Hey riders- bicycle tourist here and would appreciate your input! Currently riding a 1500km+ clockwise loop from NongKhai alonh the mekong to the border crossing at Laos route 4. Then north to sayaboury, route 4a to Hongsa, then Pak Beng. I would like to continue clockwise up, around east then down to Luang Prabang, but can't decide which route is best.
Option 1: boat upstream from Pak Beng to Huayxai, then up route 3 to Luang Namtha, Oudomxay, Pakmong down to Luang Prabang.
Option 2: ditch the boat ride and instead head up route 2W via Vieng Va, up to Oudomxay on a smaller loop.
<span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.5;">Factors that would weigh into my decision:</span>
[list type=decimal]
[*]scenery
[*]Ease of access to amenities, food, water and accommodation
[*]Road condition and traffic, especially for bikes
[/list type=decimal]
Difficulty, time and elevation gain are not factors for me.
Please weigh in with your thoughts- thanks for reading!
Mike
Option 1: boat upstream from Pak Beng to Huayxai, then up route 3 to Luang Namtha, Oudomxay, Pakmong down to Luang Prabang.
Option 2: ditch the boat ride and instead head up route 2W via Vieng Va, up to Oudomxay on a smaller loop.
<span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.5;">Factors that would weigh into my decision:</span>
[list type=decimal]
[*]scenery
[*]Ease of access to amenities, food, water and accommodation
[*]Road condition and traffic, especially for bikes
[/list type=decimal]
Difficulty, time and elevation gain are not factors for me.
Please weigh in with your thoughts- thanks for reading!
Mike