotels/ guesthouses (twin shared)
- Breakfast and lunch Everyday
- English speaking guide
- Admission fees to sights described above
- Lao PDR governmental tax and service charge
- Luggage handling
- Bike rental Trek Hybrid Bikes NEW for 2018-19 Season
- Souvenir Cycle Jersey
Not included
- International air tickets to/from Laos
- Visa fee (approximately US$30/pax, depending on nationality)
- Travel insurance of any kind
- Meals not mentioned in itinerary specifically dinner
- Tips, drinks, personal expenses and other expenses not described in the program above
Activities: Cycling, hiking