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Hidden Tribes and Trails of Laos
Duration
9 days
Site savings
$52
From
$1,673 USD
Explore river valleys and single track trails in northern Laos, a true mountain bike haven, over 9 epic days. Discover northern Laos via the uncharted trails, thick jungle artery and secluded river valleys. Immerse yourself with locals and learn about the local culture as you explore the region on a mountain bike. This adventure will take you to unblemished destinations rarely seen by outsiders. Beginning in charming Luang Prabang, veer far off the tourist trail and into mountainous tribal territory as you work your way through mountain valleys and villages. Encounter authentic tribal communities, breathtaking mountain scenery, and unparalleled off-road and single-track riding, before returning back to Luang Prabang.
- CategoryTrail Riding
- TypeFully Guided
- Duration9 days
- Culture LevelAdventurous
- Skill Level4 - Advanced
- Activity Level4 - Challenging
- Elevation4 - Challenging
- TerrainMixed
- Distance206.3 miles
- Avg. Daily Distance34.2 miles
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Quick Stats
- Duration9 days
- Main DestinationLaos
- Distance206.3 miles
- Avg. Daily Distance34.2 miles
- Elevation4 - Challenging
- TerrainMixed
Route Map (click to view larger image)
Itinerary Details
- Day 1Arrive at Luang Prabang
Meet at the airport of Luang Prabang and then enjoy a short transfer to your accommodation. Take a stroll through this lovely riverside town, visit a temple or two before gathering at a local restaurant that trains local underprivileged youth. You'll have a trip briefing over a sumptuous dinner.
- Sala Prabang
- Dinner
- Day 2Luang Prabang to Chomphet District
After breakfast at the hotel, meet your guides for a bike fitting before setting off on your first two-wheeled adventure. This warm-up ride takes you across the river into Chompet district, where the bustle of Luang Prabang quickly gives way to peaceful countryside. Glide over gentle hills and dirt tracks as you pass through Hmong tribal villages, getting a preview of the landscapes ahead. In the afternoon, pack up and travel by car to the small town of Pakxeng—your launch point for tomorrow’s journey.
- 21.7 miles
1,108.9 ft
1,108.9 ft- Local Guesthouse
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Day 3Pak Xeng to Vieng Kham
Rise early to get a head start on the day—your first ride into hill tribe country begins now. You'll set off from Pakxeng, following a dirt road that winds along the Nam Xang River, a vital tributary that sustains the surrounding tribal communities. As you ride through banana plantations and into Khmu villages—home to one of Laos’ largest ethnic groups—you’ll get a deeper glimpse of rural life in the north. The route includes your first major climb, a steady 600-meter ascent, followed by a mix of short, steep hills as you weave through scenic foothills. A long descent leads you into the village of Vieng Kham, where warm local hospitality awaits you for the night.
- 47.8 miles
- 164 ft
6,561.7 ft
6,397.6 ft - Local Guesthouse in Vieng Kham
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Day 4Vieng Kham to Muang Ngoi
After breakfast, your day begins with a 15-kilometer transfer to the trail head. You'll ride this route, a mixture of rough dirt road and single-track, all the way to the riverside village of Muang Ngoi, home to Hmong, Khmu, and Leu tribes. The route is technical with only minor climbs before a long and gradual descent into the village, and absolutely fantastic scenery. You'll stay in cozy guesthouse surrounded by the karst scenery.
- 28.6 miles
- -2,460.6 ft
2,231 ft
4,691.6 ft - Lattanavongsa Guesthouse, Muang Ngoi
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Day 5Muang Ngoi to Muang Khua
A short transfer in the morning brings you to the riverside, where you'll board a longtail boat that will take you up the river to the northern district of Phongsaly. Relax and enjoy the ride and take in the absolutely stunning view of magnificent karst mountains and hidden tribal villages along the river. This is the real Laos, untouched by tourism. On the way, you'll visit a local temple and cave complex that was used as shelter for villagers and resistance fighters in during the second Indochina War. Your accommodation for the night is a simple, but humble guesthouse in the town of Muang Khua.
- New Chaleunsouk Guesthouse, Muang Khua
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Day 6Muang Khua - Nayang - Nong Khiaw
Today’s ride kicks off with a tough challenge—an immediate, steep climb on a rugged dirt road as you head south from Muang Khua. You’ll gain nearly 1,000 meters in just 12 kilometers, but the effort pays off with sweeping views of the province and a rewarding downhill stretch for the next 20 kilometers. The route mixes single track and dirt roads, with a well-earned lunch break along the way. At a village stop, local families will greet you with a traditional *Baci* ceremony, offering blessings and good fortune for your journey ahead. From there, transfer to the scenic village of Nong Khiaw, where you can unwind beneath a glowing sunset and the dramatic limestone peaks that cradle this peaceful valley.
- 45.4 miles
- 3,280.8 ft
5,479 ft
5,479 ft - Nong Khiaw Riverside
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Day 7Nong Khiaw to Harpang
This morning, you can choose to explore the riverside charm of Nong Khiaw or take on a rewarding hike to one of the valley’s stunning viewpoints. The climb is a challenge, taking about 2.5 hours round-trip, but the panoramic views from the top are well worth the effort. After descending, hop on a boat to reach the starting point of today’s ride—a smooth and scenic 20-kilometer trail that hugs the water’s edge and is pure joy to cycle. At the trail’s end, a van will be waiting to transfer you to your accommodation in the rustic village of Harpang for a peaceful overnight stay.
- 12.4 miles
- -55.8 ft
682.4 ft
738.2 ft - Local Guesthouse
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Day 8Harpang - Lathan - Luang Prabang
Your final day of riding brings both challenge and reward. The day begins with a transfer to the trailhead near the village of Houaylae, where a tough and technical track leads you up a steep climb over the first 17 kilometers. At the summit, the trail opens into wide farmland, offering a change of pace and sweeping views. From there, enjoy 45 kilometers of rolling terrain, passing through quiet countryside where farmers continue age-old traditions. The ride ends in the village of Lathan, where you’ll board a longtail boat for one last scenic journey down the Mekong, returning to where it all began—Luang Prabang. Tonight, gather for a final dinner to share stories, laughter, and farewells.
- 34.2 miles
- 164 ft
3,773 ft
3,608.9 ft - Sanctuary Luang Prabang Resort
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Day 9Departure from Luang Prabang