We spent 5 weeks in Laos, with no particular route in mind. Some guy we met at the motorbike rental company in Vientiane told us about irresistible rock climbing down South. This was the direction we wanted to head to anyway and we even got more curious now. We’ve never imagined Laos a climbers paradise but we were ready for a nice surprise. Once we approached the area down South, it was clear that sooner or later someone had to have the idea to open up a place for rock climbing. We came across this really amazing lodge just off the main road, located in a small valley: the Green Climbers Home. We almost missed this place; only out of curiosity we turned right off the main road coming from Thakhek on our trip around the “Loop“.

We changed our plans immediately and stayed for 2 nights. The lodge is run by 2 Germans who passed through the area a couple of years ago. They were rock-climbers themselves and just decided to stay. Obviously this is still possible in Laos and with some connection to “Green Discovery Laos“, they began to build. One of them was a carpenter, which made things easier for sure – after all, craftsmen know how to build things. You can climb on various routes around the lodge and if you have enough of climbing, go for a swim in the river behind the lodge, visit one of the many caves or you just settle on your terrace with a hammock and a book…

Laos is a real climbers paradise.

Only experienced climbers will find their way along the mountains in Laos.

Green Climbers Home Lodge near Thakhek, Laos.

Relaxing at the Green Climbers Home Lodge in Thakhek, Laos.

The landscape around Thakhek, Laos.

A mountain face near Thakhek, Laos.

The landscape near Thakhek, Laos.

About 450 km – Travel time (suggested) at least 4 to 6 days.

We already arrived in Tha Khek by motorbike, but I can definitely suggest to rent a motorbike directly in Tha Khek (if you don’t have that much time). Mr. Ku from the Tha Khek Travellodge – situated about a few 100 meters from the roundabout direction Eastwards on the left side with only a small sign – is the right man for motorbikes. The lodge is a pleasant hotel, with big rooms and a garden, despite the industrial area surrounding it.

After spending a night in Tha Khek, dining at one of the nice restaurants along the Mekong river and visiting the big market with all sorts of strange food, our journey started north-bound from the roundabout.

Ready, Set, Go!

The paved road was excellent and you can visit a few caves (at km 15 is a very large one) along the way. We didn’t get very far because right at km 12 to the right was – without sign – the German run Green Climbers Lodge crossed our way.  This is an absolutely stunning place with pleasant stilt bungalows, a cave in the back, a swimming hole, great food and the opportunity for people (who know how to do it) to climb up the karst walls. Keep in mind that it’s only open from September to March, due to flooding.

We stayed the night and left early next morning. We were told that the entire way to Konglor was paved but we still wanted to have buffer just in case. Turns out that we needed that buffer, since the road isn’t paved all the way. Still, it was a smooth drive up to Nakai where we passed a weird looking landscape due to the building of a giant dam. It left us wondering if this was really the right thing for an otherwise beautiful jungle area. Villages were relocated and are now neatly arranged 50 meters in the back of the tarmac road, one house near the other.  It’s interesting to drive through these villages (most tourists don’t bother to do so). The kids loved it and we were happy to shoot some great photos with us. There was no screaming for pens or lollies (like in other parts of Asia) because people here seem to have enough. We were told that nobody in Laos starves and if you are smart you can achieve a lot…

Here’s part 2 of our motorbiking trip through Laos.

Motorbiking the Loop in Laos.

Ready, set, go! The Loop in Laos would would be one of our great motorbike adventures of the year.

Bugs (Lethocerus), frogs & other dead animals can be found at the markets in Laos.

The vegetable at the markets in Laos looks really fresh (& it tastes amazing too).

The Green Climbers Lodge in Laos is a beautiful place to spend the night.

For this kind of climbing in Laos, you should know what you’re doing…

Dam building leaves strange-looking areas in great parts of Laos.

Dam building for electricity supplies leaves this behind…

The kids in Nakai village were happy to pose for us.