THAKHEK LOOP (LA BOUCLE DE THAKHEK)
There are two big loops to do by motorcycle or scooter in Laos: the one in Pakse, probably the best known, and the one in Thakhek, a little less frequented. This loop of about 450 kilometres will take you to discover traditional Laos, close to the local people. You will discover an infinity of breathtaking landscapes, all different from each other: karstic mountains, lagoons, rice fields, jungle. The time you will take to complete the full tour will depend on the number of stops you make, but you should allow a minimum of three days. A must-see experience for all travellers who want to get off the beaten track.
You will start your loop in Thakhek and head east towards Vietnam on Highway 12. Count 40 km until Mahaxai, the first town of this stage. On this stretch there are many caves where you will be able to stop. These include Elephant Cave, Buddha Cave (Tham Pa Fa), Xieng Liab, Tham Pha Nya In, and Tham Nang Aen. You can sleep in Mahaxai if you wish, which we don't recommend as the town is not the most charming of the surroundings, or continue north on the E1 road for 35 kilometres to Nakai, a town built on the banks of a large reservoir. Once again, you can stop here or continue on your way. 20 kilometres north of Nakai, you can stop in Ban Sobia, a village of weavers. A few kilometres further on, you will reach Thalang. There you will find the backpackers' landmark, the Sabaidee Guesthouse, where you will be welcomed by the friendly Thun, the owner. Here you can stay and enjoy a delicious barbecue for dinner.
The second leg of this trip will take you to Lak Sao, close to the Vietnamese border. On the way, you will cross the water heard from the reservoir, from where a forest of dead trees emerges. An astonishing landscape. At Lak Sao, there is not much to see, except its temple and we advise you to make only a short stop there, to take some gas or have lunch. Then direction Na Hin, on road 8, 54 km away. On the way you can make a detour to see the Cool Spring, a natural pool of turquoise water for a moment of relaxation. You can spend the night in Na Hin, or for the brave ones, we advise you to push to the village of Kong Lo, 40 km away. The road is not very passable with many potholes. The landscapes are however magnificent, between rice fields and karstic mountains. In the village of Kong Lo, we advise you to stay at the Spring River Resort, for a magical night on the edge of the lagoon.
The next morning, the first step is of course the Kong Lor cave, the highlight of this loop. The crossing on the water of this 7 kilometre long cave is surreal. At the beginning of the afternoon, you will take the road back to Thakhek, starting by going back to Na Hin, and then taking road 8 in the direction of Vieng Kham. From there, take route 13 for the last 100 kilometers to Thakhek. This part of the road is probably the least pleasant. If you have time, you can go to Khoung Kong Leng lagoon, which is at the end of a dirt road (20 kilometers), 70 kilometers south of Vieng Kham.