From North Vietnam to South Laos
A fascinating 1400 km cycle route through the north of Vietnam and the south of Laos. Two special countries that, next to similarities, also have many differences!
Distance:
1382 km
Level:
3
Stages:
20
Travel time:
4 to 5 weeks
Best travel period
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
8 / 10
8 / 10
Highlights:
2 The karst mountains around Ninh Binh
3 Bolaven Plateau, with its waterfalls and coffee plantations
4 Relax and enjoy the sunset on the Mekong
Explore the freedom!
Enjoy cycling among the steep limestone rocks in Vietnam and marvel at the beauty of the waterfalls on the Bolaven Plateau in Laos. Get to know the beautiful nature and culture that both countries have to offer and, definitely taste the delicious food in the local restaurants.
This cycle route starts in bustling Hanoi. Immerse yourself in the sultry bustle of this fun city. You will not soon forget the performance of the Water Puppet Theater. You can also take a trip from Hanoi to Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with breathtaking landscapes.
In Vietnam, it can be busy and chaotic with many honking scooters passing by. The cycle route takes you to Ninh Binh, which is also called “dry Halong Bay”. You will cycle between the high limestone mountains that rise above the many rice fields and beautiful waters. Breathtaking to see! Along the way, you have the opportunity to visit one of the most imposing temple complexes of South East Asia, with hundreds of statues of monks and the largest Buddha of Vietnam. The route will continue to take you further along the remains of the Unesco Citadel of the Ho Dynasty and to the birthplace of Ho Chi Minh. You reach Laos via a steep but beautiful climb.
Laos is a relaxed country with a friendly population. You will go on to cycle through a spectacular nature reserve towards the nice town of Thakhek, where you can relax on the Mekong river. Or what about enjoying a baguette in Savannahket, a city with a colonial past? You subsequently cycle to the Bolaven plateau, a very special area with many waterfalls and famous for its coffee plantations. After a spectacular descent, you will arrive in Pakse, a touristic city. You have the opportunity to enjoy a delicious meal here on the roof terrace of a beautiful hotel. And take a trip to Wat Phou, a ruin of a Khmer temple that is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
From Pakse, you continue cycling to the border with Thailand, where the route ends after 2 stages in Ubon Ratchathani (Thailand).
The stages will be predominantly (slightly) hilly, occasionally flat. There will be a few stages with a long, sometimes tough, climb. This route is partly on unpaved roads where you encounter few or no people. The other roads are paved and quiet or sometimes moderately busy. It is wonderful to cycle there.