Pakse Loop
Utlimate 3 Day Itineray & Travel Guide
The Pakse Loop: Ultimate 3-Day Motorbike Itinerary & Travel Guide
The Pakse Loop is a motorbike Loop across the Bolaven Plateau in Pakse, Laos. It is one of the most incredible and raw adventures I have been on in all my travels across South East Asia and definitely something you should consider doing when travelling Laos.
The Pakse Loop is perfect for the traveller who is seeking a unique experience through the central highlands of Laos with a chance to experience the local life and see some of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world!!
I had the opportunity to embark on this adventure and through all the magic and mishaps, here is my complete guide on everything you need to know about the Pakse Loop!
Table of Contents
- Quick Facts about the Pakse Loop
- Short Loop or Long Loop
- Best Time to Do the Pakse Loop
- What to Pack
- Is the Pakse Loop Beginner Friendly?
- Renting a motorbike for the Pakse Loop
- Pakse Loop 3 Day Itinerary
- How Much Does the Pakse Loop Cost?
- Tips and Advice
- Is the Pakse Loop Dangerous?
- Pakse Loop FAQs
- Final Thoughts
Short Loop or Long Loop
The Pakse Loop is split into 2 variations, the short loop which takes around 3 days and the long loop which takes 4+ days. Both go through the Bolaven Plateau which is the main highlight of the Pakse Loop in my opinion however with the long loop, you have an opportunity to see more of Pakse.
I think both the short loop and long loop are great options both offering amazing experiences. I recommend choosing whether to do the short or long loop based on how much time you have or simply how you are feeling when you arrive in Pakse!
I chose to do the short loop because I was coming right off the Thakhek Loop and I wasn’t sure if I was ready for another 4+ days on a motorcycle. Still, the 3 day loop was action packed and I don’t think I missed out on much by doing the shorter loop.
Best time to do the Pakse Loop
Similar to the rest of Laos I think the best time to do the Pakse Loop is in the cooler dryer months between October to February. This period of time, the weather is a lot more pleasant and predictable.
However, during my time on the Loop, due to an unexpected cyclone in Vietnam, the weather was a bit random at times. Still it was fun, wet and sunny all at once!
In general though, the Pakse Loop does cover a lot of areas located in higher altitudes. This change in altitude is what makes some of the crops like tea and coffee grow so much better but also, since the elevation is higher it is much colder.
So be prepared and bring a jacket! When I was on the loop, we were hit with a surprising cold front and none of us were really prepared for that. It was a lot of riding in the cold!
If you were considering on whether to do the Pakse Loop or Thakhek Loop, check out my guide:
What to Pack
Here’s a quick packlist on some of the items you might forget:
- Sunglasses (a must when riding all day)
- Swimmers
- Power Bank (Navigation drains battery)
- Rain Poncho
- Light Jacket
Is the Pakse Loop Beginner Friendly?
I would say that the Pakse Loop is relatively beginner friendly and is on par in its rideability to the Thakhek Loop. So it’s not too challenging at all and if you are a beginner when it comes to riding a motorbike, it’s well suited for you.
I’d definitely recommend getting comfortable on a bike before embarking on the Pakse Loop, so get a few runs in before. I would imagine that a lot of people that are doing or planning on doing the Pakse Loop would be coming down after doing the Thakhek Loop so if you do so you’ll have had plenty of experience on a bike.
I did the Pakse loop with limited experience riding a motorbike but I was fresh off the Thakhek Loop so I was somewhat already comfortable with riding. But definitely be comfortable and confident with riding before embarking on any sort of motorcycle trip in Laos.
Renting a motorbike for the Pakse Loop
Since most people that make their way to Pakse are here to do the Pakse Loop or explore the Bolaven Plateau, there are plenty of bike rental shops available in the city.
My recommended bike rental shop and places I rented from are:
Miss Noy Motorbike is the most well known and reputable rental shop in Pakse. Plenty of people rent their motorbike from here and I would 100% recommend the same thing. The motorbikes are new, reliable and the owner is always helpful. Motorbike rental prices are a bit more expensive at Miss Noy’s at around 130 000 Kip (if i remember correctly).
I personally rented from Pakse Backpacker Hostel and some of the people I did the loop with rented from Sanga Hostel. These 2 hostels I think are the most popular hostels in Pakse and you’ll see many backpackers at these places.
My experience with these bikes is that they are just as reliable as the ones from Miss Noy but a little cheaper being around 100-120 000 Kip. If you are staying at one of these places, renting from them also is not a bad idea.
Do I need a Semi Auto Motorbike
The recommended motorbike for the Pakse Loop is a semi automatic motorcycle usually a Honda wave 110cc. All the motorbike rental shops will recommend you do the Pakse Loop on a semi automatic and I think so too.
Semi automatics require you to manually change gears without the need for a clutch and this comes in especially handy when riding up hills or in rough terrain.
I particularly found it useful on the Pakse Loop in parts that were off the beaten path and onto rough roads. Being able to manually change to lower gears gave me much more control and overall a much more fun riding experience.
Learning Curve on a Semi Auto
There is a slight learning curve when first riding a semi automatic but if you have experience riding automatics and scooters, you’ll get the hang of it in no time. I was fresh off the Thakhek Loop so I had some experience with riding scooters but not with semi autos.
I was able to get comfortable on a semi automatic in like 20 minutes of riding. So it’s not too difficult to get the hang of!
Lock up your bikes!
The advice that you’ll receive when you rent your motorbike is to lock up your bikes and always find paid parking. In the past there have been instances of bike theft especially targeting travellers on the Pakse Loop. So always find paid parking and lock up your bikes.
Accommodations and popular stops will most likely have a motorbike parking area but for some places that have no specific parking, locals will usher you to park on their property. I did this several times with no problem. I just paid them about 20 000 Kip and we were both happy!
Pakse Loop 3 day itinerary
In this section I’ll go over my 3 day itinerary on the Pakse short loop. I decided to do the Pakse Loop in the clockwise direction, that way we get a chance to see the local traditional experiences first before ending the loop with the waterfalls of the Bolaven Plateau which is arguably the best part of the Pakse Loop!
Day 0 Arrive in Pakse
Day 0 will be the day you arrive in Pakse and prepare for the loop. There are many great accommodations to choose from and these places are also great to meet other people planning on doing the Pakse Loop.
Some accommodations that I recommend are Pakse Backpacker Hostel 2023 and Sanga Hostel and Souvenir. Both are great budget friendly options and by far the 2 most popular places in Pakse for travellers to stay.
Once you get a good night’s rest it’s time to get ready for the Pakse Loop!
Day 1 Pakse to Thateng
Renting a motorbike
First thing to do on day 1 is to go rent a bike. I recommend waking up early to secure a bike to ensure you get the best selection of motorbikes. You’ll be spending the next 3 days riding one so best get one you like!
I rented mine from my accommodation at Pakse Backpacker Hostel 2023 but Miss Noy Motorbikes is also a popular choice.
For more information about renting a motorbike for the Pakse Loop, click here!
Once you’ve got your motorbike secured, it’s time to hit the road and begin the mighty Pakse Loop!
Pakse to Mr Vieng Coffee
We’ll be travelling the Pakse Loop in the clockwise direction and our first stop will be Mr Vieng Coffee. From Pakse it’ll take you around 1.5 hours to arrive at Mr Vieng but do take your time as the roads and scenery on the way are simply beautiful. The roads are quiet and full of greenery, a little taste of what’s more to come.
Mr Vieng Coffee
Our first stop on the Loop is Mr Vieng Coffee. Mr Vieng operates a coffee plantation and here you’ll get a chance to taste some locally sourced coffee and also go on a tour around his farm.
The tour is a must and here you’ll have a chance to see what local Lao agriculture looks like and some of the traditions of the land. Of course there will be coffee but a little teaser, definitely some other things as well! You’ll only know once you’ve visited Mr Vieng.
I don’t quite remember the cost of the tour but I don’t remember it being very cheap. The tour itself shouldn’t cost you more than 50 000 Kip.
Mr Vieng Coffee to Tad Soung Waterfall
A short drive from Mr Vieng, you’ll arrive at our second stop of the day, Tad Soung Waterfall, the first of many in the region.
When I was visiting Tad Soung Waterfall, entrance was free so we just parked up and headed for the waterfall.
After a short hike and a trail down some stairs you’ll arrive at the top of Tad Soung Waterfall. Tad Soung Waterfall offers an amazing panoramic view of Pakse and is definitely worth the visit! Take your time exploring the waterfall all whilst taking in the scenery.
Disclaimer Parking at Tad Soung Waterfall
Always find paid parking when travelling the Pakse Loop.
When we first arrived at Tad Soung Waterfall, we didn’t find a designated parking area but needless to say there are many locals who would be more than happy to accommodate your bike parking on their property (with a 20 000 Kip fee of course). We decided to park at one of the locals and had no problem with them.
So yeah, don’t leave your bike unattended and always find some form of paid parking.
Optional Stop – Tad Soung Waterfall to Tad Lo Waterfall
After spending some time at Tad Soung Waterfall, if you’re feeling like another waterfall stop, head over to Tad Lo Waterfall which is located very close to Tad Soung. Tad Lo is another impressive waterfall and if you’d like, you can also go for a quick swim to cool off!
By now it’ll be getting a bit late so now it’s time to get to our accommodation.
Tad Lo Waterfall to Captain Hook Homestay
Now before nightfall we’ll make our journey to Captain Hook Homestay where we will stay for the night. Captain Hook Homestay offers a unique experience in that you get an opportunity to stay in the local village and experience local life.
The homestay is operated by none other than Captain Hook as he is referred to and he and his family will welcome you with true Lao hospitality. It’s a lot of fun and a real chance to get a glimpse of how people live in rural Laos.
We showed up to Captain Hook Homestay without prior bookings and private rooms cost us 200 000 Kip including dinner.
Dinner at Captain Hook Homestay
Now I was completely surprised by what was installed for dinner at Captain Hook. To be honest I hadn’t really done my research and just dived head first into the Pakse Loop without thinking much. Needless to say, dinner at Captain Hook was one of my most memorable and unique experiences I’ve ever had.
When we first showed up, I thought that we’d just get some local dishes to try for dinner but no, dinner at Captain Hooks is a whole experience in itself!!!
All the village kids will come and gather together to help prepare for dinner. Of Course you will be part of the preparations and help the young chefs to cook, cut and prepare dinner. It’s a whole nother experience with music, dancing and laughter all around!
After talking to Captain Hook, we found out that everyday after school, the village kids will come around and cook dinner with the arriving travellers. I think it’s a great opportunity for everyone as for the children, they can come meet foreign travellers and practice their english whilst for the travellers it’s a heartwarming unforgettable experience.
The food is absolutely amazing with a variety of dishes all homemade with local ingredients. If you come to Captain Hook’s you’ll also get a chance to try some “exoctic” home made rice wine. Exoctic is an understatement and if you are curious, you can only find out by trying it yourself!
Day 2 Captain Hook Homestay to Paksong via the Mountain Loop
Day 2 is another big day on the road with lots of adventure and thrilling driving. You’ll start your day at Captain Hook Homestay and I’d recommend having their breakfast and coffee. They provide a hearty traditional meal, definitely something worth trying.
Captain Hook Tour around Local Village
We’ll start off our day with a local tour run by Captain Hook around his village. You’ll get a chance to see the local traditional life and get to learn more about their culture and traditions.
The tour itself costs around 50 000 Kip
Fun fact, Captain Hook and the village he’s from are actually not ethnically Lao people but an ethnic minority that settled long ago. So their customs and traditions are abit different from traditional Lao culture.
The tour covers through all parts of their life with walks through their farms and villages. It’s also a great opportunity to ask Captain Hook about anything about his culture and conversations here can get quite intriguing and fascinating.
If you are on the Pakse Loop, even if you don’t stay at Captain Hook Homestay, I highly recommend doing the tour. There’s so much to uncover and if you are interested in local life and culture, a definite must do!
Ride to Paksong via the Mountain Loop
After doing the tour it’s time to ride to Paksong where we will be spending the night but first we’ll go on the Mountain Loop. The Mountain Loop is one of the scenic rides you will go on on the Pakse Loop and a must do for any riding enthusiast. If you liked the scenic rides on the Thakhek Loop, the Mountain Loop here would be just up your alley.
The start of the mountain loop is located just south of the town of Thateng and by recommendation from others we heard and travelling anti clockwise is the most scenic way to do it. By all means don’t miss the Mountain Loop!
Stay at Paksong
After finishing up the mountain loop, it’s time to ride to Paksong where you’ll spend the night! We stayed at Kai Lions International Hostel Paksong and it was good for a night on the Pakse Loop.
Day 3 Paksong to Pakse via the Bolaven Plateau
Day 3 is our last day on the Loop and definitely the most action packed day. It’s all about waterfalls and on the Bolaven Plateau you’ll come across what I’d say are some of the best waterfalls in the whole of SouthEast Asia.
But first a little exploring of Paksong!
Brunch at CC 1971 Cafe
CC 1971 Cafe is located in the city of Paksong and is a really unique cafe to visit. The cafe building itself presents Laos’ past of war and conflict with it being riddled with bullet holes and war damages. The cafe is built on this and is decorated to show an aspect of Lao history often overlooked by travellers.
Did you know Laos is the most bombed country in history! I didn’t know before embarking on the Pakse Loop and places like these were really an eye opening experience.
Still CC 1971 Cafe is a unique and fun place to visit whilst on the Pakse Loop. It’s mood isn’t dark or gloomy, rather offers a unique almost interactive experience.
When on the Pakse Loop, have a quick visit at CC 1971 Cafe!
Paksong Market
Another great thing to do is visit the local markets. It’ll be a lot different to any of the other markets you may have come across in Laos as this is completely built for the locals and here you’ll get to see a tru local market!
Have a walk around, get to see what they’re selling and try some of the local food at the market!
After a stroll through the markets, it’s time to hit the waterfalls of the Bolaven Plateau!
Waterfalls of the Bolaven Plateau
Up next is what I think is the main highlight and definitely the big draw factor for people doing the Pakse Loop. The Bolaven Plateau is one of Laos most incredible natural wonders consisting of some of the most scenic waterfalls in the whole of SouthEast Asia.
There are 3 main waterfalls on the Bolaven Plateau:
- Tad Gneuang
- Tad Fane
- Tad Champee
I recommend visiting in the order of Tad Gneuang → Tad Fane → Tad Champee.
Entrance fees including motorbiking are all similar between the waterfalls costing between 40 – 50 000 Kip.
Tad Gneuang Waterfall
Tad Gneuang Waterfall is the first waterfall on our stop on the Bolaven Plateau and it sure does not disappoint.
Here you get an opportunity to walk a short trail that covers the top of the waterfall down to the bottom. It’s definitely unique in that you can see all aspects of the waterfall from start to finish and at the bottom, you will definitely feel the powerful rush of water!
Tad Fane Waterfall
Tad Fane is the most recognisable waterfall on the Bolaven Plateau with its stream of twin waterfalls. There is more than just sightseeing at Tad Fane Waterfall with options to do ziplining across the waterfall to get an unparalleled view of the waterfall.
Packages for ziplining vary from about $25 USD to $50 USD depending on the options available. If you really want you can also grab a coffee whilst stringed on the middle of the zipline!
Tad Champee Waterfall
Tad Champee is the last waterfall and also the last stop on our Pakse Loop before making the journey back to Pakse.
I think Tad Champee Waterfall is the perfect way to end the trip as although not as impressive as the other waterfalls, the environment is peaceful and full of greenery. It’s perfect for a swim and just to unwind, spend some time with the people you’ve met on the loop and have one more laugh before closing the loop!
Bolaven Plateau to Pakse – LOOP CLOSED!
From the Bolaven Plateau back it’s about an hour ride back to Pakse.
Then HURRAY! You have finished the Pakse Loop!
How Much does the Pakse Loop Cost
All in all the Pakse Loop cost me about 550 000 Kip per day. That includes everyday accommodation, bike rental, food etc. Like the rest of Laos, the Pakse Loop loop is relatively cheap and something that can fit into anyone’s budget.
Here is my sample budget for a day on the Pakse Loop
Day 1
- Bike Rental: ~ 120 000 Kip
- Fuel: ~ 50 000 Kip
- Accommodation: ~ 200 000 Kip
- Waterfall Entrances: ~ 80 000 Kip
- Food and drinks: ~ 100 000 Kip
Total Daily Expense ~ 550 000 Kip
If you want a full budget breakdown of the Pakse Loop, check out my post here
Tips and Advice
Start your day early
Try Start your day early! Not to beat the crowds but to give yourself a bit of room to roam and explore! There is so much to do on the Pakse Loop and so many hidden places for you to explore.
Starting your day early means you can do more of this! The sun also sets quite early around 6 pm and you don’t want to be caught riding in the night which brings me to my next point.
Don’t Ride at Night
Large areas of the Pakse Loop are relatively undeveloped and untouched (which is also its beauty). However, this means many roads, especially ones through rural villages and mountains don’t have any street lights.
Riding in the dark just generally isn’t the best idea. It’s hard to see anything on the road so potholes and other hazards are just becoming even more worrisome.
Travel as a Group
I think of all things this one is the most important. Not only is travelling as a group more fun as it’s an opportunity to meet and share experiences but it also is just safer in general.
Not saying Pakse is dangerous however in the past there have been instances of bike theft and robbery happening to people on the Loop. Thinking of these scenarios I think travelling in a group is just a lot safer.
If you are a solo traveller and not sure whether you’ll be able to meet people to travel with, Pakse is one of the best places to meet people as you travel. I met people to travel with at my hostel, on the loop and even on the bus ride to Pakse!
There are many solo travellers and backpackers that make their way to Pakse to do the loop, it won’t be difficult to find the right people to travel with!
Is the Pakse Loop Dangerous?
The Pakse loop is generally *safe. Hear me out
When I did the Pakse loop and from the vast majority of people that I met that did the Pakse Loop, they had no trouble and it was a perfectly fun experience. That being said there have been instances and stories of theft and what not.
Bike theft seems to be more prevalent with thieves especially targeting tourist bikes. Every rental shop owner will warn you about this and ask you to always lock up your bikes and park only where there is paid parking.
Pakse Loop FAQs
Is the Pakse Loop beginner friendly?
Yes, the Pakse Loop is generally okay for people just starting to ride a motorbike. Just have some road experience before embarking on the loop
What are the main attractions on the Pakse Loop?
The main attractions are largely the waterfalls on the Bolaven Plateau and the opportunity to meet the locals through local homestays and similar experiences
How many days do I need for the Pakse Loop?
3 days for the short loop and 4-5 days for the long loop.
How are the road conditions?
In general, the road conditions are okay but not well maintained. Beware of potholes and what not.
I’m travelling during the rainy season, should I still do the Pakse Loop?
Absolutely YES!
Don’t be afraid of a little rain, there is so much to experience on the Pakse Loop and if your only opportunity is to do it during the rainy season by all means do it!
Final Thoughts
Pakse Loop is a definite must do activity when travelling Laos, especially if you are planning on travelling down south of the country. There is so much to see and experience! The Pakse Loop genuinely has it all from nature, culture and the most awe inspiring waterfalls set on the Bolaven Plateau.
I hope my guide on the Pakse Loop was helpful!
What you waiting for? Get out there!