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3 Days Pakse Cycling Tour Loop

3 Days Pakse Cycling Tour Loop

A 3-day cycling tour of the Pakse / Bolaven Plateau loop of rolling terrain, steep highland climbs, coffee plantations, and waterfalls starting and ending in Pakse. The 3-Day Pakse Cycling Tour Loop (also known as the Bolaven Plateau Short Loop) is a fantastic highland circuit in southern Laos. It takes you through lush coffee plantations, ethnic minority villages, and dramatic cascades. The total cycling distance for the small loop is approximately 200 kilometers (124 miles). Because you will be climbing onto a volcanic plateau, expect an accumulated elevation gain of around 2,000 meters, providing cooler highland air but demanding a moderate level of physical fitness.
Day 1: Pakse to Tad Lo ( L, D )
  • Distance: ~85 kilometers
  • Terrain: Gradual but steady net elevation gain (+980m) as you leave the Mekong lowlands. 
  • Itinerary & Stops:
    • 0 km (Pakse): Start early from your hub in Pakse to avoid the midday low-altitude heat. Head northeast along Route 20.
    • 33 km (Pha Suam Waterfall): A great spot to take a break, view the unique horseshoe-shaped cascade, and explore the nearby replica tribal village.
    • 55 km (Mr. Vieng's Coffee Homestay): Stop for a fresh cup of organic, locally-grown robusta coffee and learn about traditional roasting techniques.
    • 85 km (Tad Lo Village): Arrive in the scenic riverside village of Tad Lo. Check into a local guesthouse and catch the sunset at Tad Hang Waterfall or Tad Lo Waterfall.
Day 2: Tad Lo to Paksong (B, L, D )
  • Distance: ~68 kilometers 
  • Terrain: Challenging gradients. You will climb deep into the heart of the plateau, reaching altitudes of up to 1,300 meters above sea level. 
  • Itinerary & Stops:
    • 0 km (Tad Lo): Cycle south along Route 20 toward Thateng.
    • 30 km (Ban Kok Phung Tai): Visit the famous animist Katu ethnic village (often hosted by local guide "Captain Hook") to learn about unique cultural customs, traditional architecture, and agricultural life.
    • Intersections: Turn right onto Route 16E heading west toward Paksong.
    • 68 km (Paksong): Enter the unofficial coffee capital of Laos. Because of the 1,300m elevation, the evening air here is crisp and cool. Spend the night at a local hotel or a coffee farm resort. 
Day 3: Paksong to Pakse (B , L )
  • Distance: ~50 kilometers 
  • Terrain: Mostly downhill. A thrilling, long descent down the plateau back toward the Mekong Valley.
  • Itinerary & Stops:
    • 0 km (Paksong): Coast westward out of town on Route 16E.
    • 10 km (Tad Yuang Waterfall): A powerful twin-stream waterfall surrounded by lush, manicured gardens. Perfect for early morning photos.
    • 12 km (Tad Fane Waterfall): Located right next door, this is Laos' tallest waterfall—a spectacular double torrent plunging over 100 meters into a deep jungle gorge. Extreme adventurers can try the famous zipline over the gorge.
    • 15 km (Tad Champee Waterfall): A quieter, more serene waterfall hidden down a dirt track where you can relax by the water.
    • 15–50 km (The Descent): Complete a rapid 35-kilometer descent back down into the plains, passing local fruit stalls and expansive fields before rolling back into Pakse to complete your loop.
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