Hike or Bike the Phou Khoun-Kasi Scenic Route: Amazing Vistas of Laos

Pha Tiao is probably the most iconic mountain in Laos, yet not many know it by name or at all. It is next to the scenic route between Phou Khoun and Kasi, it dominates the view all along. People who have their own vehicle can easily cruise this stretch of road, which is part of the important Route 13, and some package tours stop at one of the viewpoints, but otherwise it sounds like something you cannot do independently. Not so. If nothing else, you can visit Phou Khoun; some of the most amazing vistas are right around town, which is a pleasant place with a pleasant climate, great to spend a day or two. But if you are up for it, you can walk or ride the route; it’s very easy, virtually all downhill. You can take a minibus from Vang Vieng, put your bicycle on it if you want the easier option, get off at Phou Khoun and walk or roll down. You’ll get different views of Pha Tiao and the changing landscape, see pretty villages and meet friendly locals, and have the chance to dip in a pool of a hot spring. You can cover the scenic route in 1 or 2 days, and after Kasi head different ways. If you can, however, do stop at Pha Tang, where this miniguide also ends; it is perhaps the second most iconic landscape in Laos. Just do a quick image search with the words ‘mountains’ and ‘laos’, and Pha Tiao and Pha Tang will be the most featured photos – yet, most visitors and even many locals wouldn’t be able to tell what these places are called or where they are.
This miniguide explains all you need to know about the scenic route and the practicalities. See maps, elevation profiles, lots of photos, see the route in Google Maps or Google Earth, make up your mind and go – do something differently, don’t always follow the crowds!