Thakhek Loop
The Thakhek Loop is a popular multiple day motorbike route in central Laos, known for its scenic landscapes, limestone karst formations, and charming villages. It was one of my favourite experiences in Laos. I will advise you to take your time for the loop so you also have time to enjoy the beautiful places on the way. In my experience 4 or 5 days are enough.
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The Thakhek route
The loop covers approximately 450 kilometers and takes riders through picturesque countryside, limestone mountains, and along the Mekong River. With Thakhek town being the starting and ending point. (I loved the little Thakhek town). There are multiple ways to do the loop. When I was there, I was advised not to do the whole lap. But to go to the Kong Lor Cave and then take the same way back. Because the last part was only a highway, more dangerous and less beautiful.
How to arrange the tour?
So you will arrive in Thakhek Town. This is a little cute town where you can arrange the Thakhek Loop. I would suggest to find a hostel where they can help you prepare for the loop. I stayed in Hostel La Casa, where they gave a briefing about the loop every night. It was also the perfect place to meet other travelers to do the loop together. And to leave your big luggage while you’re doing the Thakhek Loop.
There are no tours or easy riders available so you have to drive on your own. (only advise driving alone if you are really comfortable). Find a group of people to do it together with. Easy to find in hostels!
Motorbike Rental
Many travelers choose to rent motorbikes in Thakhek to navigate the loop. In the hostel I’ve stayed they also offered rental scooters. It will be around 9€/7,5£/7,5$ per day. You can drive an automatic bike. Only drive if you feel really comfortable on the motorbike. Otherwise it can be really dangerous. Deadly accidents with travelers happened before.
📍 Highlights of the loop
On the route to the Kong Lor Cave you find these incredible stops. There are more stops but these are one of my favourites!
- Kong Lor Cave: One of the highlights of the Thakhek Loop is the Kong Lor Cave, a colossal limestone cave that stretches for 7.5 kilometers. Here you can take a boat ride through the cave, marveling at its impressive stalactites and stalagmites in the dark. It’s a really cool experience to be in a wooden little boat in a cave. The drivers are navigating with torches. It’s impressive!
- Pa Seuan Cave: Not a popular cave yet! It’s a small, beautiful cave and nobody was there at the time we visited. There was also water in the cave so you were able to swim
- Nam None Cave: My favourite secret cave! It’s a challenge to get there. I wouldnt recommend to take the route we took. Because it was through the property of houses, over a field, a lady had to open a gate for us. So there is probably another route. But once you got there it was an amazing big cave with nobody! We walked till it was pitch black and we couldn’t see anything. Then we returned! Crazy experience.
- Bomb Boats: You can see these boats from the bridge in the river underneath you. They made boats out of the bombs.
- Tad Song Souk Waterfall: Perfect for a quick dip in the water!
- Wat Pha Nang Rong: A beautiful temple along the way
- The Rock Viewpoint: Beautiful viewpoint over the beautiful countryside. You can do many activities here. Many travellers choose to zipline. I had already ziplined at the Gibbon Experience so I chose not to do that again.
Tip! Crash a party… On our way we saw so many parties along the way. Then we decided: “the next party we see, we’re going to stop”. So we did. Read here “How to crash a Laos Party”
Tips for the Thakhek Loop
Here I tell you some general tips for the Thakhek Loop that you should know before you go.
- Don’t go alone, find people to join in hostels
- Only drive if you feel confident driving, it can be really dangerous
- Watch out for cows. They won’t move for you
- Watch out for loose grind on the side of the roads, these are so slippery. So don’t use your brakes in loose grind!)
- Drive slowly in a comfortable pace. No need to rush.
- Get Gas regularly
Where to stay during the Thakhek Loop?
Accommodation options along the Thakhek Loop range from guesthouses in small villages in Phalang and Kong Lore. It’s advisable to plan accommodation in advance, especially during peak travel seasons. Because there are limited accommodations. We experienced that Thalang was fully booked and we had to go to the next town in the dark. Something you’d rather avoid.
The roads
Travelers embarking on the Thakhek Loop should be prepared for varying road conditions, including both paved and dirt roads. It’s essential to have a reliable map or GPS device, and taking necessary precautions for a safe and enjoyable journey is highly recommended.
Best time to go?
The best season for the Thakhek Loop would be the dry season. Riding in the rainy season is not recommended. The roads deteriorate tremendously and may overflow. This makes it hugely dangerous and also takes away the charm of the tour.
How to get to Thakhek?
To reach Thakhek Town you can take a seven-hour bus ride from Vientaine or Vang Vieng. From Pakse, Thakhek can be reached by local bus, which takes about 10 hours.
Other once in a lifetime experiences in Laos
Ziplining through the jungle of Laos and sleeping in a treehouse 30 meters high!
Home Stay Huay Bo
Stay with a family to experience Laos in the most pure and authenthic way.
More information about Laos
- Budget Laos
- Best time to visit Laos
- Visa Laos
- Currency of Laos
- The Laos Flag
- Learn Laos words
- Safety in Laos
- History of Laos
- Laotian People
- Religion of Laos
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