The 2025’s Guide to 4 Day Thakhek Loop Itinerary by Motorbike
You’re in Laos and exploring it on a motorbike trip, then you should know that Thakhek Loop is the must do for you. This is named after a 450 kilometers of stunning landscapes, this route winds through some of the Laos’s most breathtaking and secluded areas, including the awe-inspiring Kong Lor Cave. In this guide, I’ll break down the ultimate 4-day Thakhek Loop itinerary with detailed directions, local tips, and top recommendations to ensure you get the most out of your adventure.
Embark on an adventure through rural Laos with by planning the Thakhek Loop, riding along winding roads that cut through flooded fields, hidden ethnic minority villages, and breathtaking valleys framed by towering mountains. This journey takes you far from the usual tourist trail, revealing places you’d never encounter otherwise.
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What is Thakhek Loop?
The Thakhek Loop is a 450 km ride and is a must-do motorbike adventure in Laos that offers an unforgettable ride through unseen regions, attracting motorbike lovers with its stunning landscapes and beautiful landscapes. This journey takes three to four days to complete and promises incredible sights along the way.
Highlights
- Caves: A collection of caves, some featuring Buddhas, neon-lit chambers, and underground rivers.
- Mountain Views: Lush green mountains and breathtaking scenery throughout the route.
- Zipline Adventure: An exhilarating zipline crossing high above the mountains.
Route overview
- Passes through Phou Hi Poun and Nakai-Nam Theun National Conservation Areas.
- Starts in Thakhek and follows an anti-clockwise direction for the best experience.
Thakhek Loop Map: 4 day route
Best Time to Visit
The best time to ride the Thakhek Loop falls between November and March, Laos’ dry season. Expect better road conditions and a more enjoyable journey during these months. I tackled the loop in November, and the landscape remained lush and vibrant from the recent rainy season. A few months into the dry heat, though, the scenery tends to lose its greenery. Check out the best time of the year to visit Laos
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
Most of the route consists of smooth tarmac, with only a short rough section. There are travelers and backpackers whom are fairly new to motorbiking and they completed the loop without any issues, making it a doable adventure for riders with basic experience.
Expect plenty of potholes and large trucks that often take blind corners on the wrong side of the road. Serious accidents have happened here, so be very careful and control your speed, and ride with observing the safe distance to keep your journey safe.
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Planning the Thakhek Loop
The Thakhek Motorbike Loop, also known as Tha Khaek Loop, The Loop, or Kong Lor Loop, kicks off in Thakhek and ranks among Laos’ top adventures. Ride through towering karst peaks, explore the 7.5-kilometer Kong Lor Cave, pass through remote villages, and discover lush forests, waterfalls, hidden caves, and refreshing swimming holes.
How to get to Thakhek
No matter if you’re traveling from northern or southern Laos, the easiest way to reach Thakhek is by bus. With no train station in town and private transport costing significantly more, buses remain the most budget-friendly option. Now, bus travel in Laos can be an adventure on its own. The roads aren’t in the best condition, and the ride from Vientiane to Thakhek felt pretty cramped.
Where to buy bus ticket to Thakhek
Buying bus while traveling in Laos comes pretty straightforward, you can get them through your hotel or any travel desk around Vientiane or Luang Prabang, or buy it online.
Don’t rely solely on online website selling tickets to Thakhek, the local travel agent and hostels often offer more routes at lower prices. For instance, online platforms didn’t list a night bus out of Thakhek, but we found one through a small hostel while walking in Luang Prabang.
Buses drop passengers at Thakhek bus station, where tuk-tuk drivers immediately offer rides to accommodations. Haggling doesn’t work much here as the offered price by locals is relatively cheap anyway. Except to pay around 45,000 to 60,000 Lao KIP for a 10-minute ride.
Where to rent a motorbike ?
Since riding the motorbike through the loop is the main reason travelers visit Thakhek, plenty of rental shops are available. I can’t name any specific place, but like I have mentioned, there are a dozens of shops, hotels, and homestays, each offer pretty much the same types of motorbike to rent from.
Prices vary from place to place, but the differences aren’t much at all. The cost was 220,000 KIP per day (Feb 2025), for a scooter bike. Other shop offered 200,000 KIP for a semi-automatic. You can also rent a dirt bike such as Honda 150cc with 350,000 Lao Kip per day.
Most shops request to keep your passport as a secure deposit, but handing it over isn’t ideal—you’ll be without it for four days. Unfortunately, rental shops here either require a high cash deposit ( Around USD 250 – 400) or a passport.
Automatic vs Manual
If you’re new to riding a motorbike, go with an automatic (scooters). Without the hassle of shifting gears, you can focus entirely on the ride and enjoy the scenery. We had no problems with ours.
However, if you’re an experienced rider and comfortable riding a semi-automatic or even manual dirt bikes, that option might be the BEST choice for a bit more control on the road with bikes with much more power. I do remmed Honda CRF, XR150 or anything similar. The 110cc semi-automatic Honda waves also works pretty solid and reliable.
Tips before renting a motorbike
- Avoid Renting a Brand-New Bike: It might seem nice and a better optioning general, but a newer bike makes scratches and minor damage far more noticeable.
- Record a Video of the bike you renting: This protects you in case a company tries to charge for pre-existing damage. Better safe than sorry. But we heard a lot of motorbike rental make any sort of excuses to get a fine from the tourists once they return the motorbike.
- Check the Brakes: Make sure the breaks are working good. Take a quick ride up and down the street to check how they work. If something seems off, don’t hesitate to ask for a different bike. The shop can quickly change the bike brake pad and make it more trusty.
What to pack for the loop?
With the trip lasting two to four nights, there’s no need to overpack. Transfer essentials into a small backpack for an easier ride, and leave your main luggage in Thakhek at your hotel (yes they do keep your luggage for you). Most accommodations understand travelers are doing the loop and allow bags to be stored for the week.
Packing Tips for the Loop: You can probably figure out what to bring for a 2-4 day trip, but here are a few key recommendations to make the ride smoother:
Clothes to pack
- Wear lightweight long sleeves and long trousers to protect your skin from the sun.
- Skip light-colored clothing—the whole loop is super dusty.
Don’t Forget Swimwear
- Don’t Forget Swimwear! One of the best moments on the loop is the stop at a waterfall where you could swim and jump off rocks. Pack your swimwear.
Other essentials
- Bring a Head Torch for the time exploring caves: this makes a huge difference, especially if you plan to visit multiple ones along the route.
- Sunscreen:The wind from riding makes the sun feel less intense, but it’s still there. Don’t forget to apply it to your hands & face, neck and shoulder even you cover them up!
- Bring a Camera: The loop route passes through some of Laos’ most stunning landscapes, with caves and breathtaking natural spots along the way. If you have a camera (likely a GoPro), make sure to pack it—you’ll want to capture these views!
- Pack a mosquito repellent: Riding through rural Laos means a higher risk of mosquito bites, including those carrying malaria. Stay protected by applying it regularly.
4 Day Thakhek Loop Itinerary by Motorbike
Riding the Thakhek Loop in 4 days and looking online, you will probably see 100’s and or even more different itinerary, however, after completing the loop and talking to other travelers, I’m confident to share my own experience, to which, I can assure, it would be the best loop itinerary in 4 day.
One of the best things about the loop is that while plenty of others are riding it at the same time, everyone takes their own separate route, discovering different stops along the way.
So, here it is: four-day, three-night Thakhek Loop itinerary, covering where we stayed, what we did, and other options to customize your trip.
Arriving in Thakhek
Chances are, you’ll get to Thakhek a day before starting the loop. This extra time lets you rest, connect with fellow travelers, rent a motorbike you want, map out your route, and build excitement for the journey ahead.
Where to Stay in Thakhek?
Accommodation options in Thakhek are limited, especially if you’re looking to book in advance—which is a good idea if you’re arriving late.
For budget travelers and backpackers, there are several hostels to choose from. At around USD 8 – 10 per night, it’ll likely be your priciest stay on the loop, but still affordable and cheap. You’ll get a decent room with bathroom, some hostels even offer a simple breakfast.
Day 1: Thakhek to Tha Lang
Start your first day early by heading to your chosen bike rental shop. Get the bike you want and ear up for the loop.
Most rental shops have a WhatsApp contact linked to their Google Maps listing, but showing up in person usually works just fine. Arriving early gives you a better chance of picking a reliable bike for the journey ahead.
First stop: Xieng Liap Cave
Leaving Thakhek, the journey kicks off with roads winding through valleys, towering limestone cliffs, and beautiful countryside and rice fields. The first stop isn’t far—Xieng Liap Cave sits just 20 minutes away and costs 10,000 kip for the ticket. It’s a short visit but definitely worth it. The cave itself is impressive, and if you climb through to the other side, you’ll catch a stunning view as the sunlight filters in.
Breathtaking Views at Pha Katai Viewpoint
A Challenging but Worthwhile Climb. After leaving Xieng Liap Cave, enjoy a 50-minute ride through scenic rural landscapes before reaching Pha Katai Viewpoint. Entry costs 20,000 kip, paid to a local woman whose house sits along the access road.
The 20-30 minute climb is steep, with some rickety stairs that make safety an afterthought—but that’s part of the adventure! At the top, you’ll be greeted with stunning 360-degree views of the road behind you and the path ahead. It’s a fun way to get a bird’s-eye perspective of the journey.
Just a heads-up—some planks on the viewing tower aren’t secured, so step carefully!
Ending Day 1 at Song Sa Waterfall
Just 20 minutes up the road, Song Sa Waterfall makes for the perfect final stop of the day. While photos don’t quite do it justice, the cascading falls are even more impressive in person.
After a full day of riding, this spot is ideal for a refreshing swim, washing off the dust and sweat. The large natural pools are great for a relaxing dip, and if you’re up for some excitement, there are rock jumping spots for the more adventurous.
No matter which direction you take on the Thakhek Loop, the first-day ride ends in Tha Lang Village. The road past the waterfall gets quite windy, so aim to arrive before dark. In November, sunset was around 5 PM, but this doesn’t vary much throughout the year.
Where to stay in The Lang village
If you’re backpacking, Sabaidee Guest House is the place to be. Almost everyone on the loop seems to stay here, making it a great spot to meet fellow travelers. The nightly BBQ is a social highlight, with everyone gathering around a large fire to eat and swap stories.
There are a private room to book, as well as a larger dorm. We walked in and booked on the spot, but if you want to secure a bed in advance, you can message them on WhatsApp (find their number on Google Maps). A night costs 180,000 kip per person, and the BBQ is 120,000 kip.
Phosey Thalang Laos – A Peaceful Riverside Retreat For couples seeking more privacy would be an excellent choice. Cozy bungalows line the riverside, each with its own hammock on the balcony, offering the perfect spot to unwind after a long day on the bike.
If you’re looking for a more social evening, you’re not far from Sabaidee Guest House. You can always head over, join the BBQ, and meet fellow travelers before retreating to your quiet riverside bungalow for a restful night.
More things to do on Day 1 of the Thakhek Loop
Thafalang – A scenic riverside spot perfect for a quick swim and a break from the heat. Surrounded by beautiful quiet forest and lined with small huts, it’s a peaceful place to relax.
Tham Nang Ene Cave – A massive cave located further along the route from Xieng Liap Cave. Entry costs 50,000 kip, with an optional boat ride upgrade for 150,000 kip.
Day 2: The Lang to Konglor
The second day takes you through some of the most breathtaking landscapes on the Thakhek loop. The day begins with a ride past flooded forests, where skeletal tree trunks rise eerily from the water. As you continue, the road winds through stunning valleys and rolling hills, making for an unforgettable ride.
Travel Tip: Roadwork near Na Hin causes closures from 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM, so plan accordingly. We chose to pass through before 1:30 PM to avoid riding in the dark. This stretch of road is the worst on the loop—thick dust, heavy trucks, and poor visibility make it tough. If riding in these conditions after 5:30 PM doesn’t bother you, taking the day at a slower pace is an option.
The route
I have to admit—this might have been my favorite day of the trip. Wanting to reach Na Hin before 1:30 PM, we decided to soak in the journey rather than make multiple stops. It became a day of simply appreciating the open road and the beauty of the Lao countryside.
That said, if you’re up for extra stops, I’ve listed them below! One place we did pause was a bridge just before the roadworks, where we saw the famous “bomb boats.” These canoes, ingeniously crafted from fuel tanks left over from the Vietnam War, highlight the incredible resilience and resourcefulness of the local communities.
Where to stay in Konglor
This is where the loop starts to split. Some riders stop in Na Hin, while others push forward to Konglor for an early cave visit the next morning.
Many travelers only visit Konglor for the cave, but they miss out on so much more. This quiet village, surrounded by endless fields and farms, is the perfect spot to unwind after two days of riding. The local restaurants offer a true taste of Laos, and the guesthouses are both affordable and surrounded by breathtaking views.
Konglor Thamchalern Guesthouse: Due to a small language mix-up, we spent a few blissful hours thinking we had booked the scenic one, but unfortunately, we hadn’t. That said, it was still quiet, affordable, and comfortable, so no real complaints. If you want to secure a spot at the more picturesque location, book a few days in advance. For just 250k kip per night, it’s an incredible deal for the view alone.
Spring River Resort: If you’re looking to splurge a little and treat yourself, this is the perfect choice. Nestled along the Nam Hin Bun River, this peaceful retreat offers breathtaking views, cozy bungalows, and hammocks that are ideal for relaxing after days of riding.
Things to do on day 2 of Thakhek loop
Cool Pool – A natural swimming hole surrounded by lush greenery, offering crystal-clear, refreshing water. It’s the perfect spot for a swim on a hot day. However, it’s slightly off the main loop, and there have been reports of stolen bags, so keep an eye on your belongings.
Dragon Cave – This small limestone cave stands out for its dragon-like rock formations and tranquil atmosphere. Inside, you’ll see stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and Buddha statues, making it a scenic and worthwhile detour.
Day 3 Thakhek loop: Konglor to Na Hin
Day three offers a more relaxed pace, with just an hour of riding for those staying in Konglor. If you’re coming from Na Hin, expect about two hours on the road—one to reach the cave and another to return.
Konglor Cave: A Must-See on the Loop
Konglor Cave is one of the highlights of the Thakhek loop, stretching 7.5km and offering an unforgettable boat ride through its vast chambers. Even if caves aren’t usually your thing, this one is worth experiencing. It’s also one of the pricier stops, with the entrance and boat ride costing 300k kip for solo travelers or 200k kip per person for groups of two or more—a classic solo tax, but that’s how it goes.
If you have extra time, you can explore more of the area with activities like river rafting, biking, or guided hikes. These come with additional costs, so whether you join depends on your budget and interest.
Evening in Na Hin & an Unmissable Sunset at The Rock
After exploring Konglor Cave, the rest of the day is all about making your way to Na Hin for the night. We took our time and arrived around 4:30 pm. Once we found a room, we met other loopers heading to The Rock Viewpoint for sunset—something we hadn’t even considered. Tagging along turned out to be the best decision.
This was easily one of the most breathtaking sunsets I’ve seen. The viewpoint itself is stunning, but with the sun casting a fiery orange glow, the layers of mountains transformed into different shades of blue. It felt like a privilege to witness. Make sure to get there by 4:45 pm so you have enough time to take it all in. The Rock also has a bar and restaurant, so if you want to enjoy the view with a drink in hand, this is the perfect spot.
Where to stay in Na Hin
We arrived in the evening and checked out a few guesthouses before deciding where to stay. There are plenty of options, but here are the ones we stayed at, along with recommendations from other travelers:
Pharmarnview Guest House – After looking around, we chose this place for its spacious, clean rooms, fresh towels, and even a personal fridge. The attached café also made for a convenient breakfast stop before hitting the road.
Sanhak Guest House – Another solid budget choice. The rooms are simple but comfortable, and the location is great.
Day 4 of the Thakhek Loop: Na Hin to Thakhek
Day four isn’t the most exciting, especially for budget travelers. The ride starts with some scenic winding hills as you leave Na Hin, but be cautious—lorries often take the bends right down the middle of the road. After that, it’s mostly a straightforward motorway ride back to Thakhek.
If you’ve got extra room in your budget, though, heading back to The Rock Viewpoint is worth considering. This place offers some thrilling activities, from a two-hour zipline course to abseiling. It’s a great way to wrap up the loop with an adrenaline rush. These activities don’t come cheap—expect to spend at least $50—but when it comes to high-risk adventures, a higher price usually means better safety standards.
Alternative Routes for the Thakhek Loop
One of the best things about the Thakhek Loop is the flexibility it offers. You’re in control—choosing your bike, deciding where to stop, and picking your accommodations each night. This freedom means you can tailor the route to fit your schedule and preferences.
The 4 day itinerary I shared in detail, in my opinion, is an excellent way to experience the loop, and I’d highly recommend it. However, if you’re looking for a different approach, here are a few alternative routes that might work better for you:
3 Days, 2 Nights – A Faster Thakhek Loop
Short on time? No worries! You can still complete the loop in three days while experience the stunning landscapes and hitting the must-see spots without feeling overly rushed.
1Day 1: Follow the standard route from Thakhek to Tha Lang.
Day 2: Stick to the same plan, riding from Tha Lang to Konglor.
Day 3: Instead of stopping in Na Hin, ride straight from Konglor back to Thakhek. Since the drive from Konglor to Na Hin takes about an hour, the extra distance isn’t too overwhelming—just be sure to get an early start!
4 Days, 3 Nights – A More Relaxed Thakhek Loop
If you prefer a slower pace, here’s a clear breakdown of how to stretch the loop across four days:
Day 1: Ride from Thakhek to Tha Lang, following the usual route.
Day 2: Take a more relaxed approach, traveling from Tha Lang to Na Hin. Keep in mind the road closure before Na Hin (1:30 PM – 5:30 PM) and plan accordingly.
Day 3: Stay another night in Na Hin, making a round trip to Konglor to visit the cave.
Day 4: Ride back to Thakhek to complete the loop.
5 Days, 4 Nights – A Deeper Dive into Rural Laos
If you have extra time and want to explore more of Laos’ countryside, a five-day itinerary allows for a more immersive experience:
1st day: Ride from Thakhek to Tha Lang.
2nd day: Continue from Tha Lang to Na Hin.
3rd day: Travel from Na Hin to Konglor.
4th day: Spend a full day in Konglor, exploring by bike or trekking in the surrounding area.
5th day: Ride back to Thakhek. If you prefer a shorter final ride, consider heading back to Na Hin on Day 4 instead.
Cost of the Thakhek Loop: Full Budget Breakdown
Prices in Laos fluctuate quite a bit and based on my experience in February of the 2025, here’s what you can expect to spend on a 4 days Thakhek Loop with motorbike:
- Accommodation: 150,000–180,000 kip per night
- Food: 40,000–70,000 kip per meal for a Lao food
- Motorbike: 180,000–200,000 kip per day for motorbike rental (Expect to pay double for a proper, strong, better manual motorbike such as Honda 150)
- Activities: 20,000–200,000 kip per day, depending on what you choose to do
In total, I spent around 2,500,000 kip (~ USD 115) for the entire four-day trip, covering bike rental, accommodation, food, and activities. For a great adventure, that’s a pretty solid deal! Of course, costs will vary depending on which activities you include and how many you decide to do.
Final Thoughts: 2025 Guide to Thakhek Loop Guide
No matter how you choose to experience the Thakhek Loop, it’s a journey you won’t forget. For me, it wasn’t just a highlight of Laos—it might have been the best part of my entire Southeast Asia trip. The scenery alone was breathtaking, but what truly stood out were the connections I made along the way.
Spending multiple days on the road allows you to form deeper bonds with fellow travelers. Unlike the quick encounters that come with fast-paced backpacking, the loop brings people together through a shared adventure.
The Thakhek Loop isn’t just about epic landscapes and thrilling rides—it’s about the experiences you create and the friendships that come with them. Whether you’re riding solo or in a group, you’ll walk away with unforgettable memories and stories to tell long after the journey ends.
Important Notice for riding motorbike in the Loop
The improved roads come with a downside—more heavy truck traffic on key parts of the Loop. Expect a steady stream of large vehicles along Route 8 (Vieng Kham-Laksao), Route 12 (Thakhek-Nakai), and the main southern highway (Route 13), which connects Vientiane to the south.
Road conditions can shift quickly, especially in the rainy season. Roads sometimes wash out with little to no warning, and potholes often appear after heavy storms. Landslides are frequent, and unexpected obstacles like livestock and pedestrians can make nighttime riding particularly risky.