How Bad Are the Roads in Laos?

The roads in Laos are often challenging – many sections of the national road network remain unpaved, especially in the northern and more remote regions. Add a bit of rain, and these roads can quickly become muddy, slippery, and difficult to navigate.

In the south, around Pakse, most main routes are paved and well-maintained, making travel easier. However, in the north, roads tend to be rougher once you leave the main highways. Expect dirt, gravel, potholes, and even sections of broken tarmac – all part of the true Laos motorbike adventure.

Are the Roads Paved or Dirt Roads in Laos?

On our Style Motorbikes downloadable Laos maps, which you can see here, we colour-code all major routes to show whether they are paved, dirt, or in poor condition. Some “main roads” in the north are surprisingly still dirt roads, while others marked as paved may be heavily damaged.

The worst sections are often paved roads full of large potholes or broken surfaces. These are marked in red on our maps – they may be paved or dirt, but they’re slow and tough going. Still, for many riders, tackling these sections is part of what makes riding in Laos so rewarding.

What is Considered a Good Road in Laos?

A good road in Laos means smooth tarmac with few potholes – but you won’t find this everywhere. If you ride across the entire country, you’ll experience a mix of excellent stretches and rough patches.

In dry conditions, compacted dirt roads can also offer enjoyable and easy riding. These are often found away from truck routes, where the road surface stays firm and smooth. Even worn paved roads with some potholes are considered decent by Laos standards – you just need to slow down and enjoy the views!

What is Considered a Bad Road in Laos?

When roads turn bad in Laos, they get seriously tough. Expect deep potholes, thick mud, uneven surfaces, and sections where trucks get stuck or tear up the ground. After rain, these routes can become slippery and unpredictable, requiring careful handling.

If you see a truck struggling around a bend, keep your distance – heavy vehicles can slide or lose traction on steep, muddy corners.

Where Are the Best Roads in Laos?

The best road conditions are generally found in southern Laos, particularly around Pakse, Champasak, and the Bolaven Plateau, where highways are smoother and easier to ride.

That said, there are some fantastic riding sections in the north, especially around Luang Prabang and Nong Khiaw, just expect more challenging terrain. For the most accurate, up-to-date information, check our route maps or contact us directly for advice before your trip.

What Are the Best Bikes for These Roads?

Given the variety of terrain, enduro and dual-sport bikes are the best choice for riding in Laos. We offer several models that handle the country’s tough conditions:

• Honda CRF150L
• Honda XR150L
• Honda XR190L
• Kawasaki KLX230S

These bikes are designed for rough, muddy, or uneven terrain while still performing comfortably on paved roads.

For riders who can’t use a manual bike, our Yamaha PG-1 (115cc semi-automatic) is the best alternative – much more capable than a Honda Wave or any automatic scooter.

If you’re planning to stick mostly to paved roads, our adventure touring bikes – the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 and Honda CB500X – are excellent options. Just keep in mind that these heavier bikes can be challenging on muddy trails, especially with two riders.

Summary

In short: the roads in Laos are worse than most travellers expect – but that’s what makes riding here an unforgettable adventure. You’ll travel slower than in Vietnam or Thailand, but the scenery and sense of freedom make every kilometer worth it.

If you plan to ride through muddy or remote regions, we recommend choosing one of our enduro bikes. For couples or riders sticking to paved routes, the adventure bikes are ideal.

Before your trip, check your route and chat with us – our team can recommend the best motorbike for your travel plans and experience level.