Off-road Northern Laos

This 10 day ride in Laos has extremely scenic stretches of roads, waterfalls, remote areas, simple villages – giving you a taste of Laos you’ll remember for a long time – and the ride is great!

Off-road Northern Laos

overview
itinerary

Laos, Motorcycle Tours Around The World

Off-road Sections, Sightseeing

11 days / 10 nights - Riding days: 8

Motorbike self-ride

Price: from 2,750 USD

Laos is the often forgotten neighbour of Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia. But it is an intriguing country, rich in history and its lack of tourism compared to other South East Asian countries makes it all the more ripe for off-the-beaten-track exploring.

Our 11-day motorbike tour across the Northern heartlands of this incredible country takes us from the capital of Vientiane, famous for its French colonial buildings and stunning Buddhist temples, to the rural paradise of Vang Vieng. On the way we’ll stop by hot springs and elephant camps, take a cruise down the Mekong river, make a stop at a CIA airstrip to learn about the part Laos played in the Vietnam War and you’ll even have the option to go tubing.

The infrastructure in Laos is improving rapidly but be prepared to encounter dirt roads and lots of potholes.

upcoming tour dates

Join one of our upcoming scheduled tours or depart any day with a minimum of 2 people.

Tour Includes

Experienced English speaking tour leader on motorbike
Local Guide on motorbike
Hotels as indicated – twin share (Single rooms available at surcharge)
Honda CRF 250 Rental
3rd party insurance on the motorcycles
Ford Ranger support vehicle for bigger groups (Space for 2 people in the
Ranger only)
Spare bike in Ranger
Second Lao guide on bike, groups over 7 riders
Medical kit
River cruise to Luang Prabang
Fuel for the entire trip
Meals as indicated
Drinking water and drinks during the day (not included on rest day)
Entrance fees and ferry crossings
Return Airport transfers in Vientiane

Tour excludes

Visa for Laos
Deposit transfer fees
Flights into Laos
Damages incurred on tour to motorcycles
Meals not indicated
Drinks (soft drinks + alcohol) after we arrive at the hotel every day and on rest day
Travel insurance
Tips and personal expenses

ARRIVAL DAY: Vientiane

Arrive in Vientiane today. After an airport transfer check into your hotel and take in your surroundings.

Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Dinner

DAY 2: Vientiane – Paksan (240 km) compressed dirt/offroad/paved

After breakfast its time to pick up our bikes and begin our trip. The road out of town is a compressed dirt track leading to the main road which is paved. Compressed dirt roads are quite common in Laos so we will hit another one shortly after leaving the main road. Then it’s a track and trail where the Ranger may not be able to follow.
We will arrive in Paksan late afternoon and will stop for lunch at a local spot along the way.

Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 3: Paksan – Phonsvan (255 km)

After an early breakfast we will head north on the main road until a diversion onto older, less developed roads. A secondary unused road is available but it is sometimes flooded by a hydroelectric plant.

After lunch will take an off-road ride around the lower parts of Phonsavan, heading to some quite remote areas. We will arrive at the Plain of Jars, an ancient archaeological site, for sunset before sitting down for a local dinner in Phonsavan.

Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4: Phonsavan to Muang Him (220 km)

Enjoy some noodle soup for breakfast before we hit the road by 8 am. We’ll be off-road all day and depending on the time of year, the ranger may not be able to follow. There are multiple river crossings here and more challenging terrain. Upon arrival in Vieng Thong, an optional ride to a CIA airstrip is possible (1.5 hours) or you can go for a soak in the local hot springs.

Accommodation: Local Guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5: Muang Him to Nong Khiaw

We start the day with 120 km of paved rural road and some beautiful scenery. After another local lunch stop it’s then a 3-hour off-road ride up into the mountains with several water crossings again. The Ranger can follow all day. Our overnight stop tonight is the riverside village of Nong Khiaw. Dinner is at the hotel.

Accommodation: Riverside Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6: Nong Khiaw to Udom Xai (225 km)

We are treated to a little bit of paved road today before hitting 90 km of compressed dirt up to Muang Noi and then onto Muang Khua. In the afternoon we encounter a small paved mountain road for 100 km set against stunning scenery as we make our way to our overnight stop, Udom Xai. Our accommodation for tonight is a moderate hotel.

Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 7: Udom Xai to Luang Prabang (225 km) mostly off-road

Today we find ourselves in remote parts of Laos so there is a compressed dirt track for most of our 120km journey down to the Mekong River. Here we load the bikes onto a long boat and cruise into town. The boat cruise is about 1.5 hours and we arrive in Luang Prabang by late afternoon. Dinner is in Luang Prabang.

Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 8: Luang Prabang – Rest Day

Today have a rest and take the time to explore Luang Prabang, a UNESCO world heritage site and the ancient royal capital.

Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 9: Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng

After experiencing rural Laos, it will be a nice today to ride on arguably the best road in Laos and we’ll hit it early. 230 km of twisted paved road later and we will arrive in Vang Vieng. If our arrival time is before 14:00, you will have the option to go tubing down the Mekong River. If you prefer, you can take a small loop around the west side of town on dirt roads along the karst ridgelines. Dinner tonight is a local meal in Vang Vieng.

Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 10: Return to Vientiane

On our last day of riding we’ll hit a mix of mostly paved roads but also some smaller roads along the way. The journey to Vientiane is 220 km. We’ll take a more leisurely route back and will stop at an elephant camp for a drink. Back in the capital for our final night, we will bid a fond farewell to our ranger and tuck into a nice final dinner tonight.

Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 11: Departure Day

Today transfer to the airport as per your outbound flight or perhaps you have booked a few days extra in Vientiane to explore the city in even more detail.

Meals: Breakfast

Pricing

From 2.750 USD per rider
Single supplement on request

Prices are based on a min of 6 people departing. Prices are based on twin share / double room accommodation. Single rooms available on request (additional charge).
Private tours available on request.

have a question?

The crew at Hoi An Motorbike Adventures are passionate about giving you the best service and experience. If you have any questions about our tours and services or if you would like us to send you some more information, please fill out the form below and we will reply to you as soon as possible. Please note that persons without a valid motorcycle license or under 18 years of age must ride as a pillion.

From 1,600 USD

Central Vietnam Highlights

9 days/8 nights – Join us on an epic 9-day journey across central Vietnam as we take the road less travelled through ancient cities,...