Let’s ride Laos - ABR Adventure Bike Riders - Moto Adventure

Itinerary

1. 1
   Day 1260 km

   Chiang Mai → Chiang Khong

   Complimentary Hotel Night

   We understand the fatigue of travel, so we've included an extra night's stay for you to unwind and rejuvenate before embarking on your epic motorcycle tour. Relax, take in the ambiance, and prepare yourself for the thrilling days ahead. Get ready to kick-start your adventure.

   Have breakfast at your hotel, then we will pick you up at 8:00 AM the morning of your tour and bring you to our HQ to complete paperwork, Safety Briefing, Bike Hand Over, and hit the road.

   Embark on an epic journey from Chiang Mai to the heart of Southeast Asia, tracing winding mountain passes, lush highland jungles and sleepy riverside towns. Along the way you’ll cross the mighty Mekong at Chiang Khong, stand at the fabled Golden Triangle where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar converge, and marvel at the surreal, mirror-clad spires of the White Temple in Chiang Rai. Expect remote dirt tracks, vibrant local markets, panoramic river vistas—this is a true adventure for experienced riders seeking culture, challenge and unforgettable landscapes.
2. 2
   Day 2190 km

   Chiang Khong → Cross Border → Luang Namtha (Laos)

   Rise early to complete border formalities at Chiang Khong, then plunge into Laos’s rugged backcountry—where dusty red tracks carve through emerald forests and waterfalls spill into hidden river valleys. After winding alongside the Mekong’s mist-shrouded banks, pause for a roadside lunch of Lao larb and sticky rice in a hill-tribe village, then navigate steep jungle climbs to cross the Nam Tha River. By mid-afternoon you’ll arrive in Luang Namtha, a laid-back riverside town ringed by teak forest and minority-run villages. Spend the evening exploring the vibrant night market, sampling smoky grilled fish and fresh papaya salad, learning traditional weaving and bamboo-boat fishing beneath a canopy of ancient banyan trees.
3. 3
   Day 3140 km

   Luang Namtha → Boten → Oudomxay

   Depart Luang Namtha at first light, threading through mist-cloaked peaks on narrow jungle tracks that reveal hidden waterfalls and tribal hamlets peeking through the bamboo. Climb steadily toward Boten, the quiet border town where old trading posts and colorful Chinese storefronts hint at cross-border commerce. After a riverside lunch of steaming khao poon and fresh herbs, tackle a series of hairpin bends that drop you into deep valleys carpeted in tea plantations. Continue southwest on gravel backroads, passing wooden stilt houses and swaying bamboo groves, until you roll into Oudomxay by late afternoon. Here, settle into a Namkat Yorla Pa Resort, wander the bustling market at dusk, zip line and toast the day’s mileage over cold Beer Lao and a fiery tam mak hoong (papaya salad).
4. 4
   Day 4220 km

   Oudomxay → Luang Prabang

   Set out at dawn, carving your way through emerald jungles on twisty, tree-lined asphalt and gravel roads that skirt misty streams and cross wooden plank bridges. Feel the temperature drop as you ascend ridgelines, then swoop down into hidden valleys where locals haul firewood on ox-drawn carts. Midday, ford a shallow river via a rustic cable-pulled ferry, then follow the Nam Khan tributary toward the confluence with the Mekong. As you approach Luang Prabang, the landscape transforms: elegant French-colonial villas draped in bougainvillea stand alongside saffron-clad monks strolling through ancient walled temples. Arrive by late afternoon and check in to your riverside hotel—conveniently flanked by a vibrant night market on one side and an irresistible French bakery on the other. Wander teak-floored streets to catch the golden glow on Wat Xieng Thong’s ornate roofs, then browse the night market stalls for handmade scarves and spicy Lao snacks. Before you turn in, treat yourself to a fresh croissant or pain au chocolat at the bakery next door, accompanied by a richly brewed Lao coffee.
5. 5
   Day 5180 km

   Luang Prabang → Vang Vieng

   Rise early and ride out to the spectacular Kuang Si Waterfall, trekking forested paths down to its turquoise pools. Swim beneath the cascades, visit the nearby bear sanctuary, and refuel with a light snack at the on-site café. Back in the saddle, wind south along shaded lanes to the Nam Xay Viewpoint, where a short hike rewards you with sweeping panoramas over karst pinnacles and the Nam Ou River carving its way through the valley. From here, descend into a nearby mountainside restaurant for a hearty lunch—think sticky rice, smoky grilled chicken and fresh papaya salad—while you gaze out over the limestone peaks. The real challenge comes next: the descent from Nam Xay. This rugged, steep stretch features loose gravel, tight hairpins and slick sections that demand your full concentration and skill. Take it slow, pick your line carefully, and savor every adrenaline-fuelled turn as you drop into the valley below. Once down, the afternoon unfolds along twisty backroads threading through emerald jungle and towering cliffs. Stop for one last roadside refreshment before the landscape opens onto broad river plains, revealing Vang Vieng’s jagged skyline. Roll into town by late afternoon, check into your hotel on the Nam Song River, and unwind with a sunset paddle or a cold Beer Lao at a riverside bar—your base for tomorrow’s tubing, cliff-jumping and live-music nightlife.
6. 6
   Day 6130 km

   Vang Vieng → Vientiane

   Breakfast riverside at your hotel before hitting the road south toward Laos’s laid-back capital. You’ll cruise scenic secondary roads and stretch your legs on intermittent dirt tracks that thread through rice paddies and sleepy villages, catching glimpses of temple spires rising above coconut palms. Midday, pause in a roadside hamlet for khao soi or noodle soup, then continue across gently rolling plains until you reach Vientiane’s leafy boulevards. Check into your hotel overlooking the Mekong, where you can stroll its broad promenade lined with riverside cafés serving strong Lao coffee and French-influenced pastries. In the afternoon, explore cultural highlights like the gilded stupa of Pha That Luang, the Arc de Triomphe–inspired Patuxai monument, and the serene Wat Si Saket cloister; finish the day sipping sunset cocktails as traditional longboats drift by on the river.
7. 7
   Day 7

   Rest Day in Vientiane

   Today’s pace slows to match the capital’s unhurried rhythm. Sleep in and savor a leisurely breakfast at your hotel, then choose your own adventure:

   • Temple Trail: Meander through Wat Ho Phra Keo’s ornate galleries, admire the mirror-studded façade of Wat Ong Teu Mahawihan, and pay respects at the peaceful Wat Sisaket with its cloister of thousands of Buddha statues.
   • Wellness Break: Treat yourself to a traditional Lao herbal massage or foot reflexology at a riverside spa, letting skilled hands knead away any lingering stiffness.
   • Riverside Reverie: Grab a cold Beer Lao or iced coffee at a Mekong-front café, watch longtail boats drift by, and dip your toes in the gentle current.
   • Poolside Chill: Head back to the hotel for a refreshing swim; lounge beneath a swaying palm, catch up on a book, or simply soak up the sunshine.

   In the evening, consider sampling modern Lao cuisine at a farm-to-table bistro or joining the locals for sunset prayers at Pha That Luang’s golden stupa—whatever you choose, you’ll be fully recharged and ready for tomorrow’s onward journey.
8. 8
   Day 8264 km

   Vientiane → Nong Khai → Lom Sak (Thailand)

   Rise with the sun and make your way east to the Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge at Nong Khai, where you’ll breeze through immigration and customs before rolling onto smooth asphalt back in Thailand. From Nong Khai, head northeast, skirting rice fields and small villages as you approach Phu Kao–Phu Phan Kham National Park. If time allows, take a short detour to explore its limestone cliffs, hidden caves, and shaded jungle trails. Continue onward toward Lom Sak, winding through lush countryside and spotting roadside stalls offering local snacks. Finally, arrive at the hotel at the foothill of Phetchabun Mountain range—settle in, unwind in comfort, and recharge for the adventures that lie ahead.
9. 9
   Day 9377 km

   Lom Sak → Nan

   Rise ready for the grand finale as you leave Lom Sak and carve your way toward Nan. Your morning begins with a climb up to Phu Tub Berk (1,794 m)—a legendary stretch of road featuring 111 curves. This thrilling ascent is often mentioned as the highlight of the trip, particularly when experienced at dawn, with the sunrise illuminating the misty valleys below. From the summit, enjoy sweeping panoramic views before descending into the lush valley below. Next, wind through the emerald-green expanse of Phu Suan Sai National Park, where shaded forest sections and gentle curves create a perfect counterpoint to the earlier climb. Finally, drop into the charming, picture-perfect town of Nan—nestled between rolling hills—where riverside temples and narrow streets await your exploration.
10. 10
    Day 10298 km

    Nan → Kwan Phayao → Chiang Mai

    Depart Nan at first light, tracing winding riverside roads northward into rolling foothills. The air is crisp as you climb out of the valley, passing terraced rice fields and tiny village temples framed by misty peaks. Mid-morning, arrive at the shores of Kwan Phayao, one of northern Thailand’s largest freshwater lakes. Park by a charming waterside restaurant and settle in for a leisurely lunch of fresh river fish, tangy tam mak hoong and zesty som tum—your final feast amid panoramic lake views and gentle breezes. Refueled and refreshed, mount up for the last leg: a sweeping ride west on smooth asphalt that snakes through coffee plantations, eucalyptus groves and bamboo-lined stretches. As you descend toward Chiang Mai, the silhouette of Doi Suthep emerges on the horizon. Roll back into town by late afternoon, glide through the ancient city gates, and check in at your hotel.

    Your Last Night on Us: Pizza, Drinks & A Bed to Sleep It Off

    After a day of exploration, riders head back to Big Bike Touring HQ, arriving around 4:00 PM, where the tour officially comes to an end. We wrap up our adventure the best way we know how  with a well-earned pizza and 2 complimentary drinks at the Novotel pizzeria, where you can pick from 6 different pizza options and wash it all down with a beer or soft drink of your choice before saying your goodbyes. With a complimentary night's stay included, each rider can choose whether to rest and recharge or head straight home the same day. For those staying the night, we highly recommend heading out in the evening to explore the vibrant Nimman area, right on your hotel's doorstep  you'll find a fantastic selection of restaurants, nightlife, shopping, and more just steps away. The tour concludes back in Chiang Mai, leaving riders with unforgettable memories of an incredible journey through breathtaking landscapes and unique experiences shared on the open road.

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