Cycling Chiang Mai To Luang Prabang
Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang
Travel by tributary and trail on this exploration through the remote jungles and mountains of tribal Thailand and Laos on this bicycle tour in Southeast Asia. Explore the fascinating network of trails and villages inside the famous Golden Triangle, before pushing deeper into tribal territory in Laos. Local encounters, raw countryside and wilderness, and great trails abound on this two-wheeled trek through regions seldom seen by outsiders.
Tour Dates
2023 & 2024:
- Contact me for departure dates.
Tours run:
- January
- February
- July
- November
- December
Tour Details
- Duration: 11-days
- Ride Type: Touring
- Difficulty: Hard (Level 5 of 6)
- Average Daily Mileage: 54
- Price: $3,100
Beginning in Chiang Mai, Thailand’s second city, slowly meander into the countryside, off the beaten track, and along the peaceful Ping river.
Local farmers planting rice, corn, and papaya wave as you journey deeper into the countryside, past sleepy Thai villages that seem to withstand the frenetic pace of the rest of the country.
As the scenery changes, growing ever more mountainous, hop aboard traditional long tail boats and cruise through river valleys, getting a different view of local life in the region.
Cross the border into Laos, and watch the pace of life change before your very eyes. Share the road with barefoot local tribespeople and their herds, as you weave through ever larger foothills and into some of the region’s still-standing primary forest.
By boat again, sail into the beautiful town of Nong Khiau to relax and admire the stunning scenery. A fantastic ride filled with fascinating local sites into the final stop at Luang Prabang.
Tour Itinerary
DAY 1 – Meet in Chiang Mai
DAY 2 – Chiang Dao Tribal Trails
DAY 3 – Back Roads to Thaton
DAY 4 – Thaton to Chiang Rai
DAY 5 – Chiang Rai to Lanjia Lodge
DAY 6 – Chiang Khong to Pakbeng By Boat
DAY 7 – Pakbeng to Udom Xai
DAY 8 – Udom Xai to Muang Khoua
DAY 9 – Muang Khoua – Nong Kiau Rest Day
DAY 10 – Nong Kiau to Luang Prabang
DAY 11 – Luang Prabang Free Day
* Request the full itinerary via the contact form below.
Highlights
- Cycle along rivers: Ping, Mae Kok, Mekong, Beng, Nam Ou
- The handicraft centre at Ban Tawai
- Chiang Dao Caves
- Bike through rice fields, among limestone cliffs, and along dirt paths cut by the local hill tribes
- Meet the Palaung, Akha, Lisu, and Lau people
- Scenic river ride on long-tail boat
- Wat Rong Khun, the White Temple
- Pak Ou’s famous caves filled with sacred Buddha images
- Luang Prabang, one of Asia’s most picturesque towns and a UNESCO WOrld Heritage Site
Inclusions
SpiceRoads jersey
Water bottle
Support vehicle
Guide(s)
Meals (as indicated)
Accommodation
Snacks and drinks
I was very impressed with the overall design of the Northern Thailand to Laos trip. The trip provided a great combination of exposure to villages, farms, rivers, mountains, temples and towns. The use of boat trips to see beautiful parts of each country and arrive at fantastic trails and farm roads was particularly impressive. Every day seemed to bring something new and breathtaking. The bike tour really is the very best way I can imagine to experience this beautiful and interesting part of the world. And the food was just fantastic.
– Wayne H
