Introduction

Welcome to your ultimate guide to the Thakhek Loop, a famed 450km motorbike circuit located in central Laos, near the town of Thakhek. This journey, often completed over 3-4 days, gives you a unique chance to experience the remarkable landscapes, rural life and hidden natural wonders in the heart of Laos.

Experience the dramatic karst landscapes, serene lagoons, powerful waterfalls and mysterious caves like the famous Kong Lor Cave. It’s a special journey where you get to see the real rural life of Laos. As you travel, you’ll visit quiet villages and interact with local people. The Thakhek Loop offers a memorable blend of natural beauty and adventure.

Comfortable accommodations are available at key points along the loop, with the towns of Nakai, Konglor and Thalang being popular stopovers. Rest after a long day of exploration, and replenish your energy for the ride ahead.

With my all-encompassing guide to this unforgettable motorbike adventure, you’ll be prepared with expert advice on everything from motorbike hire to pit-stops, accommodations, must-visit attractions, essential packing tips and more!

Pack your sense of adventure and strap on your helmet for the ride of your life as we delve into the mesmerizing journey that is the Thakhek Loop! Let’s get into it!

How To Get To Thakhek

Travellers have a few different options to reach Thakhek:

By Bus

From Vientiane, the capital of Laos, there are regular buses that run to Thakhek. The journey takes between 6-8 hours depending on your bus driver and the road conditions. I would highly recommend booking a VIP bus for a little added comfort for your journey. There is also the option to get a sleeper bus there, but the timings aren’t always ideal and you could get dropped off as early as 4 am!

Buses also connect Thakhek with other major cities in Laos such as Savannakhet and Pakse.

Ticket Price: 280,000 Kip (£11.30/$14.54) for a one-way ticket to Thakhek on a VIP bus.

By Flight

There are no direct flights to Thakhek as it doesn’t have an airport. The closest airport is in Savannakhet, which is around a 3-hour drive from Thakhek.

Once you reach Thakhek, the easiest way to get around the town is to rent a motorbike, which you will need for your journey around the Thakhek Loop.

Where To Stay in Thakhek

There are numerous guesthouses located in Thakhek town. We stayed at Song Lao Guesthouse, which was a little bit out of the centre of the town but it was fine because we had the motorbike to get around on! The guesthouse itself is basic but nice. There is a Laos restaurant opposite and they also sell snacks and drinks at reception. You can also leave your big backpacks or suitcases here for free while you do the loop! They offer laundry services too, so we had clean clothes for when we returned from the loop.

Price for 1 night for a double room with a private bathroom and airconditioning: 190,930 Kip (£7.72/$9.91)

Motorbike Hire in Thakhek

Renting a motorbike in Thakhek is quite straightforward. The town has several rental shops offering a variety of motorbikes suitable for both beginner and experienced riders. The typical price range for a daily motorbike rental in Thakhek is around 100,000 – 150,000 Kip (£4 – £6 / $5 – $8) depending on the model and condition of the bike.

Before renting a motorbike, it’s good to keep a few things in mind:

• Check the bike: Always thoroughly check the bike before setting off. This includes the brakes, lights, horn, tire condition and fuel level. Also, make sure the bike comes with a helmet.
• International Driving Permit: Although it’s not always strictly enforced, it’s recommended to have an IDP along with your country’s driving license. 

Note: We don’t have IDPs and we had no issues when hiring the motorbike and we weren’t stopped at any of the police check points along the route.

• You will likely have to leave your passport with the motorbike rental company while you are renting the bike as a form of deposit. As long as there is no damage to the bike when you return it, they will give it back.
• Insurance: Check whether your travel insurance covers motorbike accidents. Many rental shops offer insurance, but this usually only covers damage to the bike, not personal injuries.
• Experience: The Thakhek Loop can be challenging in parts, especially for inexperienced riders. Take you time and be aware of the road conditions and your surroundings. If you don’t feel confident by yourself, consider going with a friend.
• Return Policy: Be clear about the return policy. In some cases, the shop could require you to return the bike with a full tank of petrol.
• Emergency Contacts: Keep the rental shop’s contact details handy in case of any breakdowns or emergencies on the road.

Remember, safety should always be your priority. Always wear a helmet, drive carefully and respect the local traffic rules and conditions.

Where Did We Rent Our Motorbike?

We actually rented our automatic motorbike through the hotel that we stayed at in Thakhek the night before we started the loop. They have contacts at Mixay Motorbike Rental in Thakhek and the company dropped off the motorbike straight to our hotel. I believe it is slightly cheaper to rent it directly from the shop, but we wanted the convenience of getting it brought to our hotel.

On the very first morning of the loop, just outside of our first stop, the motorbike they gave us stopped working! We were gutted that we had run into our first obstacle just 18km away from Thakhek town. But it was actually a blessing in disguise, if we were any further away from Thakhek, it would have been difficult to get a replacement bike!

The women from Mixay Motorbike Rental drove 30 minutes from Thakhek town with a new bike for us and siphoned the fuel from the old one to the new one so we had a full tank.

We were back on the road again within an hour and the staff at Mixay were very helpful and it wasn’t an issue.

Thakhek Loop Itinerary

I’m going to share with you the exact itinerary that my partner Brett and I did during the Thakhek loop. This includes the attractions we visited, the accommodation we chose and our personal tips and recommendations for completing the loop.

Day 1

Total Distance: 108km

Xieng Liap / Liab Cave

Xieng Liap Cave is one of the early attractions you’ll visit on the Thakhek Loop, it’s tucked away in the stunning karst landscape. To reach the cave, you cross a wooden footbridge over the Hinboun River. You may be charged around 10,000 Kip (£0.40/$0.52) to cross the bridge. However, in June 2023 (rainy season) we weren’t charged.

The cave offers a network of chambers and you can explore it independently or with a local guide. Outside, the surrounding area is perfect for picnics, birdwatching and appreciating nature. 

Note: Unfortunately when we visited in July 2023 (rainy season) it was flooded so we couldn’t go inside! 

Distance from Thakhek: 14km

Tham Nang Aen Cave

Discover the gorgeous Tham Nang Aen cave on your Thakhek Loop adventure. Explore the vast caverns filled with stalactites and stalagmites, reflecting in the calm underground pool. Stroll around the enchanting corridors illuminated by multicoloured lights, creating a magical and surreal atmosphere!

Tip: It can be wet inside this cave with puddles to walk through, so be sure to wear shoes that you don’t mind getting wet!

Ticket Price: 40,000 Kip (£1.60/$2.10) per person

Distance from Xieng Liap Cave: 5km

Song Sa Waterfall

About 2km of the road just before you arrive at Song Sa waterfall is unpaved, but the condition of it isn’t too bad! Once we arrived at the parking area for the waterfall, we headed off to find the viewpoint. 

Due to rainy season we had to wade through the river to get to the other side and walk about 3 minutes to a viewpoint where you can see the waterfall in all it’s glory. You can even swim here when the river is calmer, but the flow of it was much too strong for swimming when we were there!

Ticket Price: FREE

Distance from Tham Nang Aen Cave: 58km

Night 1

Sabaidee Guesthouse, Tha Lang

I had seen Sabaidee Guesthouse recommended by other travellers who had done the loop and it didn’t disappoint! It’s perfectly located for your first night on the loop, in the village of Tha Lang. 

You can’t book online for this guesthouse, so we just turned up and asked for a room. The staff were really friendly and helpful and they put on a barbeque every night at 7:30pm for 100,000 Kip! (£4.09/$5.25) It’s a buffet spread and you can help yourself. They had skewers with veggies and meat, bread, fries, salad, pizza, fried aubergine, onion rings and more! It even included dessert! 

The vibes were great and we had a lovely time. The room was comfortable and a great price. I highly recommend stopping here on your journey along the loop!

Price: 150,000 Kip (£6.14/$7.88) for a bungalow with a double bed, private bathroom and air conditioning.

Distance from Song Sa Waterfall: 38km

Day 2

Total Distance: 153km

Dragon Cave

Immerse yourself in the awe of the Dragon Cave, a mesmerizing natural spectacle with parts so low you’ll find yourself ducking to explore further. The path takes you to a vast cavern, where bridges lead deep into the heart of the cave. Your only source of light will be the handy head torch provided in the ticket price.

From inside the cave, you’ll find stairs leading you outside to a trail. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can take on the tough 400-metre uphill climb that’s waiting for you. It’s a real workout and you need to be fit and healthy to take it on. Make sure you’re wearing sturdy shoes and you take enough water with you. If it has rained recently, it might be best to wait and do the hike another day because the path can get very muddy and slippery!

Your strenuous climb ends with an exhilarating reward: a breathtaking panorama from a platform perched at the peak of the mountain. The stunning views from the top make the climb totally worth it!

Once you’re back at the bottom, you’ll be given a complimentary bottle of water at the ticket office, and don’t forget to give the head torch back! If you’re feeling hungry after the hike, there is an on-site restaurant where you can grab a bite to eat!

This was one of the most challenging hikes I’ve ever done (it was more of a scramble to be honest), but I felt so accomplished when I reached the top and finally saw the amazing views!

Opening Times: 24 hours

Ticket price: 40,000 Kip (£1.60/$2.10) per person

Distance from Sabaidee Guesthouse: 70km

Cool Pool (Cool Spring)

Just a short ride from the Dragon Cave is the Cool Pool, an absolute must-see on Day 2! You pay 20,000 Kip per person to enter and 5,000 Kip for parking. The cool pool lives up to its name and is absolutely freezing cold, but so refreshing and necessary after the hike at the Dragon Cave! There are wooden huts here where you can relax and have a picnic, as well as a changing room and toilets.

After the cool pool, drive 1.5 hours to Kong Lor town.

Ticket Price: 20,000 Kip (£0.80/$1.05) per person. 5,000 Kip (£0.20/$0.26) for motorbike parking.

Distance from the Dragon Cave: 18km 

Night 2

Kong Lor Cave Guesthouse

We stayed in Kong Lor Cave Guesthouse on night 2. I highly recommend staying here when you visit Kong Lor Cave – one night in a bungalow costs $12 and it is super close to the cave itself – just a 5-minute walk! They also have a good restaurant here for dinner and breakfast.

Distance from the Cool Pool: 67km

Day 3

Total Distance: 57km

Kong Lor Cave

Visiting Konglor Cave during your journey along the Thakhek Loop is surely to be an unforgettable experience. This colossal limestone cave, stretching over 7km long, is a geographical marvel, offering an otherworldly atmosphere that will definitely impress you!

When you arrive at the cave, you will be given a lifejacket and taken across the river to the other side, where you will take a short walk into the mouth of the cave and wait for your driver to set up the motor on the boat.

The real journey then begins with a serene boat ride through the cave’s river. As you traverse the darkened, echoing halls of the cavern, your path is illuminated by the head torches provided to you and a few spotlights within the cave, casting an ethereal glow on the intricate stalactite and stalagmite formations around you. The sight of these towering natural sculptures, formed over thousands of years, is nothing short of mesmerizing!

The boat occasionally stops for you to disembark and explore the cave on foot, giving you the opportunity to fully appreciate its vastness and beauty. Walking around the cave feels like an otherworldly experience, it’s like nothing I’ve ever seen before! Watch out for the cave crickets as you walk!

The journey through the cave ends with the boat emerging into the lush, verdant jungle on the other side, a stark contrast to the shadows of the caverns.

The Other Side of the Cave

You will get the chance to spend 15 minutes or more on the other side of the cave, where there are vendors selling drinks and snacks, as well as talented craftswomen weaving handmade scarves. After seeing the skill that goes into creating these woven works of art, I couldn’t help but buy one as a memento of this wonderful trip through Konglor Cave!

You finish the tour by riding back through the cave to where you began this exhilarating adventure.

Opening Times: 08:00 am – 16:00 pm

Ticket Price: 110,000 Kip (£4.50/ $5.80) per person.

Distance from Kong Lor Cave Resort: 5-minute walk!

The Rock Ziplining, Climbing and Trekking Adventure

On the final day of activities, after we visited Konglor Cave, we went to do another adventurous activity – ziplining and climbing through the mountains! Honestly, I was super nervous and a bit scared to do this, it was so out of my comfort zone! 

The 2-hour package we chose includes 5 ziplines, a bit of climbing, a few bridges and a short 300m trek. 

You get such an adrenaline rush from the ziplining as you speed high above the ground, taking in the panoramic views of the mountains surrounding you. The climbing requires some physical strength, balance and determination, but you are then rewarded with another zipline or suspended bridge to cross. I felt a great sense of accomplishment after completing the route and I was so glad to see this inspiring landscape from a different perspective. 

I highly recommend doing this activity when you do the Thakhek Loop, it’s something I’ll never forget and I was so pumped once I was back on solid ground!!

Ticket Price: 571,398.60 Kip (£23.40 / $30) per person for a 2-hour trip.

Distance from Kong Lor Cave: 51km

Night 3

Phamarn View Guesthouse 

We had a lovely stay at this guesthouse. However, there wasn’t a restaurant at the guesthouse so we just popped down the road to find somewhere for dinner.

Distance from The Rock Ziplining: 9km

Day 4

Total Distance: 144km

As we chose to do the loop anti-clockwise, the final day of the loop consisted of us driving all the way back to Thakhek along the highway. The journey took around 3 hours in total and it’s not a particularly nice drive, especially because the road is unpaved in some sections. We arrived back in Thakhek around 13:30pm and went back to Song Lao Guesthouse where we began the loop.

We stayed there for the evening and then got the bus back to Vientiane the following day.

IMPORTANT NOTE: This is the itinerary that Brett and I planned and followed on our 4-day trip. This itinerary is not exhaustive and only contains the activities that we actually did so that I can give you a full and honest review of each place. Other places on the loop that we didn’t visit include:

• Buddha Cave
• Tham Xang Cave
• Tham Pa Seuam (Pa Seuam Cave)
• Tha Falang Lake
• Tham Pha In Cave (or Tham Pha Nya In Cave)
• And more!

The Road Conditions on the Thakhek Loop

For most of the loop, the road conditions are excellent and you don’t have to worry about potholes or unpaved roads. However, when visiting some of the attractions along the way, such as the Song Sa Waterfall or the Cool Pool, you will have to drive along unpaved roads to get there.

The only section of the loop that was notably worse in terms of road conditions was the highway leading back to Thakhek. They are still laying sections of the road and there is a lot of construction along the way. This road is very uneven and dusty in parts but it is well sign-posted so you know when to slow down. You will either encounter this section on the first day of the loop (if you choose to do it clockwise) or on the final day (if you do it anticlockwise). 

What to Pack for the Thakhek Loop

For the 4-day loop in July 2023, I took a small 15L backpack that easily fit everything I needed. If you are doing the loop at a different time of year, you might need to take different items. I recommend checking the weather forecast and packing accordingly!

1. Essential Travel Documents: 

• Digital copies of your passport and travel insurance documents
• International Driving Permit

2. Personal Items:

• Toiletries (shampoo, soap, toothpaste, toothbrush)
• Personal medication (if any)
• Hairbrush
• Towel (I use a quick-drying microfibre towel)
• Sunglasses
• Face mask (to keep dust out of your mouth when you’re driving)
• Suncream
• Insect repellent
• Hand sanitizer
• Bum bag (to keep your essentials in)
• Local Currency (Laos Kip) to pay for meals and guesthouses

3. Clothing:

• Underwear (duh!)
• Shorts x 2
• T-shirts x 4
• A dress for the evenings
• Sarong x 1
• Swimwear x 1
• Socks x 2
• Trainers
• Shoes you don’t mind getting wet
• Waterproof jacket/poncho
• Hat / cap

4. Gear and Equipment:

• Camera and Accessories
• Phone and Charger
• Portable charger (optional)
• Universal Adaptor
• Playing cards (optional)

5. Health and Safety:

• Basic First Aid Kit (plasters, antiseptic wipes, tweezers, burn gel)
• Pain killers
• Rehydration tablets
• Imodium 

6. Food and Water:

• Reusable water bottle
• Snacks for the road (nuts, dried fruits, granola bars)

Of course, you can customize this list as per your own needs and preferences. Remember to pack light as this will make your journey more comfortable! And don’t forget to check the weather the day before you pack to make sure you’re prepared for the conditions.

My Top Tips for the Thakhek Loop

• Take a face mask and sunglasses so you don’t get dust/insects in your mouth/eyes when you’re driving.
• Do the loop anti-clockwise (start from Thakhek and go east) for the best experience.
• Take plenty of suncream and insect repellent with you. Reapply suncream throughout the day as you’ll be spending a lot of time outside.
• Take sturdy shoes with you, especially if you want to do activities like trekking/hiking/ziplining.
• Also, take shoes that you can get wet, you’re likely to need them in some of the caves and waterfalls.
• Take as little luggage as possible with you – we took a 15L day bag each and with just enough clothes to last us the 4 days.
• Don’t take valuables with you such as laptops/expensive cameras etc. Just in case it rains and your bag gets wet or stolen etc.
• Be sure to take swimwear and a towel, you’ll definitely want to dip in the cool pool on your trip.
• Stay at Kong Lor Cave Guesthouse when you visit Kong Lor Cave – one night in a bungalow costs $12 and it is super close to the cave itself – just a 5 minute walk! They also have a good restaurant here for dinner and breakfast.
• Take a waterproof jacket/ poncho with you in case of rain!
• Take a video of your motorbike when you receive it as proof of damage.
• Stay at Song Lao Guesthouse when you arrive in Thakhek.
• It usually takes longer to drive to places than stated on Google Maps so be prepared to spend a little more time on the road.
• Download Maps.me for offline maps, this can be a lifesaver when you have no signal!
• There aren’t as many designated “viewpoints” on the loop, it’s very natural and untouched. So I recommend stopping carefully by the side of the road to snap a few pictures when you see an opening in the trees.
• There aren’t really any restaurants on the highway leading back to Thakhek on the fourth and final day, so make sure you eat breakfast or be prepared to wait until you arrive in Thakhek to have lunch.
• There are quite a few police checkpoints as you go through different towns. We just slowed down for them, smiled, said “Sabaidee” (Hello) and they waved us on. 

FAQs

How long does it take to complete the loop?

It takes between 3-5 days to complete the loop. It’s possible to do it in 3 days but this makes it a bit rushed. So, I would recommend 4 days as a happy medium.

What if I haven’t ridden a motorbike before?

If you haven’t ridden a motorbike before, I highly suggest that you have a practice or a lesson before embarking on the Thakhek loop. The loop is relatively easy to drive, but there are some steeper and windier sections through the mountains on days two and three. 

That being said, I believe it would be possible to ride the loop without experience on a motorbike. If you choose to do this, do it as part of a group and remember that safety should be your number one priority!

Do I need an automatic motorbike or semi-automatic?

Brett and I completed the Thakhek loop easily on an automatic motorbike. If you’re planning on going off the beaten path more, a semi-automatic might be better for you.

How many kilometres is the Thakhek Loop?

It is approximately 450km. 

Where does the Thakhek loop start?

The Thakhek loop starts in the town of Thakhek, a town in south-central Laos on the Mekong River.

Is it better to complete the loop in 3 or 4 days?

I definitely recommend completing the Thakhek loop in 4 days if you have enough time to spare. This way you won’t be rushed and you can fully enjoy all that the loop has to offer.

Can I do the Thakhek loop in the rainy season?

Yes! We completed the Thakhek loop during the rainy season in June, and we only experienced one morning of rain during our trip. Of course, be prepared for rain and take raincoats or ponchos with you.

Is the Thakhek loop safe?

The Thakhek loop is very safe. The roads are well-maintained, everyone is so friendly, and the accommodations are comfortable. We felt totally safe during our trip.

My Final Thoughts about the Thakhek Loop

As I wrap up this adventure-filled tale, I have to say that our journey around the Thakhek Loop is easily one of the best experiences of my entire life! I pushed myself out of my comfort zone and overcame my fears of heights and falling. I tested my physical and mental strength and immersed myself in the natural wonders of this incredible landscape. 

As the days went on, the experience became richer, more thrilling and more memorable. I am so glad we chose to do the loop anti-clockwise. In my opinion, the activities just got better and better as we continued around. 

The highlights of the trip for me were definitely Konglor Cave, The Rock Ziplining experience, the Cool Pool and the Dragon Cave hike. 

If you’re itching for an adventure in Southeast Asia, the Thakhek Loop in Laos should be at the top of your list! 

The Thakhek Loop is not just a motorbike journey, it’s an experience of a lifetime that offers a multifaceted glimpse into Laos’ rich biodiversity, geological wonders and rural life.

Each one of us experiences travel differently. Maybe my story resonates with you because you’ve had a similar experience. Or perhaps it’s piqued your curiosity about completing the Thakhek Loop yourself. Whatever the case, please feel free to reach out to me via email: tianitravels@gmail.com or via social media if you have any questions about this epic adventure! And be sure to check out my other Laos Blogs here!