Motorcycle routes in Laos will take you past mist-tipped mountains, lush rainforest routes, and rural river valleys where around 700 wild elephants roam free.
Laos’s landlocked location between China, Vietnam, Thailand, and Myanmar, makes it unique in the area. There are no tourist-packed beaches here, and when you travel to Laos by motorbike, you will have stories no one can match.
You might wonder where to start on your Laos motorcycle tour. There are countless motorcycle routes, but if you have limited time, you need to choose the best for you.
Read on before you explore Laos!
North of the capital, Vientiane, you will find Vang Vieng hiding in the mountains. Rock climbers, kayakers, hikers, campers, and nature lovers will feel at home here. How about chilling in a hammock next to the Nam Song River before you start your Laos motorcycle tour?
From Vang Vieng, you will follow motorcycle routes number 13 or number 4. Route number 4 is westbound, while number 13 is eastbound. Most people say the number 4 route is the most beautiful but as your tour guide for their advice.
After passing charming rural villages, rice paddies, and huge karst mountains covered in tropical greens, you will arrive in Luang Prabang, a colonial town from the French Indochina era. You will see European-styled shophouses, quant coffee shops, and some of the most diverse dining options in Laos.
The Bolaven Plateau loop starts in Pakse, in the southeast of Laos, before taking you deep into the province of Champasak. The area is famous for its local coffee production, and you will pass coffee plantations along the loop. On Laos motorcycle tours here, you will even see fresh coffee beans drying at the side of the road.
Oh, yeah, and the Bolaven Plateau loop has some of the most exquisite waterfalls in Laos. If you need to cool off en route, you have come to the right place. The loop has 2 motorcycle routes – one larger, one smaller – but both start and end in Pakse.
Northern Laos is for truly adventurous explorers. You will be well away from the beaten paths here, and you need an expert Laos motorcycle tour guide to make the most of your trip.
You will feel like you are exploring the true, rural soul of Laos as you drive past tribal villages and farming communities. The roads here a full of tight turns, steep mountain passes, and in the wet season, quite a bit of mud. Motorcycle routes in Laos’s mountainous north are for experienced riders only.
One of the most famous motorcycle routes in Laos, the Thakek loop filled guidebooks and travel blogs for a reason. The route joins the north of Laos to its southern regions and has some stunning scenery to boast about!
You will pass Lak Sao, Nakai, Vieng Kham, and the Kong Lor Cave system. You could even spend the night at Kong Lor if you take a multi-day Laos motorcycle tour. Even though it is so popular, the Thakek loop is worth a day when you travel Laos by motorbike.
Big Bike Tours will guide you through the most beautiful motorcycle routes in Laos. We limit our tours to 10 riders for a more personal experience. Get away from the well-traveled roads and find your own adventure.
Our team offer tours in other Southeast Asian countries too. Ever wanted to explore Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Tibet by bike? We can take you there from our Chiang Mai base in northern Thailand! Plan your tour today!