North-Thailand and Laos
We have succeeded in combining the most beautiful of Northern Thailand and Laos in one cycle route: an exciting, diverse and adventurous journey!
Distance:
1450 km
Level:
3
Stages:
23
Travel time:
5 to 5 ½ weeks
Best travel period
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
8 / 10
8 / 10
Highlights:
2 Colourful mountain tribes
3 Boat trips through breathtaking scenery
4 Golden Triangle
Explore the freedom!
The north of Thailand is an ideal area for the cyclist. The roads are often in good condition, there is much to see and experience, delicious food, exotic scenery and very doable distances.
Starting in Thailand and to then cycle through Laos is a conscious choice: upon arrival, you will be introduced to the pleasant city of Chiang Mai, with hundreds of temples. Take some time to visit these and find yourself right in the middle of the Buddhist atmosphere. Your cycling adventure then starts.








Within a few days you will cycle, through a very scenic landscape, to Chiang Rai, where you can visit the famous White and Blue temple. Before reaching Chiang Rai you will have passed one of the largest temple complexes in Thailand; taken a lift to the top of a steep hill and then descended spectacularly through tea plantations; slept in a beautiful bungalow on the Ping River; enjoyed a beautiful boat trip on the Kok River and visited impressive caves. Via the legendary ‘Golden Triangle’ you reach the border with Laos.
After a day on a
“slow” boat on the Mekong River, you cycle through the authentic
north of Laos. The roads in Laos aren’t of good quality everywhere, but the
nature is incredibly beautiful there!
You cycle through villages tourists rarely visit, the local inhabitants will
happily greet you with open arms. Via an impressive boat trip on the Nam Ou
River you reach the idyllic situated Nong Khiaw, surrounded by beautiful karst
mountains. This is an amazing place to relax for a day. You will then continue
your route to Luang Prabang, the old royal city, and as a World Heritage site,
a tourist attraction. It is very worthwhile to stay there for at least a day.
You continue cycling further south through an untouched, hilly region. Nature is beautiful here and you will enjoy the stunning views. The population is also very friendly. Cycling along the banks of the Mekong River you reach the tranquil Vientiane, the capital of Laos and known for its French colonial architecture. After a visit to this city, you cycle across “The Friendship Bridge” into Thailand, to the nice town of Nong Khai on the Mekong. From Nong Khai, you can make a trip to a special sculpture park. Then the last stage to Udon Thani follows, where we have arranged a stay in a great hotel with a swimming pool. Enjoy the delicious Asian food at one of the stalls on the large covered market in the city. With this, your journey comes to an end. Would you like to visit Bangkok after your trip? We can tailor your trip to your wishes. In Bangkok the population is also enthusiastic and friendly. The tranquility of Buddhism will give a pleasant vibe. Besides staying in good quality accommodation, you will occasionally have to spend the night in “basic” accommodations. This allows you to experience Asia in all its authenticity. The landscape is beautiful, with spectacular views. There will be regular climbs and you will have to arrange a lift several times. It is, therefore, a trip full of variety for the adventurous traveler!