Touring Laos on a Ninja 650r

[BlackArtemis]

Hello all, I did a bit of searching and from what I am seeing most riders are on something with knobby tires, even saw a thread with an ERn-6 with a set.

So barring all the possible border crossing problems, would it be possible to plan a trip from Chiang Mai and do a Luang Prabang loop?

I saw a great deal of information here about the paved roads, but before I start planning out a trip I want to know if it's easily feasable or not.

I want to go for 2 weeks over Christmas, my back up plan is a huge loop of Northern Thailand.

Thank you

 

[TonyBKK]

Totally feasible- the main road from Vientiane to LPQ is in quite good condition and easily doable on a road bike.

 

[brian_bkk]

BlackArtemis;294795 wrote: Hello all, I did a bit of searching and from what I am seeing most riders are on something with knobby tires, even saw a thread with an ERn-6 with a set.

So barring all the possible border crossing problems, would it be possible to plan a trip from Chiang Mai and do a Luang Prabang loop?

I saw a great deal of information here about the paved roads, but before I start planning out a trip I want to know if it's easily feasable or not.

I want to go for 2 weeks over Christmas, my back up plan is a huge loop of Northern Thailand.

Thank you

No worries. Can do. Have done 3 trips to Laos on my ninja 650 two trips to the south and one to the north.

The versys is better suited but go ahead and renjoy.

Cheers
Brian

 

[BlackArtemis]

Thanks so much, I am still debating on Laos vs Northern Thailand, I'll ride both for sure, but just need to see somethings first. Thanks again!

 

[DavidFL]

Sure it's possible. People do Chiang Mai - LPQ on all sorts of bikes big & small.
Richard has just been there two-up on his Honda Phantom.
The Snail did Cnx - LPQ in a day on his Ducati 998 in 2008 when there was till considerable dirt / road works.
https://www.gt-rider.com/thailand-motorcycle-forum/showthread.php/29952-Chiang-Mai-to-Luang-Prabang-same-day

Ive met Malaysian guys in LPQ with Hayabusas, having ridden in from Houei Xai.

https://www.gt-rider.com/thailand-motorcycle-forum/showthread.php/34069-Chiang-Mai-%96-Xam-Nua-amp-Return

It won't be the bike that lets you down, but the rider not able to handle some of the slippery gravel / bumpy crap asphalt Udom Xai - Pak Mong.
Udom Xai - Pak Mong = 81 kms & takes 3 hours.
The rest of the roads are fine.

Check out these Cnx - LPQ loop reports
https://www.gt-rider.com/thailand-motorcycle-forum/showthread.php/28617-The-Luang-Prabang-Loop

https://www.gt-rider.com/thailand-motorcycle-forum/showthread.php/35882-A-meander-through-the-North-Dec-2011

https://www.gt-rider.com/thailand-motorcycle-forum/showthread.php/34069-Chiang-Mai-%96-Xam-Nua-amp-Return

If you get the GT Rider Laos map you will see all the kms & elevation profiles for the roads you might want to travel.

The border crossing wont be a problem.
The mistake many first timers make is to not allow enough time. Travel in Laos takes time. LPQ alone begs 3 nights.
Dont rush: Lao PDR = People Dont Rush & neither should you riding a bike.
Good luck & let us know how you go.

Note too that the bridge at Houei Xai is scheduled to open 11th December.
https://www.gt-rider.com/thailand-motorcycle-forum/showthread.php/29150-Houei-Xai-Chiang-Khong-Friendship-Bridge-Start