9 Day Southern Laos Motorcycle Trip

Riding through Southern Laos on a 9-day motorbike loop is one of those adventures that stay with you long after the engine cools down.

Starting from Champassak on a sturdy CRF 300 though plenty of other bikes are available to book from, the journey winds through quiet riverside towns, lush coffee country, and winding mountain roads. From the tranquil charm of Don Khone to the misty forests near Paksong and the remote trails leading to Salavan, each day brought a new rhythm and a deeper connection to Laos’s wild beauty.

The roads vary from smooth tarmac to rugged dirt paths, but that’s part of the fun—it’s the kind of ride where you slow down, take in the scenery, chat with locals, and let the landscape unfold naturally. Check out our Laos motorbike tours

Ride the 9 Days Southern Laos Motorbike Tour

Day 1: Champassak

Your first day in Champassak sets the perfect tone for the adventure ahead. This small riverside town has a relaxed rhythm, where French colonial buildings blend with local Lao culture and Buddhist temples. Spend the morning wandering through its quiet streets and soaking in the laid-back atmosphere. In the afternoon, take a gentle ride—about 50 km (31 miles)—to the ancient temple complex of Wat Phou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As the sun begins to set, the golden light over the old ruins and surrounding hills creates a peaceful moment that captures the essence of Southern Laos. It’s an easy, soulful start to your 9-day motorbike loop.

Day 2: Champassak to Don Khone (140 km / 87 miles)

Today’s ride takes you deeper into Southern Laos, following quiet country roads and riverside stretches. You’ll pass through small villages, rice fields, and peaceful rural scenes before reaching the 4,000 Islands area. The route is smooth and scenic, with plenty of chances to stop for a coffee or chat with locals. As you cross over to Don Khone Island, the pace slows, and the day ends with views of the Mekong and the soothing sound of nearby waterfalls.

Day 3: Don Khone to Kingfisher Ecolodge (140 km / 87 miles)

Leaving the calm of Don Khone behind, today’s 140 km (87 miles) ride takes you through open countryside and winding backroads toward the Bolaven Plateau. The route is a mix of smooth tarmac and rural tracks, perfect for an easygoing adventure on two wheels. As you climb higher, the air cools and the scenery shifts to lush greenery and quiet villages. Arriving at Kingfisher Ecolodge, you’ll be greeted by peaceful wetlands and the sight of grazing buffalo—a perfect spot to unwind after a rewarding day’s ride.

Day 4: Dirt ride to Paksong (235 km / 146 miles)

Today’s ride is one of the longer stretches—235 km (146 miles)—but also one of the most rewarding. Leaving Kingfisher Ecolodge, the road climbs deeper into the Bolaven Plateau, surrounded by cool air, coffee plantations, and misty forest views. The ride mixes smooth curves with a few rough patches, keeping things interesting for adventure riders. By the time you reach Paksong, the heart of Laos’s coffee region, you’ll feel that perfect mix of fatigue and satisfaction that only comes from a full day on the road.

Day 5: Paksong Loop Ride (50 km / 31 miles)

Today is an easy day on the bike, with a relaxed 50 km (31 miles) loop around Paksong. The ride takes you through rolling hills, coffee farms, and small waterfalls tucked into the forest. It’s a great chance to slow down, enjoy the cool mountain air, and visit a few local coffee roasters along the way. With light traffic and scenic backroads, this short loop is all about soaking in the beauty of the Bolaven Plateau at your own pace.

Day 6: Paksong to Thateng (75 km / 47 miles)

This 75 km (47 miles) ride from Paksong to Thateng is short but full of scenery. The route winds through lush coffee country and small highland villages, offering plenty of smooth turns and fresh mountain air. You’ll pass hidden waterfalls and stretches of green forest before rolling into the quiet town of Thateng. It’s a calm, enjoyable ride—perfect for taking your time and soaking up the relaxed rhythm of Southern Laos.

Day 7: Thateng to Salavan (135 km / 84 miles)

Today’s 135 km (84 miles) ride takes you from the cool highlands of Thateng down toward the warmer plains of Salavan. The road is a mix of winding mountain curves and open rural stretches, with beautiful views of forests and farmland along the way. You’ll pass through quiet villages where life moves slowly, giving you a real sense of the Laotian countryside. It’s a smooth, scenic ride that captures the diversity of Southern Laos in just a few hours on the road.

Day 8: Salavan to Paksong (110 km / 68 miles)

The 110 km (68 miles) ride from Salavan back to Paksong takes you through peaceful countryside and winding plateau roads. The climb back up brings cooler air and sweeping views of the valleys below. Along the way, you’ll pass coffee farms, small wooden houses, and the occasional roadside stall selling local snacks. It’s a calm, enjoyable ride that eases you back into the highlands, perfect for reflecting on the journey so far.

Day 9: Paksong to Pakse (150 km / 93 miles)

The final ride of the loop covers 150 km (93 miles) from Paksong down to Pakse. The road gently descends through rolling hills, coffee plantations, and quiet villages, giving you one last chance to enjoy the lush landscapes of Southern Laos. Smooth curves and open stretches make for a relaxing ride, and as you approach Pakse, the Mekong River comes back into view, signaling the end of an unforgettable 9-day adventure on two wheels.