Hi Joe,
It's an old love story.My. 1st trip to Laos was in 1973.And we fell in love with Luang Prabang.Came back in 74.Not much choice of bikes to rent.The best we could find was a 100cc 2 strke Suzuki. Never the mind we enjoyed riding around,not many paved roads even downtown. Unfortunately,when the Pathet Lao took over Royalty in 75,they forbade the country to foreigners.
We came back in 91 when the Russians and eastern europeans left but it was still impossible to tavel freely on your own.
We had to wait 96 to be able renting scooters in Luang Prabang,but no proper bikes for off road ridind.
Thats why I asked Dang in Chiang Mai where I rented to go around North Thailand if I could go to Laos with one of his bikes.
No problem. so,since then I go alone ,with my son or friends every year. I love the people,the mountainous scenery,the jungle trails where you're in the middle of nowhere.
I'll go again this winter and think I'll be able to buy the new 250 Honda CRFL which according to what I read in GT Rider
is the proper bike for Laos. And I must hurry,because at 73 and a heart stroke last Nov I donn't how long I'll be able to ride before switching to 4 wheels!
Cheers, Lung.