Route advice needed! Laos route 3 or 2W?

Jan 17, 2016
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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
 

DavidFL

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Pak Lay Accommodation

https://www.gt-rider.com/se-asia-motorcycling/topic/pak-lay-accommodation

Sayabouly Accommodation

https://www.gt-rider.com/se-asia-motorcycling/topic/sayabouly-xayaboury-accommodation
 
Jan 30, 2016
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Lao P.D.R.
Hi. Havn't spent much time in the north but looking at the Gt riders map I would opt for Road 3. There seems to be more to see. It is very hilly in northern Laos but short,steep climbs nothing that goes on for too long and you get to go down after all. You may consider turning off Road 3 at Vieng Phoukha to Long then follow 17b to 17a and come into Luang Namtha from the north making your loop longer. Enjoy.