17 Days Easy Rider From Pakse To Hanoi. An overland "Easy Rider" journey from Pakse, Laos to Hanoi, Vietnam is an epic 16-day expedition across the spine of Indochina.This 1,650-kilometer itinerary cuts through the rugged mountain passes of Central and Northern Laos, crosses the remote border into Northwest Vietnam, and winds down into the historic capital of Hanoi.

• Total Distance: ~1,650 Kilometers
• Terrain: Highland plateaus, severe karst mountain switchbacks, and winding valley roads.
• Border Crossing: Tay Trang Border (Laos to Vietnam). Note: Entering Vietnam with a foreign or Lao-registered motorbike requires specialized cross-border commercial permits. An Easy Rider tour agency organizes these customs clearance documents in advance

Day 1: Pakse to Tad Lo (Bolaven Plateau) (~110 km) ( L, D )

• Riding: 8:00 AM our team pick you up from your hotel in Pakse - Shake down the bikes with a smooth climb out of the Mekong valley onto the fertile Bolaven Plateau.
• Highlight: Standing at the edge of Tad Fane twin waterfalls and sleeping by the river in Tad Lo village.

Day 2: Tad Lo to Savannakhet (~240 km) ( B, L, D )

• Riding: A long endurance run heading north on Highway 13 across the flat southern plains.
• Highlight: Watching the architecture shift as you pull into the French colonial old quarter of Savannakhet.

Day 3: Savannakhet to Thakhek (~130 km)( B, L, D )

• Riding: A flat, easy morning cruise running parallel to the Mekong River.
• Highlight: Arriving early to explore the jagged limestone karst towers that mark the beginning of the famous Thakhek Loop. 

Day 4: Thakhek to Kong Lor Cave (~180 km)( B, L, D )

• Riding: Turn inland on Route 12 and Route 8. The roads turn into a playground of mountain sweeps surrounded by dramatic karst walls.
• Highlight: Boarding a small wooden motorboat to navigate the pitch-black, 7-kilometer underground river tunnel of Kong Lor Cave.

Day 5: Kong Lor to Vieng Xai / Sam Neua (~350 km) [Long Day]( B, L, D )

• Riding: Early morning departuyre - The ultimate distance test. A highly demanding ride north across the rugged mountains of Houaphanh Province.
• Highlight: Reaching the remote mountain outpost of Vieng Xai, hidden in a valley of breathtaking limestone peaks.

Day 6: Vieng Xai Cave Exploration & Rest ( B, L, D )

• Activity: Give your body a break from the bike saddle. Tour the vast network of Vieng Xai caves, which served as a hidden underground city for over 20,000 people during wartime history.

Day 7: Vieng Xai to Luang Prabang (~340 km)( B, L, D )

• Riding: Carve up and down the dramatic mountain ridges on Route 1C. Watch out for gravel patches and roaming mountain livestock.
• Highlight: Watching the sunset as you descend into the ancient UNESCO royal capital of Luang Prabang.

Day 8: Luang Prabang Rest & Culture Day( B )

• Activity: Morning easy riding today. Wake up early to witness the silent morning alms-giving ritual, visit Wat Xieng Thong, and swim in the turquoise waters of Kuang Si Waterfalls. 

Day 9: Luang Prabang to Muang Khua (~180 km)( B, L, D )

• Riding: Head north along the Nam Ou River basin on tight, winding valley roads.
• Highlight: Spending the night in Muang Khua, a quiet river town connected by dramatic, shaking suspension bridges. 

Day 10: Border Crossing: Muang Khua (LA) to Dien Bien Phu (VN) (~100 km)( B, L, D )

• Riding: Wind up to the remote Tay Trang Border Gate. Complete Lao exit checks, cross no-man's-land, pass Vietnam customs, and descend into the historic valley of Dien Bien Phu. ( Visit War Musium, Banker )
• Highlight: Celebrating your first night in Vietnam with a bowl of hot Pho and a cold local beer. 

Day 11: Dien Bien Phu to Muong Lay (~100 km)( B, L, D )

• Highlights: Ride along the scenic Da River basin on Route QL12. Move past stunning limestone cliffs and through stilt-house villages belonging to the White Thai ethnic minority. 

Day 12: Muong Lay to Sin Ho via Lai Chau (~120 km)( B, L, D )

• Highlights: Climb the steep, winding mountain roads up onto the remote Sin Ho Plateau at 1,500 meters altitude. This area is famous for its cool year-round climate and vibrant weekend ethnic markets. 

Day 13: Lai Chau to Sapa (~100 km) ( B, L, D )

• Highlights: Cruise through the high valleys of Lai Chau before ascending the legendary O Quy Ho Pass. At 2,035 meters high, this is one of Vietnam's four great mountain passes and looks directly onto Fansipan peak. 

Day 14: Sapa - Rest Day ( B )

• Free day in Sapa or you can book cable car tickets to visit Fansipan peak ( Your own account ) or rest day . 

Day 15: Sapa to Lao Chai and Ta Va villages before to Bac Ha (~120 km)( B, L, D )

• Highlights: Drop down into the Muong Hoavalley to visit Lao Chai villages ( H,mong people) and Ta Van villages is Gzay people ) tracking parallel to the Chinese border before climbing up into the rolling hills of Bac Ha. Try to time this trip for a Sunday to experience the world-famous, colorful Bac Ha Ethnic Market. 

Day 16: Bac Ha to Thac Ba Lake (Vu Linh) (~160 km)( B, L, D )

• Highlights: Follow backroads south through Luc Yen into Yen Bai province. You will settle into a lakeside village like Vu Linh, staying in an authentic Dao ethnic homestay surrounded by peaceful palm-tree hills. 

Day 17: Thac Ba Lake to Hanoi (~170 km)( B, L)

• Highlights: Enjoy a peaceful morning boat ride across the massive artificial lake—often called the "Ha Long Bay of the mountains". Spend your afternoon riding along rural dike roads back into the bustling streets of Hanoi - End The Tour at your own hotel .

Tour price : Contact us