Cycle Vientiane to Luang Prabang - 11 Days

Customer Reviews

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  Sydney

  · March 7th, 2025
  Overall, it was a fantastic experience, and I would definitely consider taking Social Cycles again. However, there were a few areas that could be improved. On multiple occasions, there was confusion about whether meals were included or if we were expected to pay. We would refer to the itinerary, which often indicated that we were responsible for the meal, only for it to be covered later. As a result, some of us chose not to eat because we weren't hungry and didn’t want to pay, but would have happily eaten had we known it was included. This inconsistency became a bit frustrating. Additionally, there was an issue with water bottles that had been previously used by others in our group. These bottles were simply refilled and redistributed for reuse. While I fully support reducing plastic waste through the reuse of bottles, I do not feel comfortable using a bottle that someone I just met a few days ago has had their mouth on. A possible solution could be to mark each bottle with the individual's name and ensure it is returned to the same person each time, or alternatively, provide dedicated refill bottles for hydration that are not directly shared among participants. Lastly, we were informed that snacks and drinks were not included with Social Cycles, yet our local guides were required to cover the costs out of pocket if we wanted additional refreshments during the ride. In my experience with other bike tours, snacks and drinks, including sodas, were always provided alongside water. It seems unfair to expect the local guides to bear these costs, especially when we are paying for services that typically include such provisions. These are all areas that could be adjusted for future improvement. Overall, the itinerary was exceptional. Meeting with the local NGOs was a highlight, and I wouldn’t change that experience for anything. Our guides were outstanding—knowledgeable, supportive, and truly helpful. Experiencing Laos from the back of a bike was unforgettable and offered a unique perspective of the country.
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  Trip date: February 2025
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  Jure

  · January 4th, 2025
  The tour from Vientiane to Hanoi was unexceptional. I expected riding in Laos to be more quaint and peaceful, but it mostly takes place on dusty, pothole-ridden highways shared with large trucks. Van transports are lengthy and very uncomfortable. Roads in Vietnam are better. Destinations are mostly tourist attractions and the social aspect minimal. Website description is outdated. The most troublesome to me is SC’s business model. They don’t operate teams on the ground, but rather subcontract from another western-owned outfit. As a result, very little profit is shared with local guides. Please consider this before embarking on this tour. There are better ways to see these fascinating countries and meet their kind and beautiful people.
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  Trip date: January 2025
• CH

  Christoph

  · November 15th, 2024
  Wonderful and exiting tour. We hat not the slightest problem. Very happy with the guide, who shared with us so many insights to the live in Laos.
  Trip date: October 2024
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  Ben

  · February 17th, 2024
  Fantastic itinerary, lots packed in. Great scenery, cycling, historic sights, food and hotels. Very dedicated local team. I particularly enjoyed the optional mountain hike and hot air balloon ride. Team went out of their way to assist with my extension to Vietnam after the trip had ended. Some slightly long driving legs between the cycling on very poor roads.
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  Trip date: February 2024
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  EdAdsheadGrant

  · November 6th, 2022
  What a superb, insightful, humbling and impressionable trip. Tom P in Laos was first class, cycling with us and co-ordinating everything locally for us with the help of a Laos guide and Laos driver. No request was too much and the agility around 9 days over 365kms of cycling was excellent. He knows the country really well and was able to explain plenty around the various NGOs we visited, how the country operates and lots of info around the wonderful countryside we cycled. Accommodation was a good mix of local and higher grade hotels in the Luang Prabang and Vientiane. Temperatures in Oct/Nov hit 32 and 33 degrees so stay hydrated and the sweeper van was always there to help if we ran out of puff.
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  Trip date: November 2022
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  Paul

  · November 3rd, 2022
  Exceeded my expectations. Well organised, a mixture of cycling to suit a rider at any level. The combination of Organised trips and ad hoc stops to have a swim or seem something off the beaten track really added to the overall experience.
  

  Social Cycles commented on this review

  Hey Paul, so pleased to have you with us again! Thanks so much for the kind words!
  Trip date: November 2022
• AO

  Alan

  · February 1st, 2018
  This Laos tour was my 3rd trip with Social Cycles.Based on previous trips i expected and got another excellent tour. An inaugural event so there were unknowns as far as attractions, accommodation,terrain etc. The tour went into pretty hilly remote areas. It wasn't going to be easy. One needs to be fairly fit. Accommodation, Certainly not 5 star but sufficient with good beds. Food was great and plentiful. Can't wait for tour no 4. Backup driver Toh was brilliant. Luang Prabang is a lovely city & a great place to start a venture like this. Try to get there a couple of days earlier to enjoy Elephant riding and Kouang Si waterfall. Note; it can be cold. Thanks Brett.
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  Trip date: January 2018
• AW

  Andrew

  · January 26th, 2018
  This 11 day trip will enable you to experience the real Laos in the most spectacular part of the country. This is not just a cycling tour . . . you will enjoy the boat trips that include a fascinating night safari, the side trips to archaeological sites and even a hands-on visit to a hamlet where spoons are made from ordnance found locally. You also liaise with local non-governmental organisations, a key objective by Social Cycles, that will enable you to further understand some of the difficulties and hardships encountered in this country. Needless to say, the cycling is challenging given the distances/ascents and the days are long. But the breathtaking scenery, passing through countless villages trying to avoid the dogs, hens and piglets and exchanging “sabaidees” with delighted local children makes it all worthwhile. If the day’s challenge proved a little too much, the back-up vehicle was always on hand, driven on this trip by Toh . . . his organisation, contact with locals and particularly his humour was simply brilliant! The trip was expertly led by Brett Seychell, the founder of Social Cycles . . . my thanks to him for a memorable 11 days!
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  Trip date: January 2018