Royal Enfield Roadrunners through Laos Thailand

ianyonok

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Just back from a superb classic bike run in Laos & Thailand, with the North Siam Roadrunners on Royal Enfield 500s.

We started from Thaton and ran through Doi Mae Salong, Mai Sai, Sop Ruak and down to Chiang Saen for the first night. On to Chiang Khong by the river road and across the river to Huay Xai for the second night.

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My wheels.

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Chiang Khong Customs House. Crossing was straightforward.

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Nasty. In the Immigration Police car park .

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Across the Khong.

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The view back to Thailand.

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Mr Roadrunner.

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In Houay Xai.

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Plan for the new bridge. Should be finished in a couple of years.

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The Sabaydee Guest House in Houay Xai. Good rooms.

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The road up to Luang Namtha is great now they have finished it, smooth tarmac all the way.

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Took the road up to Muang Sing for a looksee, bit of a bumpy road.

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This lady was trying to sell us some rice field crabs, unsuccessfully.

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Great new road from Luang Namtha to Oudom Xai.

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At the back of the Oudom Xai Guest House.

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A rare Silver Pheasant.

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A short ride up to Muang La

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A very old Buddha statue here, 1000 years old. One of three important statues; the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok, a statue in Luang Prabang and this one at Muang La.

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A 650 year old tree.

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This is a live hog strapped on this bike.

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Barbecued chicken dinner and Gerry made friends with Felice the chicken.. head.

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Felice was the mascot next day.

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Chris took a tumble here, very slippery road indeed, no injuries, no bike damage.

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Oudom Xai to Pak Mong still not fully re-surfaced.

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Felice hangs in.

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Nong Khiew is a lovely spot.

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The stunning scenery of highway 13 by the Ou River into Luang Prabang.

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By the Khong again in Luang Prabang. We stayed at the Mekong Holiday Villa on the riverside. A nice place to stay.

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Former Royal Palace, now National Museum. The Royal cars are worth a look, photos not allowed.

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Nice classic motor on a back street.

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This is the ferry crossing from the northwest side of the Khong, from the dirt road from Hongsa.

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The dust road from LP to Xayabouri. Will be another goodie when finished.

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The ferry crossing at Tha Dueu. See the new bridge being built in the background.

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An average Xayabouri Guest House.

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We were lucky to see this. These beasts were on their way from Hongsa to the Xayabouri Elephant Festival which was just starting. End of February is the time to see this.

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Wonderful scenery and great road up to Hongsa.

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Leaving Laos at Muang Ngeun.

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Back into Thailand at Huay Kon.

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This looked bad, on the road down from the border to Pua.

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On the great road over Doi Phukha.
The riders; Rob, Clayton & Susan, Gerry, Chris and Ian.

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The Tiger Head flower on trees all over the north at present.

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The Chompoo Phukha tree was just starting to flower. Best time to see this very special tree flowering is the end of February.

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Dinosaurs might have walked here in this ancient forest.

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The Bo Klua salt well.

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These, I believe, are protected rosewood trees (My Pratu) on the road to Santisuk.

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Nice old picture of Rama VI in a Nan temple.

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Wat Phumin, Nan's wonderful temple of wall murals.

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Khun Give the support truck driver, Khun Toi the guide and Mr Gyan the mechanic.

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The Royal Enfield Bullet 500s are superb classic machines. All returned safely, no issues and a great 10 day ride time was had.:p

Check out the Roadrunners classic ride options; http://www.ridethai.com/ and http://www.ridehigh.com/

Best wishes
Ian
 
Feb 5, 2007
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I have a Royal Enfield 500 Bullet in Chiangmai and would be interested in going for a ride
 
Apr 23, 2006
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Great photos & report Ian. Enjoyed the day from ThaTon to DMS & MaeSai with the group. Shows what a small world the biking world is - I was on a trip in Western Canada with Chris in 2002. Felt rather sad at having to turn left at the end of your road on the Tuesday morning instead of turning right with the group! Looking forward to the November group coming over.
 

Jurgen

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Oct 23, 2009
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It was nice to meeting all of you in Chaing Kong, as our ways to and from Laos just crossed at Tammila :) I am happy that you had a great trip and enjoyed your pictures and information.
 

ianyonok

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Thanks guys,

Hoghead; I dont own an Enfield, just used one for the tour. There is a Bullet 350 for sale here I use occasionally. I don't get to CM very often, but if you are coming up near Chiang saen at any time, let me know.

Ian
 
Feb 29, 2012
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Hi Ian,
Great snaps. I had a great time on this amazing bike trip, a lot of laughs and a lot of eye opening sites and experiences. The venerable old Enfields were very worthy of this ride, strong and reliable. I continued on with my journey to Southern Thailand and I knew straight away it would be good but not near as exciting as the previous 10 days ,and the crew I was with would be missed and you all were. I can't say enough good things about riding in The Golden Triangle area, simply amazing. In the words of a somewhat famous man," I shall return". All the best friend and keep the rubber side down.
Reporting from the Crowsnest Pass in Southwestern Alberta where the snow is piled up and the sun is brightly shining at -5c......Gerry
 
Apr 23, 2006
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Good to meet you C.M.R. & glad you enjoyed it. Tried to send you a personal message but it seems you have chosen not to receive them. Regards David.
 

ianyonok

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Canuck Mountain Rider;276879 wrote: Hi Ian, Great snaps. I had a great time on this amazing bike trip, a lot of laughs and a lot of eye opening sites and experiences. The venerable old Enfields were very worthy of this ride, strong and reliable. I continued on with my journey to Southern Thailand and I knew straight away it would be good but not near as exciting as the previous 10 days ,and the crew I was with would be missed and you all were. I can't say enough good things about riding in The Golden Triangle area, simply amazing. In the words of a somewhat famous man," I shall return". All the best friend and keep the rubber side down. Reporting from the Crowsnest Pass in Southwestern Alberta where the snow is piled up and the sun is brightly shining at -5c......Gerry
Nice one Gerry. It was a great trip with the Roadrunners. Superb, tough, classy bikes, those Enfields.
Yes, hope to catch up with you again some time matey. :lol:
Best wishes Ian