Active Holiday in Laos
The Perfect Balance During an Active Holiday in Laos
In our busy Western lives, we often associate ‘being active’ with working out at the gym, running with an app, or performing under time pressure. An active holiday in Laos offers a completely different perspective. Here, you don’t move to count calories or break records, but to experience the country. The physical exertion is a means, not an end in itself. Because you cycle or walk, you move through the landscape at a natural pace. You feel the wind, you smell the jungle, and you hear the sounds around you. This clears your head.
The balance lies in the combination of exertion and the Laotian ‘Sabai Sabai’ mentality (take it easy). You are outdoors and active all day, which provides a healthy tiredness in the evening. But between cycling, there is plenty of time to pause. We have an extensive lunch on the banks of a river, we stop at a temple, or we take a dip in a waterfall. Your body works, but your mind relaxes. This rhythm ensures that you return fitter and more rested after two weeks than after a week of sitting still on a sun lounger. It is an active reset for body and mind.
Cycling as the Core of Your Movement
The bicycle is the ultimate means of transport for an active holiday in Laos. The landscape is too vast to walk and too beautiful to rush through quickly by bus. On a bike, you cover distances, but you remain in contact with your surroundings. Laos is hilly, which means your muscles will certainly be put to work. The satisfaction of reaching a mountain peak, followed by a long descent with the wind in your hair, is addictive.
The Role of the E-bike
For those who want to move but do not want to struggle, the e-bike is a godsend. It keeps you active (after all, you still have to pedal), but it takes the edge off the climb. Your heart rate stays lower, and you are less likely to overheat in the tropical warmth. This makes the active holiday accessible to everyone. You can enjoy the movement without arriving at your hotel completely exhausted. It allows you to look around instead of just staring at the tarmac.
Variety in Terrain
The routes in Laos offer a lot of variety. There are days when you cycle flat along the Mekong and can set a nice pace. Other days, you dive into the hills and cycle on unpaved roads through the jungle. This variety is good for your body; you constantly use different muscle groups, and it never gets boring. Our guides ensure that the stages are well-structured, allowing you to get used to the exertion and the climate.
Water Activities: Kayaking and Swimming for a Change of Pace in Laos
Laos is the land of rivers. The Mekong flows from north to south, but there are countless tributaries like the Nam Ou and the Nam Song. An active holiday in Laos is not complete without getting out on the water. Kayaking is a popular activity that fits perfectly into an active programme. It is a good workout for your upper body and core, which is a nice complement to cycling (legs).
Kayaking in Vang Vieng and Si Phan Don
Vang Vieng is the best-known place for kayaking. Here you paddle along the Nam Song River, between the enormous limestone rocks. The current helps you along, but you still have to steer and paddle. It is a relaxing way to see the landscape from a different perspective. Down south, at the 4000 Islands (Si Phan Don), kayaking is also highly recommended. Here you can navigate between the islands and look for the rare Irrawaddy dolphins. It is quiet on the water, and you watch life along the banks pass you by.
Swimming for Recovery
Swimming is perhaps the best form of active recovery. After a hot day on the bike, there is nothing better than a dip in a swimming pool, a ‘Blue Lagoon’, or a safe spot in the river. The cool water lowers your body temperature and relaxes your muscles. In Vang Vieng, there are several natural lagoons with clear blue water where you can have a wonderful swim. Many of the hotels selected by CvA travel also have a pool, so you can end the day sportily yet relaxed with a few lengths.
A Healthy Daily Rhythm During Your Active Holiday in Laos
On an active holiday, the rhythm of the day plays a major role. In Laos, you live by the sun. Because the country is close to the equator, the sun rises around 6:00 am and sets around 6:00 pm. For athletes, the morning is the golden hour. It is still cool and fresh then. During your active holiday in Laos, you will notice that you naturally wake up early, often woken by the roosters or the temple gongs.
We utilise these early mornings for activities. We get on our bikes while the dew is still on the fields. This provides the most beautiful light for photos, and the temperature is perfect for exertion. By the time the heat is at its peak (between 12:00 pm and 3:00 pm), we have already covered most of the kilometres. We have an extensive lunch and rest. This is similar to the siesta in Southern Europe. In the late afternoon, as the sun goes down, we get active again or enjoy the evening. Because you are physically active, you often sleep early and deeply at night. This natural biorhythm is incredibly healthy and helps you to truly rest.
Nutrition: Fuel for Your Active Trip
If you move a lot, you have to eat well. Fortunately, Laotian cuisine is extremely suitable for active travellers. The food is fresh, not too heavy, and rich in carbohydrates and protein. The foundation of every meal is ‘Khao Niew’, sticky rice. This is the perfect fuel for cyclists and walkers. Sticky rice digests slowly and provides long-lasting energy, without giving you a heavy stomach. You eat it with your hands, which makes the meal an experience.
Besides rice, there is plenty of fresh fruit. Bananas, mangoes, pineapples, and watermelons are available everywhere. They are packed with vitamins and moisture, ideal for during breaks. The national dish ‘Laap’ (a salad of finely minced meat or fish with herbs) is a protein bomb that aids muscle recovery. For vegetarians, there are many options with tofu and vegetables. Hydration is, of course, crucial in the tropics. During the trip, we provide unlimited drinking water and often electrolyte mixes or fresh coconuts to maintain your fluid balance. Eating and drinking well keeps the engine running.
Visiting Hill Tribes
The most extraordinary walks are those to the villages of the hill tribes, such as the Hmong or the Khmu. These villages are often located high in the hills. A walk here is not just a physical activity, but also a cultural journey. With a local guide, you walk through the rice paddies and forests. Along the way, you learn about the plants used for medicine or food. Arriving in a village, where life still largely takes place outdoors, is impressive.
Waterfalls and Nature Parks
Laos is known for its waterfalls, such as the Kuang Si near Luang Prabang or the Tad Fane in the south. Beautiful walking trails are often laid out around these waterfalls. You can climb to the top of the waterfall for a spectacular view, or take a walk through the surrounding nature park where you can spot butterflies and birds. The advantage of walking near waterfalls is the reward: after the exertion, you can often cool off wonderfully in the fresh water.
Recovery and Wellness: The Laotian Massage
Taking good care of your body is part of an active holiday in Laos. Muscle ache can occur when you cycle for days on end. Fortunately, Laos, like neighbouring Thailand, is famous for its massage culture. A traditional Laotian massage is firm and focuses on the energy lines in your body. It is not a gentle ‘stroking massage’, but involves stretching and pulling. For cyclists, this is fantastic.
After a day in the saddle, your legs and back can be stiff. An hour’s massage improves blood circulation and helps flush out waste products (lactic acid) faster. You feel reborn afterwards. You can find massage parlours in almost every village or town. It is very affordable and accessible. Many hotels also offer spa facilities. We strongly recommend doing this a few times during the trip. It is the perfect moment of rest and contributes to your physical recovery, so you can smoothly get back on your bike the next day.
Preparation and Clothing for the Active Traveller
Do you need to be a top athlete for this trip? No. But a little preparation does help you enjoy it more. If you never cycle at home, it is wise to do some kilometres in the weeks before departure to get your backside used to a saddle. If you have a basic level of fitness, Laos is perfectly manageable, especially with the option of an e-bike.
Regarding clothing, the right choice is important for your comfort. Cotton is not recommended; it gets wet from sweat and does not dry, causing you to cool down or get chafing. Opt for breathable sports clothing (synthetic or merino wool). Padded cycling shorts are truly indispensable for comfort. Because the sun is fierce, light colours and a shirt with sleeves (to prevent sunburn) are smart. Also, bring good walking boots or sturdy trainers with a good grip for the sections we walk. And don’t forget your swimwear for that well-deserved dip! With the right gear, you won’t be annoyed by anything and can fully enjoy the action.
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