Camping in Laos

[rcm273]

It's coming to time for me to get my multi-entry from Savannakhet, rather than fly up and waste days sitting waiting for passports and flights, I thought I would take the Versys and explore the regions north of Savannakhet.

I have toured the Bolivian plateaux - Champasak over 10 years ago, I can remember lots of waterfalls and find that its probably not worth revisiting them, although very beautiful.

Does anyone have a suggested route or area, I would enter at Pakse and looks like I could be in Sav by lunchtime - So really, the worlds my oyster.

One thing that would restrict me is funds - I remember staying in some right old dumps in the days before "travelfish" and the dawn of the iPhone, usually workmans and traveling salesmans guesthouses. Has anyone found reliable method for finding camping grounds in Laos, is it worth taking a tent / sleeping bag ?

If I was in Thailand, I would probably look towards places like national parks or forestry commission land, my Thai / Laos is pretty good, maybe its a good way to meet folks. I have spent many an evening with a bottle of whisky and park staff.

Im thinking, the less I spend on accommodation, the more I can spend on petrol and head further north.

Next - Petrol - I remember some hairy moments where I was riding on fumes trying to find a petrol station, I really don't want to attach a petrol can to my top-box and drag around the extra weight .. or should I ? I don't intend being so far off the beaten track.

Headights - Is it still mandatory to switch them off ? If so, should I worry .. I'm not the kind of guy who pulls over when a policeman waves me to the side - but if it saves me a few kip i could consider pulling the fuse on the headlights or sliding some card behind the headlight guard.

I would be grateful of any help .. I'm sure the answers are already here, I need to spend a few days trawling.

 

[DavidFL]

I wouldn't think camping  is that necessary. Lao is full of cheap hotels & guesthouses. 

https://www.gt-rider.com/se-asia-motorcycling/forum/laos/laos-road-trip-reports/gt-rider-recommended-spots/accommodation-laos

I reckon that there are some really good bargains in both Pakxe, Champasak & Savannakhet.

For rambling around the south check out this thread

https://www.gt-rider.com/se-asia-motorcycling/topic/chiang-mai-%E2%80%93-attapeu-via-siphandon-mekong-4000-islands-return

Good luck with the visa - I will be over there soon too.

https://www.gt-rider.com/se-asia-motorcycling/topic/chiang-mai-pakxe-southern-laos-return-a-savannakhet-visa-run-part-1

Good people at the consulate.

https://www.gt-rider.com/se-asia-motorcycling/forum/laos/laos-road-trip-reports/gt-rider-recommended-spots/restaurants-laos

I hope some of the links are a help.

 

[rcm273]

Thanks .. Thats a start, I think I want to move away from the south, I want to see some of the interesting higher roads. If anyone has a clue where I could start to find the higher roads, it might be a good place to start.

When you spend 100,000 kip + every night the cost of the trip rack up, my target prices are around 50,000 kip, if still available .. which is why I thought about the tent as those rooms are pretty dire although manageable.

Could anyone point me in the right direction of headlights and the fuel can issue ?

 

[Javawa]

Fuel is available everywhere but in off the beaten tracks you most probably have to rely on fuel in drums or bottles. Along the more major roads you will find petrol stations on regular intervals.

Lights - no problem as it is Cambodia where the police is making problems when you have your lights switched on during daytime.

In case you are interested in ancient places, a trip to the "Stone House" or Huean Hin at Ban Huean Hin about 55 km south of Savannakhet might be interesting. Latest news is that the road along the Mekong via Xayphouthong might now be paved.

 

[brian_bkk]

No worries with headlights.. In the day time I have mine on High Beam so they see me coming.

Petrol is every where.. You will be on the Versys so doubt much hard core out of the way places.
The Versys has excellent mileage and a large tank. Just fill up when you get the opportunity and you will have peace of mind.

I know you said you want to move away from the south.. But..
There is so much more to see down there than the plateau..

Cross at Pakse.. Take the 13 straight down.
https://www.gt-rider.com/se-asia-motorcycling/topic/khonephapheng-waterfall

Wat Phou is lovely if you have the time and have not been before. On the way to Pakse.
Turn right and follow the paved road along the Khong..
You can either stay in Champasak town or over night in Pakse. Then hit the falls early the next morning.
Stay a night on Khong Island and head up to Savan to do you visa.

Here is the Thakek Loop. This seems a popular route.
https://www.gt-rider.com/se-asia-motorcycling/topic/the-thakhek-loop-complete-roundup

Konglor Cave is paved all the way in and truly stunning.
https://www.gt-rider.com/se-asia-motorcycling/topic/kong-lor-cave

Also just riding in towards the vietnam border through the mountains is stunning.

All very doable on your Versys and you have the time

Cheers
Brian

 

[brian_bkk]

For camping.. We only do that when no where else to stay and really remote.
Don't want to back track and push through the more remote areas.

Plenty of accommodation around

Cheers
Brian

 

[rcm273]

<p>[quote quote=257958]No worries with headlights.. In the day time I have mine on High Beam so they see me coming. Petrol is every where.. You will be on the Versys so doubt much hard core out of the way places. The Versys has excellent mileage and a large tank. Just fill up when you get the opportunity and you will have peace of mind. I know you said you want to move away from the south.. But.. There is so much more to see down there than the plateau.. Cross at Pakse.. Take the 13 straight down. https://www.gt-rider.com/se-asia-motorcycling/topic/khonephapheng-waterfall Wat Phou is lovely if you have the time and have not been before. On the way to Pakse. Turn right and follow the paved road along the Khong.. You can either stay in Champasak town or over night in Pakse. Then hit the falls early the next morning. Stay a night on Khong Island and head up to Savan to do you visa. Here is the Thakek Loop. This seems a popular route. https://www.gt-rider.com/se-asia-motorcycling/topic/the-thakhek-loop-complete-roundup Konglor Cave is paved all the way in and truly stunning. https://www.gt-rider.com/se-asia-motorcycling/topic/kong-lor-cave Also just riding in towards the vietnam border through the mountains is stunning. All very doable on your Versys and you have the time

Cheers Brian [/quote]

Awesome, thanks for your input!!

Yes .. this is all good .. I was thinking about Thakhek .. This loop is ideal, Then heading North, I can see a road through the mountains, that may bring me to the Plain of Jars, I have always wanted to visit since i discovered there was a country called 'Laos'

I have seen Khonphapheng waterfall in full monsoon tilt .. awesome. This trip, I'm on my own - and want it to focus on riding ( rather than with the wife, then it becomes about eating and going into small dark cramped caves )

All good new, I don't want to stick a fuel bottle on the side of my boxes, I never see the need so this is all sounding good.