A Short Loop to Northwest Laos

Jurgen

0
Subscribed
Oct 23, 2009
685
140
43
www.chopard.org
Excerpt: Northwest Laos, with Muang Sing and Luang Namtha, was on my itinerary for this trip. Driving my bike, I followed friends visiting the region by van. This gave me the chance to participate in whole days walking or cruising excursions. From Chiangmai this region is just a short loop away.

A short Loop to Northwest Laos

The complete photo story can be found at : Album Archive


See my other trip reports around Laos (2)

Chiang Khong border crossing



I had enough time, but left Maerim early morning, to rest in Chiang Khong, my favorite city on the Mekong's rim. November is a good travel month and I was looking forward to my third loop to Laos that year. On my bike, I followed friends, venturing on a similar itinerary, in a tourist minibus.

I had never crossed to the “Kingdom of the Million Elephants” from Chiang Khong, but was familiar with this city, my last visit being just four days earlier. The journey from Chiangmai, on route 118, 1152 and 1174 was a quick jaunt, without many picture stops, but a compulsory coffee interlude, half way down, in Mae Suai’s “Charin Backery”. Invigorated by the fresh season's temperature, I glided happily to my destination.

Many opportunities to stop, for visits and pictures, exist along the 290 kilometers itinerary, to Chiang Khong, but, this time, I was eager to quickly reach my destination. As usual, I checked in to Tammila were I let my thoughts flow with the big river, while waiting for my friend’s arrival.

A foggy morning draped the Mekong, filtering the red light of a pale sunrise. After “Tammila breakfast” our group moved to the pier. I am usually early for check in and, that day, it was again a wise choice.

DSC_9467.jpg


DSC_9477-Edit.jpg


DSC_9487.jpg


Border offices, in Chiang Khong, open at eight o'clock and I cleared out of Thailand with the first backpackers. At custom, the computer was warming up, before my data were typed in. As always, I handed out different papers, downloaded from GTR website. This time, however, only my passport and the bike's green book seemed useful copies.

Suddenly, a red warning flashed on the display: “This bike can not be exported, it did not come back last time”. It was an embarrassing statement, for everybody, as I was physically there, with the bike.

My guess, and the assumption of the high ranking officer, was that something went havoc during my last border crossing, in Nong Khai. Phone call after phone call, the time regularly flew toward mid-day. I had to return to downtown, were amiable and helpful people did their best to bail me out.

Officials from Nong Khai pointed on my failure to submit the custom papers, and asked for a fine. In a flash, I remembered signing a 650'000 Thai Bath warrant to re-import my bike, but was sure that I had returned the documents at the border, maybe at a wrong counter. Nevertheless, as nothing was returned to me, it was not (totally) my fault.

Some calls later, with the kind intervention of Chiang Khong's custom “Boss”, I got a clearance and the computer printed my departure document. «Thank you Thailand”, no worries, I am coming back, … with the bike.

For a comprehensive border crossing procedure see also David_fl report (1)

DSC_9490.jpg


DSC_9495.jpg


DSC_9501.jpg


A 500 THB ferry cruise, brought me to Houei Xai were the procedure is a little tricky, compared to the land crossings at other borders (2). I passed the inconvenient and crowded arrival parking place, but climbed straight to custom’s check point. From there, a short walk leads to a counter were the bike's arrival papers are filled in. Finding an insurance agent was a challenge, but eventually, I got my 100 Bath coverage, for a week.

This itinerary is probably partly incorrect, but it worked conveniently. My bike existed legally in Laos, and it was my turn to get stamped in.

DSC_9511.jpg


DSC_9513.jpg


Immigration is about one kilometer down the road, in a small “soi” leading to the pedestrian boat landing. I insisted that Swiss citizen can stay two weeks without a visa, and, around one o’clock, was all set and eager to hit the road toward Luang Namtha.

DSC_9517-Edit.jpg


As described by David_fl (1), the first 80 km are shaky, worn out or under construction. Jumping through potholes or on boulders and breathing dense dust is unpleasant for a road biker, but finally, the bad sectors were limited to twenty kilometers.

DSC_9519.jpg


DSC_9520.jpg


DSC_9528.jpg


DSC_9530.jpg


DSC_9537.jpg


An agreeable winding mountain road, passing Vieng Phoukha and linking many hamlets, is the treat for the last 100 kilometers. My picture stops, however, were infrequent, as I preferred to reach destination before twilight. I also knew that I would return on the same way.

DSC_9538.jpg


DSC_9545.jpg


DSC_9547.jpg


In Luang Namtha, I checked in to Dokchampa hotel (room rates @ 60'000 kip with fan, 80'000 kip for aircon and 100'000 for double - recommended choice -). After changing my biker's cloth, I rushed to buy a pullover. Despite an altitude of only 560 meters, the evenings seemed cooler than in Chiangmai.

DSC_9991.jpg


DSC_9654.jpg


DSC_9658.jpg


In a rather sleepy city, Manychan guesthouse is the most animated hangout. People come to eat, drink, chat and use the free wifi. This was also my choice as I watched the day flowing to an early end.

DSC_9561.jpg


DSC_9563.jpg


Luang Namtha

After a cool night, the morning in Luang Namtha was fresh and enshrouded with heavy fog. It was still dark when I walked to the market, but slowly dawn broke and morning light played with the vivid costumes and the colorful products of the mountain folks.

DSC_0013.jpg


DSC_0054-Edit.jpg


DSC_0044.jpg


DSC_0029.jpg


DSC_0026.jpg


DSC_0052.jpg


DSC_0031.jpg


DSC_0039.jpg


DSC_0040.jpg


DSC_9649.jpg


Manychan was open when I returned downtown, a good time to indulge in a French “petit dejeuner”. I also changed my hotel, as it is convenient to combine hangout and lodging places .

My friends had taken a longer circle to Luang Namtha, cruising down the Mekong and spending a night in Pak Beng. They would arrive only in the evening, and I used the day rambling around the neighborhood's villages. The valley is mostly flat and clustered with rice fields, drawing yellow shade patterns.

DSC_9679.jpg


DSC_9685.jpg


DSC_9682.jpg


From afar, the golden Luang Namtha stupa, on a northwest hill, is a flashy landmark. A short steep roads leads to this shiny monument. It is set up against a mountainous backdrop and provides a glimpse down to the valley.

DSC_9672.jpg


DSC_9674.jpg


Another religious compound is located southwest of the city. I eat a considerable amount of dust while driving the 3 kilometers sandy and rocky road to the hill, were stairs lead up to That Phum Phuk. Next to a recent gulden chedi, crumbled stones testify about a glorious past. In addition to the ruins the all-embracing view toward the valley is worth the trip and the small 5000 kip entrance fee.

DSC_0064.jpg


DSC_9697.jpg


DSC_9701.jpg


DSC_9700.jpg


Back in town, I rounded up the afternoon with drinks and wifi, waiting for my friends. Dinner, was booked by the travel agency at “Banana Restaurant”, a reasonable choice, but a place with little character. As our final watering was again in Manychan, I just climbed a couple of stairs before switching off the light.

DSC_9650.jpg


DSC_9996.jpg


River trip

While I joined my friends for a boat excursion, I gave a day off to my bike. The departure for the cruise is outside the city, at the “Boat Landing Guesthouse”. There we boarded a pirogue and glided down the Namtha, following his shaking and vigorous waters. In November, the level is high enough to allow such trips.

Guided by skilled boatmen, the small embarkation floated smoothly or, at times, jumped through cascading rapids, shaded by by vegetation and again in open waters, boarded by high sided banks.

DSC_9713.jpg


DSC_9728.jpg


DSC_9730.jpg


DSC_9731.jpg


DSC_9733-Edit.jpg


DSC_9737-Edit.jpg


DSC_9740.jpg


DSC_9753.jpg


DSC_9754.jpg


DSC_9764.jpg


At one place, all passengers had to disembark and ascend to the trail on the river's rim. The crew navigated the pirogue through a difficult sector, while we were walking on the road.

Farther down, we stopped at a small Kammu village, and soon, the journey went back, up the river, against the flow.

DSC_9757.jpg


DSC_9773.jpg


DSC_9779.jpg


DSC_9784.jpg


It is easier to control the boat upstream, and, that time, we did not disembark for the passage through the rapids.

DSC_9793.jpg


DSC_9796.jpg


DSC_9804.jpg


DSC_9813.jpg


DSC_9823.jpg


DSC_9842.jpg


DSC_9845.jpg


Another stop, on the river's bank, allowed us to visit a Tai Dam village, an ethnic-group known for their silk weaving craft.

DSC_9864.jpg


DSC_9906.jpg


DSC_9907.jpg


DSC_9921.jpg


DSC_9928.jpg


DSC_9942.jpg


DSC_9944.jpg


DSC_9947.jpg


DSC_9854.jpg


DSC_9855.jpg


DSC_9892.jpg


DSC_9894.jpg


DSC_9880.jpg


DSC_9962.jpg


Boarding the pirogue again, we headed to the pier, next to « Boat Landing Guesthouse », were we had initiated our cruise in the morning.

DSC_9973.jpg


DSC_9976.jpg


DSC_9981.jpg


DSC_9982.jpg


Muang Sing

The next destination, on the day's itinerary, was Muang Sing; however, before leaving Luang Namtha, additional visits had been scheduled.

We jumped quickly through the museum and his small collection of artifacts (taking pictures is prohibited). As I followed the van on my bike, I swallowed again That Phum Phuk road's dust. This time, instead of climbing the hill, we bifurcated on another track and visited Nam Ngane, a “Thai dam” village, specialized in rice wine distillation (lao lao).

DSC_0056.jpg


DSC_0062.jpg


DSC_0070.jpg


DSC_0075.jpg


DSC_0094.jpg


DSC_0088.jpg


DSC_0085.jpg


Eventually, we were on road 17, heading toward Muang Sing. It is an interesting drive and I was pleased to ride it twice, as I would come back on the same way, two days later. Our first « touristic stop was at an Akha village.

DSC_0102.jpg


DSC_0104.jpg


DSC_0142.jpg


DSC_0145.jpg


Before Muang Sing, we stopped at another settlement, this time a Thai Dam village with weaving looms and locals people happy to sell their crafts to the tourists.

DSC_0150.jpg


DSC_0157.jpg


DSC_0161.jpg


DSC_0163.jpg


DSC_0165.jpg


DSC_0166.jpg


DSC_0187.jpg


The travel agency had reserved “Pou Lu 2 Guesthouse” for my friends, but, at 40 US$ a night, I preferred another option, three hundred meter away, and checked in to the new Chanthimmeng Guesthouse (60000 Kip). From the first floor, a panoramic view reaches the horizon, over rice paddies. Unfortunately it was cleaning season and the torching added fumes to an already foggy atmosphere.

DSC_0388.jpg


CSC_0191.jpg


DSC_0393-Edit.jpg


DSC_0399.jpg


My bike got a second holiday, as trekking was on the day's the program. Before breakfast I rambled around the foggy morning roads, already filled with activities.

DSC_0200.jpg


DSC_0205-Edit.jpg


DSC_0197.jpg


DSC_0207-Edit.jpg


DSC_0209.jpg


DSC_0211-Edit.jpg


DSC_0213.jpg


DSC_0214.jpg


A mini-bus sent us a short distance outside Muang Sing and we started our journey, walking with a local guide.

The first village visited was again Akha, a tribe often avoiding picturesque encounters. Old and young people fear loosing their souls to the spirits residing inside the cameras.

A traditional swing, used for the September thanksgiving ritual, was erected along the way and, before leaving the place, we passed near the sacred gate, two typical features of this tribe's settlements.

DSC_0224.jpg


DSC_0246.jpg


DSC_0252.jpg


DSC_0241.jpg


DSC_0242.jpg


DSC_0244.jpg


DSC_0294-Edit.jpg


DSC_0268-Edit.jpg


The trek meanders slowly through soft hills, crossing sugar cane fields, passing along forests and hevea (rubber trees) plantations or sapling nurseries. Cotton, sesame and various other plants can be observed along the way.

DSC_0230.jpg


DSC_0229.jpg


DSC_0226.jpg


DSC_0233.jpg


DSC_0235.jpg


DSC_0298.jpg


In addition to Akha villages, some rice fields also feature spirit doors, consecrated by religious ceremonies.

The region around Muang Sing is rich in ethnic diversities and a day promenade crosses several hamlets were children cheer the foreigners and adults proceed with their daily chores.

DSC_0300.jpg


DSC_0308.jpg


DSC_0319.jpg


DSC_0329.jpg


DSC_0341.jpg


DSC_0341.jpg


DSC_0354.jpg


DSC_0362.jpg


DSC_0367.jpg


DSC_0373.jpg


Shelters are rare along the trail and a dark curtain, enshrouding the mountain, became a concern. Soon, however, we reached the last village, a Tai Lue settlement with his typical elevated houses. This was the meeting point for the bus who hauled us back to the guesthouses.

DSC_0375.jpg


DSC_0376.jpg


DSC_0382-Edit.jpg


Back home – Muang Sing to Chiangmai


Early rosters, and the national anthem broadcasted through loudspeakers, are the wake up calls in Muang Sing, at least for visitors. In November heavy fog blankets the city and even driving to a breakfast shack is hazardous.

Around eight thirty I started my journey, climbing the hill on route 17, toward Tin That and Luang Nam Tha. With the increased altitude, the haze dissipated and I could drive at a normal pace.

The asphalted road is bumpy, but in acceptable condition. It is, however, recommended to watch the steps for treacherous potholes, sandy and humid curves as well as scattered rocks, spoiling the path.

During sixty kilometers, the charming mountain trail crosses primary forests, and offers glimpses of hilltribe hamlets or of the Nam Tha river. Closer to destination the cover becomes an hevea monoculture, a monotone spectacle of rubber trees.

DSC_0409.jpg


DSC_0418.jpg


From Muang Sing, my friends were pursuing their journey toward Oudom Xai and Luang Prabang, leaving me on my own.

I made another stop in Luang Namtha, again in “Manychan Guesthouse”. My afternoon, in this popular hangout, was relaxing and lazy, as I was spoiled with drinks, good food and wifi access.

Late evening, when the place was closing, I climbed to my room while my bike was safely parked inside the restaurant.

DSC_0427.jpg


DSC_0433-Edit-2.jpg


DSC_0425.jpg


DSC_0432.jpg


Morning mist was falling down, a vaporous rain moistening the atmosphere. Outside Luang Namtha, the landscape became surreal, a fairy tale backdrop, with fragments of blue sky playing with clouds and fog along Nam Ha national park.

For one hundred kilometers, the pavement is nicely smooth and allows to appreciate the countryside and to observe life in the small villages punctuating the way; a exhilarating drive passing Vieng Phoukha, another trekker's heaven.

DSC_0455-Edit.jpg


DSC_0461.jpg


DSC_0457.jpg


DSC_0466.jpg


DSC_0471.jpg


DSC_0508.jpg


DSC_0520.jpg


DSC_0533.jpg


DSC_0535.jpg


DSC_0554.jpg


DSC_0562.jpg


DSC_0564.jpg


DSC_0566.jpg


DSC_0570.jpg


DSC_0577.jpg


Unfortunately, this enjoyable ride comes to an abrupt end on a sector under reconstruction. Heavy work in progress and a crumbled surface cater for a bumpy and dusty adventure. The worst part last only twenty unattractive kilometers; then the road reverts to worn out, nothing problematic, just a regret to find such degradation on an almost new road (see also David_fl report (1)).

DSC_0579.jpg


DSC_0580.jpg


DSC_0584.jpg


DSC_0585.jpg


DSC_0590.jpg


The last sector, before Houai Xai is in better shape.

DSC_0595.jpg


DSC_0598.jpg


Departure formalities, at the border, follow a reversed procedure; first immigration, then driving up-road to the custom's office. My timing was unlucky; I arrived during the lunch break, when officers were unavailable.

After my bike's clearing, I had another waiting; ferries leave only when loaded with, at least, three or for vehicles. Again, no rush in Laos, but the opportunity to have lunch on a Mekong balcony restaurant, before the short cruise over the river.

DSC_0599.jpg


DSC_0603.jpg


DSC_0608.jpg


DSC_0615.jpg


DSC_0618.jpg


DSC_0622.jpg


DSC_0634-Edit.jpg


DSC_0635.jpg


At Chiang Kong's custom, officers cheered my arrival; they remembered my departure saga. Friendly and helpful people!

DSC_0637.jpg


DSC_0640.jpg


Farewell Houei Xai, I will soon be back, good evening Mekong and Chiang Khong.

DSC_0659.jpg


Total tour distance: 1145 km

------------------

(1) For comprehensive information about the border crossing and a description of the full loop, through Luang Prabang, see the report of David_fl :

Page Error | GT-Rider Motorcycle Forums S.E. Asia

(2) References to my other Laos trip reports. All suitable for road bikes and “solo” driving:

North-Central Laos:

Page Error | GT-Rider Motorcycle Forums S.E. Asia

Page Error | GT-Rider Motorcycle Forums S.E. Asia

Page Error | GT-Rider Motorcycle Forums S.E. Asia

Page Error | GT-Rider Motorcycle Forums S.E. Asia

South Laos:

Page Error | GT-Rider Motorcycle Forums S.E. Asia

Page Error | GT-Rider Motorcycle Forums S.E. Asia

3 – A trip in Central Laos – under construction

If you appreciate GT-Rider website, “like” it on Facebook:
Log into Facebook
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Eoin Christie

Jurgen

0
Subscribed
Oct 23, 2009
685
140
43
www.chopard.org
Thank you 2wheels, if I remember well, you were in the region at about the same time, but we did not meet. Yes, it is a great place and I have just visited a small portion of it. It's also a treat for Tai Lue lovers.
 

Rod Page

0
Subscribed
Jan 7, 2010
823
74
28
As usual an enthrawling read. There's nothing better than this to help prepare for the roads ahead in VN. Keep it up.
 

KenYam

0
Nov 2, 2007
352
1
0
Well done Jurgen, a pearler of a report and your canon camera takes absolute spectacular pictures, maybe I will have to reconsider an SLR but a point and shoot is really my level, well done.

Cheers Ken F
 

Jurgen

0
Subscribed
Oct 23, 2009
685
140
43
www.chopard.org
Thank you Ken for your nice words ... but do not throw away your SLR, I do not use a Canon, but a Nikon D7000 (actually these pictures were taken with my D80). But, the serie G Canon are great boxes, and many GT-Rider contributors use them. As a point an shot, I use the Fuji X100 (I am a Leica nostalgic). An amazing statistic, the majority of pictures uploaded to Flickr are taken with an iPhone and, as the saying goes, the best camera is the one that you have with you :)
 

Nawi

0
Oct 26, 2011
6
0
0
Thanks Jurgen, the report and pictures making it a virtual riding to these places. Very informative. I really hope the remaing 20 km bad section from Houei Xai to Luang Namptha will be much better by early next year. I will have a pillion and some 10 kg loads on the bike when passing those stretch ... :think: