Midsize Woman

If Laos had beaches, it would probably be overrun. But it doesn’t and that’s what makes it special.

This landlocked country draws in a different kind of traveler: the ones chasing waterfalls instead of waves, caves instead of cocktails, and misty plateaus instead of crowded shores. Laos is for nature lovers who don’t mind trading five-star luxury for a guesthouse with a hammock and a jungle soundtrack.

Among the best ways to experience rural Laos is to hop on a motorbike and ride one of its two most famous loops: the Pakse Loop and the Thakhek Loop. Both offer jaw-dropping landscapes, endless waterfalls or epic caves, and that slow-travel magic that keeps Laos off the beaten path (in the best way).

So which one should you ride? Or should you do both?

Here’s your complete, real-world guide based on experience, research, and the occasional muddy shortcut.

What Are the Pakse and Thakhek Loops?

The Pakse Loop (Bolaven Plateau)

The Pakse Loop winds through southern Laos, starting in the riverside town of Pakse and climbing into the Bolaven Plateau. Expect highland breezes, dense jungle, and some of Southeast Asia’s most beautiful waterfalls. You’ll pass through tea and coffee plantations, stay in quiet villages, and enjoy cool nights away from the heat of the lowlands.

• Main highlights: Tad Fane, Tad Yuang, Tad Lo, Tad Champi waterfalls; coffee farms; ethnic villages
• Distance: ~200–350 km (depending on loop size)
• Time needed: 2–4 days
• Vibe: Gentle, scenic, relaxing with some rugged stretches
• Best for: Waterfall chasers, coffee lovers, moderate riders

The Thakhek Loop

Located in central Laos, the Thakhek Loop begins and ends in the town of Thakhek, famous for its French colonial architecture and riverside views. This loop is more rugged and dramatic, you’ll be weaving through limestone karsts, exploring caves as long as cities, and navigating a mix of paved and dirt roads.

• Main highlights: Kong Lor Cave, Buddha Cave, Elephant Cave, karst cliffs, viewpoints
• Distance: ~450 km
• Time needed: 3–5 days
• Vibe: Adventurous, raw, slightly tougher
• Best for: Cave explorers, thrill-seekers, confident riders

Loop Details: What to Expect on Each Route

Pakse Loop Highlights

• Tad Fane & Tad Yuang: Twin waterfalls plunging hundreds of meters down a jungle gorge. Easy access.
• Tad Lo: A favorite among slow travelers; peaceful vibe, cheap guesthouses, chance to see elephants.
• Coffee & Tea Plantations: Laos is home to award-winning beans. Stop for a tour or just sip with a view.
• Ethnic Villages: The plateau is home to several ethnic minorities. Respectful travelers are often welcomed with smiles.
• Cooler Weather: Thanks to the altitude, nights can be breezy and pleasant.

Thakhek Loop Highlights

• Kong Lor Cave: The crown jewel. A 7.5 km underground river cave, crossed by boat. Mind-blowing.
• Buddha Cave: A hidden cave with dozens of golden Buddhas found by a hunter in 2004. Spiritual and surreal.
• Viewpoints & Karsts: The karst mountains feel like something out of a fantasy movie.
• Challenging Roads: Some steep, gravel, or washed-out sections but manageable with care.
• Remote Vibes: You’ll go long stretches without towns. Offline maps = essential.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Feature	Pakse Loop	Thakhek Loop
Scenery Type	Waterfalls, plateau, forests, farms	Caves, karsts, rivers, valleys
Adventure Level	Moderate	Higher
Road Conditions	Mostly paved, some dirt	Mix of paved, gravel, and rough roads
Main Attractions	Tad Fane, Tad Yuang, coffee farms	Kong Lor Cave, karst cliffs, viewpoints
Best Season	Nov–April (dry season)	Nov–April (dry season)
Distance	200–350 km	~450 km
Time Needed	2–4 days	3–5 days
Bike Suitability	Semi-auto or auto fine	Semi-auto recommended; manual better for control
Cost per Day (Est.)	$20–30 USD	$25–35 USD
Best For	Waterfall lovers, relaxed travel	Adventurers, cave fans

Tips for Riding Either Loop (Don’t Skip This)

1. Check Your Bike: Don’t just rent the cheapest option. Test the brakes, horn, lights, and tires especially on the Thakhek Loop.
2. Offline Maps are a Must: Use Maps.me, Organic Maps, or Google Maps Offline. Cell service vanishes often.
3. Fuel Up Often: Never assume there’s a gas station in the next town. Fill up whenever you can.
4. Start Early: Sun sets fast in Laos and riding in the dark isn’t fun or safe. Plan to arrive before 5 PM.
5. Rain Gear: Even in dry season, weather changes quickly. A poncho or jacket can save your trip (and your mood).
6. Respect Villages: Dress modestly, learn a few Lao phrases, ask before taking photos. Many people still live traditionally.
7. Stay Flexible: Roads can wash out. Guesthouses might be full. A flexible mindset turns frustration into adventure.
8. Local Food is the Best Food: Grilled meat, sticky rice, fresh herbs don’t just eat the tourist menus.
9. Take Breaks: Riding is exhausting. Don’t try to see everything. The best moments often happen when you slow down.
10. Safety First: Helmets are non-negotiable. Bring a basic first aid kit, especially for scrapes or minor falls.

Watch the Road, Not Just for Potholes

Don’t stress too much about police stops (they’re rare), but do watch out for cows, buffalo… and yes, the occasional elephant. They’re chill, massive, and absolutely not in a hurry, so you’ll be the one stopping.

Rule of the road: horns are useless, and animals always win.

Which Loop Should You Choose?

• Choose the Pakse Loop if you want lush scenery, waterfall hopping, and coffee farm stops. Easier roads and more comfort, with enough nature to feel far from the world.
• Choose the Thakhek Loop if you’re up for caves, karsts, and rugged roads and you don’t mind getting dirty, tired, and totally awed.
• Do both if you’ve got time. They complement each other perfectly.

Extra Resource: Google Map with Pins

Include a custom Google Map with pins for:

• Waterfalls (Pakse)
• Caves & viewpoints (Thakhek)
• Gas stations
• Recommended guesthouses
• Food stops

Laos Loop Essentials: Pack Smart

• Lightweight clothes (but cover shoulders/knees in villages)
• Rain jacket / poncho
• Power bank
• Sunscreen + mosquito repellent
• Dry bag for electronics
• Snacks & water
• Emergency cash

Final Thoughts

Motorbiking in Laos isn’t just about getting from A to B. It’s about the ride, the road dust, the waterfalls you stumble on by mistake, the bowl of noodle soup served by a smiling grandma in a village with no name.

Whether you choose the Pakse Loop or Thakhek Loop, or both, what you’ll remember won’t just be the scenery. It’ll be the feeling of freedom, discovery, and being somewhere raw and real.

Laos is the destination. The loop is just the beginning.