Pakse Loop

The Pakse Loop, also known as the Bolaven Loop, is the most famous motorbike route in southern Laos. Stretching through the lush Bolaven Plateau, this 2 – 6 day adventure offers spectacular waterfalls, coffee plantations, local villages, and some of the best riding roads in the country.

Whether you’re after a short escape or a longer multi-day journey, the Pakse Loop promises scenic landscapes, cultural stops, and plenty of adventure.

Getting to the Pakse Loop with a Motorbike

The loop begins in Pakse city, where Style Motorbikes has a rental office – making it the perfect place to start and finish your ride.

If you’re riding from northern Laos, you can connect via Highway 13, passing through the Thakhek Loop before reaching Pakse.

You can:

• Start and end in Pakse for a classic loop. 
• Continue north toward Thakhek, Luang Prabang, or Vientiane – we offer one-way drop-off at our other locations. 
• Head south to explore the 4,000 Islands (Si Phan Don) at the end of your trip. 

Where  to Stay on the Pakse Loop

There’s no shortage of accommodation along the Pakse Loop. Using our downloadable maps, you can easily plan overnight stops for your 2-, 3-, 4-, 5, or 6-day route.

Recommended overnight towns include:

• Tad Lo – A peaceful riverside village with a relaxed backpacker vibe. 
• Paksong – The coffee capital of Laos with great cafés and guesthouses. 
• Sekong, Houay Kong, and Attapeu – Towns offering simple but comfortable stays for longer routes. 

From cozy homestays to mid-range hotels, there’s something for every budget.

Tad Lo Waterfall

Just 85 km from Pakse, Tad Lo Waterfall is one of the first major stops on the loop. Located in the small village of the same name, the area actually has three waterfalls, with Tad Lo being the largest and most scenic.

At around 25 meters high, the waterfall stretches across the river, forming a wide pool perfect for swimming and relaxing after your first day’s ride. A few local restaurants and guesthouses make it an ideal overnight stop.

Coffee Tour

The Bolaven Plateau is the heart of Laos’ coffee-growing region, and no Pakse Loop trip is complete without visiting a coffee plantation.

Some offer guided tours showing how coffee is grown, harvested, and roasted – with plenty of samples to taste. You’ll also find many smaller family-run farms along the route where you may stop for a quick cup or informal tour.

Faek Waterfall

Located on the medium and long versions of the loop, Faek Waterfall is a stunning spot around 250 meters wide and 10 – 15 meters high, depending on the season.

Locals often swim in the upper pools, while the lower ones are avoided due to the legend of the pa pao, a sharp-toothed puffer fish said to live there.

Small food stalls and huts nearby make this a great place to relax and enjoy lunch. 

The 4 Sisters Waterfalls

The Four Sisters are four major waterfalls located around Paksong, each with its own unique beauty.

• Tad Fane Waterfall – The most famous and tallest waterfall in Laos at 120 meters. A viewing platform offers breathtaking photos, and thrill-seekers can try the zipline that crosses in front of the falls. 
• Tad Yuang, Tad Champee, and Tad E-Tu – Equally beautiful and accessible by motorbike, with some on paved roads and others requiring short dirt-track detours. 

If you’ve seen the viral photo of two people enjoying coffee on a table suspended by a zipline – that’s at Tad Fane!

Tad Sepa

Often called the most impressive waterfall on the Pakse Loop, Tad Sepa forms a wide horseshoe-shaped cascade stretching 120 meters across and up to 25 meters high.

It’s located off the beaten track, with rough dirt access roads – so it’s best for experienced riders or those traveling with others, especially in the rainy season.

There are no facilities, so bring food, water, and enough fuel for the return ride. The remoteness and untouched beauty make it a highlight for adventurous travelers.

Vat Phou, Champasak

Although not technically part of the main Pakse Loop, a short 50 km ride south of Pakse takes you to Champasak and the ancient Vat Phou temple complex.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Vat Phou dates back to the 5th century, with most structures built during the Khmer Empire (11th – 13th centuries) – making them older than Angkor Wat.

The site sits at the base of a mountain overlooking the Mekong River, combining cultural heritage with a stunning natural setting.

Summary

The Pakse (Bolaven) Loop is one of Laos’ best motorbike adventures, suitable for riders of all experience levels.

• Duration: 2 – 6 days (varied routes available) 
• Highlights: Waterfalls, coffee farms, temples, mountain scenery, ziplines 
• Best for: Scenic rides, culture, and local experiences 
• Motorbikes available: Manual & semi-automatic (at Style Motorbikes Pakse). You can see all the bikes available here

Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, exploring remote highlands, or sipping coffee straight from the plantation, the Pakse Loop delivers an unforgettable experience.

Related Routes

You can view our Pakse Loop routes and maps here: Pakse Loop here.