Big Bike Tours From Laos To Ho Chi Minh City 11 days

Upon your arrival at the airport, you will be welcomed and taken to your hotel for check-in. After a welcome briefing, you will meet the reliable horses accompanying you throughout your journey in Laos. Please let us know if you have any unique preferences or requirements, and we will accommodate them. Following this, we will take a test ride around Vientiane, the capital city of Laos. Vientiane has been the capital since 1563, following fears of a Burmese attack from the north. Like the rest of Laos, Vientiane has a relaxed and pleasant environment. In the evening, we will stroll along the banks of the Mekong River and have a cold "Beer Lao" or two before getting to know each other better over a fantastic welcome supper.

Our adventure begins after departing Nakai, and we go towards the tarmac for a quick blast. Our day will see both on and off the road as we snake along the Mekong and Lao’s main southern route 13 to Na Hin. Once out of town, the countryside opens, and luscious rice fields surround us during the growing season. Riding farther, we enter Khammouane Province, where the karst mountains emerge. We continue through the stunning mountains until we reach the Rock Viewpoint, which leads to the Phou Hin Boun National Protected Area – an unknown world of ancient karstic forests, amazing views, and endemic fauna in Central Laos. We are greeted by breathtaking views at our overnight stop, Nahin.

Today is a shorter day; therefore, we will spend the morning unleashing your inner adventure at nature's masterpiece, The Rock Viewpoint. This scenic spot offers breathtaking views and adrenaline-pumping adventures like zip lines, spider nets, hanging rope bridges, scenic hikes, suspended bridges, and more. After lunch, we will head south across the Nakai Plateau, a scenic route connecting Na Hin to Lax Xao, a commercial town near the Vietnamese border. The road from Lax Xao to Na Kai is unpaved but in good condition. Along the way, the Nam Theun 2 dam has flooded the valley and created an impressive waterscape from above. Near the new dam, hundreds of ghost silhouettes of dead trees are rising from the water, and driving through this scene can be somewhat disheartening. Nevertheless, even despair can be beautiful.

Savannakhet is the 5th largest city in Laos and sits just opposite Thailand, Mukdahon, on the Mekong. Savannakhet is a significant river port and a gateway to the south. It is situated on the banks of the Mekong River, at the beginning of Route 9 leading to Danang, Vietnam. The city has a sizable Chinese community and draws traders from Vietnam and Thailand. At the same time, the ubiquitous colonial houses and fading shop fronts are an ever-present reminder of earlier French influence. Fabulous casino gambling, first-class food, and lodging are on order as we celebrate coming out “of the jungle.”

Continuing southbound, today is much like the day before as we trek along the off-road sections that shadow Route 13 along the Mekong. Some roads follow along the River; others take an inland twist. Either way, enjoyable riding and views for all After lunch, we hit the more remote highlights of Southern Laos on the Ho Chi Minh Trail, a route of great historical significance. We'll stop to inspect war relics, a solemn reminder of the past. The ride is challenging, with stream crossings, trees blocking the trail, and plenty of bamboo along our path. There are multiple bomb craters along the road, each telling a story of the past.

Today, we will primarily drive on the tarmac. The mountain pass has been renovated over the years, providing an enjoyable drive with amazing views. We will navigate winding forest paths and cross-river pathways on the way down. The ancient ferry in this region is no longer necessary because a new bridge spans the river. More Trail no longer exists, but its history remains. We'll have a packed lunch and see the Tat Champee waterfalls before traveling to Muang Khong for an overnight stay. At this point, you have covered the length of the Ho Chi Minh Trail from its starting point in northern Vietnam to its endpoint in Cambodia. Along the way, you will have learned a lot about the trail and the Lao people, memories that you will indeed hold dear forever.

We’ll explore the 4000 islands by boat (Si Phan Don). The Mekong River is at its widest here, reaching a width of up to 12 kilometers during the rainy season. When the water levels drop, numerous small islands become visible, giving the region its name. In this area, we can hear the distinctive roar of the Khone Phapheng and Li Phi Falls, which we will visit today. One of the unique features of this area is the presence of hundreds of Irrawaddy freshwater dolphins near the falls. Ban Hang Khon is one of the only sites on Earth where you can witness these endangered animals. In addition to the falls, we will have the opportunity to tour the historic locomotive, railway, and colonial bridge constructed by the French and navigate the rapids and waterfalls along this part of the Mekong River.

After a good night's sleep, it's time to saddle up our trusty steeds for another day of fantastic adventure. We'll enjoy a pleasant ride through the village, passing by wooden homes, wandering buffalo, and children heading to school, with plenty of waving and hellos! Further ahead, our first stop is Nong Nok Khiene Border Crossing. After completing the necessary immigration procedures, we journey to a place with a history of mystery and violence.Preah Vinhear is a province in northern Cambodia that shares its international border with Thailand and Laos. We ride up to visit the Preah Vihear Temple, a historic Khmer Hindu temple perched on a 525-meter cliff in the Dangrek Mountains. This temple dates back to the 9th century and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. We arrive at our next overnight stop late in the afternoon, where a pleasant pool awaits, and there is time for a refreshing cocktail.

Today's unique experience includes a 230-kilometer ride, with some part on off-roads. The journey offers spectacular scenery, including rainforests, villages, and stunning mountains. We may stop at Koh Ker to explore the lost temples a few hours before arriving in Siem Reap. Koh Ker, the capital of the Angkorian empire from AD 928 to AD 944, was abandoned in the northern forests and is now a popular day trip destination from Siem Reap.

Today is a chilled pace but no shortage of adventure. While our bikes get a break and service, we have an expert temple guide joining us. We jump aboard our Tuk Tuks. It's time to see the extraordinary marvel of Angkor, considered the world's most significant religious structure. It's truly unique. In the afternoon, we're back in time to enjoy the pool, get a massage, and explore the town's cafes, bars, and restaurants.

Be awakened by the chanting sounds from the nearby temples. Today, we ride the back roads through the river complex of canals and waterways, meandering through remote fishing villages (subject to weather conditions) and going to Phnom Penh. We'll break from the narrow waterways into the Tonle Sap, the largest inland lake in Southeast Asia. Late afternoon, we arrive at the hotel for a relaxing massage or quick nap in preparation for our sunset boat cruise, which offers unparalleled views of the ever-expanding cityscape of this emerging metropolis. Some cold beers, snacks, and a tall story from everyone, then casually float back to the dock.

Good morning, Phnom Penh!! After a hearty buffet breakfast at our 4-star hotel, a fleet of Tuk Tuk, Cambodia’s version of a Rickshaw or Bemo, will carry you into the city's outskirts for a lesson in Cambodia’s grizzly and unfortunate recent history. It gives you an understanding of the local Khmer people’s incredible resilience. After having lunch, we will have approximately 3 hours to reach the Vietnam border. After the process of Cambodian immigration, we ‘checked out’ Cambodia. We will continue for 70 km until we reach Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, we will proceed to check into our hotel in the city center, and the rest of the afternoon will be free for you to celebrate your accomplishments and enjoy the dynamic metropolis of Vietnam’s largest city. We will all gather at a neighborhood restaurant for a farewell/celebration supper.