Laos
Cycle Laos from Luang Prabang to Vientiane, riding rolling roads, jungle valleys and quiet Mekong backroads
Laos is one of Southeast Asia’s most rewarding countries to explore by bike, with forested mountains, dramatic limestone scenery, fertile river valleys and the mighty Mekong. Quiet roads lead through small towns and traditional villages, while Buddhist temples and a warm welcome provide a fascinating introduction to the culture and everyday life of the country.
redspokes offers two cycling adventures featuring Laos. Our Laos – Luang Prabang to Vientiane tour begins in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Luang Prabang before heading south through mountain landscapes, rural villages and spectacular limestone scenery to the capital, Vientiane.
For those looking to explore further, our Thailand & Laos tour combines the mountains and rural landscapes of northern Thailand with a journey through Laos. Beginning in Chiang Rai, the route crosses the Mekong into Laos and continues through Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng before finishing in Vientiane, offering two contrasting countries in one cycling adventure.
Laos has a distinctive character that sets it apart from its Southeast Asian neighbours. With a relatively small population and large areas of mountainous countryside, travelling beyond the main towns soon takes you into a landscape of forested hills, river valleys, rice fields and rural communities where agriculture remains central to everyday life.
Buddhism is an important part of Lao culture, reflected in the temples and monasteries found throughout the country and the saffron-robed monks who are a familiar sight in towns such as Luang Prabang. The Mekong is equally important, shaping communities, agriculture and trade as it winds its way through the country.
Cycling allows you to experience Laos at a pace that suits its relaxed character. Quiet roads and backroads take you through villages and changing landscapes, with plenty of opportunities to stop, meet local people and experience everyday life along the way. Combined with beautiful scenery and welcoming communities, Laos offers a wonderfully rewarding cycling journey through the heart of Southeast Asia.