Biking & Kayaking through Nam Khan River Valley - Luang Prabang full day tour
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About this experience
BIKING & KAYAKING COMBO TOUR - LUANG PRABANG FULL DAY
This tour around Luang Prabang combines mountain biking with an easygoing kayaking trip. It brings exactly the right refreshment into your tropical day in Luang Prabang and takes you to some of the best sites, including golden temples overlooking the city and Henri Mouhot’s grave. After a biking tour through the Nam Khan valley and diverse village visits we take a break on the banks of the Nam Khan River. After lunch we take a refreshing plunge at Tad Sae Waterfall then we get our kayaks to paddle downriver on the Nam Khan back to Luang Prabang.
Available options
Group Tour
Join-in tour
Private Tour
private tour
What's included
Drinking water
Equipment rental for bicycle & kayak activity, including life jackets
Bottled water
English speaking guides with license
Lunch
Boat transfers
What you'll see
BIKING & KAYAKING THROUGH THE NAM KHAN RIVER VALLEY
High water season, August to January:
We’ll get you sized up for one of our quality mountain bikes, have a quick safety briefing, and then lead you along backroads to see Wat Pa Phon Phao, a golden temple with a great view of Luang Prabang. Afterward, we’ll continue along the Nam Khan River to the grave of Henri Mouhot, the French explorer who popularized The Angkor Complex in Cambodia.
We’ll finish the 15 km ride in the Nam Khan valley amid a spectacular vista of mountains, rivers and small villages and then break for lunch at our Adventure Camp mountain-view terrace or at Tad Sae Waterfall (depending on season and timing).
A short boat ride will bring us to Tad Sae Waterfall for a refreshing swim under jungle canopy. That’ll be followed by another short ride, to our kayaking center, where we’ll conduct a brief kayaking instruction and safety review. Then we begin our adventure down the river. During the rainy season the river is high and moves at a nice pace through lush jungle countryside. It’s is 20 km (12.5 mi) of easy to medium kayaking and normally takes 3-4 hours with breaks included. We’ll wrap up just under the Luang Prabang city bridge, where we meet our truck for a 10 minute return ride to the city center.
Low water season, February to July:
In the low water season, the itinerary is the same with the following exceptions to give you the best experience possible.
We take a slightly different bike route that includes Wat Pa Phon Phao, some unpaved riding with some fun hills, and a river crossing by boat with the bikes.
The river is lower and exposes white sand beaches and riverbanks where we can stop for photo ops and to visit sites including Henri Mouhot’s resting site in the jungle a short walk from the river.
Kayaking ends just below the local Ban Noun village and is approximately 2 hours easy to medium with some small rapids. Return by vehicle about 15 minutes to conclude the tour.
What's not included
Any additional drinks
Tips
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Important information
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults
About Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is renowned for its well-preserved traditional Laos architecture and serene natural beauty. Nestled at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, it offers a unique blend of historic temples, French colonial buildings, and lush landscapes.
Top Attractions
Wat Xieng Thong
One of the most important temples in Laos, known for its beautiful architecture and intricate mosaics.
Religious
1-2 hours
5 USD
Mount Phousi
A small mountain in the center of Luang Prabang offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding countryside.
Nature
1-2 hours
5 USD
Kuang Si Falls
A stunning series of waterfalls and turquoise pools, perfect for swimming and picnicking.
Nature
Half day
10 USD
Must-Try Local Dishes
Larb
A spicy minced meat salad with herbs, spices, and lime juice.
Main Dish
Contains meat, can be made vegetarian with tofu.
Tam Mak Hoong
Green papaya salad with tomatoes, chilies, and lime juice.
Main Dish
Vegetarian if made without fish sauce.
Khao Soi
A Northern Lao noodle dish with a coconut curry broth.
Main Dish
Contains meat, can be made vegetarian.
Popular Activities
Hiking in the surrounding mountains
Kayaking on the Mekong River
Visiting spas and wellness centers
Sunset watching at Mount Phousi
Attending a traditional Lao dance performance
Participating in a cooking class
Swimming at Kuang Si Falls
Boat tours on the Mekong River
Best Time to Visit
November to February
This is the cool and dry season, perfect for exploring the city and its surroundings. The weather is pleasant, and it's the peak tourist season.
15-30°C
59-86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Lao
- Widely spoken: English, French
- English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere
Currency
Lao Kip (LAK)
Time Zone
Indochina Time (ICT), UTC+7
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Luang Prabang is generally safe for travelers, but petty crime and scams can occur. Be cautious with your belongings and use common sense.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure
- • Use reputable tour operators
- • Be cautious when using ATMs
Getting there
By air
- Luang Prabang International Airport • 3 km from city center
By bus
Northern Bus Station, Southern Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
The most common and affordable mode of transport. Negotiate fares before starting your journey.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Limited app-based services
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Old Town
Ban Phou Khoune
Day trips
Pak Ou Caves
25 km north of Luang Prabang • Half day
A complex of caves filled with thousands of Buddha images, dating back to the 16th century.
Living Land Farm
15 km from Luang Prabang • Half day
A working farm offering insights into traditional Lao farming practices and sustainable agriculture.
Festivals
Lao New Year (Pi Mai) • April 13-15
Boun Ok Phansa • October (date varies)
Pro tips
- Visit Kuang Si Falls early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the cool weather.
- Attend the alms-giving ceremony (Tak Bat) for a unique cultural experience, but be respectful and follow the rules.
- Explore the city on foot or by bicycle to discover hidden gems and local life.
- Try local Lao coffee and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere at the many cafes in town.
- Bargain politely when shopping at markets, as prices are often inflated for tourists.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
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Free cancellation available
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