Hi there ! Our trip across Thailand and Laos if finally close to start, so let me tell you more about it. We are for French friends, all experienced rider (at least on road, off-road for some of us) between 35 and 32 yo, and owning respectively Husqvarna 701 Enduro, Yamaha FZ6, TDR125 and WR125R. We leave home on March 24, landing on 25 in BKK then traveling with the night train to Chiang Mai. We will use the Sunday to chill a bit, visit the town and to get the bike and sorting out all the paperworks. Speaking of the devil, we will rent, at Pop Rider, four Honda CRF250L. We’ll leave Chiang Mai on Monday with luck we will cross the border at Chiang Khong (if we’re to late, we’ll cross on Tuesday morning early). The Tuesday will be a journey from Houei Sai to Pakbeng, avoiding tarmac. The next day I plan to reach Luang Prabang by boat, then spending two days in the area. Next stept, heading for Nong Khiaw and Muang Ngoy, then remote tribes villages in the north east before coming back at Houei Sai on April 5-6. After this journey into Laos, we’ll try to reach Pai and Mae Lana to visit some caves. Then Chiang Mai again on Sat. 8 to bring back the bike and taking a plane to Bangkok. Indeed, we’ll spend the last week diving and chilling in Koh Tao. After the 16th in Bangkok, we will heading back to France on the 17th. We’ve already sorted out everything but of you have any advice, I’ll heard from you with pleasure. Of course I’ll post updates here ! If some of you are enthusiast on having a drink in CNX, let me know !
You may want to investigate further re crossing the border into Laos with rented motorcycles whilst not part of an official tour. I think you could possibly encounter issues.
Good point.. four of you may rise eyebrows and questions Suggest you stagger the crossing 1 hr or more apart two at a time. The first group go in to town..not wait around. Like you are not together.
Sounds like a good trip coming up alright. If you swing by the X-Centre in Mae Rim I live about 5 minutes away & can pop over. Laos is awesome & you will love it = don't rush back for North Thailand. If you are looking for dirt in Laos check out this Laos - Dirt Roads & Rides Plus a full run down on riding in Laos Trip Planning - Laos
Hi guys, I have a question about reaching Luang Prabang from Pak Beng by boat. Is it easy to fin a boat able to carry four bikes ?
{} There will be plenty of boats in Pak Beng. Most of them for carrying passengers to / from Luang Prabang or Houeu Xai. You will need to talk to the boat skippers & ask them about putting your bike(s) on the boat to Luang Prabang. Agreeing on a price will b e the issue. There will also be boats that you could charter - if he price is affordable, but aint really cheap. When you arrive in Pak Beng go down to the boat landing & check out the boats & owners the day before, so that you can agree on a price & set it up the day before. {}
