4 Day Laos Northwest Loop

A short 4 day ride in Laos combining 2 days unpaved and 2 day on the most scenic paved road in Laos.  The tour winds a clockwise loop out of Vientiane to the west and then up to Luang Prabang with a final overnight in Vang Vieng.  Basic riding skills are needed and this trip has options for a few side tracks to up the fun/ride level.  This is the quick way to ride and see the major spots of Laos mixed in with the remote western section of the country.  We've run this trip many times and there are quite a few variations that are done along the ride depending on rider ability.

Vientiane Arrival

Day 1: Vientiane – Paklay/ 225 km, mixed roads

Day 2: Paklay – Luang Prabang/ 160 unpaved and 85 paved

Day 3: Luang Prabang – Vang Vieng/ 230km paved - lots of elevation changes

Day 4: Vang Vieng – Vientiane via Ban Pako/ 40 unpaved and 170km paved

Vientiane Departure

Day to day itinerary:

Vientiane arrival

Depending on your flight arrival, transfer to the hotel. In the evening, meet the guide and go over the upcoming trip.  We’ll talk about safety and the ride as well as set you up with additional gear for the following day

Accommodation: Lao Orchid Hotel

Meal plan: none

Day 1: Vientiane – Paklay/ 150 km unpaved, 70 km paved

Breakfast at the hotel and depart for Paklay. Slightly out of town, turn to dirt road running along the Mekong River. We’ll follow the river off and on stopping as you need to take photos. The road is under constant construction/upgrading and in various stages of repair. We arrive in Xayanamkhan and ride a beautiful stretch of paved road to the Mekong River crossing near Pak Lay.  We arrive in Pak Lay and check in, dinner follows.

Accommodation: Duang Chaiphet Guesthouse

Meal plan: B/L/D

Day 2: Paklay – Luang Prabang/ 220 km unpaved and 30 km pave

Breakfast early at 07:00 and we are rolling north.  We’ll take one diversion on the way on a smaller road via villages and maybe some work elephants along the way.  The road is long today as we move north and we’ll stop as you need or like.  Lunch is in Xayaboury along the river and we then head to the next Mekong River Crossing at Thadeua.  We are getting close to Luang Prabang and before we depart the dirt road, take a stop at Kacham Waterfalls for a short dip, time permitting.  We arrive in Laung Prabang for sunset on the river and cold beer.

Accommodation: Villa Phathana

Meal plan: B,L,D

Day 3: Luang Prabang – Vang Vieng/ 230km paved with lots of elevation changes, beautiful rid

Breakfast at the hotel and we are off south on twisty mountain roads.  The views are great and road in good condition compared to what we rode the previous days.  We’ll stop at hilltop schools for a look and have lunch at a great overlook of the limestone valley ridges. As we descend into the Vang Vieng area, we’ll stop a few places for great photos and finish with a drink riverside at the hotel.  Depending on our departure time, you may get in a little tubing ride along the Nam Song river but we have to arrive before 2 pm.

Accommodation: Elephant Crossing Hotel

Meal plan: B/L/D

Day 4: Vang Vieng – Vientiane via Ban Pako/ 70 unpaved and 165 km paved

Breakfast riverside and we are off.  We ride south for about 88 km and then turn on a lesser used road.  We’ll stop for a drink at a great lake overlook and then continue for lunch in Ban Keun.  We ride south further and take a dirt road diversion (time depending) and rip up a little dirt before arriving in Vientiane.

Accommodation: Lao Orchid Hotel

Meal plan: B/L

Vientiane departure

Breakfast at the hotel and free until departure

Accommodation: None

Meal plan: B

Terms and Conditions

Ready to roll? Send us a Tour Request with the number of persons and your dates, we'll put together a quote for your tour and personalize it to your needs.  Some questions are answered on our FAQ page, have a look.

Inclusive:

• English speaking lead guide
  
• Protective gear as available at 50% discount from http://www.remoteasia.com/Rental_Gear.html
• Pre-trip briefing, pre-trip email packet
  
• Meal as indicated
• Airport transfers
  

• Motorbike + fuel + helmet + 3^rd party insurance for guest
• Motorbike + fuel + helmet + 3^rd party insurance for lead guide
  
• Tool kit
• Entry fees to sites and all ferry crossing charges
• Accommodation as indicated, twin share
• Permit  + Tax
• Drinking water and hydration solutions
• First aid kit (basic)
• Post ride GPS map of the tour
  
• Some tours include post ride video
• Activities as indicated
  

Exclusive:

• Flights
• Damage to the bikes
• Support vehicle
• Visa (visa on arrival is available at 30 - 45 USD, 1 photo is required)
• Travel insurance
• soft drink, alcohol and meals not indicated
• Activities as indicated
  
• Laundry and personal expenses