- Exploring remote areas of Laos rarely visited by tourists
- Spectacular mountain scenery, limestone cliffs, rice paddies and waterfalls
- Traditional hill tribe villages
- Slow cruise down the Mekong River

Cycling in Laos
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Reviews
Add your own reviewBeware the Lorries and Dusty Roads
Be prepared for heavy vehicle traffic and lots of poor roads with Dust prevalent. Cycling Laos is for strong cyclists more interested in getting from A to B than taking in the scenery, local customs and culture. I have done several Exodus cycling holidays and this was the most demanding (correctly graded) but least rewarding trip I have done. The trip would be greatly improved by a change from the key roads to more circular trips that can use the back roads. The very full distance and set sight seeing agenda means early morning starts, combined with late finishes leaving little time to dawdle or do anything other than go out to eat in the evening. Unusually, I was probably the weakest cyclist in this lovely group which meant I never had time to stop to take photographs or take in the views. After the day’s cycling and the transfers, by the time we got to the overnight stays (all of a good standard for this kind of trip) you barely had time to freshen up and prepare for the next day before you were out to dinner and then early to bed for next early start. There was little or no time to take in the delights described in the trip notes. The roads are misleadingly described as being “often to yourself” and does not mention the fairly constant presence of heavy lorries. When these lorries or other fast traffic combines with the deteriorating roads you will have to put up with the dust. Our trip was just after the rice harvest (in some areas there are two) and crop burning meant there was a constant grey haze (even after a full night of rain) obliterating the potentially amazing views of rural Laos. I would recommend you do not go on the late Feb departure and check current forecasts of the harvest time. If you are looking for rural rides and time to take in the scenery I would suggest looking at other trips altogether. All cyclists take note of the grading for this trip and, unless you are a strong cyclist, consider an e-bike.
Most Inspirational Moment
Some good views, interesting monuments eg theWhite palace. Boat and train trips nice variations to travel.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Good, showed expert local knowledge.
Advice for Potential Travellers
If flying direct from UK be prepared to wait for hotel to accept checkin. Planned arrival is 10am, rooms not available until after mid-day. our group’s not ready till nearly 2.00 Be prepared for regular 80km days with some steep climbs. Good for keen club cyclists. Check when the rice harvest is and avoid going shortly after when crop fires leave a grey pall over the landscape obliterating the potentially lovely views.
Cycling in Laos
This trip delivered everything it promised and more. The scene was set on day 1 with our warm-up ride around Chiang Mai and a visit to to monastery where our guide, Rit, had spent 10 years as a Buddhist monk. We travelled through some breathtaking landscapes – kart mountains, jungle, paddy fields and wonderful villages where delighted children would run out to greet us. Chiang Mai and Luang Prabang were charming.
Most Inspirational Moment
The undulating landscapes in northern Laos especially on the Udomxai to Pak Beng day. Having breakfast in Pak Beng as we watched elephants bathing on the other side of the Mekong. Walking through the small streets of Luang Prabang.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Rit is an exceptional and inspirational group leader. His training as a Buddhist monk is evident in his calm and thoughtful approach and his endless patience. He responded to our endless questions with clarity, honesty and humour. He is an excellent cyclist but encouraged us to enjoy the ride and cycle at our own pace which alleviated any stress.
Advice for Potential Travellers
You do need to be reasonably fit to enjoy this trip. The most used word in the group was ‘undulating’ which was how Rit would always describe the next section we were to ride. It is quite hilly and the weather was often hot and humid. However, there was no shame at all about taking time out in the minibus. It is a wonderful trip and covers a lot of ground.
Suggestions
There are one or two sections on very poor roads with a lot of lorries travelling between Thailand and China. We had been warned about this. Whilst those sections were sometimes unpleasant it is the only way to see the remote areas as there are few roads - and this is the reality of modern-day Laos.
Cycling in Laos
This trip delivered everything it promised and more. The scene was set on day 1 with our warm-up ride around Chiang Mai and a visit to to monastery where our guide, Rit, had spent 10 years as a Buddhist monk. We travelled through some breathtaking landscapes – kart mountains, jungle, paddy fields and wonderful villages where delighted children would run out to greet us. Chiang Mai and Luang Prabang were charming.
Most Inspirational Moment
The undulating landscapes in northern Laos especially on the Udomxai to Pak Beng day. Having breakfast in Pak Beng as we watched elephants bathing on the other side of the Mekong. Walking through the small streets of Luang Prabang.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Rit is an exceptional and inspirational group leader. His training as a Buddhist monk is evident in his calm and thoughtful approach and his endless patience. He responded to our endless questions with clarity, honesty and humour. He is an excellent cyclist but encouraged us to enjoy the ride and cycle at our own pace which alleviated any stress.
Advice for Potential Travellers
You do need to be reasonably fit to enjoy this trip. The most used word in the group was ‘undulating’ which was how Rit would always describe the next section we were to ride. It is quite hilly and the weather was often hot and humid. However, there was no shame at all about taking time out in the minibus. It is a wonderful trip and covers a lot of ground.
Suggestions
There are one or two sections on very poor roads with a lot of lorries travelling between Thailand and China. We had been warned about this. Whilst those sections were sometimes unpleasant it is the only way to see the remote areas as there are few roads - and this is the reality of modern-day Laos.
Culturally Immersive
This was my fifth Exodus Cycling Adventure (Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Vietnam, and South Africa: Drakensburg & Kruger). As with my previous Exodus experiences, the logistics of transportation and accommodation were expertly arranged. Leader Rit and his Laoatian co-lead Mr. Sack ensured things ran smoothly and unobstrusively. The bikes were in good repair, though we did our best to put them through their paces. The trip is appropriately graded as a “4” – moderate/challenging….indeed there were a few short climbs that were a bit steep, but were not long, and were doable. Yes, the roads in Laos were rough, but that is quintissentially Laos on pavement! At no time did I feel unsafe with regard to the pavement or Chinese transport trucks. It’s a great trip for meeting locals…we got involved in some village celebrations along the way.
Most Inspirational Moment
Drinking beer with the locals in a village on the edge of the Mekong who were celebrating the arrival of a new baby. We just happened to drop in for a look around....we were warmly welcomed by all!
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Exodus should seriously consider cancelling this venue as a cycling holiday. The road conditions in Laos are so bad that they should be considered as dangerous. In our party of 18 there were 5 cycling accidents, one serious enough to require hospital treatment and cancellation of the remainder of the holiday.
With the arrival in the country of Chinese financial input and the construction of a new rail link, the small poorly tarmaced roads of Laos cannot cope. The road surface is being destroyed by heavy lorries bringing in construction materials and equally big lorries taking fruit out of the country for export to China. Many times during this trip, we were cycling in thick clouds of dust being churned up by these lorries. I understand from our guide that they took the decision to change the cycling route on the last day because the road conditions were impassable.
Most Inspirational Moment
The day when we weren't cycling. The boat trip down the Mekong
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our guide Rit is one of the best guides I have ever met. What he has to cope with in Laos considering the above detail on the road conditions makes him outstanding as a guide. He has to do far more than other guides I have ever met.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Don't go cycling in Laos until the road conditions improve. This will not be for at least 5 years while they finish the railway. Only by finishing the railway can they take the trucks off the road and start to replace the road surfaces.
I would like to thank to thank Bob for his review, although we are very sorry to read that he was left disappointed with the cycling on this holiday. Further to client feedback, we have now adjusted some of the route on this itinerary to avoid most of the heavy traffic. We trust that these changes will improve the itinerary in terms of overall client enjoyment and safety. We remain sincerely sorry, however, that Bob felt Laos was not a suitable country for a cycling holiday. Kelly Reid – Product Manager
A South-east Asian adventure!
An adventure off the beaten track, and a great opportunity to experience Laos while it’s still relatively undeveloped. A very well organised trip – packs in a lot and runs like clockwork.
Most Inspirational Moment
Lots! The children in the villages. Luang Prabang - beautiful setting and buildings. The trip down the river. Dropping in for lunch unannounced one day and the local café owner turning on a fantastic meal for 16. Elephants on the Mekong. The two border crossings. The freedom that comes from being on a bike!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Rit is fantastic - very well organised, friendly, funny. Mr Sack, our Laos guide, was terrific too, and both support crews (Thailand and Laos) did a great job looking after us.
Advice for Potential Travellers
This is an adventure rather than a holiday, but a lot of fun for all that. The distances are on the longer side and there's not a lot of free time. You need to be fairly fit as the terrain is hilly in places. The food was great and the accommodation was very good, including in the smaller guesthouses in Laos. The one at Pak Beng is a treat. Don't miss the elephants coming down to wash in the river in the morning! The roads are pretty bad in places, and sharing them with Chinese lorries in a couple of spots wasn't much fun - but the tour leader was flexible and found ways to avoid some of this. The UXO museum in Luang Prabang is worth a visit.
Suggestions
Thanks for a great trip!
Cycling in Laos, and Thailand
I was lucky enough to be part of an adventurous crowd who socialized well. The steep bits came early on and then it got easier, although there was one day competing with Chinese lorries over pock marked dusty roads which Exodus might care to re-consider, and on another day we chose a quieter alternative offered. Some of the scenery was not the most inspiring I’ve seen but it was enjoyable to explore an undiscovered country and the people in both Laos and Thailand are charming.
Most Inspirational Moment
I loved swimming at the Kuang Si waterfalls, and the opium museum was an unexpected delight, Chinese tourists notwithstanding. It was fun cycling through the inebriated villages on new year's day, we were even invited to a village wedding on one day. The food is simple and tasty, anyone with a rigid diet might have problems as on a few occasions there was limited choice at lunch time. We never got to eat the elusive Laotian belly pork!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Rit was great, so much to think of yet always calm and on top of things. Great to have Sach along too, very helpful.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Make sure you go to the end of the waterfall at Kuang Si or you might miss the best bit, take your togs, you can change there and it's not that cold. Toilets have douches but no wc paper so always have it with you. For the dusty riding you might even consider a mask. Some confusion over single room at Pak Beng.
Suggestions
A bit of pedalling in the weeks before the holiday would not be wasted.
Cycling laos
The trip was not the best one I have experienced with exodus,I got the feeling the group was split most of the group did to mix and the group I felt did not gel which I found quite hard this for me was very disappointing,maybe I think this will put me off cycling with exodus again,
Most Inspirational Moment
The cycling was ok but very hot
Thoughts on Group Leader
Rit was ok quietly spoken and had lots of knowledge of his country
Advice for Potential Travellers
Hopefully if you go you will get a better group of people than I did please don't let this review put you off its just I had a very bad experience
Cycling In Laos
PtkkrBoth countries were great value.Laos is a country at the crossroads of the direction it follows.The influence of China is self evident and sad.Im grateful to see Laos as it is and not what it may become.
Most Inspirational Moment
I think the Mekong River it was an incredible day finished by going to a huge local wedding that night Also one of the group who overcame difficulties that many people would not or could not.Always happy always supportive Made me accept the need to succeed and work at finishing each day
Thoughts on Group Leader
They were what one would expect and did the job to a good level in both countries Both guides were attentive and caring Thank you
Advice for Potential Travellers
Ride at your own pace and leave a little in reserve.If u like to descend at a frantic pace allow a little caution potholes are a curse as are some of the chinese trucks and cars not to mention odd domestic animals or small children.Otherwise great fun
Suggestions
Be understanding that in some places facilities are basic and food as well.This can vary greatly from day to day Laos is a great place accept it is only opening up to our world slowly and it will be a great experience if one enjoys the moment
Cycling in Laos
Far more than a holiday, this was a real experience. We travelled through villages in Laos where the children and adults were genuinely pleased to see you with the shouts of ‘saibaedee’ echoing from their homes. Children loved to ‘high five’ as we pedalled through their village. Although the temperatures were far higher than we had expected the team helped us through with plenty of breaks for snacks and fluids. Each section brought another satisfied smile.
Most Inspirational Moment
Every day brought a new challenge. Rit, our group leader was an inspiration himself, watching his cycling style gave me something to try to aim for, although at a much slower pace!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Rit was a softly spoken but interesting and cheerful guide who kept us busy from morning till night, He made sure we were looked after well and everything went to plan. His organisation and planning was very good and made the holiday run smoothly.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Make sure you are fit for the challenges ahead. March was hot and 'smoggy' so possibly a time to avoid.
Suggestions
This was our first Exodus holiday but we are already planning where to go next. Totally inspired with having been able to cycle and enjoy the experience of being part of local life.
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Sunday Saturday
15 Oct 2023 14 Oct 2023
Saturday Saturday
28 Oct 2023 28 Oct 2023
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View Trip NotesSunday Saturday
29 Oct 2023 28 Oct 2023
Saturday Saturday
11 Nov 2023 11 Nov 2023
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12 Nov 2023 11 Nov 2023
Saturday Saturday
25 Nov 2023 25 Nov 2023
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View Trip NotesSunday Saturday
17 Dec 2023 16 Dec 2023
Saturday Saturday
30 Dec 2023 30 Dec 2023
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View Trip NotesSunday Saturday
21 Jan 2024 20 Jan 2024
Saturday Saturday
03 Feb 2024 03 Feb 2024
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View Trip NotesSunday Saturday
11 Feb 2024 10 Feb 2024
Saturday Saturday
24 Feb 2024 24 Feb 2024
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View Trip NotesSunday Saturday
25 Feb 2024 24 Feb 2024
Saturday Saturday
09 Mar 2024 09 Mar 2024
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View Trip NotesSunday Saturday
13 Oct 2024 12 Oct 2024
Saturday Saturday
26 Oct 2024 26 Oct 2024
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Optional Single Supplement +USD 928
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This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Saturday
27 Oct 2024 26 Oct 2024
Saturday Saturday
09 Nov 2024 09 Nov 2024
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Adult Price From USD 5,599
Optional Single Supplement +USD 928
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This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Saturday
10 Nov 2024 09 Nov 2024
Saturday Saturday
23 Nov 2024 23 Nov 2024
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Adult Price From USD 5,599
Optional Single Supplement +USD 928
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This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Saturday
22 Dec 2024 21 Dec 2024
Saturday Saturday
04 Jan 2025 04 Jan 2025
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Adult Price From USD 5,599
Optional Single Supplement +USD 928
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This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
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