Non-riders
Laos for travelers who do not ride motorbikes
If you do not ride, you can still see Kong Lor, the Bolaven Plateau and the Nam Ou valley. What changes, what to plan ahead, and which routes suit non-riders best.
The main street of Muang Ngoi Neua
In short
Not riding a motorbike rules out very little in Laos. You see the same caves, waterfalls and river villages; what changes is how you move between them. Plan fewer, longer stays, a driver for the legs with thin public transport, and trains, boats and flights for the rest.
What changes when you do not ride
- Kong Lor becomes an overnight trip with a driver rather than day three of a loop.
- The Bolaven Plateau becomes a day trip or short stay by car from Pakse.
- The Nam Ou valley barely changes: you reach Nong Khiaw by road and Muang Ngoi by boat, like everyone else.
- Everyday sightseeing around towns works by tuk-tuk, bicycle or on foot.
What to plan ahead
The legs where public transport is thin: Vientiane or Thakhek to Kong Lor, and multi-stop days on the plateau. Elsewhere, you can decide as you go if you prefer.
Routes that suit non-riders
The 12-day central and southern route covers both famous loop areas without riding. The 4-day Thakhek and Kong Lor trip is the short version.
Tell us where you want to go, not how to get there
Share your dates, the places on your list and how you feel about motorbikes. We reply by email with a realistic route, and when you are ready, a written proposal with transfers, prices, inclusions and who provides each part of the trip.
