18 Days Biking From Hanoi To Luang Prabang Tour

Great cycling tours from Hanoi to Luang Prabang - commonly transliterated into Western languages from the pre-1975 Lao spelling as Luang Prabang, literally meaning "Royal Buddha Image", is a city in north central Laos, consisting of 58 adjacent villages, of which 33 comprise the UNESCO Town Of Luang Prabang World Heritage Site It was listed in 1995 for unique and "remarkably" well preserved architectural, religious and cultural heritage, a blend of the rural and urban developments over several centuries, including the French colonial influences during the 19th and 20th centuries.

Day 1: Hanoi – Arrival
Upon arrival at Noi Bai airport in the busy capital city, a guide provides a warm welcome and a car transfer directly to the hotel. The rest of the day is free for resting after the flight or taking a quiet walk around the lively city streets.

Day 2 : Hanoi – Mai Chau  (70km cycling)
Leaving the noisy city behind, the cycling journey begins towards the peaceful Mai Chau valley. The 70km ride goes along beautiful mountain roads, offering fresh air and views of green forests. Upon arriving in Mai Chau, a traditional wooden home-stay in a local Thai ethnic village offers a warm place to rest.

Accommodation: Home-stay in Thai house, O/N in Mai Chau

Meals:  B, L, D

Day 3 : Mai chau – Cuc Phuong National Park (90km cycling) 
Following breakfast, a car transfer goes to Cholo - Man Duc. From Man Duc, a full day of cycling starts toward Kim Boi. The 90km route follows quiet local roads through rural farming areas, showing the simple daily life of the countryside. The day ends deep in the green forest, with an overnight stay inside Cuc Phuong National Park.

Accommodation: Guest house

Meals: B, L, D

Day 4 : Cuc Phuong – Tam Coc cave   ( 70Km cycling )
Following breakfast , We start cycle from the gate of Cuc Phuong Park to recharge your energy for 19km cycling to the centre of the park. We will start again around 9am and make a couple of stops along the way to visit the Cave of Ancient Man. We continue another 10km cycle to Nho Quan, we reach Hoa Lu, we are introduced to our bicycles. We then start cycling to visit the two remaining temples of the ancient citadel of Hoa Lu. (12km), just passing scenes of local village life and rice paddies. At  midday enjoy a long lunch break near Hoa Luu . We continues with a 1 hour cycle to Tam Coc . 

Accommodation: Hotel in Tam Coc 

Meals: B, L, D

Day 5 : Tam Coc cave – Hai Phong   ( 50Km  cycling )

After breakfast, a relaxing boat trip in Tam Coc floats past beautiful green rice fields and tall rock formations, going through amazing river caves. The biking starts with a visit to the old Bich Dong pagoda and Thai Vi temple. Then, the pedals turn through the rich, flat farming lands of the Red River Delta, taking in wide country views on the way to the busy port city of Hai Phong.

Accommodation: Hotel in Hai Phong city

Meals: B, L, D

Day 6 : Hai Phong – Cat Ba  island  ( 30Km  cycling )

The morning ride covers 15km from the hotel to the ferry station. A public ferry crosses the water to Cai Hai island, followed by a 10km ride along the coast to catch another ferry. From there, a final 25km cycle leads to a hotel in Cat Ba. The road offers wonderful views of the blue ocean and rocky islands. The rest of the day is free for walking, relaxing on the beach, and enjoying the sea breeze.

Accommodation: Hotel in Cat Ba

Meals: B, L, D

Day 7 : Cat Ba – Ha Long Bay on boat  ( 25Km  cycling )

A morning ride goes from the hotel through the green island hills to Gia Luan . A ferry then crosses over to Ha Long city, arriving around noon. The afternoon is spent resting on a traditional wooden boat to explore magical Ha Long Bay, a famous natural wonder with thousands of limestone islands rising from the sea. Excellent fresh seafood is served for lunch and dinner. The night is spent sleeping on the water in a comfortable cruise cabin.

Accommodation: Junk Cruise

Meals: B, L, D

Day 8 . Halong – Hanoi   ( 30km cycling )

Waking up early offers a beautiful view of the calm, blue bay water. After breakfast and a morning swim, the wooden boat moves quietly through the amazing rock towers towards Bai Tu Long Bay. This area is much quieter and more isolated. After visiting the famous Luon and Surprise caves, the boat returns to the harbor after lunch. A car transfer heads back toward Hanoi, with a lovely 30km cycling trip along the peaceful Duong river bank before arriving at the city hotel.

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals: B, L

Day 9  : Hanoi cycle to Yen Bai

A vehicle picks guests up from the hotel at 7:00 AM. The journey mixes a car transfer and an 80km cycling trip along the wide Red River. The biking path shows lovely views of flowing water and local country life. A stop is made for lunch and to visit a busy local market, experiencing the lively local culture. Arrival in Yen Bai happens in the late afternoon.

Accommodation: Hotel in Yen Bai

Meals: B, L, D

Day 10 : Yen Bai cycle to Sapa ( B ,L ,D )

Following breakfast, a challenging and hilly biking day begins. The road winds along high mountain ranges and deep rivers, offering breathtaking views of wild nature. The hard climb ends with an amazing view at the top, including a visit to the Vietnam and China border gate if time allows. This tough ride ends in the cloudy, cool mountain town of Sapa.

Accommodation: Hotel in Sapa  (Stay 2 nights)

Meals: B, L, D

Day 11 : Sapa Cycling to Village  

This is a day to explore Sapa, an old French mountain town set in a beautiful location near the Chinese border. The morning includes a 25km ride and a trek down into the deep green valleys. The path goes to Lao Chai and Ta Van villages, surrounded by amazing terraced rice fields. This is a great chance to see the colorful clothing and daily life of the Red Dzao and H’mong ethnic people.

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals: Breakfast B

Day 12 : Sapa Cycle to Lai Chau  

The ride goes back over the high Tram Ton pass, known for its strong winds and wide mountain views. At the Binh Lu junction, the route turns northwest onto road 4D. The 80km trip is on good quality asphalt, going mostly downhill through Tam Duong and ending in Lai Chau. The fast downhill ride is thrilling and full of beautiful valley scenery.

Accommodation: Muong Thanh Hotel

Meals: B, L, D

Day 13 : Lai Chau Cycle to Muong Lay ( Old Lai Chau ) 

The biking continues toward old Lai Chau, crossing the impressive Hang Tom suspension bridge. The route carefully follows the Nam Na river through deep, rocky gorges and past traditional Black Dao villages. It is a long, 80km riding day with some hard hill climbs, but the wild river and mountain scenery make it highly rewarding. A 40km car transfer completes the total 120km distance to Muong Lay.

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals: B, L, D

Day 14 : Muong Lay Cycle to Dien Bien Phu 

This is the final full day in Vietnam. An 80km ride on good quality asphalt heads toward Dien Bien Phu, a famous valley known for the historic French defeat in 1954. The road passes green hills and historical lands. A 70km car transfer helps finish the 150km daily journey to the resort.

Accommodation: Resort

Meals: B, L, D

Day 15 : Dien Bien Phu to Muang Khua, Laos  

The journey leaves Dien Bien and crosses the border into Northeast Laos at the Tay Trang gate. This region is very quiet, as it is the least populated section of Laos. A rough 80km ride on dirt roads goes through thick jungles and untouched nature. An 80km transfer finishes the trip to Muang Khua, a small town resting on the banks of the beautiful Nam Ou river.

Accommodation: Local guest house

Meals: B, L, D

Day 16 : Muang Khua to Odomxai 

A 70km dirt road ride passes through scenic, quiet landscapes with very little traffic. The route leads to the busy town of Odomxai, which is growing quickly with lots of new buildings and local activity. After a 40km car transfer, a comfortable night is spent at the nicest guest house in the center of town.

Accommodation: Local guest house

Meals: B, L, D

Day 17 : Odomxai to Pak Mong  ( B ,L ,D )

The morning brings a tough uphill climb. After reaching the top, the 60km ride on good asphalt rolls over gentle hills, offering magnificent views of the Laotian mountains and forests. The physical effort is rewarded with a fast, exciting 29km downhill ride into Pak Mong. A 40km car transfer completes the day's travel.

Accommodation: Local guest house

Meals: B, L, D

Day 18 : Pak Mong to Luang Prabang  ( B ,L  )

The final riding day goes toward the beautiful and historic city of Luang Prabang. A 40km cycle on good roads follows the wide banks of the famous Mekong River, surrounded by peaceful water views. With advance planning, the bikes can go toward Nong Khiaw to catch a boat down the Nam Ou River instead. This boat ride passes right by the famous Pak Ou caves where the two rivers meet. A 60km car transfer finishes the tour in the city.

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals: B, L

Tour Inclusive :
* Support transport by A/C mini van or bus, truck for group

* Trek MTB &  helmets, spare parts, aid kits, tool kits

* Entrance fees , Boat trip in tour

* B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner as mentioned in the tour itinerary

* For daily cycling only: Water, snacks, fresh fruits, wet towe

*Accommodation in tour - 18 nights

* Experienced English speaking bike guides

Tour Exlusive :

* Travel insurance

* Other personal expenses

* Tips for guides and drivers

* Drinks at restaurants

* Accommodation not in tour