Dirtbike Northern Laos Motorbike Tour – 10 days

We’ll begin our journey with a scenic ride from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng, a quaint town by the Nam Song River, surrounded by limestone mountains and caves. This area features ancient monasteries and offers stunning, winding roads that promise an exhilarating experience. Along the Kasi Pass, we'll pass local villages where homes sit right at the roadside, revealing the beauty of everyday life in this picturesque landscape.

We’ll embark on an off-road adventure to Long Cheng LS20A, a little-known military base in Xaisomboun province that once served as a town and airbase during the war. Next, we’ll visit the Plains of Jars in Phonsavanh, an archaeological site filled with thousands of stone jars and vessels, some carved from single rock pieces. Recent excavations have uncovered human remains dating back around 2,500 years, highlighting the site’s rich history.

Today features a long ride on dirt roads through the mountains north of Phonsavanh. We’ll make a quick stop at Lima Site 36, a former Air Force base, before relaxing in the natural hot springs at Vieng Thong. Once a warning sign for roaming tigers, Vieng Thong now serves as the gateway to the Nam Et-Phou Louey National Protected Area, a key refuge for tigers in Indochina.

We’ll enjoy a scenic ride along winding roads to the picturesque riverside town of Nong Khiaw, located along the Nam Ou River, where tour boats and kayaks glide by. We’ll also visit hilltop villages inhabited by ethnic communities, surrounded by lush mountains and rice fields.

From the charming villages in Nong Khiaw, we’ll head to Muang Khua the next morning. Nestled in Phongsaly province, this town is home to the Akha people, who live at high elevations in the mountains of Laos. The Akha are known for their elaborate and vibrant clothing. Our journey includes thrilling single-track routes, promising an unforgettable adventure.

Continuing from the previous day, we’ll ride to the local Akha village of Boun Tai. Here, you’ll be welcomed into a local family’s home for an unforgettable homestay experience. The family will prepare traditional meals for breakfast and dinner, allowing you to immerse yourself in the rich culture and fascinating history of the Akha people.

After a hearty breakfast, we’ll set off through the beautiful countryside toward Luang Namtha, where stunning landscapes await. If we arrive early, you can explore the lively markets or take a boat ride on the Namtha River (price not included). As the capital of Luang Namtha Province, the city offers activities like trekking and biking to nearby hill tribe villages.

Today, we’ll ride to Pakbeng along winding dirt roads, exploring remote villages en route. It will be a long day, but the stunning landscapes and off-road thrills make it worthwhile. Pakbeng features a hillside temple from the Kingdom of Lanna (the Kingdom of a Million Rice Fields). Here, you can enjoy a slow boat ride on the Mekong, trek to nearby villages, sample local drinks, or browse market stalls. We’ll end the day with an overnight stay at a local lodge.

We’ll head to Sayabouly and stay at the Elephant Conservation Center, where you can feed, bathe, and bond with these gentle giants. No trip to Laos is complete without getting up close to elephants. You can also visit the medical center to learn more about the care and conservation of Lao elephants.

It’s our final day! In the morning, enjoy activities at the Elephant Conservation Center, including mahout lessons and a visit to the medical center. Then, we’ll ride to Luang Prabang along dusty roads through scenic farmlands and teak trees. The tour concludes in the late afternoon, leaving you with unforgettable memories of adventure and the rich culture of northern Laos.