I'm very much looking forward to when it is possible to head back up to Northern Laos and follow one's front wheel / nose (which ever is out in front at the time). FWIW, Namibia's good - It'd be great on a bike. Now it looks like I can get back into Malaysia with one 2-week quarantine.
www.gt-rider.com
Make sure you can get VOA at Huay Kon
Hey Matt, I'm thinking about crossing over at the Nong Khai border into Lao in mid December (on my Thai registered bike) and going by what you said, it is doable but a bit of a hassle. Is it generally ok to cross there now? Last year I heard via GT that it was not and crossed over from Chiang...
www.gt-rider.com
To be honest I don't think anything much has changed.
They're enforcing their own individual provinciial policies at all the border crossings from what I can gather.
At the FB1 Nong Khai / Vte they want you to pay 2,000 baht for a tour.
At Chiang Khong, the dodgy tourist police are back playing their games and asking for 2,000 - 1,000 baht, but settling for 500 baht if you are any good bargaining & keeping your cool.
Please let us know how you go so we can update the info.
Many thanks in advance & good luck.