Before you set off
- Carry a valid motorcycle licence (plus an International Driving Permit if you're a foreigner) — most insurers won't pay out without one.
- Wear a full-face helmet, closed shoes and long sleeves, and pack a rain jacket.
- Check the brakes, tyres, lights and horn, and photograph the bike before you take it.
- Tell your hotel or a friend which route you're taking.
The Bolaven Loop
The popular route runs Pakse → Paksong (Route 16) → Tha Teng → Sekong / Tad Lo → back to Pakse (Route 20): roughly 250–350 km over 2–4 days (sample).
Common hazards
- Potholes and sand on the road, especially after rain.
- Fast trucks and vans on Routes 13 and 16 — keep right (Laos drives on the right) and never overtake on bends.
- Cows, buffalo, dogs and children on village roads.
- Afternoon rain and morning fog on the plateau — poor visibility and slippery surfaces.
- Dirt sections between Tha Teng and Sekong turn to mud in the rainy season.
Don't ride at night
Roads are unlit, with animals and vehicles without lights. Plan to reach your stop before dark.
Unexploded ordnance (UXO)
Rural Laos — particularly the eastern edge of the plateau bordering Sekong, Salavan and Attapeu — may still contain wartime ordnance. Stay on used paths, don't wander into untracked forest or fields, and never touch unfamiliar objects. Tell villagers or officials right away.
Fuel and cash
There are petrol stations in the main towns, and roadside shops sell fuel in bottles. Fill up in Paksong and carry enough cash.
If there's an accident
Police 1191 · Ambulance 1195 (please verify). Contact the rental shop and your insurer right away and photograph the scene. Serious cases go to Champasak Provincial Hospital in Pakse.
Information is sample data — please check road conditions before travelling.