NORTHERN HIGHLANDS
RUGGED MOUNTAINS & REMOTE TRAILS

RideInLaos — Premium 10-Day Journey

The Northern Loop (10 Days)

CRF 250 Rally & Himalayan Adventure

Check Availability

The ultimate challenge through the spectacular terrain of Northern Laos. This route is custom-built for riders looking for dizzying panoramas, endless switchbacks, and isolated dirt paths away from commercial corridors.

Route Highlights:

  • Vang Vieng: Legendary off-road sessions on red clay tracks running below towering karst cliffs.
  • Luang Prabang: A major cultural stopover in the UNESCO-listed former royal capital.
  • Nong Khiaw: Riding along massive limestone walls shadowing the majestic Nam Ou River.
  • Plain of Jars: Crossing historical high plateaus mixed with fine dual-sport tracks.
Motorcycle Loop Tracks Northern Laos
Official Duration10 Days
LogisticsVientiane Base
↩ Return to Base
Terrain Profile50% Asphalt / 50% Off-Road
Level & GradeAdvanced / Challenging ⭐ 5.0
Recommended FleetHonda CRF 250 Rally / CRF 250L
Indicative Rate55 $US - 65 $US / day
Inquire about this trip

The Recommended Machine for this Circuit

Honda CRF 250 Rally in Laos

Honda CRF 250 Rally

For the demanding terrain and long riding days in the deep North, the Honda CRF 250 Rally is the definitive choice. Its protective fairing keeps fatigue at bay during road transitions, while its long-travel suspension eagerly drinks up washboards, ruts, and rocky mountain passes.

Choose your bike

Honda CRF 250 Rally

Rent the CRF

Royal Enfield Himalayan

Rent the Himalayan

Interactive Map of the Northern Loop

Day-by-Day Overview (10 Days)

Day 1: Vientiane Agency to Vang Vieng (160 km)

Bike orientation and checkout at our Vientiane garage. Jump straight onto fast-paced dirt tracks looping around the Nam Ngum reservoir before arriving below the limestone wall of Vang Vieng.

Day 2: Vang Vieng — Karst Dirt Trails (80 km)

A full off-road playground loop day traversing red clay lanes and rural river crossings under sharp rock peaks.

Day 3: Vang Vieng to Kasi & Phou Khoun (120 km)

Stunning continuous mountain climb along technical ridge lines leading your machine high above the cloud layer.

Day 4: Phou Khoun to Luang Prabang (130 km)

Spectacular alpine descent to the former royal capital via an asphalt ribbon packed with endless twisties.

Day 5: Luang Prabang — Rest & Exploration Day

Easy riding to Kuang Si Falls or discovery of remote unpaved village single-tracks across the Mekong River via local ferry.

Day 6: Luang Prabang to Nong Khiaw (140 km)

Pushing into the deep North running parallel to the Nam Ou River, cutting through vertical limestone walls.

Day 7: Nong Khiaw to Vieng Thong (165 km)

The wild stage. Crossing portions of the Nam Et-Phou Louey national park on technical forest trails.

Day 8: Vieng Thong to Phonsavan / Plain of Jars (210 km)

Long, intense mountain sections connecting the peaks down to the historical Plain of Jars high plateaus.

Day 9: Phonsavan to Paksan (220 km)

Remote, physical track configuration carving along mountainsides before dropping back down toward the lowlands.

Day 10: Paksan back to Vientiane Base (150 km)

The home stretch. Fast pace returning along the valley to return your machines directly at our Vientiane garage base.

Inclusions & Practical Logistics

What's Included

  • Adventure bike rental (Himalayan / CRF) fully prepped and serviced.
  • 7/7 remote logistical support and bike troubleshooting line.
  • Accurate real-world route trace in .GPX format for smartphone mapping.
  • Dual-sport side luggage racks or waterproof dry bags.

What's Not Included

  • Fuel (easy to source at village stops along the loops).
  • Personal protective armor (helmet, protective jacket, boots, gloves).
  • Hotels, local meals, park or waterfall entrance checkpoint tickets.

Rider Tips for the Highlands

Weather & Elevation: The Northern sector features high altitude ridge sections. Early mornings or high passes above cloud cover can turn chilly. Carry a windproof shell or insulated layer.

Tracks & Skill: With a 50% dirt layout, solid gravel confidence is required. Watch out for shifting dust banks or ruts left behind by wet seasons on steep inclines.