Route planning for Laos
We plan Laos routes around roads, rivers and rail: which transfers make sense, how long each one really takes, and the local drivers, boats and guides to book. You get one written proposal before you commit to anything.
Nong Khiaw and the Nam Ou from the Pha Daeng viewpoint
Kong Lor and the Bolaven waterfalls are usually reached on multi-day motorbike loops. Guides note there are few organised alternatives, and travel insurance may not cover riders without the right licence.
Scheduled boats from Luang Prabang to Nong Khiaw stopped when dams were built on the Nam Ou. The road is about 140 km and takes three to four hours, often more.
Vientiane to Thakhek is around 340 km, Thakhek to Kong Lor another 180 or so. Public transport off the highways leaves when vehicles fill. Without a plan, transfers eat the trip.
Each is famous, each is usually reached by motorbike, and each works well without one when the transfers are planned.
Limestone towers, river caves and the 7 km boat ride through Kong Lor, usually reached on the Thakhek Loop.
Possible without a motorbike, with planning
Possible without a motorbike, with planning
Waterfalls and coffee on the plateau, the temple ruins of Vat Phou, and the Mekong islands near Cambodia.
Easy without a motorbike
Easy without a motorbike
Easy without a motorbike
Easy without a motorbike
A mountain valley on the Nam Ou, three to four hours by road from Luang Prabang, then an hour upriver by boat.
Easy without a motorbike
Easy without a motorbike
Our guides answer the practical questions first, with sources and dates for anything that changes.
No single rule. Trains and flights for the long distances, a driver only where buses would cost you a day, boats where the river is the road.
Vientiane to Luang Prabang in about two hours.
To Pakse, saving long days between north and south.
Where buses are thin: Kong Lor, loop roads, plateau days.
Up the Nam Ou to Muang Ngoi, and across to the islands.
Illustrations to adapt, not packages. Each shows where the long transfers fall and what to book ahead.
First-time visitors who do not ride and want caves, waterfalls, temples and the Mekong in one trip
Travelers who want mountains and river villages in the north plus waterfalls and the Mekong in the south
Travelers who want waterfalls, temples and the Mekong without long drives
Written proposalLE-YYMMDD
Nothing is booked until you accept the proposal and pay the prepayment.
We plan motorbike-free routes through Laos and arrange the local services that make them work: drivers, boats, guides and rooms. You get a written proposal with the route, total price and the provider for each part, and we are your contact for the booking. Local providers deliver the services.
Yes. Asking questions and receiving a proposal costs nothing and does not commit you to anything. You pay only if you accept a proposal.
They are our focus, along with Luang Prabang and Vientiane as gateways. If your trip includes other places, tell us; we will say honestly whether we can help with them.
We aim to reply by email within two working days.
Share your dates, the places on your list and how you feel about motorbikes. We reply by email with a realistic route, and when you are ready, a written proposal with transfers, prices, inclusions and who provides each part of the trip.
