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Southern Laos by Bicycle
Duration
8 days
Site savings
$71
From
$2,279 USD
Despite its persuasive charms, Laos remains the Southeast Asian country that slips under the radar. Be prepared to discover why this glorious land full of waterfalls, fragrant coffee plantations, picturesque villages and welcoming local people deserves top billing in the region. What better way to do it than atop a bike, thoroughly absorbing the sights as you breathe in the lovely landscapes of Laos.
- CategoryEasy-going & Leisurely
- TypeFully Guided
- Duration8 days
- Culture LevelAdventurous
- Skill Level2 - Novice
- Activity Level2 - Moderate
- Elevation2 - Moderate
- TerrainMixed
- Distance209.4 miles
- Avg. Daily Distance32.9 miles
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Quick Stats
- Duration8 days
- Main DestinationLaos
- Distance209.4 miles
- Avg. Daily Distance32.9 miles
- Elevation2 - Moderate
- TerrainMixed
Route Map (click to view larger image)
Itinerary Details
- Day 1Ubon Ratchatani – Khong Jiam
Your tour begins in Ubon Ratchathani, which you can reach by plane or train from Bangkok. The Tour Operator will provide one group transfer to the hotel, located along the banks of the Mekong River—just let us know your arrival time. In the early evening, you’ll join the trip briefing and enjoy dinner with a view of the river at the hotel.
- Tohsang Khong Jiam
- Dinner
- Day 2Khong Jiam – Wat Phu – Don Daeng
You'll take a short transfer to the Lao border at Chongmek, and after completing the visa formalities, you'll drive about an hour to the starting point of your ride. Your cycling begins on a flat tarmac road, taking you through the former colonial town of Champasak, which lines the Mekong River. After riding 8 km, you’ll reach Wat Phu, a Khmer Hindu temple complex dating back to the 5th century. Here, you’ll enjoy a picnic lunch and have time to explore the site before heading back to Champasak for an overnight stay at your riverside resort.
- 34.2 miles
- -390.4 ft
301.8 ft
692.3 ft - The River Resort Champasak
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Day 3Champasak – Don Khong
Today, you’ll cycle south along the west bank of the Mekong River, covering 55 km on quiet rural roads. As you ride, you’ll pass through small villages and communities of diverse ethnic groups, each with their own language and traditions. Take breaks along the way to enjoy local fruits and snacks, and watch the daily life unfold—fishermen casting nets and longtail boats gliding across the river. You'll cross a series of bamboo and small suspension bridges before reaching Don Say Island, then return to the mainland for your transfer to Don Khong.
- 42.3 miles
- -32.8 ft
1,184.4 ft
1,217.2 ft - Pan Arena Hotel
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Day 4Don Khong – Don Khone
Today, you’ll go island hopping! Start early with a ride around Don Khong and along the riverbank, stopping to watch locals making palm sugar. When you reach the ferry, it’s a short 200-meter crossing to Don Som—one of the longest islands in the Mekong, stretching about 12 km until it meets the tip of Don Det. Another quick ferry takes you to Don Det, where you’ll cycle along a dirt path to the old French Railway bridge and cross over to Don Khone. After lunch, ride to the old ferry port at Han Khone, the southernmost point of Laos. Along the way, visit Leepi Falls and take in the sights of the Mekong River channel. Today’s route takes you across four islands on narrow dirt trails, so there won’t be vehicle support, but you’ll still stop for water and snacks. In the evening, you’ll be welcomed with a traditional Baci ceremony—a special introduction to this part of Laos.
- 42.3 miles
- -6.6 ft
200.1 ft
206.7 ft - Sengahloun Hotel
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Day 5Don Khone – Bolaven Plateau
After breakfast, you’ll ride a short distance to the ferry for another crossing of the Mekong. From there, it’s a gentle 12-km ride to the impressive Khone Phapheng Waterfalls, where the Mekong dramatically splits—perfect for some memorable photos. After your visit, you’ll transfer back to Pakse for lunch, then continue on to the Bolaven Plateau. To avoid traffic, the first stretch will be by vehicle. You’ll then cycle to Tad Fane Waterfall and enjoy the region’s renowned coffee, learning about its history and how it’s processed. From there, continue past Paksong and settle in for the night at a scenic resort nestled in the green hills.
- 35.4 miles
- 137.8 ft
1,240.2 ft
1,102.4 ft - Sabadee Valley Resort
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Day 6Bolaven Plateau - Tad Lo - Semi Rest Day
You’ll ride to Tha Teng along a quiet tarmac road that winds through small villages and scenic farmland—keep an eye out for cheerful waves from local children and wandering farm animals. Then it’s a downhill ride to Tad Lo Waterfalls, where you’ll spend the night by the river. In the afternoon, you’re free to take a refreshing dip in the falls or explore the nearby walking trails. In the evening, enjoy an al fresco dinner at your lodge, with views of the cascading water providing the perfect backdrop to end the day.
- 19.9 miles
- -2,014.4 ft
200.1 ft
2,214.6 ft - Tad Lo Lodge
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Day 7Tad Lo - Pakse
As you leave the Bolaven Plateau behind, you'll ride along an undulating road with a few surprises—gradual but steady climbs, including one that stretches 5 km and another 14 km long. Along the way, you’ll stop at Huay Houn, a Katu village, where you can observe traditional weaving using cotton, jute, and banana fibre. Take in the beauty of the craftsmanship while exploring the village’s elegant traditional Laotian homes. From there, you’ll transfer about an hour back to Pakse, where you can freshen up and explore this charming colonial river town. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner on the rooftop of the Pakse Hotel, with sweeping views to mark the end of your journey.
- 43.5 miles
- -502 ft
1,184.4 ft
1,686.4 ft - Athena Hotel
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Day 8Pakse – Ubon Ratchathani