Thakhek Loop
A motorbike loop in Khammouane Province in central Laos, passing karst stone forests, limestone caves and a reservoir with drowned trees. The highlight is the 7 km underground river cave of Kong Lor.
The Thakhek Loop is Laos' best-known motorbike route. It starts and ends in Thakhek, the capital of Khammouane Province on the Mekong River, and covers about 450 km. It is usually ridden anticlockwise over 3 to 4 days. On the first day, Route 12 enters the karst landscape of the Phou Hin Poun National Protected Area. Along the way are Pha Fa Cave, Xieng Liap Cave, Sapaen Cave and the Tha Falang Canyon, where visitors can swim. The road then climbs to the Nakai–Nam Theun Reservoir, where drowned trees rise from the lake, especially striking in the morning mist. It continues through Lak Xao and joins Route 8. Near Nakai, a side road leads to Kong Lor Cave, where visitors take a long-tail boat through the underground river cave, about 7 km long. On the return, Route 8 passes the Phou Hin Poun viewpoint, which overlooks the karst peaks and stone forest, then Route 13 heads south back to Thakhek. A side trip to Kong Leng Lake, known as the Blue Lake, can also be added. Thakhek has many motorbike rental shops that provide maps and road condition information, and luggage can be stored there. Some sections are gravel or under construction, become muddy in the rainy season, and require helmets and insurance. Avoid riding at night. Fuel is easy to find in villages along the way, but ATMs are scarce, so bring cash in kip.