9 Days Northern Laos Motorcycle Tour

Embark on a 9-day Northern Laos motorbike adventure, starting in Vientiane and weaving through the breathtaking landscapes of Paksan, Muang Mok, Phonsavanh, Sop Lao, Nong Khiaw, and Luang Prabang, before making your way to the picturesque Vang Vieng.

This thrilling route covers diverse terrains, from the tranquil countryside to stunning mountain passes, offering you an immersive experience of Laos’ rich culture, ancient temples, and pristine nature.

With each day’s journey ranging from 50 to 232 km, this carefully designed adventure promises both relaxation and adventure, making it perfect for riders eager to explore the heart of Laos. For more ideas, you may check out Laos motorbike tours

9 Days ride: Northern Laos Motorcycle Tour

Day 1: Vientiane to Paksan (187 km / 116 Miles)

We kick off the adventure with a ride out of Vientiane, heading north toward Paksan. The road winds through lush green fields, small villages, and some pretty scenic views of the countryside. The ride is smooth at first, but as we get closer to the mountains, the road starts to twist and turn, making for a fun, engaging ride. I remember feeling that mix of excitement and freedom as we passed through quiet villages and got our first taste of Laos’ natural beauty. After a solid 187 km (116 miles), we pull into Paksan, ready for a good rest before tomorrow’s next leg. The day’s ride? A perfect intro to what’s ahead.

Day 2: Paksan to Muang Mok (141 km / 88 Miles)

We hit the road early, leaving Paksan behind and heading towards Muang Mok. The ride’s got a good rhythm, with smooth stretches of road and a few more twists as we head deeper into the mountains. The scenery’s stunning—lush jungles, rolling hills, and tiny villages where life moves at its own pace. It’s one of those days where you just lose yourself in the ride, letting the road take you through the heart of Laos. After 141 km (88 miles), we roll into Muang Mok, tired but buzzing from the journey. Another day, another awesome stretch of Laos to take in.

Day 3: Muang Mok to Phonsavanh (135 km / 84 Miles)

Today’s ride takes us from Muang Mok to Phonsavanh, and it’s another great one. The road gets a bit more rugged, winding through mountains and valleys, with some beautiful views of rice fields and forested hills. We pass by quiet villages and get a real feel for the rural side of Laos. The pace is steady, but there are a few challenges along the way—narrow roads and some tricky corners. After 135 km (84 miles), we pull into Phonsavanh, ready to kick back and soak in the vibe of this historical town. Another epic day on the bike!

Day 4: Phonsavanh to Sop Lao (140 km / 87 Miles)

Leaving Phonsavanh behind, we head towards Sop Lao, and today’s ride is all about winding roads and beautiful landscapes. The route takes us through more mountain passes, with a few bumpy sections that keep things interesting. There’s something about riding through these quiet, remote areas that feels pretty special—just you, the bike, and nature. Along the way, we pass by more villages, where kids wave and people go about their day. After 140 km (87 miles), we roll into Sop Lao, ready to relax and take in the peaceful surroundings.

Day 5: Sop Lao to Nong Khiaw (232 km / 144 Miles)

Today’s ride is a long one, but it’s worth every kilometer. We leave Sop Lao behind and head towards Nong Khiaw, a beautiful town surrounded by towering limestone cliffs. The road starts out smooth but soon turns into a mix of winding, hilly terrain that keeps us on our toes. The scenery is incredible—rivers, mountains, and the feeling of being completely off the beaten path. We finally pull into Nong Khiaw, tired but pumped from an epic day on the bike.

Day 6: Nong Khiaw to Luang Prabang (140 km / 87 Miles)

Today’s ride is short but sweet, taking us from Nong Khiaw to the iconic town of Luang Prabang. The road is a bit twisty, with plenty of up-and-down through the mountains, offering great views of the surrounding valleys and rivers. It’s one of those days where you can just enjoy the ride, with not much traffic to slow us down. As we get closer to Luang Prabang, the landscape starts to change, and you can feel the energy of the town building. we arrive in Luang Prabang, ready to explore one of Laos’ most beautiful and historic places.

Day 7: Luang Prabang Loop: Ride to Kuang Si Waterfall

Today’s a bit of a breather, but we still get to ride and see some epic sights. We spend the day looping around the area near Luang Prabang, heading out to the stunning Kuang Si Waterfall. The ride is short—just 50 km (31 miles)—but it’s a fun little excursion with some nice open roads and views of the surrounding jungle. Once we arrive at the waterfall, it’s time to take in the beauty. The turquoise pools and the cascading water are incredible, and if you’re up for it, there’s a chance to take a refreshing dip. After the excursion, we head back to Luang Prabang, recharged and ready to take on the next leg of our adventure.

Day 8: Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng (183 km / 114 Miles)

Today we hit the road again, heading from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng. The ride starts with some easygoing stretches, but soon enough we’re climbing through hills and winding along mountain roads. The landscape is stunning, with lush green valleys and the occasional village tucked into the hillsides. The road can be a bit bumpy in parts, but the adventure is what makes it fun. By the time we roll into Vang Vieng after 183 km (114 miles), we’re ready to soak in the vibe of this chilled-out town surrounded by dramatic limestone mountains. Another solid day of riding in the books!

Day 9: Vang Vieng to Vientiane (200 km / 124 Miles)

Our final day on the road takes us from Vang Vieng back to Vientiane. It’s a 200 km (124 miles) ride, but the last stretch of the journey is just as memorable as the first. We roll through scenic countryside, passing small villages, rice paddies, and more limestone cliffs that make this part of Laos so unique. The road is mostly smooth, with a few curves to keep things interesting. As we get closer to Vientiane, the pace picks up, and the city starts to feel a little closer. By the time we reach the capital, we’re tired, but there’s that sense of accomplishment from a ride well done. A perfect end to an unforgettable adventure.