Rider Reflections From Laos: Challenging & Rewarding

Paige White was the Content Creator on the 2025 Golden Buddha Ride Cycling Adventure. 

Laos was a highlight for the riders on the 2025 Golden Buddha Ride. Here’s what they had to say about their experiences in the country.

“I was excited and slightly nervous about cycling in Laos. I knew that it would be challenging not just because of the cycling routes, but also perhaps because of the accommodations and food. I should have just been excited. We were so well looked after by the staff at TDA. I appreciate the difficulties and thought involved, and although the food wasn’t always marvellous, and the beds weren’t always comfortable, and it was way better than I expected. People in Laos were lovely. I felt perfectly safe cycling alone and people seemed to love interacting with us, the crazy bunch of cycling tourists. We had many opportunities to see a fleeting glance that shows the local way of life while we passed through on our bikes, especially in the more remote areas.

My favourite section of cycling was the right after Ban Xiangtan. There was a gradual climb on dirts roads that passed through small villages and stunning scenery. Although Vientiane wasn’t my favourite, I’ll always remember it as this was where we joined the tour and our first introduction to Laos. In Vientiane’s COPE Museum (that covers the history of unexploded ordnance in Laos) I bought a book – The Coroner’s Lunch – by Colin Cotterell. I would thoroughly recommend it as a well written and delightful read that will bring back memories of Laos’ capital city. Thankfully I have many photos to remind me of a very special trip.”  – Vicky, UK

Chris passing a gas station in Laos

“Highlights from Laos: – Crossing the border, down the apocalyptic road for 10 kilometres – First rest stop with the Mekong, that was so wide. It was surprising that Thailand was just across the water. – Cycling through villages with kids who were so excited and waving to see us. – CAKE in Luang Prabang – Wonderful pressure point massage without oil… $5!!! – The last 3 days of insane climbing in Laos My overwhelming memory of Laos will be the challenging roads, and riverbeds corrugated with big rocks and deep potholes all over. There were trucks with diesel fumes and big clouds of dust to to fight through — all in the name of fun.”  – Chris, USA

Peter on the road in Laos

“You never know what to expect in a remote and little visited country like Laos. That’s why we go! As it turns out, Laos was full of surprises. From the smallest child to the oldest women on the roadside, everyone was welcoming. People live very different lives in Laos from place to place including the tourist hot spot of Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang, and all of the isolated villages in between. The terrain was just as varied and held many challenges. There were steep climbs that make the French Alps that I know so well back at home feel envious. Then there were also paved roads to savour in between the many bone shattering dirt roads. In the end I left feeling Laos though poor and sad in some ways. It also feels like a place that has managed to avoid being co-opted by the culture of its colonial (French) occupier or its political inspirations. We have to hope it continues to develop in its own way, at its own pace, and on its own terms. We shall see!” – Peter, France

Vinnie smiling in Laos

“I went for my first massage in Laos today- after 5 days and 500+ kms of riding. Incredible. I was confused initially and not sure if I was being attacked or not. Once I realized that the full blown walking on your body was quite normal, I relaxed (alongside the other 5 people all prone on a mat on the floor) and leaned in to the experience: – Manipulation and contortion that I have not seen since I was in my 20’s. – Beating and pummelling my muscles which has me sure I have atoned for all past sins. – Aided stretching which has me at least 2 inches taller All of this for an hour and the price of $12.17 (including tip). I think it’s fair to say that tomorrows 151 kms into Vientiane will now be a breeze.“- Vinnie, New Zealand

Marcy getting ready to ride in Laos

“There were many memorable experiences in Laos-here is my favourite: The roads were very challenging east of the Mekong, and required more energy to ride with constant pothole awareness. This was mentally and physically very difficult- type 2 fun! Crossing Mekong and our final 4 days from Hongsa was a game changer for me. The unbelievable scenery made the huge climbs worthwhile. My favourite day was our last full day in Laos: Stage 27- travelling from Xianghon to Huay Xia It was a chilly 6 degree C start in the morning with fog coverage- rough roads with dirt and a “wish I had bike suspension” conditions. By 8:30 the sun was up and fog cleared. I will never forget the breathtaking morning fog at the start of our day.

“We initially rode through a village with small fires and locals gatherings outside of their homes. There were families visiting and breakfast being prepared. Kids were bundled up, many in warm Halloween costumes. Little dinosaurs, elephants and tigers running around all trying to stay warm. The off road experience, spanning 38 km, was memorable for many reasons. We saw the rubber trees (with latex veins) and met the local villagers harvesting the latex. The locals were gracious and let get a closer look, and snap some photos. The landscape was breathtaking. We were surrounded by rainforests and rolling hills. During the ride we encountered pigs, cows and lots of chickens. Even though the off road trail was challenging I would consider it a gift because it was free from cars and extremely peaceful. The quietness of the day, new terrain that pushed my physical strength, the memory of the families trying to stay warm, as the novelty of the rubber trees was so memorable. The shift from “he lost his mind” potholes and dust that followed the Vietnam to Laos border crossing to the serenity of the off- road day is a memory that I will have for a long time.” – Marcy, Canada