Laos Motorbike Tours: Ride the Best Routes in Laos

In addition, a guided motorcycle tours provide access to local guides who know the roads, attractions, and cultural hotspots like the back of their hand. So, to know more, here are our good reasons on why should you choose to ride laos with Vietnamese Motorbike Tours;

Expert Local Guides and Tailored Routes

Our guides aren’t just acting like they’re leading a classic tour group, they’re local riders who’ve spent years exploring every twist, turn, and trail in Laos. They know which roads are freshly paved, which mountain tracks get muddy after rain, and where to find the best local foods along the way.

It’s with their help, that every route is tailored to your riding level and interests, whether you want smooth scenic roads or challenging dirt trails. We plan in in advance and the rest it’s like riding with a friend who knows all the local secrets, keeping things safe, flexible, and full of surprises you wouldn’t find on your own.

Quality Bikes (Honda, BMW, Royal Enfield)

When you’re riding across Laos, a good bike makes all the difference. That’s why we use top-quality, well-maintained machines like Honda CRFs, BMW GS series, and Royal Ride with Enfield Scramblers, all built to handle both smooth roads and rugged terrain.

We are not a rental motorbike company that our bikes are in hands of different riders every single day, that means, our bikes are only run when there is a tour, so, every bike is checked before each ride.

Riders on Facebook and ADV forums often say the reliability of your bike can make or break the trip, that’s true, and we couldn’t agree more.

Authentic Cultural Experiences Along the Way

One of the best parts of riding through Laos is how connected you feel to the local life. And that’s what we aiming for. Our tours don’t just pass through towns, we stop, talk, and share moments.

You might join a family for a cup of Lao coffee, visit a small temple few tourists ever see, or ride through villages where kids wave as you pass by. Riders often say Laos feels like “the Southeast Asia of 20 years ago”, genuine, warm, and untouched.

Best Time to Ride a Motorbike in Laos

Riding in the Dry Season (Nov–Mar)

Most riders agree the dry season, from November to March, and suggest it as the best time to ride in Laos. The skies are clear, rivers are calm, and mountain roads stay in good shape. I’ve read one rider on instagram said, “It’s perfect riding weather  with warm days, cool mornings, and dry dirt tracks.”

You can cover long distances without worrying about mud or flooding, and the views up north are incredible. It’s also a great time for beginners, since trails are easier to handle. Just remember, it’s the most popular season, so plan early if you want your ideal route. You may read more and check the best time of the year to visit Laos

Challenges & Rewards of the Rainy Season

From May to October, Laos turns lush and green, but riding gets more unpredictable. Roads can be muddy, and some river crossings get tricky after a heavy rain.

Still, many off-road riders say this is when Laos feels most alive. “It’s tougher, but also more beautiful,” one ADVrider post I’ve seen, the waterfalls are full, the air is fresh, and you’ll see fewer tourists. If you like off-road adventure and don’t mind a few slips in the mud, it’s incredibly rewarding. Just pack good rain gear, take it slow, and enjoy the wild side of Laos at its purest.

Month-by-Month Laos Riding Conditions

As a local motorbike tour organizer, we often break Laos into two moods: dusty or muddy.

November to February gives you crisp air and clean roads, last year I ride from Sam Nuea to Phonsavan and I barely see any motorbike, empty road. March and April get hotter and drier, perfect for mountain routes but a bit warm in the lowlands.

May to August brings the rains, and by rain, we means tropical stormy ones, tricky for beginners, but great for those chasing adventure and green scenery.

September and October start drying out, offering a mix of both worlds. As one rider said online, “There’s never really a bad time, just different challenges.” Every month brings a new side of Laos , you just need the right mindset.

How much are the cos of motorbike tours in Laos?

If book with us, you’ll enjoy a truly all-inclusive experience; everything from meals and fuel to accommodations are included. The cost of he motorbike trips are eventually depends of the duration, models and type of the motorcycle you choose to ride, here are few details about the package prices:

4-Day Laos Loop Adventure

Perfect for riders short on time, the 4-day loop gives you a brief taste of Laos without rushing. It usually covers scenic routes around Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, or the northern highlands, a mix of paved roads and light dirt trails.

Riders often request this loop “feels like a highlight reel of Laos”, small villages, mountain views, and twisty roads with hardly any traffic. It’s ideal for beginners or anyone wanting a quick adventure with just enough challenge. Expect a well-paced ride, good local food, and plenty of stops for photos and coffee along the way.

7–10 Day Off-Road Expedition

This is the great suggestion for most riders who want a longer adventure. The 7–10 day tours dive deep into rural Laos, combining technical off-road riding with cultural stops and scenic river crossings.

We share with our riders with “the perfect balance of dirt and discovery.” You’ll tackle red clay trails, forest tracks, and remote villages where few tourists go. Each day brings new terrain, from mountain passes to jungle paths, and evenings end in cozy guesthouses or local stays. It’s challenging, fun, and gives you that true sense of freedom Laos is famous for.

14-Day Grand Laos Cross-Country Tour

We suggest to those who want the full experience, the 14-day motorbike holiday is the ultimate Laos adventure. It’s a true cross-country ride from north to south, mountains, rivers, karst valleys, and long stretches of pure adventure. “It’s the ride of a lifetime,” one rider wrote it later to us.

With more time to ride the deeper into the country’s less visited routes, you’ll explore remote provinces, visit hill tribes, and ride everything from smooth asphalt to rugged jungle tracks. It’s demanding but deeply rewarding, perfect for experienced riders looking to see the real Laos beyond the guidebooks. Two weeks on the road here changes how you see travel forever.

Top Routes for Motorcycle Tours in Laos

Our team is here to help you design a flexible, personalized motorbike itinerary that matches your travel style and holiday plans in Laos. Whether you want to ride the Thakhek Loop, explore the Bolaven Plateau, or take the dusty route from Vientiane to Luang Prabang, we’ll tailor your journey to fit your schedule, skill level, and interests.

Simply share your preferred destinations, tour duration, and activities or attractions, from waterfalls and coffee plantations to mountain villages and ancient temples, and we’ll craft a custom route featuring the top motorcycle tours and scenic highlights across Laos.

Vientiane to Luang Prabang Scenic Ride

This route is a classic for anyone riding through Laos. Starting from Vientiane, the ride winds north through Paksan and Vang Vieng before reaching the UNESCO town of Luang Prabang.

Riders say it’s one of the most beautiful paved routes in Southeast Asia, mountain curves, river valleys, and quiet villages along the Nam Song. The stretch between Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang is especially stunning, with misty peaks and great viewpoints for sunrise photos. It’s perfect for beginners and intermediate riders looking for smooth roads, great food stops, and a laid-back pace through central Laos.

The Thakhek Loop (Central Laos Classic)

The Thakhek Loop is legendary among Southeast Asia riders, a mix of karst landscapes, caves, and endless small-town charm. Most riders start in Thakhek and pass through Kong Lor Cave, Viengthong, and Paksan before looping back.

You’ll ride through limestone valleys and riverside villages where time seems to stand still. “It’s the loop that made me fall in love with Laos,” one rider wrote online. Roads are mostly paved, with some dirt stretches perfect for light adventure riding. Check out Thakhek loop

Guesthouses are friendly, food is cheap, and every turn feels like you’re discovering something new.

Bolaven Plateau Coffee Trail

Down south near Pakse, the Bolaven Plateau is pure magic for riders on a motorbike holiday. The trail loops through lush coffee farms, waterfalls, and ethnic villages around Salavan and Attapeu. Riders often say it’s “the best smell in Laos”, coffee roasting everywhere as you pass by.

The weather here is cooler, and the roads are a nice mix of smooth tarmac and red dirt tracks. Highlights include Tad Fane and Tad Lo waterfalls, plus local homestays where you can try fresh coffee straight from the farm. It’s a relaxed, scenic ride with just enough adventure to keep things exciting.

Northern Laos Off-Road Loop (Luang Prabang to Nong Khiaw)

This northern route is a favorite for experienced riders who love dirt and mountain trails. Starting in Luang Prabang, you’ll ride through Pakbeng, Oudomxay, and Sop Lao before reaching Nong Khiaw, a riverside village surrounded by limestone cliffs. Riders on ADVrider often describe it as “real off-the-grid Laos.”

Expect remote dirt roads, river crossings, and some challenging climbs, especially after rain. The scenery is wild — misty forests, bamboo bridges, and hill tribe villages where kids wave as you pass. If you want a mix of off-road adventure and authentic local life, this loop delivers it all.

Southern Mekong Ride & 4,000 Islands Tour

For an easygoing ride packed with local culture, the southern Mekong route is hard to beat. Starting in Pakse, riders head toward Champasak and Muang Khong, exploring the famous 4,000 Islands region.

It’s mostly smooth riding along the Mekong, passing fishing villages, ancient temples, and laid-back riverside towns. “It’s the kind of route where you just slow down and enjoy the view,”

You can cross into islands by ferry, visit waterfalls like Khone Phapheng, and enjoy sunsets with a cold Beerlao by the river. It’s Laos at its most peaceful and authentic.

Sample 10-Day Laos Motorbike Itinerary

If you’ve got around 10 days to ride in Laos, you’re in for an incredible adventure,  whether you choose the lush mountains of the north, the coffee-scented plateaus of the south, or a cross-country journey that connects both.

If you asking us, we suggest to split the routes based on what kind of experience rider want: northern Laos offers twisting mountain passes between Luang Prabang, Phonsavan, and Muang Ngoy, while the southern trail, especially the Bolaven Plateau Loop and 4,000 Islands (Si Phan Don), gives a laid-back mix of waterfalls, coffee farms, and Mekong river views.

Some riders even take on the full north-to-south route from Luang Prabang down to Pakse or Don Det on trusty bikes like the Honda CRF250 or Yamaha XTZ. It’s a solid challenge with a perfect balance of culture, scenery, and freedom, exactly what a 10-day ride through Laos should feel like. Our team can help you fine-tune the route, depending on your riding style, preferred terrain, and the kind of local experiences you want to include.

Day-by-Day Route Highlights

A 10-day motorbike vacation through Laos gives you the perfect mix of adventure, culture, and freedom. Most riders start in Vientiane, heading north through Vang Vieng, Phonsavan, and Luang Prabang before looping back via Oudomxay and Pakbeng. Each day brings something new, winding mountain roads, riverside stretches, and scenic villages where time slows down.

Riders often say, “It’s not about distance here, it’s about the journey.” Expect comfortable riding hours, local meals, and plenty of chances to stop for photos or a cold drink with a view. By day ten, you’ll have seen the real heart of Laos.

Cultural & Scenic Stops Along the Way

This route isn’t just about riding, it’s about connecting with Laos along the way. You’ll visit the mysterious Plain of Jars in Phonsavan, walk the temples of Luang Prabang, and meet friendly locals in remote mountain towns.

Riders love the blend of history, nature, and simplicity. “Every stop feels personal,” one traveler shared online. Between scenic viewpoints, hidden waterfalls, and small roadside markets, there’s always something unexpected. From sipping Lao coffee in Oudomxay to watching the sunset over the Mekong in Pakbeng, every stop adds another story to your adventure. It’s pure Laos on two wheels.

Crossing Borders by Motorbike (Vietnam–Laos–Thailand)

After years of guiding riders across Southeast Asia, we’ve learned that crossing borders between Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand isn’t that easy per say, it just takes preparation and patience. Check out Indochina Motorbike Tours

Each country has its own process, and things can change depending on the border post and the officers on duty that day. We’ve handled countless crossings for both private riders and guided groups, and the key is having your paperwork in order and knowing which borders are friendly to foreign bikes.

Whether you’re coming from Hanoi, Chiang Rai, or Pakse, crossing into Laos is part of the adventure, not something to stress about.

Required Documents & Permits

You’ll need the basics: your passport with a valid visa (or visa-on-arrival eligibility), a valid motorcycle registration, and the owner’s permission if it’s not your bike.

Riders also need a temporary import permit for Laos and sometimes an International Driving Permit. We usually handle all of this for our riders to avoid surprises at the border. “Paperwork takes 30 minutes if you’re organized, hours if you’re not,” one rider joked on a forum (I’ve seen it while I was writing this guide), and it’s true. Having copies ready, including your green card insurance and entry form, makes the process smooth and stress-free.

Most Popular Border Crossings

Over the years, we’ve crossed almost every open post between Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand. Some of the most reliable are Nam Phao–Cau Treo (Vietnam–Laos), Dansavanh–Lao Bao, and Huay Xai–Chiang Khong for entering Thailand. These crossings handle tourist traffic regularly, so officers there are used to seeing motorbikes and group tours.

Riders often mention that smaller crossings feel relaxed but can be unpredictable with paperwork. For first-timers, we recommend the main checkpoints, they might take a bit longer, but they’re consistent. If you join our tours, we always pre-arrange permits so your crossing feels more like a formality than a hassle.

Tips for Hassle-Free Entry

One word from us for solo riders: patience, paperwork, and politeness go a long way. Arrive early in the day, and avoid pushing or arguing if things take time, it’s Laos, everything runs on a slower rhythm. Keep multiple copies of your documents and have small USD or Lao kip ready for small fees.

“Smile, show respect, and things move faster,” one of our regular guides likes to say. We also recommend keeping your bike clean and your attitude positive. With the right mindset and preparation, crossing borders in this region becomes a memorable part of the journey, not a headache.