Thakhek Loop

The Thakhek Loop is the ultimate adventure for travelers who want to see the "real" Laos. It is a 450km (approx. 280-mile) motorbike circuit that starts and ends in the sleepy Mekong town of Thakhek. The journey takes you through a landscape of prehistoric limestone karsts - the most incredible mountains we've ever seen!!!! - glowing turquoise springs, and massive cave systems that stretch for miles. It is a journey of dusty roads, wind in your face, and some of the most hospitable rural villages in Southeast Asia.

Things to Do:

• Conquer Kong Lor Cave: The undisputed highlight of the loop. You board a small wooden boat with a headlamp and a local driver who navigates you 7km (4 miles) through a pitch-black cave. Emerging on the other side into a hidden valley feels like you're entering Jurassic park. 

• Swim in Tham Pa Fa (Buddha Cave): Rediscovered in 2004, this cave contains over 200 ancient bronze Buddha statues. To get there, you paddle a small boat across a quiet, lily-pad-filled lake.

• Cool off at Cool Springs (Nam Don): A crystal-clear, bright blue natural spring tucked away in the forest. It’s the perfect place to wash off the dust of the road and chat with local families who picnic there on weekends.

• The "Dragon Cave" (Tham Nong Pafa): A well-lit cave with incredible stalactites and a "hidden" path that leads to a viewpoint overlooking the karst forest.

• Drive the "Limestone Forest" Viewpoint: On the way back toward Thakhek, the road winds through a spectacular range of jagged peaks. The "Phou Hin Boun" viewpoint offers a panoramic look at what looks like a stone ocean.

• Explore the Giant Stone Wall (Kampheng Yak): A natural geological formation that looks like a man-made defensive wall stretching for miles through the jungle.

• Sunset at the Mekong in Thakhek: After finishing the 3 or 4-day loop, sit at a riverside cafe in Thakhek to watch the sun set over Thailand across the water.

Pro-Tip:

1. The "Big Bike" vs. Scooter: While most people use semi-automatic scooters, the roads can be gravelly and potholed. If you aren't an experienced rider, take it slow—especially on the "dusty" eastern stretch. Although we went with semi-automatics, we had big regrets and wished we had gone with auto. There are some big hills you need to drive down and being able to out both feet on the ground for balance is so much safer (you can't with a semi-automatic as the break is on a foot pedal).