Before You Hit the Thakhek Loop, Laos: A Motorbiker’s Prep List

It is not always the landscapes or the itinerary that mark a journey, but the unforeseen events that draw it along the way. The Thakhek Loop, in the heart of Laos, is a good example. A loop that attracts those in search of raw nature, endless turns and moments that are out of the ordinary. That's exactly what we came for.

The spirit of the loop is a bit like that: improvisation, stopping for no reason, letting yourself be surprised. Here are our tips, directly inspired by our own adventure on this road.

Written by Anh TRUONG (local expert) Updated on 19-04-2025

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Table of contents

1. Overview of the Thakhek Loop
2. Before You Go: What You Absolutely Need to Prepare
3. Thakhek Loop Itinerary – Laos
4. Navigating the Loop: Useful Information and Tips
5. Drive Yourself or Join a Guided Tour?
6. A Few Ideas to Extend the Adventure

1. Overview of the Thakhek Loop

The Thakhek Loop is a 450 km route through two provinces in southern Laos, ideal for motorcycle enthusiasts. This route through karst mountains, caves, rivers and remote villages offers one of the most beautiful roads in the country.

The route, which takes 3 to 5 days depending on the pace and detours, combines main roads, side trails and dirt roads. This free route, with no signs at every intersection, offers a true adventure off the beaten track.

Total distance: 450 km
Duration: 3 to 5 days
Best time: Dry season (November to April) for optimal road conditions.

Thakhek loop map

2. Before You Go: What You Absolutely Need to Prepare

📌 Renting the Right Motorcycle

It’s recommended to go for a semi-automatic scooter — easy to handle and better suited for hilly roads.
Some reliable rental shops: Wang Wang, Mixay Motorbike Rental.
Before hitting the road, make sure to check the brakes, tires, lights, and horn, and be sure to wear a quality helmet.

thakhek loop

📌 Gear to Bring

Sunscreen – Essential for protection from the tropical sun.
Reusable water bottle – Stay hydrated and avoid single-use plastic.
Lightweight long-sleeved clothing – Shields you from sun, mosquitoes, and scratches.
Long pants – Helps prevent sunburn, exhaust pipe burns, and trekking scrapes.
Hoodie or thick shirt – Handy for cool evenings or higher altitudes.
Rain jacket or windbreaker – Especially important during the rainy season.
Non-slip shoes – Great for walking, climbing, or exploring caves.
Face mask – Protects against dust and exhaust fumes while riding.

>>> Learn more: What to do in Laos in 2 Weeks

Face mask — *Stay hydrated and avoid single-use plastic.*

Headlamp – For cave exploration or night riding.
Reflective vest – Increases visibility on the bike at night, especially if wearing dark clothing.
Bungee cord – To secure your luggage on the motorbike (easy to find locally).
Plastic bags – Reusable ones are useful for dirty clothes, shoes, or trash.
Empty water bottles – Can be refilled along the way, also useful for hikes.
Cash – Some areas don’t have ATMs.
Power bank – To keep your phone charged on the road.
Small first aid kit – Include band-aids, antiseptic, or iodine for minor injuries.

Thakhek loop map — *We had to bring a lot for the trip.*

📌 Download Offline Maps

Be sure to download offline maps on Maps.me or Google Maps ahead of time, as internet connection can be unreliable in remote areas.

3. Thakhek Loop Itinerary – Laos

This loop offers several possible routes. Here’s one suggested itinerary — feel free to cross-reference other sources and adapt it based on your time, interests, and riding experience.

🔹 Day 1: Thakhek to Nakai

Route: Take Route 12 heading east from Thakhek — this section is often nicknamed “Cave Alley” because of the many caves along the way.

Highlights:

Nang Aen Cave: A must-see cave with impressive interior formations.
Nong Thao Lake: A hidden gem reached via a dirt road. A short walk takes you to a platform with a stunning view over the lake.
Other caves and sights: If time allows, explore more caves along the way — but be cautious, especially of truck traffic on this stretch.

Accommodation: Stay overnight in Nakai, or ride a bit further to Thalang for a wider selection of guesthouses.

🔹 Day 2: Nakai to Lak Sao

Route: Start your day in the Nakai Plateau, a landscape marked by dead trees and vast stretches of water.

Highlights:

Boat Excursions: Embark on a boat trip to explore Nakai's numerous canals.
Buddha Statues: Some statues carved into the rock line the road.
Dragon Cave: A well-lit cave with impressive stalactites and stalagmites. A steep climb will take you to a breathtaking viewpoint.
Natural Pool: A refreshing turquoise spring, perfect for a swim on a hot day.
Accommodation: Spend the night in Nahin.
Thakhek Loop

Rice fields appear regularly...

🔹 Day 3: Nahin to Kong Lor Cave

Route: One of the highlights of the Thakhek Loop is the Kong Lor River Cave, 7.5 km long. After leaving Nahin, you will travel 42 km on a paved road winding through villages and rice fields.

Highlights:

Kong Lor Cave: A must-see, accessible only by boat. The journey through the dark cave will reveal spectacular stalactites and stalagmites. This trip includes two stops for photos inside the cave.
Village Exploration: After visiting the cave, explore the nearby village for a unique local experience.
Accommodation: Return to Nahin after the cave visit, with an option to stop for more photos along the way.

🔹 Day 4: Nahin to Thakhek

Route: The final day includes a long drive to Thakhek, starting with the Rock Viewpoint just after Nahin.

Highlights:

Rock Viewpoint: An impressive panorama of a limestone forest. Adventurers can enjoy a zipline, suspension bridges, and via ferratas to explore the region in an exciting way.
Return to Thakhek: After the viewpoint, travel 33 km through the mountains to reach the main road. Be prepared for a sometimes long and monotonous drive back to Thakhek.
End of the Loop – tired but not ready to stop.

On the roadside, simple dwellings reveal a calm and unhurried daily life.

"On the last day, everyone is burnt out by the sun, covered in dust... but still laughing. We joke about our speeding, laugh at the goats that could have appeared at any moment, or those unpredictable stretches of road where anything can happen. And then we toast, a Beerlao in hand: the loop is finished, we’re intact – and full of memories.

The Thakhek Loop isn’t for those looking for comfort or control. But if you want freedom, surprises, and moments that are worth more than anything, then it’s truly worth the trip. All you need is a solid scooter... and most importantly, an open mind for whatever the road has in store for you." -Thierry Olland.

4. Navigating the Loop: Useful Information and Tips

🛵 Road Conditions

Most roads are calm and lightly trafficked, making driving enjoyable. However, be cautious on certain sections of National Route 13, where truck traffic is denser and potholes are common.

📌 Ideal Duration of the Route

The Thakhek Loop is ideally done in 3 to 4 days, allowing you to ride at your own pace and fully enjoy the scenery. For those who prefer to take it slower, it's perfectly fine to stretch it over 5 to 6 days, depending on your preferences and stops.

thakhek loop

🛡️ Safety and Precautions

Always wear a helmet – ideally a full-face model or one of good quality, not just a basic helmet provided with the rental.
Check the bike every morning: brakes, tires, indicators, lights, mirrors... A quick check can prevent major issues.
Ensure before departure: travel insurance that includes riding a two-wheeled vehicle (with an appropriate license) is essential.
Equip yourself properly: refer to the "checklist" section above.
If you've never ridden a scooter, practice in a calm area before hitting the loop.
Avoid going alone if you're a beginner: riding on mountainous or gravel roads can be tricky.
And above all, go at your own pace, without pressure. It's better to finish the loop a little slower than not finishing it at all.

thakhek loop

5. Drive Yourself or Join a Guided Tour?

Riding in a small group or with others increases safety and provides help in case of any issues. If you prefer to be accompanied, renting a local driver (who drives the motorcycle for you) can be a good option. However, if you're looking for more freedom and want to stop whenever you like, driving yourself is the ideal choice.

👉 Good to know: In Thakhek or Pakse, there isn't yet a well-structured “easy rider” service like the one offered on the Ha Giang Loop in Vietnam. If you don't want to drive, it's better to hire a private driver or join other travelers.

✅ Tips for choosing a driver:

Language: Make sure the driver has at least basic English skills to facilitate communication.
Itinerary: Discuss the stops and places to visit beforehand to ensure they match your preferences.

✅ Finding Travel Companions:
You can meet other travelers planning the same route through travel Facebook groups, such as Laos Backpacking.

6. A Few Ideas to Extend the Adventure

If you have a bit of time before or after the Thakhek Loop, several destinations are worth a detour and fit easily into your itinerary:

Savannakhet (west of Thakhek): A peaceful town along the Mekong River, known for its colonial architecture, quiet markets, and discreet temples. A relaxing stop before hitting the road.
Pakse and the Bolaven Plateau (further south): If you're heading south in Laos, this is another motorcycle loop to consider, filled with waterfalls, coffee plantations, and ethnic villages.

Final Thoughts

The Thakhek Loop is more than just a motorcycle route: it's an immersion into a unique side of Laos, with quiet roads, wild landscapes, and villages where time seems to slow down. This type of itinerary offers a glimpse into the country we love: peaceful, welcoming, and still untouched by mass tourism. With affordable prices, a relaxed atmosphere, and incredibly kind locals, Laos is well worth a trip off the beaten path.