While in Northern Laos we kept hearing about a 4-day loop done via motorbike through central Laos. We decided to do it as a test run because we thought we might want to buy bikes in Vietnam. The loop starts and ends in this little town along the Mekong River called Thakhek. The coolest part about this place is that it was barely on the backpacker map a few years ago but this motorbike trip has made it popular and created businesses in the town.
It takes about 6 hours via local bus to get to Thakhek. The local bus itself is a highlight because the bus literally blasts popular music videos from Laos. Topics of these videos include teenage love/breakups, sort of slutty 14 year old dance parties, and more teenage love/breakups. Yes... we listened and watched for SIX HOURS. We did attempt to listen to our own music but the bus only seemed to play their music louder when we did.
Overall, the 4 day experience was amazing but I was absolutely terrified to drive the bike the first day. It actually went pretty well minus the first big mountain pass where i decided to stop the bike and lay it down in the middle of the road because it was too heavy to walk. Soon after I discovered the magic of the kickstand.
We were so lucky to do the loop this year as they have just finished paving nearly the entire loop - if you google the loop there are stories from 1-2 years ago of the roads being horrendous but now it is far easier. We also had some great driving buddies and I think our 5 person group was the perfect size. Photo highlights below!
Noodle shop - we stopped here for lunch and it was the best pho!
Me crossing a well kept bridge
Cow conveyer belt
Mark playing soccer with some local kids on day 3
Finally enjoying the ride
Last day of the drive - all 5 of us and our bikes made it!
