Cycling 7 Days / 6 Nights - Thakhek Loop

$5.00

 


Highlight:

  • Kong Lor Cave - A 7.5 km-long underground river cave, accessible only by boat. Inside, towering limestone caverns stretch high above, lit by lanterns - a truly otherworldly, almost cathedral-like experience.

  • Dramatic Karst Scenery - The loop winds through rugged karst landscapes — steep cliffs, jagged peaks, and lush valleys. Viewpoints like those at Dragon Cave offer sweeping panoramas over paddy fields and limestone hills.

  • Back-Road Cycling & Adventure - Much of the route takes you off the beaten path, with gravel or dirt roads, quiet village tracks, and steep mountain sections - especially the stretch between Na Hin and Kong Lor.

  • Day 1: Vientiane – Phou Khao Khouay (L)
    Our journey begins with a morning transfer to the surreal Buddha Park, where myth and sculpture meet in a fantastical display of devotion. After time to explore this quirky gem, we hop on our bikes and follow a scenic route through rural backroads and into the rising hills of Phou Khao Khouay. Lunch awaits at the resort nestled in the forest. The afternoon is yours to soak in the peace, perhaps with a swim in the pool or a walk in the resort’s natural surroundings. The air here feels crisper, and the stars come out in full force.
    Cycle: 55 km
    Overnight in a jungle resort

    Day 2: Phou Khao Khouay – Ban Nahin (B, L, D)
    After a peaceful morning, we transfer deeper into Laos to Vieng Kham village. From here, our ride begins—meandering through remote settlements and into a landscape carved by time. Our destination is Rock Point, a jagged limestone forest bursting skyward like nature’s own fortress. Before sunset, we’ll explore the remarkable Karst formations, followed by a local-style dinner with panoramic views over the spiny peaks.
    Cycle: 35 km | Transfer: 3 hrs
    Overnight in a Cabin with spectacular views

    Day 3: Kong Lor Cave Adventure (B,L)
    Today’s route cuts deep through a limestone valley to one of Laos’ most astonishing wonders—Kong Lor Cave. We trade bikes for wooden boats and enter a 7.5 km underground river, snaking through complete darkness, except for the light of your headlamp and occasional lit-up chambers filled with otherworldly stalactites. After emerging into the remote hinterlands, we return through the cave and head to Silver River Resort. A light lunch by the water is followed by a peaceful kayaking trip to a jungle lagoon before transferring back to our base.
    Cycle: 40 km | Kayak: 1.5 hrs
    Overnight in a Cabin with spectacular views

    Day 4: Ban Nahin – Lak Sao (B,L)
    This is a day of descending thrills and natural marvels. A short transfer takes us to the mountain top, where we glide downhill through pristine forests. We’ll stop at the Cool Pool, an aquamarine gem perfect for a refreshing dip. After lunch, we delve into the Dragon Cave, a cavernous hall dripping in stalagmites. A short climb rewards us with panoramic views before riding on to the border town of Lak Sao, humming with Vietnamese trade.
    Cycle: 65 km 
    Overnight in a Localstyle guesthouse

    Day 5: Lak Sao – Nakai (B,L,D)
    Our longest day begins from the guesthouse, winding over the hills toward Nakai Reservoir. En route, we pause at mountainside Buddha carvings before descending into an eerie flooded forest, ghostly tree trunks standing sentinel over calm waters. After a lakeside lunch, we roll onward to our peaceful resort beside the vast, mirror-like Nakai Lake. Time slows here as the sun dips behind the water’s edge. Our guide can grill fresh fish overlooking the lake for our evening meal. 
    Cycle: 65 km
    Overnight in a Lakeside family resort 

    Day 6: Nakai – Thakek (B,L)
    Today, we dive into a lush blend of waterfalls, caves, and riverside trails. We start from the resort and walk to Tad Song Sa, a tiered waterfall framed by jungle. After enjoying a smoothie at the top, we continue to Tham Nang Ene Cave, where playful colored lights highlight surreal rock formations. Lunch is served by the Nam Hinboun River at Tha Falang, a spot popular with local picnickers. Our final ride takes quiet backroads into Thakek, a Mekong-side town with colonial charm and panoramic views of Thailand across the water.
    Cycle: 49 km (22 + 27 km) 
    Overnight in a Colonial-style Boutique hotel

    Day 7: Thakek – Vientiane (B, L)
    Our final ride follows the Mekong River before veering inland to Khoun Kong Leng Lake, a hidden, turquoise spring sacred to the locals. It’s the perfect final glimpse of Laos' raw beauty. After a farewell lunch, we board the van and begin our return journey to Vientiane, arriving in the capital just after dark, exhilarated and full of unforgettable memories.
    Cycle: 50 km
    Overnight in a Riverside Boutique hotel

  • Inclusive of:

    • All sightseeing as described in the program above 

    • Transportation in private A/C vehicles - 1 minivan for 1-5 pax, 2 minivans for 6-10 pax, 2 minivans + a truck for bicycles for 11+ pax

    • Accommodation in hotels (twin/double shared)

    • English speaking guide (2 guides advisable at 8 pax)

    • Water Taxi 

    • Admission fees to sights described above 

    • Meals: B= breakfast, L= lunch, D = dinner 

    • Lao PDR governmental tax and service charge 

    • Luggage handling 

    • Cycle hire and Trek Marlin MTB Bikes 2023 /24 models or Merida Big9 ‘20 24/25 models

    Exclusive of:

    • International air tickets to/from Laos 

    • Visa fee (approximately US$30/pax, depending on nationality) 

    • Travel insurance of any kind 

    • Meals not mentioned in the itinerary

    • Tips, drinks, personal expenses and other expenses not described in the program above