12 Days Laos Off-road Motorcycle Tour

If you have a 12 days for an adventure, off-road and thinking about an affordable destination, then here you are.

Ride deep into Laos, from Vientiane through remote mountain roads, tropical jungle valleys, riverside villages, and UNESCO-listed Luang Prabang as we explore one of Southeast Asia’s most authentic and least-visited motorcycle adventure destinations aboard reliable CRF300 Honda off-road motorcycles.

• Approx. 1,600 km total through northern Laos
• Mountain roads, off-road sections & remote jungle terrain
• Luang Prabang, Nong Khiaw, Phonsavan & the Plain of Jars included
• Honda off-road motorcycles, accommodation & full support included

12 Days Off-road Motorcycle Tour in Laos, for riders of all levels

Day 1: Arrival in Vientiane

After a stopover, most likely in Bangkok, you will arrive in the capital of Laos, Vientiane. With around 850,000 inhabitants (Sep of 2026), it does not feel like the capital of a country that is about six times larger than the Netherlands.

This becomes noticeable immediately at the airport. The arrival boards show fewer flights for the entire day than arrive at any major Airport in just fifteen minutes. Laos is often compared to Thailand as it was 50 years ago.

The same applies to Vientiane. You will find almost no high-rise buildings, and even the boulevard along the Mekong River, which forms the border with Thailand, is far less lively than the Thai side across the river. You will also see far fewer tourists. Instead, you will encounter many Buddhist temples and monks dressed in orange robes.

When withdrawing or exchanging money, it takes a moment to get used to the Laotian currency, the Kip. The largest banknote, 100,000 Kip, is worth only about €3.8, or USD 4.40 (Sep 2026). Exchange some money or use an ATM, and you instantly become a millionaire.

After arrival, meet and assist and take a private transfer to your hotel in Vientiane. Time to relax and chill out before we kick off the adventure

Vientiane to Pak Lay | 215 km

Ride north from Vientiane along the Mekong River, through rice fields, rolling hills, remote villages, and tropical forest before crossing the river by local ferry near Pak Lay. Scenic ride following the Mekong River through lush agricultural landscapes Approx. 30 km of quiet gravel roads with wide river views Twisting mountain roads through remote villages and tropical forest Finish with a traditional ferry crossing of the Mekong near Pak Lay.

Day 3: Xayabouri motorbike tour | 155 km

Explore the less-visited Xayabouri Province on a scenic ride through tropical valleys, rice plains, forested hills, and colorful rural villages that reveal a side of Laos rarely seen by tourists. Ride through remote tropical landscapes and quiet countryside roads Pass papaya and banana plantations, rice fields, and bamboo grain shelters Discover traditional villages with brightly colored pastel houses and ornate facades See the famous local “tuk tuk” two-wheeled tractors transporting farmers and harvests

Day 4: Motorcycle tour to Luang Prabang | 120 km

Ride northeast through mountain roads and wide valleys before experiencing the peaceful villages of Laos and visiting the beautiful Tad Sae Waterfalls near Luang Prabang. Scenic mountain ride through valleys framed by parallel mountain ranges Experience authentic Laotian village life during regular roadside stops Boat trip to the stunning Tad Sae Waterfalls in a limestone forest setting See turquoise terraced pools carved into soft limestone before arriving in Luang Prabang

Day 5: Rest day in Luang Prabang

Today there is time to explore the easy-going town of Luang Prabang. Because of its unique Buddhist character, it is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered the cultural highlight of Laos, with a large number of Buddhist temples in various architectural styles.

The most famous tradition is the monks’ alms-giving procession, which takes place early in the morning after sunrise and can be seen throughout Laos, but is especially well known here.

The legacy of Laos’ colonial past is also clearly visible. As you stroll through the narrow lanes or along the Mekong riverside boulevard with a baguette or croissant, passing French colonial buildings and café terraces, you may sometimes feel as if you are walking on the Côte d’Azur.

In contrast, the busy night market, where all kinds of goods are sold, is typically Southeast Asian. The same is true of the tuk-tuk, a small three-wheeled taxi that in Laos is traditionally made from a modified motorcycle with a passenger cart attached behind it. It is the most commonly used form of public transport.

You can use this day to visit the Kuang Si Waterfalls, which are much busier than the waterfalls we visited yesterday, or take a boat trip to Pak Ou, where more than 4,000 Buddha statues are housed inside a cave.

Day 6: Motorbike travel to Nong Khiew | 150 km

We ride northeast through gently rolling countryside. As almost everywhere along our route, we once again pass many small villages built right beside the road. Dogs, pigs, chickens, ducks, and water buffalo wander around the huts, and it is remarkable that these animals rarely suddenly cross the road.

The same is true for the many children playing in the villages. As soon as one of them spots us, the others are warned, and soon large groups of children are standing by the roadside, waving enthusiastically and cheering us on.

The adults are busy weaving all kinds of everyday items from reed and making fabrics on traditional handlooms.

We arrive in Nong Khiew early in the afternoon, giving you time to take a boat trip on the Nam Ou River. The river winds its way between steep limestone cliffs covered with dense tropical trees and vegetation.

In this jungle landscape, the boat is often the only means of transportation, and the people living in the small riverside villages depend mainly on orange cultivation for their livelihood.

Day 7: Mountain Ride Through Remote Northern Laos to Nam Neun | 220 km

Today’s route follows a narrow mountain road with many sharp bends and significant elevation changes through a densely forested area. Because the region is sparsely populated, we are unlikely to encounter much traffic. In winter, temperatures here can drop considerably, especially during the night when it can become quite cold. Until late in the morning, mist may linger along the northern slopes, sometimes reducing visibility to less than 20 meters.

Although the road is generally in good condition, it remains challenging because of potholes and sections where the asphalt suddenly changes to gravel or sand.

Along the roadside, large sheets are spread out to dry rice, corn, chilies, and grain in the sun. We also pass many small stalls selling citrus fruits, including oranges, lemons, and large pomelos.

Very few tourists travel through this area, so the accommodation and dining facilities are quite basic. A simple noodle soup is often the meal of the day.

Day 8: Motorbike tour to Phonsavan | 150 km

Immediately after departure, the narrow mountain road climbs steeply and follows a north-south ridgeline. The forest is less dense than yesterday, so the number of beautiful viewpoints increases. We enjoy panoramas of wooded hills and cloud-covered mountain peaks.

The road crosses small streams and winds through rolling hills and primitive bamboo villages, where people are washing themselves at the village well in the early morning. As almost everywhere along our route, the children once again react with great enthusiasm to our arrival.

After about 80 km, the road begins a long descent until we reach a broad valley. Here it is considerably warmer than in the mountains, and it is pleasant to ride a few hundred meters in a straight line again.

Before reaching Phonsavan, we turn onto a gravel road and ride through an area filled with enormous bomb craters. They are a tragic reminder of the Secret War, during which the American CIA dropped bombs over Laos at a cost of two million dollars per day, every day for nine years.

The campaign was intended to protect American interests connected to the opium trade and to disrupt the flow of supplies from North to South Vietnam along the so-called Ho Chi Minh Trail. That objective was never achieved, and when the Secret War became public after nine years, the Americans ended this war against officially neutral Laos.

The consequences are still visible today. Because of the millions of unexploded bombs and landmines, the country was barely able to develop for many years, and countless Laotians lost family members and limbs. Although mine-clearing teams are still working in the area, a large amount of dangerous unexploded ammunition remains buried in the ground.

Day 9: Phonsavan Day Trip

Today we take a day trip from Phonsavan. Riding along a gravel road, we travel through a landscape of red hills and countless rice terraces on our way to the Plain of Jars.

Dozens of giant stone jars, ranging from 1 to 4 meters high, stand or lie scattered across several sites in the landscape. They are about 2,500 years old, and no one knows who made them. For a long time, their purpose was also a mystery, but recent discoveries suggest that they were used for burial practices.

After visiting the Plain of Jars, those who enjoy off-road riding can continue on a trail that climbs into the hills. The surface varies between clay, mud, sand, and loose stones.

Whenever we encounter major obstacles, such as deep mud holes, soft sandy sections, or very deep ruts, we stop to help each other through if necessary. These moments also provide excellent photo opportunities.

It is a beautiful ride through remote villages and rice terraces, including steep climbs along tracks carved out by rainwater erosion.

Day 10: Motorbike ride to Vang Vieng | 220 km

We follow the main highway that connects Laos with Vietnam westward. Traffic is light, and the road is generally wide and in good condition.

Once again, it is a route where one sweeping bend follows another. Densely forested mountain passes, small villages, and valleys filled with rice fields alternate continuously along the way.

The landscape is more open and expansive than the areas we have visited so far, providing views that stretch for dozens of kilometers.

Near Phou Khoun, we join the busier north-south highway, which descends sharply along a narrow mountain ridge. It is a spectacular descent through a changing mountain range where the first signs of karst scenery begin to appear: towering limestone mountains hundreds of meters high with steep, almost vertical cliffs.

For nearly 60 km, we ride alongside the base of one of these enormous rock walls, which dominates the horizon for much of the journey.

Vang Vieng is located on the Nam Xong River. Many travelers stop here during the long journey between Vientiane and Luang Prabang. The river is famous for tubing and rafting, and its banks are lined with numerous restaurants offering a wide variety of food.

It is also an excellent place to try Beerlao, the beer that is especially popular throughout Laos.

Day 11: Motorbike ride back to Vientiane | 160 km

Today is the final riding day. Because the distance is relatively short, we do not depart until around midday, giving you time in the morning to enjoy an optional boat or canoe trip on the river.

The first half of the ride winds its way out of the hills, while the second half follows a flat road that becomes increasingly busy as we approach Vientiane.

Upon arrival in the capital, we return the motorcycles and end our adventure.

In contrast to the beginning of the tour, Vientiane will now feel much more like a large city after spending so many days traveling through remote villages, mountain roads, and isolated rural areas of Laos.

Day 12: Vientiane departure | Private transfer to the airport

Today you have time to explore Vientiane at your own pace.

You may choose to relax with a traditional Lao massage to fade the sore from the off-road riding, or enjoy a leisurely meal with a choice of Lao or French cuisine.

It is also a good opportunity to have your last Beerlao along the Mekong riverside boulevard, or to wander through the markets and bargain for the always tempting handmade local souvenirs.

Most international flights depart late in the afternoon or early in the evening, so the day remains free for some final sightseeing, shopping, or relaxation before the journey home. Later, transfer to the airport. End of the adventure.

12 Day Offroad tour in Laos with CRF300 motorbike

Start & Finish: Vientiane
Skill Level: Intermediate and up

The Riding Overview & Tour Highlights

This 12-day off-road motorcycle adventure takes riders from Vientiane through northern Laos, following remote mountain roads, tropical jungle valleys, riverside villages, and UNESCO-listed Luang Prabang aboard reliable Honda CRF300 off-road motorcycles. Covering approximately 1,600 km, the route combines scenic mountain riding, gravel roads, ferry crossings, and remote rural landscapes that reveal one of Southeast Asia’s most authentic and least-visited motorcycle destinations.

The journey passes through Xayabouri, Luang Prabang, Nong Khiew, Nam Neun, Phonsavan, the Plain of Jars, and Vang Vieng before returning to Vientiane. Along the way, riders experience twisting mountain roads, limestone valleys, rice terraces, bamboo villages, and quiet countryside roads, with accommodation and full support included throughout the tour.

The tour includes a scenic Mekong River ride to Pak Lay, remote tropical landscapes in Xayabouri, Tad Sae Waterfalls near Luang Prabang, a rest day in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Luang Prabang, a Nam Ou River experience in Nong Khiew, challenging mountain riding through remote northern Laos, the historic bomb crater region near Phonsavan, the mysterious Plain of Jars, and the dramatic limestone scenery surrounding Vang Vieng.

• Approx. 1,600 km through northern Laos
• Mountain roads, off-road sections, and remote jungle terrain
• Luang Prabang, Nong Khiew, Phonsavan, and the Plain of Jars included
• Honda CRF300 off-road motorcycles, accommodation, and full support included