Laos Spectacular

Mar 30, 2010
2,136
300
83
Today we head up to the Green Triangle.

But first here is an excellent report from Jurgen.

Detailing the development in the area as well as more concerning invasion from the north.

Sad to say we also experienced locals loaded up with buckets of toxic pesticides and no protection.

The banana tree plantation are endless.

Thanks again for sharing this report Jurgen.

https://www.gt-rider.com/se-asia-motorcycling/topic/chiang-kok-and-the-lao-myanmar-bridge

The first part of the track to the Green Triangle is a bit crap to be honest.

Rocks and just an unpleasant bouncy ride.. I can't remember the exact distance.. may be 20 or 30 km it starts to get nice..

Just before here

DSC_0029_14-X3.jpg


DSC_0030_15-X3.jpg


DSC_0034_13-X3.jpg


DSCN7153-XL.jpg


We stop and take a look over the edge in case a local lost it on the steep slippery mountain edge.
Couldn't see anything and continued on.

DSC_0038_13-X3.jpg


DSCN7152-X3.jpg


Burma on the left side of the Mekong. Sitting in Laos.. China around the ben in the river.

DSC_2567-X3.jpg


Some bike repairs in the middle of no where..

DSC_0039_13-XL.jpg


Stop and buy and drink and talk to the locals on the way back to Luang Namtha.

DSC_0050_15-X3.jpg


DSC_0044_13-XL.jpg


Ended up arriving in Luang Namtha just after dark.. Nice paved road and a good pizza and beer Lao.

The next day we are off to Phongsaly.

Cheers and beers.. More to come..
 
Mar 30, 2010
2,136
300
83
Going to combine part of a current ride I am on with this report.

Last week spent3 days 2 nights in below the Phu Chi Fa / Doi Pha Tang area with Frank..

Here is a short clip of some of the road works going on in the area.

Pretty amazing. The new border crossing will open up next year. So there will be another way in to Laos for foreigners.  Heard this before and also confirmed by the friendly army guy at the border post.


Cheers

Brian
 
Mar 30, 2010
2,136
300
83
A correction here for my Phu Chi Fa (Laos) base pictures

At the time I was thinking this doesn't look right.. But convinced myself it must be.

Well, I was in the wrong smaller valley next to the valley at the base of Phu Chi Fa.

I only realised this a few days before leaving on the next Laos trip and comparing my tracks with the Track Moto-Rex sent me.

12410553_1105525602804704_4185707488994457404_n.jpg


12507695_1108128512544413_2299069254288963714_n.jpg


12489271_1109688249055106_1238977857116105964_o-XL.jpg


12540544_1109688085721789_2136487880430196070_n.jpg


1917606_1103072176383380_3653329781066378319_n.jpg


Good thing is.. The locals told of us a short but between the valley to the real base of Phu Chi Fa.
Which I had also seen on Google Earth.

Cutting out a huge run around back out the Muang Khop and then the road works to the mekong and turning back in to the the track that takes you to the Phu Chi Fa turn off.

Phu%20Chi%20Fa%20Cut%20Through.jpg


Cheers and Beers
Brian
 
Mar 30, 2010
2,136
300
83
A bit delayed... Too much riding the last year while I gave retirement a test run ;-)
I liked it and will be taking up as a full time job when the time is right.

So now time to catch up with the pending ride reports..

Continuing on the the Green Triangle and a couple of refresher pictures.

Concrete track down to the river where the picture was taken looking up the Mekong to China / Burma..
DSCN7157-X2.jpg


DSC_2567-X2.jpg


Screen%20Shot%202559-05-08%20at%201.10.18%20PM.png


Stopping off at a village on the way back to Muang Sing..

DSC_0045_13-1-X2.jpg


DSC_0044_13-XL.jpg

Not sure what Scott said..

But when you get your camera out.

DSC_0046_15-1-X2.jpg


The kids run for the hills.. Literally.

DSCN7167-X2.jpg


Look back and make sure they are not running after us LOL
DSCN7168-X2.jpg


We tried to go a different way back to Muang Sing. Which ended up being a deadend and the rough track at the bottom before town.
But still a great ride up..

DSC_0047_13-1-X2.jpg


Pretty easy ride to Luang Namtha.. Except I judged the time wrong and we ended up getting in after dark..

A days rest and checking out the sites.

DSC_0065_12-1-X2.jpg


DSCN7193-X2.jpg


DSCN7203-X2.jpg


DSCN7204-XL.jpg


DSCN7208-X3.jpg


DSCN7210-XL.jpg


DSCN7213-X2.jpg


Lovely temple.

Lots more to come :)
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Oddvar

Moto-Rex

0
Subscribed
Jan 5, 2008
961
337
63
Great to see this thread up and running again.
Quote. "A bit delayed... Too much riding the last year while I gave retirement a test run" More like to busy riding to bother with working. :)

Great stuff Brian.
 
  • Like
Reactions: brian_bkk
Mar 30, 2010
2,136
300
83
We took a track Moto Rex showed me back a few years ago.
But this time.. We are going to Pongsaly. With Moto Rex we went right up to Ou Tai and skipped Pongsaly.

You take a bit of tarmac before turning off.. On the Google Earth Overlay it is listed in red writing.
This is still fun.. But progress has arrived.

Luang%20Namtha%20to%20Pongsaly.jpg


A really pretty temple on the way in the middle of a small remote village.

DSC_2572-X2.jpg


Progress has arrived..
The little wooden bridge was the only one when Moto Rex and I went through a few years back.

I don't have a pic of the next bridge.. It isn't finished.. But 99% done.
The guy at the little wooden bridge really wanted to rip us off.. 50,000 kip each.

We were happy to pay 10,000 kip.. but 50 K is just greedy.. He wouldn't budge..

Back we head to the unfinished bridge.. Ride up on it to the end.. Only a small ledge and wood sticking up where they had poured the concrete.
Then a small gap before the dirt at the end of the bridge..

We collected the loose timber on the bridge, stacked it up to make a small ramp and jumped over the gap and wood where the concrete had set.

All while the greedy bugger watched LOL.. May be he charged 10k each for the next farang bikes.. ?

DSC_0089_11-1-X2.jpg


Some really nice remote villages.

DSCN7220-X2.jpg


12246748_1083783478312250_4303282240748512082_n.jpg


12243396_1083783508312247_2393600711049688505_n-XL.jpg


DSCN7219-X2.jpg

It is a hard life for some.

12240121_1083783548312243_5034282712770649890_n.jpg


This was a lot of fun.. We pull up and the kids are washing their bikes in the river and playing.
So we encourage them to ride them out.. They take up the challenge..

Scott and I decided it is only fair we also take our own challenge and go over the creek / river and ride through.
Amusing for the kids and villagers watching.

12241503_1083783588312239_4515573256047802092_n.jpg


DSCN7227-2-X2.jpg


Here is a short video of us having some fun with the locals crossing the river.


I thought it would be fun to ride over the bridge for a change..
BUT when I made it to the other side.. the boom gate was padlocked.. No way getting it off.

So Scott came back and pushed me backwards off the bridge..
The locals passing on scooters had big grins on their faces :)

12227210_1083783634978901_5576853933426738992_n.jpg


Just another magical spot on the trail..

DSC_2577-X2.jpg


Nearly at Pongsaly..

11226541_1083733554983909_1219010742085763804_n.jpg


More to come.. Bed time and work tomorrow :)

Cheers
Brian
 
Last edited:
Mar 30, 2010
2,136
300
83
We take the paved road the rest of the way up up up to Pongsaly..
Lots of road works on the way up near the top and of course, sketchy bus and truck drivers.

Scotty nearly came off on some diesel that was on the shiny tarmac. Just held it together, with the front foot right out and saved it.
We both were careful after that..

Shiny roads, damp cool mountain air, afternoon dew / mist and diesel on the road.. Lovely combination :)

We check in to a nice and clean guest house.. Not really much to do here in the evening.
Find an OK non Chinese restaurant where the food looks clean, Lao people friendly.

The next morning I woke up before Scott and headed up to Phou fa Mountain.

"Phou Fa, or Mountain in the Sky"
- Travelfish.org

"Phou Fa Mountain

At an altitude of 1626 meters, the mountain of Phou Fa boasts one of region’ s most scenic sites and also lends an alpine feel to the area surrounding this hill station. According to the legend , a man named SansiOnsa led over a thousand families of immigrants from Tibet, Myanmar and Chiang Mai, Golden Triangle to settle in Vieng Phou Kha (Luang Namtha Province) and later upward to Nam Ou river reaching Bhak Long on the banks of Bhak Long river about 6-7 generations ago. On arrival, they found a densly forested region which was considered an ideal place for them to settle and establish a new home.
Covered by densely tropical forest, the mountain of Phou Fa is decorated with plenty of colourfull flowers, especially in cool season, some of which are Dok Thong, Dok Gnui, Dok Khai, Dok Bhik, Dok Ban and so on. The mountain range is also home to many wild animals such as wild fiwls, Sambar deers, Barking deers, javans tigers, bears and different species of birds. The unforgettable sounding in the forest is the song of wild reindeer. The echo explains that when it rains, reindeer calls for the sun, and when it is sunny, reindeer calls again for the rain.
The peak of Phou Fa mountain covers an area of about 300 square meters, which has been a strategic position during the recent war. In 1999, local villagers constructed a path with 431 steps, up to the peak of the mountain making it become a symbol and a definite tourist attraction of Phong Saly."

- Vietiong travel

Phongsaly Overview:-
About Phongsaly

A couple of stops along the way for a pic with the town and sea of fog below.

DSC_2580-X2.jpg


DSC_2579-X2.jpg


It is quite a hike up and the track is rough, rutted.. A few times I wished I had my boots on as slippery early in the morning.
I would not really want to do this on a heavy road bike and with road tyres..

DSCN7238-XL.jpg


The views are spectacular. This was around 7 am.

Sea of fog..

DSC_2587-X2.jpg


DSC_2591-X2.jpg


DSC_2588-X2.jpg


I went back down and we had breakfast and came back up again.. This time with Scott.

Didn't take long for the cloud to burn off.
Get up there early!

Around 10 am. This time wearing riding gear before we headed off.

DSCN7234-X2.jpg


DSCN7232-X2.jpg


Here is Phuo Fa Mountain from the edge of town closest to the mountain.
You can see the temple at the top.
Phi%20Fa%20Mountain%20from%20the%20town.jpg


Here is a short video riding to / from Phongsaly..
Narrow road and a truck pushes us off the road once.


More to come
 
Last edited:
Mar 30, 2010
2,136
300
83
Today we head off to Boun Tai but not before exploring the back trails around Phongsaly town.

Just absolutely stunning..

12295400_1084184474938817_3973966564309121273_n.jpg


After exploring around here we arrive on dark at Boun Tai

A couple of streets back off the main road.. Forget the name now.
Good, clean, secure parking for the bikes but no food.

12246661_1084167024940562_3976760423231331158_n.jpg


12243036_1084167058273892_7161335165259914998_n.jpg


There were a few grim looking places back along the main road if you don't want to take 10 mins to scout around.

Then it was time for beers and cheers

11986422_1084181644939100_5188634486047030490_n.jpg


12226945_1084181668272431_2959005991875415602_n-XL.jpg


All the restaurants were closed and we were really hungry.

This place agreed to open up and cooked up a storm

12241404_1084233798267218_8932918499272105274_n.jpg


12249940_1084233721600559_1783244599474324391_n-XL.jpg


Plus the girls had a few beers with us.

The next morning we go and check out the French Fort. Peter had given us some directions via Facebook in the evening.
I was pretty sure we spotted this on dusk on the way in to town too.. Pretty easy to find.

12240138_1084505094906755_6722206158538641177_n.jpg


12274304_1084505131573418_4221856150162718788_n.jpg


12239918_1084505191573412_6812692074475091960_n.jpg


12239475_1084505241573407_4598662652245478172_n.jpg


11147234_1084505274906737_2815901320394898844_n.jpg



We head to the market and get breakfast.. On the way we are entertained by a cock fight..

12241708_1084505354906729_3858649735794571261_n.jpg


12274248_1084505334906731_933309239162916440_n.jpg


12243121_1084505308240067_2596296602113257391_n.jpg


More to come...
 
Mar 30, 2010
2,136
300
83
Too much riding recently.. Vietnam and other local rides..
Back to this report..

We decide to try and get to Muang Khoua via dirt.
Looks like there is a couple of Guest Houses in Muang Samphan to break up the journey or we camp.

Take a bit of tarmac and turn off to one of the most lovely trails in Laos..

11254392_1084536528236945_943995335392969987_n.jpg


Lots of ethnics along the way...

12243563_1084647944892470_6605869243967957787_n-XL.jpg


12299173_1084651008225497_3716819372725768793_n.jpg


Plus lovely scenery... " The hills were alive with sunflowers.."
So spectacular.. Around every bend and all along the track.. Where should I stop to take photo?
All too good.

12278778_1084626388227959_3671283102326961208_n.jpg


12279096_1084626358227962_1688924613756308770_n.jpg


Above is just a very very small sample of kilometres of track like this covered in sun flowers.
Some times the entire mountain was a sea of yellow.

Spot the terraced rice to the left looking at the pictures.
DSC_2608-X2.jpg


DSC_2598-X2.jpg


You can make out the trail looking closely at the end of the village

DSC_2599-X2.jpg


Scotty had a flat.. Nice nail sticking out..
But we couldn't get the tyre off.. so he rode on wet and rutted and slippery track for what felt like forever on the flat.
Standing up on the front... Eventually we find a village and they have the tools to change the tyre..

Great we are in business.. We have one spare tube left.. Started with three.

12294914_1084564831567448_3964369890681589235_n.jpg


12241357_1084564784900786_5101493557395192937_n-XL.jpg


We took a drink and Scott was playing with the kids.. Holding a few thousand kip on one hand and they had to guess to win it.
Hilarious.. But it took 9 goes before they guess the correct hand.. The more they got it wrong the greater the laughter.

11224368_1084630151560916_3611998592258482154_n.jpg


12278786_1084630221560909_2865410703503650439_n.jpg



Some friendly locals filling up the water supply for the village
Nice and fresh, right out of the mountain rock.. Would even drink that myself unfiltered.

11986432_1084651058225492_5982181620574037873_n.jpg


Stunning views.. you really are away and remote out here..

12239592_1084676288222969_5621961372674530063_n.jpg


DSCN7256-X2.jpg


Much more to come...
 

Attachments

  • 12243563_1084647944892470_6605869243967957787_n-XL.jpg
    12243563_1084647944892470_6605869243967957787_n-XL.jpg
    94.1 KB · Views: 140
  • 11254392_1084536528236945_943995335392969987_n.jpg
    11254392_1084536528236945_943995335392969987_n.jpg
    49.6 KB · Views: 113
  • 12278778_1084626388227959_3671283102326961208_n.jpg
    12278778_1084626388227959_3671283102326961208_n.jpg
    122.3 KB · Views: 120
  • 12299173_1084651008225497_3716819372725768793_n.jpg
    12299173_1084651008225497_3716819372725768793_n.jpg
    129.3 KB · Views: 125
  • 12279096_1084626358227962_1688924613756308770_n.jpg
    12279096_1084626358227962_1688924613756308770_n.jpg
    150.9 KB · Views: 141
  • DSC_2598-X2.jpg
    DSC_2598-X2.jpg
    155 KB · Views: 113
  • DSC_2608-X2.jpg
    DSC_2608-X2.jpg
    134 KB · Views: 111
  • DSC_2599-X2.jpg
    DSC_2599-X2.jpg
    127.1 KB · Views: 113
  • 12241357_1084564784900786_5101493557395192937_n-XL.jpg
    12241357_1084564784900786_5101493557395192937_n-XL.jpg
    60.4 KB · Views: 121
  • 12294914_1084564831567448_3964369890681589235_n.jpg
    12294914_1084564831567448_3964369890681589235_n.jpg
    78 KB · Views: 113
  • 12278786_1084630221560909_2865410703503650439_n.jpg
    12278786_1084630221560909_2865410703503650439_n.jpg
    104.6 KB · Views: 119
  • 11224368_1084630151560916_3611998592258482154_n.jpg
    11224368_1084630151560916_3611998592258482154_n.jpg
    113.6 KB · Views: 114
  • 11986432_1084651058225492_5982181620574037873_n.jpg
    11986432_1084651058225492_5982181620574037873_n.jpg
    179.5 KB · Views: 127
  • 12239592_1084676288222969_5621961372674530063_n.jpg
    12239592_1084676288222969_5621961372674530063_n.jpg
    89.7 KB · Views: 114
  • DSCN7256-X2.jpg
    DSCN7256-X2.jpg
    113.2 KB · Views: 107
Mar 30, 2010
2,136
300
83
We head on and on.. This track is dead quite. No motorbikes, no cars.. Nothing...

We reach the top and what looks like a long decent down..
Just as Scotty takes off.. the arse end of my bike is all over the place... Damn... A flat.

Just before the decent.. We can see this white man mad object below.
The track looks to be taking us there.. Is it a town or a bridge... hard to tell..

DSCN7260-X2.jpg


DSCN7261-X2.jpg

Already on the way down and the track is too narrow to stop and start changing a tyre just in case a car or truck does come along.

So my turn the stand up on the pegs with weight forward..

Almost at the bottom and Scotty appears all excited..

DSCN7262-XL.jpg


" Bri.. Turn you go pro on mate.. you aint gunna believe this "
Then he was gone...

Not even time to say.. I have a flat.. Oh well off I go again LOL

So I reach the bottom.. Take about 10 looks at my GPS..
That bloody great big load of water isn't meant to be here.

Scotty was laughing for days after.. My face and checking the GPS again and again..
- Progress in Laos..

12250049_1084582441565687_4971989988738549377_n.jpg


Scotty said he will take care of the mechanics and I take care of the navigation.
Perfect... While I try and work out if there is a way around.. Scotty is changing the rear tyre.

He is a handy man to have on a trip.
Loves giving the tyre tubes a good pumping.


So tyre changed.. We figure there must be a ferry or some kind of boat transport..
But can't see anything.. Too late to go back.. So looks like we are camping here...

About 20 mins later a lady turns up on a Fino with Baby onboard..

She looks at us a bit surprised.. Walks over to the tree and shows us a piece of paper in the tree with a phone number.
Calls the number and sure enough a boat arrived 10 mins later..

Like everything in life.. easy when you know how..

We load up Scotts bike on a smaller boat and that goes off in to the sunset.. with the guy hold it stable with one hand and arse planted on the boat..

12289768_1084671614890103_8607463018308190980_n.jpg


Then another bigger ocean liner comes for both Scotty and me and the mighty KLX.

We had to lift the bikes in while standing knee deep in the water..
Not as easy as you would think. Trying not to tip the bike over and in the drink on the other side.
Just the two of us, while old mate keeps the boat steady..

DSCN7280-XL.jpg


DSCN7270-XL.jpg



Scotts view.. Both our arse panted down to lower the centre of gravity...
DSCN7283-XL.jpg


Short video crossings the dam..

We are nearly there

12289625_1084669148223683_1408516763360142958_n.jpg


Safe and sound across to the other side
Scott was especially happy as he forgot his passport is in the bag strapped to the bike!
The locals were fair with the price to get the bikes over as well and had a good laugh with us..

My ocean liner to the left, Scotts canoe to the right.
12243484_1084615094895755_8507885373062010265_n.jpg


Scott should have got a discount.. This guy caught dinner on the way across ;-)
Same style boat Soctts bike went over on with the crew and captain.
Scott was too much of a heavy weight to join that voyage.

11027949_1084613961562535_546673750744915800_n-XL.jpg



Next stop Samphan .

12274473_1084636428226955_5966632280530962388_n-XL.jpg


Just a short ride away.. You ride right through the dam site..

DSCN7296-X2.jpg


DSCN7298-X2.jpg


DSCN7301-X2.jpg


I do wonder if you were coming the other way.. The security may not let you pass..
I did hear of that happening to some others a few months back.

But the way we came.. There is really no realistic way back and best to just let you out..

One guest house in town and a real dive..

12249824_1084726918217906_5276141971177683145_n.jpg


12247030_1084726941551237_2050922323594405436_n.jpg


12279126_1084726958217902_1450854063484491719_n-XL.jpg


Would have preferred to camp really..

It was a 70's night in town.. Scotty fitted right in with his John Travolta moves on the dance floor.

11036891_1084665504890714_1038063752459294593_n-XL.jpg



More to come...
 

Attachments

  • DSCN7261-X2.jpg
    DSCN7261-X2.jpg
    79.8 KB · Views: 113
  • DSCN7260-X2.jpg
    DSCN7260-X2.jpg
    124.1 KB · Views: 109
  • DSCN7262-XL.jpg
    DSCN7262-XL.jpg
    62.1 KB · Views: 118
  • 12250049_1084582441565687_4971989988738549377_n.jpg
    12250049_1084582441565687_4971989988738549377_n.jpg
    115.2 KB · Views: 112
  • DSCN7280-XL.jpg
    DSCN7280-XL.jpg
    128 KB · Views: 120
  • 12289768_1084671614890103_8607463018308190980_n.jpg
    12289768_1084671614890103_8607463018308190980_n.jpg
    124.4 KB · Views: 101
  • DSCN7270-XL.jpg
    DSCN7270-XL.jpg
    93.1 KB · Views: 122
  • DSCN7283-XL.jpg
    DSCN7283-XL.jpg
    60.9 KB · Views: 129
  • 11027949_1084613961562535_546673750744915800_n-XL.jpg
    11027949_1084613961562535_546673750744915800_n-XL.jpg
    68.2 KB · Views: 113
  • 12243484_1084615094895755_8507885373062010265_n.jpg
    12243484_1084615094895755_8507885373062010265_n.jpg
    110.6 KB · Views: 116
  • 12289625_1084669148223683_1408516763360142958_n.jpg
    12289625_1084669148223683_1408516763360142958_n.jpg
    58.7 KB · Views: 108
  • 12274473_1084636428226955_5966632280530962388_n-XL.jpg
    12274473_1084636428226955_5966632280530962388_n-XL.jpg
    52.5 KB · Views: 107
  • DSCN7296-X2.jpg
    DSCN7296-X2.jpg
    108.9 KB · Views: 117
  • DSCN7301-X2.jpg
    DSCN7301-X2.jpg
    109 KB · Views: 111
  • DSCN7298-X2.jpg
    DSCN7298-X2.jpg
    116.1 KB · Views: 104
  • 12249824_1084726918217906_5276141971177683145_n.jpg
    12249824_1084726918217906_5276141971177683145_n.jpg
    63 KB · Views: 104
  • 12247030_1084726941551237_2050922323594405436_n.jpg
    12247030_1084726941551237_2050922323594405436_n.jpg
    55.3 KB · Views: 113
  • 11036891_1084665504890714_1038063752459294593_n-XL.jpg
    11036891_1084665504890714_1038063752459294593_n-XL.jpg
    41.2 KB · Views: 93
  • 12279126_1084726958217902_1450854063484491719_n-XL.jpg
    12279126_1084726958217902_1450854063484491719_n-XL.jpg
    30.1 KB · Views: 98
Last edited:
Mar 30, 2010
2,136
300
83
The town is actually quite nice.. Steep little roads.

Great little Vietnamese bike repair shop. Very helpful.. Couldn't fix the problem, refused to take any money..
We gave him something anyway to which he was appreciative.

The GH we stayed in was pretty grotty. The woman running it, incredibly lazy..
Flies every where.. food sitting around..
I refused to eat there.. Just drink the cold drinks and eat else where.

Moto-Rex is in trouble when it comes to Disco moves.
I do believe Scott will be crowned Disco King for 2015


Cheers
Brian
 
  • Like
Reactions: Fishenough
Mar 30, 2010
2,136
300
83
The next day we head to Muang Khua..
Following the Nam Ou.. Nice scenery but the road was as dusty as hell and a few trucks about.

DSC_2611-X3.jpg


DSC_2610-X2.jpg

A road coming to you soon!

12246866_1085011044856160_4801195987150534577_n.jpg


This use to be the way across.. The boat men waved us up the road to a new bridge.

12249760_1085010254856239_2929006116363129332_n.jpg


Tempting to get a good run up with the mighty KLX...

Beer O'clock
12301464_1085021011521830_4790084805465605598_n.jpg


Then a explore around town on foot.

12299194_1085083254848939_3594246631294980931_n.jpg


12274408_1085083334848931_3577838091132538228_n.jpg


DSC_2624-X3.jpg


DSC_2620-X3.jpg


DSC_2616-X3.jpg


If I remember correctly.. We were there in a couple of hours..
Checked in to the usual place in town Moto Rex showed me years back.. Nice family run place.
Bike locked away at night..

Beers and cheers
Brian
 

Attachments

  • DSC_2611-X3.jpg
    DSC_2611-X3.jpg
    172.2 KB · Views: 110
  • DSC_2610-X2.jpg
    DSC_2610-X2.jpg
    244.4 KB · Views: 107
  • 12246866_1085011044856160_4801195987150534577_n.jpg
    12246866_1085011044856160_4801195987150534577_n.jpg
    129.8 KB · Views: 103
  • 12301464_1085021011521830_4790084805465605598_n.jpg
    12301464_1085021011521830_4790084805465605598_n.jpg
    122.8 KB · Views: 100
  • 12249760_1085010254856239_2929006116363129332_n.jpg
    12249760_1085010254856239_2929006116363129332_n.jpg
    78.5 KB · Views: 121
  • 12299194_1085083254848939_3594246631294980931_n.jpg
    12299194_1085083254848939_3594246631294980931_n.jpg
    103.7 KB · Views: 102
  • 12274408_1085083334848931_3577838091132538228_n.jpg
    12274408_1085083334848931_3577838091132538228_n.jpg
    115.2 KB · Views: 104
  • DSC_2624-X3.jpg
    DSC_2624-X3.jpg
    191.7 KB · Views: 112
  • DSC_2616-X3.jpg
    DSC_2616-X3.jpg
    160.9 KB · Views: 116
  • DSC_2620-X3.jpg
    DSC_2620-X3.jpg
    125 KB · Views: 92
Mar 30, 2010
2,136
300
83
The next day we head to Nong khiew.

A nice steep up and up and up....

Great little track.. though progress is catching up once you get down one the mountain on the other side.

12294784_1085505214806743_8766265577018825441_n.jpg


12279049_1085540168136581_804678066565377815_n.jpg


12308550_1085539634803301_7591158727749255845_n.jpg


Tough job doing road works here

12311272_1085879004769364_3814903260407503444_n-X2.jpg


Spectacular Laos...

12246677_1085647374792527_1244608160672298398_n.jpg


12301737_1085432101480721_5545088854707051498_n.jpg


12250084_1085647414792523_3930184768625531958_n.jpg


We stopped at a small village in the middle and bought the kids a load of treats.
One of the parents spoke a little english and thanked us..

No thanks needed. Happy to see the kids smiling..

12308253_1085515644805700_1287378059174494169_n.jpg


12295462_1085515661472365_6918586186005511324_n.jpg


Everyone ended up with a drink, biscuits and chips etc.. nearly cleaned out the shop LOL

12279104_1085647331459198_784124961783396191_n.jpg



On we go.. The track get rougher..

MKNK6.png


MKNK4.jpg


MKNK3.jpg


MKNK1.jpg


Still a ripper ride in here..

Then you arrive at progress...

MKNK5.jpg


Next stop.. Nong Khiew..
 

Attachments

  • 12294784_1085505214806743_8766265577018825441_n.jpg
    12294784_1085505214806743_8766265577018825441_n.jpg
    37.9 KB · Views: 101
  • 12279049_1085540168136581_804678066565377815_n.jpg
    12279049_1085540168136581_804678066565377815_n.jpg
    22.1 KB · Views: 96
  • 12311272_1085879004769364_3814903260407503444_n-X2.jpg
    12311272_1085879004769364_3814903260407503444_n-X2.jpg
    130.7 KB · Views: 87
  • 12308550_1085539634803301_7591158727749255845_n.jpg
    12308550_1085539634803301_7591158727749255845_n.jpg
    36.9 KB · Views: 91
  • 12246677_1085647374792527_1244608160672298398_n.jpg
    12246677_1085647374792527_1244608160672298398_n.jpg
    74.5 KB · Views: 74
  • 12301737_1085432101480721_5545088854707051498_n.jpg
    12301737_1085432101480721_5545088854707051498_n.jpg
    69.8 KB · Views: 86
  • 12250084_1085647414792523_3930184768625531958_n.jpg
    12250084_1085647414792523_3930184768625531958_n.jpg
    94.2 KB · Views: 73
  • 12308253_1085515644805700_1287378059174494169_n.jpg
    12308253_1085515644805700_1287378059174494169_n.jpg
    91.5 KB · Views: 93
  • 12295462_1085515661472365_6918586186005511324_n.jpg
    12295462_1085515661472365_6918586186005511324_n.jpg
    93.7 KB · Views: 80
  • 12279104_1085647331459198_784124961783396191_n.jpg
    12279104_1085647331459198_784124961783396191_n.jpg
    47 KB · Views: 75
  • MKNK6.png
    MKNK6.png
    477.9 KB · Views: 81
  • MKNK4.jpg
    MKNK4.jpg
    121 KB · Views: 81
  • MKNK3.jpg
    MKNK3.jpg
    112.6 KB · Views: 77
  • MKNK1.jpg
    MKNK1.jpg
    149.2 KB · Views: 86
  • MKNK5.jpg
    MKNK5.jpg
    103.4 KB · Views: 97
Nov 2, 2008
344
8
18
Great trip report Brian, really enjoying it. When first moving to Thailand, still several years away from meeting any of the GT Rider crew and learning so much more about Thailand roads, my son and I spent 2 months puttering slowly through Laos and Cambodia. That slow tour through Laos was an incredible introduction to the country, and your pictures bring back many good memories of that trip. Thank you.

Now I enjoy the hardship of northern Canada and have to wake to this every morning. Off course this year during our March 16th fishing tournament there was 84 cm of ice on the lake, but on April 16th I put the boat in the water. All the while dreaming of a return trip to Laos.

Qzvzo5QiJA-fnm-lt37RagmDNn6m_S4XEF5xgR9TNjGVSZXJKewWEjLQ8zJMJgJKGfoEsaaVoDb7B64Q00=w1006-h566-no.png
 

Attachments

  • Qzvzo5QiJA-fnm-lt37RagmDNn6m_S4XEF5xgR9TNjGVSZXJKewWEjLQ8zJMJgJKGfoEsaaVoDb7B64Q00=w1006-h566-no.png
    Qzvzo5QiJA-fnm-lt37RagmDNn6m_S4XEF5xgR9TNjGVSZXJKewWEjLQ8zJMJgJKGfoEsaaVoDb7B64Q00=w1006-h566-no.png
    1.3 KB · Views: 68
Mar 30, 2010
2,136
300
83
Cheers,

Glad you enjoy the pics and brings back fond memories.

Hope to meet you one day

Beers and cheers
Brian
 
Mar 30, 2010
2,136
300
83
Next stop Nong Khiaw..
What a cool place to hang out and relax after some long days on the trails..

12243568_1085494351474496_6231307485270947117_n.jpg


12308362_1085546578135940_2451676876592799114_n-XL.jpg


12295286_1085671354790129_7477677005858593180_n.jpg


12310691_1085609858129612_5964442147257936980_n.jpg


In the morning just as we were leaving we bumped in to the ride china guys..

12294923_1085920904765174_739181790561784531_n-2.jpg


12249687_1085920891431842_4620570394921746433_n-2.jpg


Couple of little shows offs teasing the Farang as he is taking pictures.

12274253_1085900541433877_1728962879400714123_n-XL.jpg


Next Stop Luang Prabang.

Time to catch up with Kay and his bike group from Chiang Mai..
Plus Chris - Steve C Canyon.. and by chance.. we will meet Thongkhoon also...
Small world indeed.

But first this ripper track to LPQ..

12249666_1085948788095719_1325670431344007811_n-XL.jpg


12246642_1085948664762398_588758108543863774_n-XL.jpg


More to come...
 

Attachments

  • 12243568_1085494351474496_6231307485270947117_n.jpg
    12243568_1085494351474496_6231307485270947117_n.jpg
    145.1 KB · Views: 87
  • 12308362_1085546578135940_2451676876592799114_n-XL.jpg
    12308362_1085546578135940_2451676876592799114_n-XL.jpg
    85.8 KB · Views: 68
  • 12295286_1085671354790129_7477677005858593180_n.jpg
    12295286_1085671354790129_7477677005858593180_n.jpg
    8.6 KB · Views: 71
  • 12294923_1085920904765174_739181790561784531_n-2.jpg
    12294923_1085920904765174_739181790561784531_n-2.jpg
    55.9 KB · Views: 79
  • 12310691_1085609858129612_5964442147257936980_n.jpg
    12310691_1085609858129612_5964442147257936980_n.jpg
    73.3 KB · Views: 93
  • 12249687_1085920891431842_4620570394921746433_n-2.jpg
    12249687_1085920891431842_4620570394921746433_n-2.jpg
    125.2 KB · Views: 64
  • 12274253_1085900541433877_1728962879400714123_n-XL.jpg
    12274253_1085900541433877_1728962879400714123_n-XL.jpg
    39.4 KB · Views: 66
  • 12246642_1085948664762398_588758108543863774_n-XL.jpg
    12246642_1085948664762398_588758108543863774_n-XL.jpg
    41.4 KB · Views: 95
  • 12249666_1085948788095719_1325670431344007811_n-XL.jpg
    12249666_1085948788095719_1325670431344007811_n-XL.jpg
    63.4 KB · Views: 89
Great pics and write up! I really want to do this one of these days. Wish I could bring my Sherco SER-F 300 home but too much red tape. Will have to make do with the ol' KLX or if I am lucky upgrade to something a bit better.

One question though, since you had a few punctures (something my KLX is very good at) would you consider running mousse's even though they would limit your tarmac speed if one cared?
 
Mar 30, 2010
2,136
300
83
Great pics and write up! I really want to do this one of these days. Wish I could bring my Sherco SER-F 300 home but too much red tape. Will have to make do with the ol' KLX or if I am lucky upgrade to something a bit better.

One question though, since you had a few punctures (something my KLX is very good at) would you consider running mousse's even though they would limit your tarmac speed if one cared?

Have heard about tubeless dirt bike tyres.. But not really seen them readily available in Bangkok.

When riding on your own.. Agree. Winner.

Think we ended up with 3 flats that trip and managed to buy a spare made in China tube in samphan. The diameter of the tyre was smaller but Scott said will get us out of trouble. If I remember correctly we ended up using one on Scott's bike entering phonsavan and was fine.

Cheers
Brian
 
Mar 30, 2010
2,136
300
83
In to Sabaidee Alley on the way to Luang Prabang..

This is why we call it Sabaidee Alley..


12346509_1095867480437183_6871726837653272144_n-2.jpg


12346412_1095867567103841_7938819444662592709_n.jpg


Lots of progress as you get closer to Luang Prabang..
But 2/3 of the track is still good fun..

The kids come running out yelling Sabaidee or in some cases give a Wai..
Wai%20Shot-2.jpg



Stunning mountains with roads running along the ridge line

DSC_2629-X2.jpg


Not scared either.
DSCN7360-X2.jpg



DSCN7363-X2.jpg



Then I stumble across the abandoned Farang kid.. yelling out Sabaidee as I passed..


Watch out for live stock...

12390844_1095421543815110_7579813873324467026_n.jpg


12308484_1085969268093671_8872242882278883676_n.jpg


12108001_1085969088093689_2212420328972279412_n-XL.jpg


Road works towards the end..

12274575_1085968608093737_100287822509562298_n.jpg


Never mind.. A local waiting offers some fruit / vegetable..

Such kind people..
12278658_1085978068092791_8712388612970301546_n-XL.jpg


Scotty was gone for a while.. I go back and sure enough..
Another flat.....

12250088_1086027371421194_906008515208017830_n.jpg


We arrive LPQ.. Flats and a few broken bits..
My number plate is nearly dead...

12289602_1086417804715484_3331151777994753319_n.jpg



Time to catch up with Chris (Steve C Canyon ) and Kay.. for beers and Cheers

More to come...
 

Attachments

  • 12346509_1095867480437183_6871726837653272144_n-2.jpg
    12346509_1095867480437183_6871726837653272144_n-2.jpg
    86 KB · Views: 67
  • 12346412_1095867567103841_7938819444662592709_n.jpg
    12346412_1095867567103841_7938819444662592709_n.jpg
    77 KB · Views: 79
  • DSCN7360-X2.jpg
    DSCN7360-X2.jpg
    185.5 KB · Views: 71
  • DSC_2629-X2.jpg
    DSC_2629-X2.jpg
    181 KB · Views: 64
  • Wai%20Shot-2.jpg
    Wai%20Shot-2.jpg
    172.5 KB · Views: 83
  • DSCN7363-X2.jpg
    DSCN7363-X2.jpg
    152.6 KB · Views: 82
  • 12390844_1095421543815110_7579813873324467026_n.jpg
    12390844_1095421543815110_7579813873324467026_n.jpg
    82.2 KB · Views: 82
  • 12308484_1085969268093671_8872242882278883676_n.jpg
    12308484_1085969268093671_8872242882278883676_n.jpg
    77.8 KB · Views: 70
  • 12108001_1085969088093689_2212420328972279412_n-XL.jpg
    12108001_1085969088093689_2212420328972279412_n-XL.jpg
    53.8 KB · Views: 88
  • 12278658_1085978068092791_8712388612970301546_n-XL.jpg
    12278658_1085978068092791_8712388612970301546_n-XL.jpg
    52 KB · Views: 85
  • 12274575_1085968608093737_100287822509562298_n.jpg
    12274575_1085968608093737_100287822509562298_n.jpg
    90.6 KB · Views: 80
  • 12289602_1086417804715484_3331151777994753319_n.jpg
    12289602_1086417804715484_3331151777994753319_n.jpg
    20 KB · Views: 80
  • 12250088_1086027371421194_906008515208017830_n.jpg
    12250088_1086027371421194_906008515208017830_n.jpg
    20.1 KB · Views: 77
Last edited:
Mar 30, 2010
2,136
300
83
We arrive Luang Prabang.. Beer Lao by the Majestic Mekong a must.

Then off to catch up with friends..

Chris ( Steve C Canyon ) at Moto Lao..

DSC_0017-1-X2.jpg


Chris showing off the Bar chairs are made out of Beer Lao crates..

DSC_0019-XL.jpg



Then it was time to catch up with Kay.. Visiting with his tour group from Chiang Mai.

12274437_1086081741415757_8153517887313037644_n.jpg


Then a Facebook message from TK.. He is in LPQ as well...

12314062_1086582428032355_8305561070697088299_n.jpg


Busy town and lots of catching up...

The next day we relaxed.. Walked around.. Beer Lao here and there then met Chris in the evening.

DSC_2655-XL.jpg


DSC_2639-X2.jpg


DSC_0031-1-X2.jpg


DSC_0033-1-X2.jpg


DSC_0029-1-X3.jpg


Lots more to come......
 

Attachments

  • DSC_0019-XL.jpg
    DSC_0019-XL.jpg
    45.1 KB · Views: 76
  • DSC_0017-1-X2.jpg
    DSC_0017-1-X2.jpg
    144.2 KB · Views: 71
  • 12274437_1086081741415757_8153517887313037644_n.jpg
    12274437_1086081741415757_8153517887313037644_n.jpg
    55.4 KB · Views: 87
  • 12314062_1086582428032355_8305561070697088299_n.jpg
    12314062_1086582428032355_8305561070697088299_n.jpg
    61.4 KB · Views: 81
  • DSC_2655-XL.jpg
    DSC_2655-XL.jpg
    222.8 KB · Views: 91
  • DSC_2639-X2.jpg
    DSC_2639-X2.jpg
    172.6 KB · Views: 79
  • DSC_0033-1-X2.jpg
    DSC_0033-1-X2.jpg
    123.2 KB · Views: 75
  • DSC_0031-1-X2.jpg
    DSC_0031-1-X2.jpg
    65.8 KB · Views: 76
  • DSC_0029-1-X3.jpg
    DSC_0029-1-X3.jpg
    72.7 KB · Views: 73
Mar 30, 2010
2,136
300
83
After a few lovely days in Luang Prabang.. It was time to leave.

Always tough leaving LPQ.. Just so relaxing by the Mekong and endless beautiful sunset accompanied by copious amounts of Beer Laos.

There are two ways that I know of to go via dirt to Phonsavan.
The easy way and the harder way..

Having done the harder way before a few years back, plus Chris warned the hard way track was rutted to hell and your fillings will shake out..

So we decided to take the easier way... Well that was until I went the wrong way..
The wrong way was the harder way.. doh.

Chris was right.. ruts and holes and a bumpy bouncy ride.. But still fun..

This is the route we ended up going.

DSC_0060-1-X2.jpg


Some steep ups and downs.

DSC_0061-1-X2.jpg


But first the road is OK.. Newly paved in the early part after turning off the main drag.

DSC_0040-1-X2.jpg


The some major road works.. then back to the track..

DSC_0042-1-X2.jpg


DSC_0043-1-X2.jpg



12274373_1087884191235512_4706919116283584916_n-XL.jpg

All pretty easy going up to here..

Then hit the ruts and bouncing around until the river crossing.

DSC_0047-1-X2.jpg


DSC_0048-1-X2.jpg


DSC_0053-1-X2.jpg


DSCN7385-X2.jpg


DSC_0055-1-X3.jpg



My turn

DSCN7396-X2.jpg


DSCN7402-X2.jpg


DSCN7405-X2.jpg


DSCN7406-X2.jpg


DSCN7409-X2.jpg


Once you get past here.. The track really is rutted and messed up and steep up up up up as you can see my the GPS picture.

You are riding right on the lip of the rut.. fall off and you will go right in and probably need two of you to get the bike out.

Glad we were riding up it and not down it..

Also Scott's bike being a bit thirsty was running low on fuel..
There is nothing in here.. A few times we stopped and scott was taking it easy..

Making plans in case I had to go out and back with a couple of litres.

We just made it to the main road.. Again when you get closer to the main tracks..
Lots of road works :-(

As we pull out on to the main road.. bang.. a flat..
Well.. Better out here than in the bush...

DSC_0059-1-XL.jpg



Next stop Phonsavan and Beer Lao o'clock.

DSC_0065-1-X2.jpg



More to come..
 

Attachments

  • DSC_0060-1-X2.jpg
    DSC_0060-1-X2.jpg
    73.7 KB · Views: 87
  • DSC_0061-1-X2.jpg
    DSC_0061-1-X2.jpg
    69.8 KB · Views: 86
  • DSC_0040-1-X2.jpg
    DSC_0040-1-X2.jpg
    179.7 KB · Views: 87
  • DSC_0042-1-X2.jpg
    DSC_0042-1-X2.jpg
    157.3 KB · Views: 68
  • DSC_0043-1-X2.jpg
    DSC_0043-1-X2.jpg
    169.3 KB · Views: 97
  • 12274373_1087884191235512_4706919116283584916_n-XL.jpg
    12274373_1087884191235512_4706919116283584916_n-XL.jpg
    62.1 KB · Views: 63
  • DSC_0047-1-X2.jpg
    DSC_0047-1-X2.jpg
    163.7 KB · Views: 83
  • DSC_0048-1-X2.jpg
    DSC_0048-1-X2.jpg
    157.7 KB · Views: 78
  • DSC_0053-1-X2.jpg
    DSC_0053-1-X2.jpg
    206.8 KB · Views: 87
  • DSC_0055-1-X3.jpg
    DSC_0055-1-X3.jpg
    136.5 KB · Views: 97
  • DSCN7385-X2.jpg
    DSCN7385-X2.jpg
    123.7 KB · Views: 70
  • DSCN7396-X2.jpg
    DSCN7396-X2.jpg
    119.9 KB · Views: 77
  • DSCN7402-X2.jpg
    DSCN7402-X2.jpg
    182.4 KB · Views: 81
  • DSCN7405-X2.jpg
    DSCN7405-X2.jpg
    186.5 KB · Views: 87
  • DSCN7406-X2.jpg
    DSCN7406-X2.jpg
    182.1 KB · Views: 82
  • DSCN7409-X2.jpg
    DSCN7409-X2.jpg
    166.4 KB · Views: 75
  • DSC_0059-1-XL.jpg
    DSC_0059-1-XL.jpg
    86 KB · Views: 70
  • DSC_0065-1-X2.jpg
    DSC_0065-1-X2.jpg
    106.1 KB · Views: 98
Last edited:

Moto-Rex

0
Subscribed
Jan 5, 2008
961
337
63
Nothing like going the right way that ends up being the wrong way, that ends up being the best way.
Is the LPQ to Phonsavan track you guys rode the same track we rode together in the other direction a few years ago?
Sabaidee ally is a ripper, just love that track.
Great report Brian,...brings back some good memories.

Moto-Rex