Cycling in Laos – the arduos 233km journey on Highway13 from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng

I did this fantastic biking trip in Feb2010.

In my opinion, this is the best way to see the beautiful country of Laos. Get on a bike, enjoy the Laos countryside, wave to the children and the very friendly Lao families, smell the padi fields, be close to the ground. Sabaidee Sabaidee everywhere! It feels extremely nice to have the Laos children running out of their houses to line-up alongside the road, extending out their hands and waiting for you to ride past to do a high-five with them! They are very thrilled! Trust me, you will be as well!

Day01: Luang Prabang (300m) to Kiew Ka Cham (1380m)
Distance: 78km
Est. time: 10hr (with about 1hr lunch break)
The 1st part from Luang Prabang to the first major village with school (Xieng Ngeun) is relatively easy with undulating slopes not more than 50m changes over about 32km (~2hr). First real real ascend starts after Xieng Ngeun village and climbs steadily for about 15km (~2.5hr) to 1st highpass (1050m), before descending down to the river (440m) and a bridge for 8km (~0.5hr). This is a good point for lunch, as there is a small provision shop and noodle stall just next to the river. he distance covered in 1st part is about 55km (~5hr)

2nd part is the more demanding and longer ascend over 20km (~4hr). Once at the 2nd highpass (1430m), it is just a short 3km downhill to accommodation at Kiew Ka Cham (1380m)
The distance covered in 2nd part is about 23km (~4hr)

Day02: Kiew Ka Cham (1380m) to Kasi (400m)
Distance: 94km
Est. time: 10hr (with about 1hr lunch break)
1st part, from Kiew Ka Cham, it is a long 480m descent down to the valley (~2hr). from the valley, it is a climb back up to the high point (~1.5hr). At this altitude, you will be cycling along the undulating slopes for about 2hrs to come to the main junction at Phoukoun (~2hr). This is also the T-intersection of Highway 13 with Highway 7 (which lead to the eastern part of Laos to Phonsavanh, famous for the Plain of Jars in Xieng Kouang)
The distance covered in 1st part is about 50km (~5.5hr)

2nd part after lunch at Phoukoun town, it is uphill for about 45min before reaching the highest point at about 1410m and a nice scenic vista point further down the road. From here, The road does downhill to the small river before a short (a few km) but steep uphill climb before flattening out to Kasi. There are several padi fields around Kasi and sunsets here are splendid.
The distance covered in 2nd part is about 44km (~3.5hr)

Day03: Kasi (400m) to Vang Vieng (240m)
Distance: 61km
Est. time: 5hr (late lunch at Vang Vieng)
This is the easiest of the 3-day, you cycle almost on relatively flat road in the morning, and just need to ascend to a small pass of about 670m before descending. The rest of the road is relatively flat with slopes not exceeding 30m changes. Do spend some time with the Laos children running out from their houses and lined up alongside the road to do a high-five with you as you cycle past. Do make an effort to slow down for them!