10 Day Cross-Border Guided Motorcycle Tour in Laos and Thailand

Overview

Chiang Mai - Chiang Kong - Luang Namtha - Boten - Oudomxay - Luang Prabang - Vang Vieng - Vientiane - Nong Khai - Lom Sak - Nan - Kwan Phayao

Highlights

• Starts and ends in Chiang Mai
• Conquered mountain passes, crossed international borders, ride some of Southeast Asia’s backroads
• Cross the mighty Mekong and stand at the fabled Golden Triangle
• Ride the narrow jungle tracks that reveal hidden waterfalls and tribal hamlets
• Ride out to the spectacular Kuang Si Waterfall, trekking forested paths down to its turquoise pools
• Explore cultural highlights like the gilded stupa of Pha That Luang and more
• Discover the beauty of Kwan Phayao, one of northern Thailand’s largest freshwater lakes
• 9 nights accommodation

Itinerary

1. Day 1: Chiang Mai - Chiang Khong (260 kilometers)

   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. Day 2: Chiang Khong - Cross Border - Luang Namtha (Laos) (190 kilometers)

   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 gr

3. Day 3: Luang Namtha - Boten - Oudomxay (140 kilometers)

   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 lat

4. Day 4: Oudomxay - Luang Prabang (220 kilometers)

   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 anc

5. Day 5: Luang Prabang - Vang Vieng (180 kilometers)

   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 ove

6. Day 6: Vang Vieng - Vientiane (130 kilometers)

   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 Fr

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 M

8. Day 8: Vientiane - Nong Khai - Lom Sak (Thailand) (264 kilometers)

   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 Phetcha

9. Day 9: Lom Sak - Nan (377 kilometers)

   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 meters) - 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 perfec

10. Day 10: Nan - Kwan Phayao - Chiang Mai (298 kilometers)

    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 smo

Ride Details

Bike

Included bike to choose from: Kawasaki Versys 650, Suzuki 650 V Strom, Honda CB 500X. Available for rental: KTM 790 Adventure, BMW F 800 GS, BMW F 850 GS and BMW R 1250 GS)

Mileage

1,600 kilometers

Daily rides

130 - 377 kilometers

Riding gear

included: helmets bluetooth, gloves, jackets, pants

Meals

All breakfasts (except on starting day) and lunch and dinner except on the rest day

Accommodation

You will be accommodated in carefully selected 3 or 4-star hotels in private rooms.

Food

The package includes breakfast (except the starting day), lunch (except on the rest day), and dinner (except on the rest day and last day). They serve breakfast at the hotel and this normally comprises several options. Lunch is a light roadside lunch. For dinner options, they always endeavor to find a restaurant that offers both Thai and International cuisine. Teas, coffee, and soft drinks served with meals only.

Getting There

Big Bike Touring Co’s 9-day motorcycle tour in Thailand is an exhilarating journey through Thailand and Laos’s diverse landscapes, rich culture, and fascinating history. From the bustling city of Chiang Mai to the serene mountains and valleys of Laos, this tour takes riders on a journey of discovery and adventure. [+](https://www.tripaneer.com/big-bike-touring-co/11-day-guided-motorcycle-tour-in-l