“THE LOOP” XAYABOURY

The Loop Xayaboury

Adventure in Elephants' Homeland

THE LOOP XAYABOURY
is a tourist loop designed for drivers or riders between Luang Prabang and Xayaboury provinces in Laos. The Loop highlights the natural beauty, cultural richness, and adventure opportunities of the area, while also ensuring responsible and sustainable tourism practices and bringing economic and social benefits to communities.

The Easy Loop

The Challenging Loop

Drive from Luang Prabang South to Xieng Ngeun junction on Road 13N. In Xieng Ngeun, turn right towards Xayaboury via Muang Nan and the Mekong Bridge on Road 4. Overnight in Xayaboury. Then go back to the Xayaboury-Hongsa junction and ride North to Hongsa on Road 4A. Overnight in Hongsa. Then, Take Road 4B from Hongsa to Muang Chomphet and cross the Mekong to Luang Prabang.

TOTAL: 350Km

Drive from Luang Prabang South West to Kuang Xi Waterfalls and onto Muang Nan via Road 1 along the Mekong River. In Muang Nan head towards the Mekong Bridge on Road 4. Overnight in Xayaboury. Then go back to the Xayaboury-Saysatthan junction and ride North to Hongsa via Saysatthan Mountain trail on Road 3601. Overnight en route. In Hongsa, take Road 4B from Hongsa to Muang Chomphet and cross the Mekong to Luang Prabang.

TOTAL: 395Km

CHECK A MAP

Sayaboury Province’s four northern districts – Hongsa, Ngeun, Xienghone and Khop – will take you off-the-beaten track right into the land of ancient spiritual beliefs and handicraft traditions. En route to Luang Prabang and Vientiane, or on your way to and from Northern Thailand, Sayaboury – the “Land of the Elephants” – is a perfect stop in between – just stay another day!
Festivals. Enjoy vibrant festivals such as the Boat Racing Festival, the Spiritual Ghost Festival, Pii Mai Lao (New Year) or Khmu New Year. And every February the must-go for all friends of the Big Grey Ones is the national Elephant Festival – don´t miss it!
Mystic. All year round you can learn about ethnic minority groups like the Lue, Yuan, Iu Mien, Phrai, Hmong and Thai Dam; each with unique beliefs in natural spirits and Buddhist rituals that reveal ancient traditions. Immerse yourself in traditional lifestyles and enjoy the welcoming hospitality of the Lao people.
Adventure. Ready for Sayaboury’s adventures? You will get your money’s worth on Sayaboury’s off-the-beaten track tours by boat, motorbike and trekking. Visit the Elephant Conservation Center at the Nam Tien Protected Area and get to meet elephants in their natural habitat in one of Asia’s best managed sanctuaries!
Relax. For a more tame adventure head to the Nam Tien Natural Protected Area near Sayabouly city, play golf or enjoy the view over the lakeside with Lao cuisine. For meditation and a traditional spa, the best spot in town is the Herbal Spa Center at the Nam Heung river banks.

The four districts are bordering the Mekong River in the North and Thailand in the South. A national road crosses the districts and connects all of them with the province capital of Sayaboury. All four districts have access to the Mekong where boat services are available to Bokeo, Oudomxay and Luang Prabang.

There is an international border check point with visa on arrival in Ngeun district, connecting Thailand, Laos and China/Vietnam by a new international road linking Nan Province (Thailand), Ngeun district and Oudomxay province. A ferry is crossing the Mekong from Pakhouaykhene/Ngeun to Oudomxay.

Also the land route from Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang makes traveling shorter, offering beautiful nature on both Thai and Lao sides.