Vang Vieng Cycling & Caving . USD 28  person
(1 day cycling and caving, all seasons)

Feel like mountain biking across rice fields and wading through rivers amidst mountainous limestone scenery. The villages passed on the way are over- towered by up to 1400 m high karst peaks or lie on the Nam Khouang River.

Itinerary: Vang Vieng - Tham Poukham – Ban Phonxay - Ban Nathong Tai - Vang Vieng
We depart from town centre. After crossing the Nam Song River on a bamboo bridge, we start the day with the exploration of one of the most unusual caves in the area: Tham Poukham, the highly auspicious and venerated "Cave of the Golden Crab".
The mountain bike tour covers approximately of 26 km behind the karst range of the Nam Song and Vang Vieng. After reaching the far side of the ridge, a steep hike leads to the main Tham Poukham Cave. It's hidden corridors are filled with an endless array of stalagmites and stalactites, besides underground lakes, deep wells and up to 80 m high chimneys.
Continuing westwards, the trail gets increasingly rough. We follow the narrow valley of the Houay San stream until the Pha Deng, namely "red cliff", comes into sight to your right. Depending on the season, the bikes have to be carried across short distances (muddy patches).
The village of Phonxay is the first on the banks of the Nam Khouang. The road continues south as a dirt track in good condition running parallel to the Nam Khouang. At the crossroads in Ban Nathong Tai, the road to the Nam Song Bridge is met again.
Back in Vang Vieng, a sunset drink by the river marks the end of a great cycling adventure.
Approximately: 6 hours cycling / 40 minutes hiking.