We’ve got two words for you – Thakhek Loop. If you want to go on an unforgettable ride and take in scenic views of the Karst limestone mountains, rivers running like something out of a Ghibli Studio movie, roads twisting and turning, and caves for lays, then the Thakhek Loop is for you.
A popular motorbike loop located in central Laos that stands as a fan-favorite, we’ve got a list of things, thirteen to be exact, of what you need to know before setting off on your ride, chasing the sun. Covering all the bases and stages of the motorbike loop, what you need, and what you need to know, make sure you keep scrolling till the end, and we guarantee you will be an expert in all things Thakhek!
Things to Know About Thakhek Loop, Laos
Table of Contents
1. Best Time to do the Thakhek Loop
The ideal time for the Thakhek loop is from October to February, after the monsoon season. This period offers a favorable weather for exploration and driving. March to May is the hottest period, while water levels at waterfalls are lower during the dry season. Thakhek experiences rainfall from June to September, making road conditions poor and slippery. It’s best to avoid riding the loop during the monsoon season.
2. Bike Rentals
Thakhek offers various bike rental shops with both automatic and semi-automatic options available. It’s important to rent from a trusted shop to avoid any issues with the bike. Mixay Thakhek Motor Rental and Pokemon Go Motorbike Rental are recommended options. When renting from Wang Wang Motor Rental, opt for a newer bike for safety.
Before renting, it’s wise to test-drive the bike to ensure it’s in good condition. Take photos or a video of the bike to avoid disputes over damages later. Keep the shop’s contact number handy in case of emergencies.
Semi-automatic bikes typically cost 150,000 KIP or $7.5 USD per day, while automatic ones cost 180,000 KIP or $9 USD. Additionally, you’ll need to cover the cost of petrol. Be prepared to provide your passport or cash as a security deposit for the bike rental. Note that foreign ID cards are not accepted in Thakhek.
3. Road Conditions & Speed
While most roads are paved, they’re often in poor condition with many potholes, especially in avalanche-prone areas. Exercise caution when driving, as heavy trucks often pass nearby. Drive at 40-60 Km/Hr speeds, even on empty roads, as surprise bumps may occur. Reduce speed to 10-20 Km/Hr if necessary. Avoid driving at night due to the absence of street lights and the risk of encountering insects. Refusing night driving is strongly advised because of the poor road conditions.
4. Road Signs & Tourist Attraction Signs
Road signs indicate distances to nearby cities in certain areas. Directional boards for tourist attractions are placed along the roadside, often written in English and Lao. However, some signs may be in only one language. Look out for large pictures indicating attractions in most places.
5. Police Checkpoints
At police checkpoints, vehicles pass through one by one, like at barricades on the roadside. Officers watch passing vehicles, often found at provincial crossings or other notable spots. Wearing a helmet usually means you won’t get stopped.
You’ll need an international driving license to ride a motorbike in Laos, as fines may apply if caught without one. However, police aren’t overly strict, and rental companies typically don’t insist on an international license. From our experience, we weren’t stopped by police, and we didn’t hear of anyone else being stopped either.
Google Maps may not be entirely accurate on the Thakhek loop. It often stops the route before reaching the destination, even if there’s a clear dirt road. For better accuracy, we suggest downloading offline maps from Maps.me or OSMAND. We used both apps as needed, especially since the signal can be intermittent or weak. Keep your itinerary handy and have location pins ready for navigation. Offline maps will come in handy when you’re near your destination but have trouble finding it.
7. Parking and Entry Fees
Entry fees vary for each attraction, and parking fees may also apply at certain locations along the loop. Whenever both entry and parking fees are collected, you’ll receive a small token as a receipt. For safety, we recommend locking your vehicle and parking in designated paid areas.
8. Cost Breakdown
The Thakhek loop cost breakdown provided is for your reference only and may vary depending on your food choices and accommodation preferences.
- Attraction (Entry fee & Parking): 370000 KIP (18.5 USD), excluding the zip lining at Tad Fane
- Accommodation for 3 nights: 400000 KIP (20 USD)
- Food: 500000 KIP (25 USD)
- Petrol: 300000 KIP (15 USD)
- Motorbike rent for 4 days (semi-automatic): 600000 KIP (30 USD)
The total spending in the Thakhek loop was around 2,170,000 KIP or 108.5 USD.
9. ATMs and Gas Stations
ATMs, found in places like Lak Sao and Na Hin, may not always be reliable. During our trip, one ATM in Na Hin rejected our card, while another was out of service. Some accommodations accept card payments with a 3% service charge to avoid inconvenience. However, since cash is commonly used, it’s wise to carry enough before starting the loop, around 2,500,000 KIP or $120 USD.
Gas stations are scattered along the loop, but some may be closed. We suggest filling up your tank each morning before setting off to ensure you have enough fuel for the day.
10. Where to Eat?
There are several small eateries along the loop. The eateries usually have a picture board in front of the shop to identify. You can stop by and eat en route. Buy some snacks and fruits that’ll help whenever you feel hungry. Most of the homestays come with a restaurant as well. Many hotels allow you to refill your water bottles. You can also buy them from the local shops.
11. Where to Stay?
Several accommodations in the area may not be listed online. You can walk in directly, check the price, and decide where to stay. During peak season, it’s advisable to book accommodations online through booking.com. Unlike the Pakse loop, the accommodations along the Thakhek loop are generally of higher quality due to their popularity. We’ve included our daily recommendations in the itinerary blog, so be sure to check it out.
12. What to Pack?
Rental companies only provide helmets, unlike the Ha Giang Loop, where plastic covers or ropes are provided to protect your belongings from rain and dust. The luggage space under the seat is limited, so pack only the essentials efficiently.
- A reusable water bottle
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Raincoat for you and rain cover for the bag
- Toiletries
- A swimsuit and a towel
- Clothes (1-2 sets)
- Mobile Charger and universal adapter
- Sandals are enough. No shoes are needed.
- Snacks or fruits
- A waterproof mobile cover
- Head torch for emergencies
- Camera and accessories (optional)
As waterfalls in the region are in remote villages, dress modestly when swimming. Avoid wearing a bikini, except in designated areas like the cool pool.
13. Thakhek Loop Itinerary
We completed the Thakhek loop in 4 days and 3 nights. Check out our detailed blog for all the must-visit places, distances, and other essential information about the loop.
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