Anousay Motorbike Rental — Our Go-To Shop in Luang Prabang (plus a note about a shady gas station to avoid)

29/10/2025

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A motorbike is incredibly handy for getting around Luang Prabang.

Rental shops are now everywhere, so it’s much easier to hire a bike than it used to be.

While most shops follow similar procedures, maintenance standards and bike quality vary.

With so many operators, disputes over scratches or damage can happen, so it pays to choose a reliable shop.

Here’s one I rent from frequently in Luang Prabang: Anousay Motorbike Rental.

I’ve used them around 10 times and never had an issue.

They typically don’t ask for an International Driving Permit, but they do hold your passport as a deposit—so be sure to bring it.

Basic information for Anousay Motorbike Rental

Address	Phommathat Road, Luang Prabang, Laos
Hours	08:00–20:00
facebook	https://www.facebook.com/anousaymotorbikerental

One of the Largest Selections in Town

Among rental shops, Anousay stands out for its range of models: not only automatic and semi-automatic, but also manual bikes.

It’s great if you want something similar to what you ride at home.

A minor downside: most models are 110 cc or 125 cc.

They also rent e-bikes and bicycles—handy if you’ll stay in town and skip the suburbs.

Even If No Bikes Are Parked Out Front—Ask Inside

Many Luang Prabang shops line bikes up on the sidewalk; if nothing’s there, they’re often all out.

Anousay is different: they keep extra stock in a back garage.

Just walk in and ask—they’ll bring one out for you.

Long Rides May Be Allowed (Model-Dependent)

Many shops hesitate to rent for trips outside Luang Prabang District.

Anousay may allow longer rides depending on the bike—just say where you plan to go.

For example, riding to Nong Khiaw is possible (about 140 km from the center).
Do note that road conditions can be rough, so expect it to take more time and energy than you’d think.
Discuss your route with the shop when you rent.

Helmets: Free Options, Paid Full-Face Available

Like other shops, helmets are free to borrow—but sometimes they’re worn or musty at smaller places.

Anousay has more free helmets to choose from, and also offers paid full-face helmets that are clean and near-new.

Free helmets aren’t perfect but are fine to use.

If hygiene worries you, bring/use an inner cap (a cool-type cap is comfortable).

Fuel Policy: Return Nearly Empty

Bikes go out with about 1 L of fuel as a courtesy.

It’s okay to return with less than 1 L; there’s no refund if you bring it back with more.

At stations, it’s common to specify an amount in kip (locals do this; staff are used to it).

Return Checks Are Relaxed (Still Protect Yourself)

On return, shops check for damage and missing items.

At Anousay, the inspection is often lenient—I’ve even had cases where heavily scratched bikes weren’t checked closely, and muddy returns weren’t an issue.

Across ~10 rentals, I’ve never been billed for scratches.

That said, protect yourself: before riding off, record a 360° video of the bike in front of staff.

A Nearby Station to Avoid (Short-Fill Scam)

There’s a station very close to Anousay—diagonally right across from the shop, in front of Wat Visounnarath.

It’s convenient, but we’ve repeatedly seen short-filling: e.g., you pay for 30,000 kip and get roughly 23,000 kip worth.

It’s not a huge sum, but it leaves a bad taste. Use another station and you’ll avoid the hassle.

A local-favorite station a bit farther away is a better bet; the 1 L starter fuel is plenty to get you there for a top-up.

Motorbikes Make the Trip

With a bike, it’s easy to reach Kuang Si Waterfalls, Tad Sae Waterfall, Pak Ou Caves, and other spots outside town.

Touring Luang Prabang’s open, breezy roads feels amazing—different from a scenic tuk-tuk ride, and just as charming.