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LAOS: BEYOND THE MEKONG
Laos
10D/9N
Challenging
Ride deep into Northern Laos on a 10-day off-road motorcycle expedition through remote mountain trails, river crossings and isolated villages, exploring a side of the country few travellers ever reach.
Expert Local Guides
Off-Road Riding
Small Expedition Teams
Full Protection Gear
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot
Laos
10D/9N
Northern Loop
Remote Trails
Challenging
Off Road Motorcycle
LAOS: BEYOND THE MEKONG
ABOUT THIS TRIP
This is not a sightseeing tour on motorcycles. It’s a journey deep into the mountains and backroads of Northern Laos, riding dirt bikes through remote villages, mountain passes, river crossings and rugged off-road trails.
Starting and finishing in Luang Prabang, the route takes us deep into the country, through Nong Khiaw, the mysterious Plain of Jars and on to remote Long Cheng, before riding south towards Vang Vieng.
Expect long days on the bikes, constantly changing terrain and a side of Laos few travellers ever get to experience.
DIFFICULTY RATING
CHALLENGING
This is a multi-day off-road motorcycle expedition through remote and varied terrain.
You should be comfortable with:
Multiple consecutive days of riding
Around 6+ hours on the bike on some days
Dirt roads, mountain tracks and uneven surfaces
Small river crossings and steep sections
Riding in remote areas with basic infrastructure
Unlike our trekking expeditions, fitness isn't the only consideration here. Riding ability, concentration and confidence handling a motorcycle on loose and uneven terrain are important.
Previous motorcycle riding experience is required. You don't need to be an expert enduro rider, but this isn't suitable for someone learning to ride a motorcycle for the first time.
TESTIMONIALS
REVIEWS FROM OUR CLIENTS
ITINERARY
DAY 1
LUANG PRABANG
Bikes, Briefing & First Ride
Touch down in Luang Prabang and meet the local team who’ll be riding with us through Northern Laos.
We’ll get fitted with our riding gear, meet the bikes and run through the expedition ahead before heading out for our first taste of Laos on two wheels.
A ride out to a local waterfall gives us a chance to get comfortable on the bikes before returning to Luang Prabang. Tomorrow, we leave the city behind.
Overnight: Luang Prabang
DAY 2
LUANG PRABANG → POU YA KHA
Into the Wild
This is where the expedition really begins.
We ride out of Luang Prabang and into the mountains, passing through small villages as the roads become quieter and the landscape increasingly remote.
Eventually, the road runs out at the river.
The bikes are loaded onto a local boat and we cross the water before getting back in the saddle on the opposite bank. From here, we leave the main roads behind and push deeper into the mountains on dirt tracks through isolated villages.
By late afternoon we reach Pou Ya Kha, where we make camp before sunset.
Tonight, we sleep out in the mountains.
Overnight: Wild Camp, Pou Ya Kha
DAY 3
POU YA KHA → MUANG KHUA
Bamboo Bridges & Remote Trails
Wake up in the mountains, grab breakfast and get straight back onto the dirt.
Today takes us through Muang La and higher into the hills towards Ban Ano, an ethnic minority village surrounded by incredible mountain scenery.
Remote tracks lead us through the landscape until we reach one of the day's standout moments taking the bikes across the river on a bamboo bridge.
From here, we continue north towards Muang Khua, finishing the day on the banks of the Nam Ou River.
Overnight: Muang Khua
DAY 4
MUANG KHUA → NONG KHIAW
Dirt Tracks & River Crossings
Another day deep in Northern Laos.
We ride out through the mountains, linking together dirt tracks and small villages with river crossings along the route.
This is exactly what this expedition is about — bikes, dirt and exploring a part of Laos far removed from the usual tourist trail.
Eventually the mountains open up and we ride into Nong Khiaw, surrounded by towering limestone peaks.
The bikes are parked up for the evening and the rest of the day is ours to watch the sun disappear behind the mountains.
Riding: Approx. 4–5 hours
Overnight: Nong Khiaw
DAY 5
NONG KHIAW → MUANG HIEM
Deeper Into Northern Laos
We leave Nong Khiaw behind and turn back towards the mountains.
The further we ride, the more remote the journey becomes, passing through small settlements and mountain landscapes as we make our way towards Muang Hiem.
After another 5–6 hours on the bikes, we roll into this small mountain town, home to natural hot springs — a welcome end to another big day on the trail.
Riding: Approx. 5–6 hours
Overnight: Muang Hiem
DAY 6
MUANG HIEM → PHONSAVAN
Across the Mountains
Back on the bikes, we continue across Northern Laos towards Phonsavan.
The route cuts through mountains, follows rivers and passes isolated villages, with stops along the way for food, drinks and a chance to take in just how far from the usual routes we’ve travelled.
We pass through Phou Koud before eventually reaching Phonsavan.
Tomorrow, we ride into one of the most mysterious and fascinating sections of the entire expedition.
Overnight: Phonsavan
DAY 7
PHONSAVAN → LONG CHENG
Ride Into the Secret City
The day starts amongst the enormous ancient stone vessels of the Plain of Jars, one of Laos' most mysterious archaeological landscapes.
After exploring the site, we fire up the bikes and ride through Muang Khoun before turning towards the mountains.
From here, things get remote.
We climb through spectacular mountain terrain towards Long Cheng the Secret City hidden deep in the mountains of Laos.
Our destination is its former secret airbase, reached after a ride through some of the most isolated terrain of the expedition.
Tonight, we stay in Long Cheng.
Overnight: Long Cheng
DAY 8
LONG CHENG → VANG VIENG
Escape From the Secret City
We wake up in Long Cheng and take the bikes out to explore the former secret airbase and its runway before continuing our journey south.
Then we're back into the mountains.
Eventually, we reach the river and another section where the road simply can't take us any further.
Bikes and riders are loaded aboard a local boat for a journey of more than two hours through the mountains.
We eventually hit land again, unload the bikes and get back in the saddle for another couple of hours of riding towards Vang Vieng.
Overnight: Vang Vieng
DAY 9
VANG VIENG → LUANG PRABANG
The Final Push
One last big day on the bikes.
We ride towards Kasi before tackling a 9 km climb into the mountains, eventually reaching a small café perched high above the surrounding landscape.
After taking in what the local team describe as some of the best views in Laos, we begin the descent towards Muang Nan and the Mekong.
Then it's back onto the dirt.
Our final tracks follow the Mekong towards Luang Prabang, racing the setting sun as we close the loop and ride back into the city before nightfall.
Bikes parked. Expedition complete.
Tonight, we celebrate with a farewell dinner.
Overnight: Luang Prabang
DAY 10
LUANG PRABANG
Expedition Complete
After nine days on the road, this morning is yours to slow things down.
We'll transfer you to the airport for your onward journey and say goodbye to the team that has taken us through the mountains of Northern Laos.
EXPEDITION PROFILE & ROUTE MAP
WHY BOOK WITH WILD AXIS EXPEDITIONS
EXPERT-LED ADVENTURES
Created and guided by professional mountaineers and field specialists
FULL SUPPORT CREW & LOGISTICS
Seamless comfort, safety, and reliability from start to finish
LOW DEPOSIT & FLEXIBLE PAYMENTS
Complete financial protection through Trust My Travel
SMALL GROUPS, BIG EXPERIENCES
No tourist buses, no crowds, just real adventure
AUTHENTIC, HANDCRAFTED ROUTES
Designed to blend challenge, culture, and wilderness immersion
On booking, you’ll receive a comprehensive kit list and access to a dedicated WhatsApp group for your expedition perfect for connecting with your team and preparing for the journey ahead.
ADVENTURE PROPERLY. FIND YOUR WILD.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
✔ HONDA CRF 250CC
Honda CRF 250cc off-road motorcycle for all riding days.
✔ GUIDE & MECHANIC
English-speaking local guide and mechanic throughout.
✔ FUEL
All motorcycle fuel throughout the expedition.
✔ ACCOMMODATION
Nine nights’ accommodation in local hotels and guesthouses on a twin-share basis.
✔ MEALS
Food throughout the expedition.
✔ FULL PROTECTION GEAR
Helmet, riding boots, gloves and protective riding equipment.
✔ MECHANICAL SUPPORT
Mechanical support and spare parts throughout the expedition.
✔ TRANSFERS
All local transfers and transportation included in the itinerary.
✔ FIRST AID
First aid equipment carried by the expedition team.
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
✘ INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS
Flights to and from Luang Prabang, Laos.
✘ TRAVEL INSURANCE
Comprehensive travel insurance covering off-road motorcycle riding.
✘ VISAS
Laos visa and any associated entry fees.
✘ PERSONAL EXPENSES
Drinks, snacks, souvenirs and other personal purchases.
✘ TIPS
Tips for your local guide and expedition team.
✘ MEALS & DRINKS NOT SPECIFIED
Any meals or drinks outside those included in the itinerary.
✘ MOTORCYCLE DAMAGE
Any costs resulting from damage to the motorcycle caused by the rider.
LAOS: BEYOND THE MEKONG
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FROM
£1995
Secure your place with only a £200 deposit.
• Balance due 30 days before departure, or choose our flexible monthly payment option.
Max 8 per team
Financially protected
Previous riding experience required
£200
Only 8 spaces per departure - Limited availability
UPCOMING DEPARTURES
12/02/2027
February 2027
AVAILABLE
£1995
19/11/2027
November 2027
AVAILABLE
£1995
07/01/2028
January 2028
AVAILABLE
£1995
All bookings financially protected
Reserve your place with a £200 deposit | Balance due 30 days before departure | Interest-free instalments available
✔ Secure online payment via
✔ Financial protection through
✔ Comprehensive Expedition Preparation & Support
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I need previous motorcycle experience?
Yes. You should be a confident and competent motorcycle rider with previous riding experience. This is a challenging off-road expedition and is not suitable for complete beginners
What motorcycles will we be riding?
We’ll be riding Honda CRF 250cc motorcycles, ideally suited to the dirt tracks, mountain roads and remote terrain of Northern Laos.
How difficult is the riding?
We rate this expedition as Challenging. Expect mountain roads, dirt tracks, river crossings, steep sections and changing trail conditions, with several hours in the saddle each day.
Do I need to bring my own riding gear?
Protective riding equipment including helmet, boots and gloves is provided. We’ll send you a full expedition kit list before departure.
What happens on Day 1?
Day 1 is all about getting expedition-ready. You’ll meet the local team, get fitted with your riding gear, familiarise yourself with the bike and receive a full briefing before heading out for a local waterfall ride.
What accommodation will we stay in?
We use local twin-share guesthouses along the route, with a night camping at Pou Ya Kha as we push deeper into Northern Laos.
Is food included?
Yes. Food during the riding tour is included.
Is motorcycle fuel included?
Yes. Fuel for your motorcycle throughout the expedition is included.
Will we have a mechanic with us?
Yes. Our local team includes an English-speaking guide and mechanic, with spare parts carried throughout the expedition.
How remote is the route?
Very. This expedition takes us well beyond the usual tourist trail, through mountain villages, remote dirt tracks and isolated areas of Northern Laos. The route includes river crossings, a bamboo bridge, mountain camping and sections where the bikes are transported by local boat to continue the journey.
Will we visit the Plain of Jars?
Yes. We’ll explore the mysterious Plain of Jars before continuing deeper into the mountains towards Long Cheng.
What is Long Cheng?
Long Cheng is one of the standout locations of the expedition. Hidden deep in the mountains, we’ll ride into the former Secret City, spend the night and explore its former secret airbase and runway before continuing south.
What happens if one of the bikes breaks down?
Our local team includes a mechanic and carries a stock of spare parts throughout the expedition, allowing us to deal with mechanical issues out on the route.
What should I pack?
We’ll provide a full Wild Axis expedition kit list before departure. You’ll need suitable lightweight clothing and personal equipment for multi-day adventure riding, changing mountain conditions and the overnight camp.