On a 3,736km adventure through Laos

[Pauche]

Did a road + dirt trip in Laos in Dec 2008 from Houei Xai to Pakxe in 15 days on a XR250 Baja from Jules Classic Rental.

 

Here are some infomation/tips to share, for the benefit of those who are planning for a trip to Laos.

[Pauche]

Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Chiang Khong - Houei Xai – Vieng Phoukha – Luang Nam Tha

Day 2: Luang Nam Tha – Boten – Oudom Xai – Muang Beng – Oudom Xai

Day 3: Oudom Xai – Pak Mong – Nong Khiaw – Luang Prabang

Day 4: Luang Prabang – Pak Ou Cave – Kuang Si Waterfall – Luang Prabang

Day 5: Luang Prabang – Pak Xeng – Sam Soun – Vieng Thong

Day 6: Vieng Thong – Phou Lao – Sam Neua – Vieng Xai – Sam Neua

Day 7: Sam Neua – Phou Lao – Muang Kham – Phonsavan

Day 8: Phonsavan – Phou Khoun – Kasi – Vang Vieng

Day 9: Vang Vieng – Vientiane

Day 10: Vientiane – Paksan – Khoun Kham - Kong Lor - Khoun Kham

Day 11: Khoun Kham – Lak Sao – Nakai – Gnommalath – Mahaxai - Thakek

Day 12: Thakek – Seno – Muang Phine – Toumlan

Day 13: Toumlan – Saravan – Pakse – Champasak

Day 14: Champasak – Veun Kham – Don Khong

Day 15: Don Khong – Pakse – Paksong – Pakse

Day 16: Pakse - Vang Tao - Chong Mek - Ubon Ratchathani

 

Route Map

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/Roads/RouteMap800x850.jpg

Edited February 5, 2009 by Pauche

[Pauche]

Road Report

 

1) Houei Xai - Vieng Phoukha - Luang Nam Tha - Na Teuy - Boten

Good sealed roads, winding & sweeping corners though the mountains, offering scenic landscapes. One of the cleanest and best roads in Laos, through there are some broken roads at certain sections. This is the main link for trucks plying trade between China and Thailand. Avg riding speed 60-90km/h.

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/Roads/IMG_7514.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/Roads/IMG_7516.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/Roads/IMG_7519.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/Roads/IMG_7520.jpg

 

2) Na Tuey - Oudom Xai

Narrow, dusty unsealed tracks, with lots of potholes and loose granites. Easily smoked out by trucks. Avg riding speed 40-50km/h.

 

3) Oudom Xai - Muang Beng

Good, fast, sealed roads. Just have to slow down for the animals at main the villages. Avg riding speed 70km/h.

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/Roads/IMG_7628.jpg

 

4) Oudom Xai - Pak Mong

Semi sealed roads/tracks with lots of potholes. Avg riding speed 40-50km/h.

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/Roads/IMG_7667.jpg

 

5) Pak Mong - Nong Khiaw

Fast, sealed roads. Avg riding speed 60-70km/h.

 

6) Pak Mong - Luang Prabang

Fast, good, sealed roads. Traffic gets heavy and somewhat dusty from the Pak Ou turnoff till Luang Prabang. Avg riding speed 80-100km/h

 

7) Luang Prabang - Pak Xeng

Good red dirt, dusty at times, easily managable. Few sections just hada landslide and excavation works are in progress on some parts. Avg riding speed 50km/h.

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/Roads/IMG_8293.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/Roads/IMG_8294.jpg

 

8 ) Pak Xeng - Sam Soun

Good dirt, winding and steep accend climb, but track gets narrow on certain stretches, which is pretty dangerous when u turn out from a blind corner and an oncoming vehicle comes right into your path head on! However, the views are fu*kkingggg excellent!!! There is a narrow strip at the top of the mountain where you have sweeping views of the landscape on BOTH the left and right side as you look down the mountain!!! Avg riding speed 40-50km/h.

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/Roads/IMG_8317.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/Roads/IMG_8326hdr.jpg

 

At this junction, you need to turn left to get to Sam Soun. Once you hit the tarmac, the left turn brings you to Vieng Kham, the right turn towards Vieng Thong.

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/Roads/IMG_8331_DSCF1531.jpg

 

9) Sam Soun - Vieng Thong

Lots of huge potholes on the broken tarmac at many sections. The road is sealed towards the Vieng Thong side. Avg riding speed 60-80km/h.

 

10) Vieng Thong - Phou Loa

Great sealed roads, but was fogged out at 1600m above sea level, and got myself a little 'wet'. Avg riding speed 50-60km/h.

 

11) Phou Loa - Xam Neua

Nice winding roads with lots of elevation changes. Furthermore with some fog, the road is slightly damp, so its easy to slide around! However the scenery makes up for the tough conditions. Avg riding speed 40-50km/h.

 

12) Xam Neua - Vieng Xai

The steep and winding downhill section was great fun, better still if you have a challenger on a 100cc honda that sits two/three, and rides it hard like a MotoGP bike! Avg riding speed 60km/h.

 

13) Phou Loa - Nam Noen

This is one of the most beautiful section after days of riding. The landscape is undescribable on words. Sealed road, winding, steep, and foggy at times. Avg riding speed 40-50km/h.

 

14) Nam Noen - Muang Kham

Good sealed roads. Avg riding speed 60-70km/h.

 

15) Muang Kham - Phonsavan

Nice open terrain boasting the Xieng Khouang Province's natural colours. Roads are excellent, flat, sealed, and fast despite an avg elevation of 1200m above sea level throughout most part of the province. Avg riding speed 90-100km/h.

 

16) Phonsavan - Phou Khoun

The first 60km is continuous high speed, sealed tarmac roads. Avg riding speed is 100km/h. Subsequently is mountainous winding roads that are wide and sealed. Avg riding speed 50-60km/h.

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/Roads/IMG_8729.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/Roads/IMG_8757.jpg

 

17) Phou Khoun - Kasi

Excellent scenery of the mountainous roads, especially at one of the viewpoints marked on the GT-Rider map. Traffic is pretty much on this section. Avg riding speed 40-50km/h.

 

18 ) Kasi - Vang Vieng

Many sections are under road constructions. Generally its flat, straight and boring roads. 80-100km/h.

 

19) Vang Vieng - Vientiane

Fast, boring section, with some parts under road construction. Avg riding speed 80-100km/h.

Edited February 5, 2009 by Pauche

[Pauche]

20) Vientiane - Paksan - Ban Lao

Fast highway, sealed good road. Avg riding speed 100-120km/h.

 

21) Ban Lao - Khoun Kham

Route 8 is quite well labelled with clear distinct road signs in English. Roads are winding and sealed, however there are 3 bridges under construction, so its singled laned and muddy there. Don't miss Sala viewpoints at all cost!!! Avg riding speed 60-80km/h.

 

22) Khoun Kham - Kong Lor

First 2km is dirt. Subsequently the brand new tarmac road is so perfect, you can take off a jetplane! Avg riding speed 100km/h.

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/Roads/IMG_9449.jpg

 

23) Khoun Kham - Lak Sao

This is the road to the Vietnam border. Fast, sealed road, with strong crosswinds so strong that you need to hold your handlebar tight to prevent 'sailing' off the road. Avg riding speed 100km/h.

 

24) Lak Sao - Nakai

First 20km is some bumpy and dusty dirt road. Subsequently is mostly fast dirt section. Dusty though. Avg riding speed 20-60km/h.

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/Roads/IMG_9515w.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/Roads/IMG_9519.jpg

 

25) Nakai - Gnommalath – Mahaxai

Nice sealed roads, fast and straight. A huge dam is under construction for a major project. Avg riding speed 80km/h.

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/Roads/IMG_9521.jpg

 

26) Mahaxai - Thakek

Nice sealed road, wide and spacious. Few sections under construction. Avg riding speed 80-100km/h.

 

27) Thakek - Seno

Fast highway. Avg riding speed 80-100km/h.

 

28 ) Seno - Muang Phine

Fast good sealed road. This road connects Thailand and Vietnam. Avg riding speed 80-100km/h.

 

29 ) Muang Phine - Toumlan

The first 35km was fast dirt road, took me about 1.5hrs, avg riding speed 60km/h.

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/Roads/IMG_9635.jpg

 

Then there was a huge river where I had to pay 50k to cross on a single boat where the bike was made to lie down on its side. There was a bridge that was destroyed but had never been rebuilt. Getting up the slope on the other side of the river is tough due to the soft sand and steep gradient.

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/Roads/IMG_9636.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/Roads/IMG_9643.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/Roads/IMG_9647.jpg

 

The next 38km was a hell of a ride. There are steep rocky terrains like you have to do rock climbing on your bike, as well as I had to cross about a dozen river/steams in the process. Most of it are like steep gradient downslope, through the river/streams, and up the rocky/uneven slopes again. There were certain sections where the bamboo terrain was quite narrow and I had encountered a couple of fallen trees in the path. So I had to detour and 'bash' through the scrubs/bushes on the side. It took me 4.5hrs to cover 38km where I had a homestay at a village (18km before Toumlan) as the sky is turning dark, while I rode with a flat rear tyre for about 10km through rocks and rivers. Avg riding speed 10-40km/h.

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/Roads/IMG_9650.jpg

 

30) 18km before Toumlan - Saravan

Few river/stream crossings and a little uneven at times. Other than that its good dirt. There is another huge river crossing 28km after Toumlan, however there is a boat with platform here for motorbike crossing. Paid 20k for the boat. Avg riding speed 40-60km/h.

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/Roads/IMG_9665.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/Roads/IMG_9663.jpg

 

31) Saravan - Pakse

Good sealed road. Avg riding speed 80km/h.

 

32) Pakse - Champasak

Good sealed straight road. Have to cross the Mekong River to get to Champasak. Paid 10k for a boat ride on a platform. Getting up the slope on the Champasak side is a little tricky with soft sand on the upslope. Avg riding speed 80-100km/h.

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/Roads/IMG_9677w.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/Roads/IMG_9671.jpg

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http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/Roads/IMG_9733.jpg

 

33) Champasak - Voun Keum - Don Khong

Good sealed straight road. Have to cross the Mekong River to get to Don Khong. Paid 10k for a boat ride on a car/truck platform. Avg riding speed 80-100km/h.

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/Roads/IMG_9765.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/Roads/IMG_9783.jpg

 

34) Pakse - Pak Song

Nice sealed road with gentle upslope till 1200m elevation where you can feel the air is getting cooler. Great ride up through the Bolevan Plateau to visit Tat Fane and chill out for a cup of home grown Laos coffee in Pak Song.

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/Roads/IMG_9862.jpg

[Pauche]

Accomodations

 

1) Luang Nam Tha

Zuela's Guesthouse & Restaurant: Hot Water (HW), fan, Pte Car Park (Pte CP), T:086 212059, 70k/night

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/Hotels/IMG_7530.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/Hotels/IMG_7525.jpg

 

2) Oudom Xai

Vivanh Gusethouse: HW, fan, Under cover parking (UCP), TV, 60k/night

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/Hotels/IMG_7629.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/Hotels/IMG_7641.jpg

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http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/Hotels/IMG_7634.jpg

 

3) Luang Prabang

Vouthivong Guesthouse: HW, fan, Pte CP, TV, 90k/night

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/Hotels/IMG_7743.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/Hotels/IMG_7738.jpg

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http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/Hotels/IMG_7742.jpg

 

4) Vieng Thong

Souksavan Guesthouse: HW, fan, UCP, T:314478, 50k/night

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/Hotels/IMG_8336.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/Hotels/IMG_8332.jpg

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http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/Hotels/IMG_8335.jpg

 

5) Xam Neua

Kheamxam Guesthouse: HW, fan, T:312111, 50k/night

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/Hotels/IMG_8453.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/Hotels/IMG_8449.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/Hotels/IMG_8451.jpg

[Pauche]

6) Phonsavan

Koukham Guesthouse: HW, fan, Pte CP, 50k/night

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/Hotels/IMG_8675.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/Hotels/IMG_8672.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/Hotels/IMG_8674.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/Hotels/IMG_8728.jpg

 

7) Vang Vieng

Dokkhoun 1 Guesthouse: HW, fan, Pte CP, TV, T:(856-20) 225 4370, 70k/night

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/Hotels/IMG_8786.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/Hotels/IMG_8784.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/Hotels/IMG_8783.jpg

 

8) Vientiane

Ekalath Metropole Hotel: CW, fan, UCP, T: 213420/213421, 60k/night

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/Hotels/IMG_9165.jpg

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http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/Hotels/IMG_9172.jpg

 

9) Khoun Kham

Mi Thuna Guesthouse: CW, fan, Pte CP, T:020 2240182, 60k/night

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/Hotels/IMG_9327hdr.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/Hotels/IMG_9329.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/Hotels/IMG_9338.jpg

[Pauche]

10) Thakek

Khammoune Mekong Hotel: HW, fan, Pte CP, fridge, cable TV, T:250777, 100k/night

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/Hotels/IMG_9537w.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/Hotels/IMG_9528.jpg

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http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/Hotels/IMG_9532.jpg

 

11) Champasak

Khamphoui Guesthouse: HW, fan, Pte CP, T:252700, 30k/night

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/Hotels/IMG_9683.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/Hotels/IMG_9685.jpg

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http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/Hotels/IMG_9687.jpg

 

12) Don Khong

Souk Sabay Guesthosue: CW, fan, Pte CP, very clean, 40k/night

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/Hotels/IMG_9781.jpg

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http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/Hotels/IMG_9780.jpg

 

13) Pakse

Thaluang Hotel: HW, a/c, Pte CP, cable TV, 80k/night

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/Hotels/IMG_9835.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/Hotels/IMG_9836.jpg

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[Guest NPNT]

Very very informative. Thanks for sharing.

[nineh]

Very very informative. Thanks for sharing.

 

+1 !!

 

Btw, mind sharing how much you spent for the trip ??

 

cheers

[Pauche]

+1 !!

 

Btw, mind sharing how much you spent for the trip ??

 

cheers

 

 

Within Laos I spent about $600+ for bike rental and about $600+ for miscellaneous (petrol, food, accomodation, tour, entrance fees, river crossings, shopping, internet cafe, SIM card, etc...)

[Pauche]

#1 - Winding road with sweeping views along Route 3 near Vieng Phoukha

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/IMG_7521.jpg

 

#2 - Nam Dee Waterfalls in Luang Nam Tha province

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/IMG_7534w.jpg

 

#3 - Typical scene along Route 2W to Muang Beng

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/IMG_7622hdr.jpg

 

#4 - Sunrise on Route 13 near Oudom Xai

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/IMG_7661w.jpg

 

#5 - Limestone Caves in Nong Khiaw

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/IMG_7736.jpg

 

#6 - Wat Phusi in Luang Prabang

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/IMG_7775hdr.jpg

 

#7 - View of Luang Prabang town

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/IMG_7780hdr.jpg

 

#8 - Sunset in Luang Prabang

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/IMG_7757w.jpg

 

#9 - Colourful night market in Luang Prabang

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/IMG_7819hdr.jpg

 

#10 - Handicraft items at the night market

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/IMG_7838.jpg

 

#11 - UNESCO World Heritage Town

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/IMG_7833.jpg

Edited January 29, 2009 by Pauche

[Pauche]

#12 - Boat trip on the Nam Ou River

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/IMG_7885.jpg

 

#13 - Visited the Pak Ou Cave

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/IMG_7933.jpg

 

#14 - One of the many buddha statues in Pak Ou Cave

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/IMG_7935.jpg

 

#15 - Fairytale-like Tat Kwang Si Waterfalls

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/IMG_8047.jpg

 

#16 - Another tier of the Tat Kwang Si Waterfalls

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/IMG_8075.jpg

 

#17 - The final and highest tier of the falls

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/IMG_8079.jpg

 

#18 - One of the daredevils jumping off the falls

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/IMG_8071.jpg

Edited February 3, 2009 by Pauche

[Pauche]

#19 - Collecting alms in the morning at 6am in Luang Prabang

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/IMG_8117.jpg

#20 - Kind people offering sticky rice for the monks

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/IMG_8148.jpg

#21 - Monk at Wat Mai

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/IMG_8162.jpg

#22 - Door carvings at Wat Mai

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/IMG_8154.jpg

#23 - Wat Xieng Thong

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/IMG_8211.jpg

#24 - Wat Ho Pha Bang

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/IMG_8252hdr.jpg

#25 - Refine architecture at Wat Ho Pha Bang

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/IMG_8250.jpg

[Pauche]

#26 - Superb landscape near Pak Xeng

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/IMG_8303.jpg

#27 - At 1000m above sea level, cool temperature & nice breeze

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/IMG_8315whdr.jpg

#28 - On a mountainous Route 6 to Sam Neua

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/IMG_8427whdr.jpg

#29 - Sam Neua Valley

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/IMG_8653whdr.jpg

#30 - The local wet market in Sam Neua

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/IMG_8600hdr.jpg

#31 - Vieng Xai is rich in history, and the town is filled with Dok Houm Deng (direct translation = red blood flower)

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/IMG_8469.jpg

#32 - Rainbow over Xieng Khuang Province

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/IMG_8695whdr.jpg

#33 - Plains of Jars Site 1

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/IMG_8704hdr.jpg

#34 - The most scenic section on Route 7, near Nam Chat

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/IMG_8735whdr.jpg

#35 - On the most scenic viewpoint along Route 13, near Phou Khoun

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/IMG_8760whdr.jpg

#36 - Winding roads skirting around the mountains on Route 13

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/IMG_8769whdr.jpg

[Pauche]

#37 - Tham Jang Limestone Cave

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/IMG_8820.jpg

#38 - Magnificent view of Vang Vieng from an opening in Tham Jang Cave

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/IMG_8839w.jpg

#39 - Green blue lagoon at the Tham Phu Kham scared cave

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/IMG_8865.jpg

#40 - A 200m steep climb into Tham Phu Kham Cave to see the reclining buddha

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/IMG_8892.jpg

#41 - Water sliding, tarzan swing, tubing, canoeing, and all day boozing-fun at Tam Nong

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/IMG_8983hdr.jpg

#42 - If you can't afford a trip to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, the Patuxai is a look-alike

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/IMG_9178.jpg

#43 - Ceiling of the Patuxai

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/IMG_9176.jpg

#44 - Vientiane in mid-day

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/IMG_9211.jpg

#45 - Pha Tat Luang - A symbol of the Buddhist religion and Lao sovereignty

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/IMG_9222.jpg

#46 - High-walled cloister with tiny windows as a defence against invaders in the 19th century

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/IMG_9226.jpg

#47 - Looks like a gilded missle cluster from a distance

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/IMG_9241w.jpg

[Pauche]

#48 - Sunrise in Vientiane

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/IMG_9306hdr.jpg

#49 - That Dam - Stupa sitting at the centre of a quiet roundabout

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/IMG_9303hdr.jpg

#50 - Painting for sale along the Mekong riverfront in Vientiane

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/IMG_9271.jpg

#51 - Limestone Caves along the Hin Boun Valley

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/IMG_9446.jpg

#52 - Entrance of the Kong Lor Cave

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/IMG_9425.jpg

#53 - Limestone structure within a 7km deep Kong Lor Cave

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/IMG_9348w.jpg

#54 - French-era shophouses in Thakek

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/IMG_9612.jpg

#55 - Sunset in Thakek

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/IMG_9555whdr.jpg

#56 - Sunset on the Mekong river bordering Thakek (Laos) and Nakon Phanom (Thailand)

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/IMG_9629whdr.jpg

[Pauche]

#57 - Wat Phu Champasak is an ancient Khmer temple that has been worshipped since the mid 5th century

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/IMG_9689whdr.jpg

#58 - UNESCO declaring the complex a World Heritage Site in 2001

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/IMG_9708hdr.jpg

#59 - Modern and traditional monks

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/IMG_9697.jpg

#60 - Uo Moung is a Tomo temple ruin built in the late 9th century, believed to be related to the Wat Phu

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/IMG_9737hdr.jpg

#61 - Khon Phapheng Falls is the largest and most awesome falls on the entire Mekong River

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/IMG_9754w.jpg

#62 - Spider taken at Tat Si Kwang

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/IMG_7978.jpg

#63 - Typical street scene in Thakek and other parts of Laos

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/IMG_9597.jpg

#64 - Portable 'mama-shop' captured at the Bolevan Plateau in Pak Song

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/IMG_9876.jpg

[Pauche]

#65 - The best porridge I've eaten - at the morning market of Luang Prabang

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/IMG_8191.jpg

#66 - Danish pastry at Bakery Restaurant, Luang Prabang

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/IMG_7873.jpg

#67 - Seafood pizza at Bakery Restaurant, Luang Prabang

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/IMG_8103.jpg

#68 - Cream of broccoli at La Cave des Chateaux, Vientiane

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/IMG_9287.jpg

#69 - A refreshing cup of home grown Lao coffee from the Bolevan Plateau at Pak Song

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/IMG_9885.jpg

[Pauche]

#70 - Old lady with baby in Luang Nam Tha province

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/IMG_7543.jpg

#71 - Cute little girl at Pak Ou Cave... she demanded for 'photo money' after this shot

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/IMG_7964.jpg

#72 - Rice seller at the morning market in Luang Prabang

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/IMG_8198.jpg

#73 - Hard day at work, Luang Prabang

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/IMG_8199.jpg

#74 - Hmong New Year festival in Vieng Xai

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/IMG_8560.jpg

#75 - Playing ball game to build up the cohesiveness among themselves

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/IMG_8539.jpg

#76 - Cute little girls in traditional Hmong dressing

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/IMG_8571.jpg

#77 - Baby in the back, at Sam Neua market

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/IMG_8620.jpg

#78 - Kids with a home-made skateboard when Playstation doesn't exists

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/IMG_8668.jpg

#79 - Kids with cool poses, in Sam Neua

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/IMG_8670.jpg

#80 - These kids laughed at me trying to get my motorbike down a steep slope of soft silky sand

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/IMG_9639.jpg

#81 - Most memorable moment - My homestay with these villagers near Toumlan when my journey was delayed due to a flat rear tyre.

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/pauche/Laos%20060109/IMG_9653.jpg

-------------------------------- THE END ----------

[PaLmEr]

beautiful pictures as usual!

[Mark C.]

Super nice pictures & review, Paul.

The cars are left hand drive in Laos, so its quite confusing at start.

But road there are more fun & challenging than MHS.

[Pauche]

Thanks palmer.

 

Mark Chai lao-da, the roads & sceneries on Route 3,6,7 are simply the best around Laos. I think a super-motard will do the job best around the tight mountainous corners.

[racingter]

hi pauche,

any info about exiting from Vientiane via the friendship bridge? as i am planning to enter from Houei Xai any advise?

[Pauche]

hi pauche,

any info about exiting from Vientiane via the friendship bridge? as i am planning to enter from Houei Xai any advise?

 

hi there.... u can find out loads of info on GT-rider with regards to the latest updates on Laos. sorry, I dont have info on the friendship bridge as I didnt exit Laos from that border.

[racingter]

ok thanks...:)will update here if i can cross..in april 2009.