[Trip Report] Indo Chine - Trip Photos

[yem_paul]

Set off on an eventful 26 days trip. Cruised through NS Highway till Hatyai Train Station. Plan was to start riding in Chiangmai as the route was taken before. Passed through scenic Northern Laos all the way to Southern Pakse passing by Vientianne where the 2009 SEA Sames was taking place.

 

Entering cultural Cambodia into Kratie and Phnom Penh where wife flew in to join the ride. Managed to spend a bit of time in Saigon, Vietnam and head back to Phnom Penh to visit the mass killing field. Visited magnificient Angkor Wat and spend some time in Siem Reap.

 

Visited sis in law in Bangkok before wife flew back home. Continued to Chumphon and spend New Year's Eve in Koh Samui.

 

http://sphotos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/16932_234107247551_1493278_n.jpg

The sending off

 

http://sphotos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/18140_1315391331061_259731_n.jpg

Hatyai Railway Station

 

http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs154.snc3/18140_1315394131131_1419050559_30896644_6378768_n.jpg

Chiangmai Railway Station

 

http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs134.snc3/18140_1315502013828_1419050559_30896848_5544606_n.jpg

On the way to Fang

 

http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs122.snc3/16932_234107452551_676382551_3044528_7206522_n.jpg

 

http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs134.snc3/18140_1315503293860_1419050559_30896880_3769040_n.jpg

Kids of Mae Salong

 

http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs122.snc3/16932_234107587551_676382551_3044542_3561085_n.jpg

Golden Triangle

 

http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs154.snc3/18140_1315504813898_1419050559_30896917_1187941_n.jpg

Thailand - Laos border crossing

 

http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs142.snc3/16932_234107657551_676382551_3044551_5544716_n.jpg

The mighty Mekong at HuayXai

 

http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs122.snc3/16932_234107732551_676382551_3044560_4985396_n.jpg

The road to Luang Namtha

 

http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs122.snc3/16932_234107747551_676382551_3044562_5478465_n.jpg

 

http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs122.snc3/16932_234107807551_676382551_3044568_1941808_n.jpg

 

http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs154.snc3/18140_1315506453939_1419050559_30896956_5840961_n.jpg

The highway leading to China

 

http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs122.snc3/16932_234107897551_676382551_3044581_3600751_n.jpg

Good road on your left, bad road on your right, which one you'll take?

 

http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs122.snc3/16932_234107912551_676382551_3044583_4055125_n.jpg

Typical Northern homes

 

http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs142.snc3/16932_234107942551_676382551_3044586_6424110_n.jpg

Gets chilly up North

 

http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs154.snc3/18140_1315542494840_1419050559_30897113_6761585_n.jpg

On the way to Luang Prabang

 

http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs122.snc3/16932_234108152551_676382551_3044610_1198189_n.jpg

 

http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs122.snc3/16932_234108187551_676382551_3044613_882026_n.jpg

Kids going to school in Luang Prabang

Edited December 12, 2012 by yem_paul

[yem_paul]

http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs142.snc3/16932_234108327551_676382551_3044628_1654733_n.jpg

 

http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs134.snc3/18140_1315546014928_1419050559_30897195_98857_n.jpg

Admiring the view

 

http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs154.snc3/18140_1315547054954_1419050559_30897221_3171467_n.jpg

Reaching Vang Vieng

 

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs242.ash1/16932_234108597551_676382551_3044660_6711761_n.jpg

Our view from Guesthouse in Vang Vieng

 

http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs154.snc3/18140_1315570055529_1419050559_30897385_562927_n.jpg

Cave exploration

 

http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs154.snc3/18140_1315572895600_1419050559_30897455_1168296_n.jpg

River party in Vang Vieng

 

http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs154.snc3/18140_1315607696470_1419050559_30897608_2126585_n.jpg

2009 SEA Games in Vientianne

 

http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs142.snc3/16932_234108892551_676382551_3044695_1780609_n.jpg

Plug failure in Savannakhet

 

http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs122.snc3/16932_234108917551_676382551_3044698_4690165_n.jpg

Poor little fella

 

http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs142.snc3/16932_234319612551_676382551_3045644_2324143_n.jpg

VuenKham-Dong Kralar border

 

http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs142.snc3/16932_234354122551_676382551_3045956_95392_n.jpg

Vietnam border

 

http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs142.snc3/16932_234354167551_676382551_3045961_4655094_n.jpg

 

http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs122.snc3/16932_234354192551_676382551_3045964_1999120_n.jpg

My Vietnamese license plate

 

http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs142.snc3/16932_234371987551_676382551_3046109_272296_n.jpg

In Saigon

 

http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs154.snc3/18140_1315609136506_1419050559_30897640_951759_n.jpg

Warm receptiion from Vietnamese motorcycle club - ACE MotoSaigon

 

http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs142.snc3/16932_234372157551_676382551_3046123_1367653_n.jpg

Vietnam seafood dinner

 

http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs122.snc3/16932_234392072551_676382551_3046495_4679545_n.jpg

The Twin getting some checks in Phnom Penh.

 

http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs134.snc3/18140_1315611056554_1419050559_30897686_2734920_n.jpg

Visited Toul Sleng Museum and S-21 killing fields in Phnom Penh

Edited July 16, 2010 by yem_paul

[yem_paul]

http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs122.snc3/16932_234441622551_676382551_3046801_7930266_n.jpg

Heading for Siem reap

 

http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs154.snc3/18140_1315630057029_1419050559_30897802_168442_n.jpg

Visited the Angkor Wat

 

http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs142.snc3/16932_234442142551_676382551_3046850_6699741_n.jpg

 

http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs142.snc3/16932_234442492551_676382551_3046886_947285_n.jpg

 

http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs142.snc3/16932_234442557551_676382551_3046893_8336355_n.jpg

 

http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs122.snc3/16932_235784512551_676382551_3055037_83048_n.jpg

Poipet to Siem Reap is all tarmac now

 

http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs142.snc3/16932_235784562551_676382551_3055044_596388_n.jpg

Poipet border

 

http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs142.snc3/16932_235784742551_676382551_3055064_8113442_n.jpg

KhaoSan Road in Bangkok

 

http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs122.snc3/16932_235784907551_676382551_3055082_4380719_n.jpg

Breakfast in Chumphon

 

http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs134.snc3/18140_1315632897100_1419050559_30897867_6239991_n.jpg

On board ferry to Samui

 

http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs122.snc3/16932_235785012551_676382551_3055094_1604231_n.jpg

Samui beach by night

 

http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs122.snc3/16932_235785122551_676382551_3055106_4396890_n.jpg

On Twin in Seremban

[Elan7891]

Nice Pix.....!!! RESPECT Man !!!! Really Inspire...

[vespaboy]

NICE!!!! Great photos...from a great jouney

 

Any problems at the custom's and immigration?

[PaLmEr]

Im interested in the procedures to enter Vietnam. Care to elaborate?

[yem_paul]

NICE!!!! Great photos...from a great jouney

 

Any problems at the custom's and immigration?

 

Of the 6 international borders we crossed, we only had a problem at Cambodia border coming from Vietnam. But the power of a name card pulled us through.

 

 

Im interested in the procedures to enter Vietnam. Care to elaborate?

 

Bro, I'll PM you the details for the entry.

[gunshead]

the africa twin bike tyre exploded in seremban while returning to spore

so how did u manage to change tire?

msia do they have tires for africa twin?

how did msians helped?

how many hours wasted in seremban?

i think on all the countries u went, msia is the most dangerous crazy country cause of the highway bandits especially - after ipoh and from melaka to Seremban.

 

correct me if i am wrong

[yem_paul]

the africa twin bike tyre exploded in seremban while returning to spore

so how did u manage to change tire?

msia do they have tires for africa twin?

how did msians helped?

how many hours wasted in seremban?

i think on all the countries u went, msia is the most dangerous crazy country cause of the highway bandits especially - after ipoh and from melaka to Seremban.

 

correct me if i am wrong

 

It was 1am in the morning so I doubt there's any tyre shops available. It started with a 6 inch cut across the rear tyre. So the rider decided to ride through till Tangkak when he knows he can't ride anymore. So we got hold of a tow truck which brought his Twin all the way to Malaysian Customs at 2nd link. Not cheap tho'. From there he had a Singapore tow truck waiting to bring his bike back to Singapore. Another costs incurred here.

 

As I was told when we were in Vietnam, they also have bandits along their highways. And I have friends who was stopped along Laotian roads by rifle armed bandits asking for money.

[feeufee]

Care to share the entry procedures for Vietnam here? I am sure many riders are eager to venture there, except with very little info. Thanks.

[ganman]

Care to share the entry procedures for Vietnam here? I am sure many riders are eager to venture there, except with very little info. Thanks.

 

Interested to know about the procedures to enter Vietnam as well....

[yem_paul]

Care to share the entry procedures for Vietnam here? I am sure many riders are eager to venture there, except with very little info. Thanks.

 

feeufee & ganman

 

You need to engage a local operator for paperworks application for your entry at least 2 weeks in advance. You need to submit necessary documents like copies of your driving license, international driving license preferrably, passport and vehicle registration. Upon approval, the tour operator will contact you for 50% deposit by bank transfer.

 

Beforehand, you need to determine the point of entry into Vietnam, date and time. You also need to inform the operator if you need a guide or hotels booking. Travelling with a guide in Vietnam is not mandatory but you still need them at the custom house for the paperworks. Ensure that you know where the engine and chasis number are located as the custom officials needs to inspect them.

 

It's quite convenient actually the whole procedure. You don't even need to be present at the counter when they stamp your passport. Your tour operator will take care of almost everything.

[G450X]

Yem_paul,

 

I will be going up north next week almost the same route you took except I will go the other way round and not going in to Vietnam. Route taking:

 

1. Hatyai - Hua Hin (Chaam) - Seam Reap - Phnom Penh - Pakse - Vientainne - Luang Prabang - Huayxai - Chiang Mai - Mae Hong Song - Kanachaburi - Hatyai - Home

 

Please advise:

1. Going in thru Poipet, do we need to return the temp export paper at the thai custom side?

2. Do we need to also get a temp export paper at the Cambodia side (Poipet)?

3. Leaving Cambodia and entering Laos Temp export paper required?

4. What currency do they use in Cambodia and Laos?

5. What is the average cost of staying in the Hotels in Cambodia and Laos?

6. What are the places that is a must to visit at the places I am going?

7. From HuayXai to Luang Prabang, is there any petrol station available (the distance is over 470km) I do not think my 16L tank can make it.

8. Road conditions How? I am riding a F800GS

9. Langauge problems?

 

Sorry for the long questions. Thanks.

[yem_paul]

Please advise:

1. Going in thru Poipet, do we need to return the temp export paper at the thai custom side?

Yes you have to. And when you enter back into Chiang Khong from HuayXai, you need to import another set of papers at the Thai side

 

2. Do we need to also get a temp export paper at the Cambodia side (Poipet)?

No need to. Cambodian side don't issue import papers but they normally check your registration papers before letting you in. Sometimes they don't even bother.

 

3. Leaving Cambodia and entering Laos Temp export paper required?

Import papers are required upon Laos entry. Please comply with these otherwise you might have problems leaving HuayXai. Also ensure you purchase Laos motor insurance.

 

4. What currency do they use in Cambodia and Laos?

They use Riel and US currency in Cambodia and Kips in Laos. Sometimes they accept Thai Baht as well.

 

5. What is the average cost of staying in the Hotels in Cambodia and Laos?

If hotel is your preference, it can be quite costly. Well that depends what is costly to you. My stay there range from 200Baht for a guesthouse for 3 person to 500Baht for decent hotel for 3. Choices of stay are abundance for the places that you're going to.

 

6. What are the places that is a must to visit at the places I am going?

Well, that depends on your preference but we did visit places like Angkor Wat where you have a choice of a day till 7 days passes. There's a huge market we went which I can't remember what it was called. It's only for the locals. And the centre area offers vices which are cheap. I'm not talking about women here.

 

There's the S-21 killing fields and Toul Sleng Museum in Phnom Penh. Other than that I went around to shop for motocross accessories.

 

There's also the dolphins of Mekong in Kratie.

 

Before Pakse there's the 4000 island. Look out for the sign.

 

We did not venture out Vientianne as the SEA games was going on. Too much crowd. It was just a lunch stop for us.

 

Tubing by the river in Vang Vieng.

 

There's waterfalls and a pretty colourful night market in Luang Prabang.

Temples as well

 

Plain of Jars in Phonsavan.

 

The other 2 towns of OudomXai and HuayXai was just a night stop for us.

 

7. From HuayXai to Luang Prabang, is there any petrol station available (the distance is over 470km) I do not think my 16L tank can make it.

Yes there's plenty. Your tank will make it. Take note that they only carry below 95 Octane.

 

8. Road conditions How? I am riding a F800GS

Road condition is super good up till you reach OudomXai leading to Luang Namtha up till Natuey junction. That will last you about 100km. Lots of potholes, construction undergoing, millions of gravels and sands scattered. Take it slow and avoid riding that road at night. Some stretch from Natuey junction to HuayXai is the best road i've seen in Laos. Even better than Malaysian trunk roads. But beware of live stocks and childrens playing by the roadside. I killed a chicken on that stretch.

 

9. Langauge problems?

You can find people who can speak basic English. Otherwise, be nice.

 

Sorry for the long questions.

Not too long. Let me know if you need anything else. Maybe some other riders may chip in to provide other useful info.

 

Good luck on your trip. Most of the locals are more willing to help if you ask. Have a good one bro

[G450X]

Thanks for the tips bro....I hope to have the best trip as it is one of my dream.....Now I am more confident with your answers.....will catch Wei Jie when he is back tomorrow to find out more...Thanks a million bro

[shoei_com]

u ride safe, Bro, Life Is Short Ride Hard...

 

 

Thanks for the tips bro....I hope to have the best trip as it is one of my dream.....Now I am more confident with your answers.....will catch Wei Jie when he is back tomorrow to find out more...Thanks a million bro

[Mucho Bill]

Thanks for the great pictures! I am currently riding RTW on a BMW 1150GS, shipped bike from Brazil to Singapore in November 09' have travelled last 3 months through Malaysia,Thailand, Laos and Cambodia. Was not able to enter Vietnam on multible attemps. Glad to hear your story! Can you please forward the NAME of the tour operator that you used in Saigon. [email protected] I have been unable to locate an operator that is familiar with procedure. Thanks for your help!

[yem_paul]

Thanks for the great pictures! I am currently riding RTW on a BMW 1150GS, shipped bike from Brazil to Singapore in November 09' have travelled last 3 months through Malaysia,Thailand, Laos and Cambodia. Was not able to enter Vietnam on multible attemps. Glad to hear your story! Can you please forward the NAME of the tour operator that you used in Saigon. [email protected] I have been unable to locate an operator that is familiar with procedure. Thanks for your help!

 

 

Bill

 

I've emailed you the Vietnamese contact. Let me know if you need more information. Have a good trip.

[G450X]

Hi Guys...

 

Am now in Pakxe, Laos...will be heading for Vientaine the Laung Prahbang today...

 

Thanks Yem_Paul.....the ride so far for the past 6 days have been good but hot hot hot...

[eldottore46]

Of the 6 international borders we crossed, we only had a problem at Cambodia border coming from Vietnam. But the power of a name card pulled us through.

 

 

 

 

Bro, I'll PM you the details for the entry.

 

PM me too regarding the requirement entry to Vietnam & Laos please I am very interested. Thanks

[yem_paul]

Hi Guys...

 

Am now in Pakxe, Laos...will be heading for Vientaine the Laung Prahbang today...

 

Thanks Yem_Paul.....the ride so far for the past 6 days have been good but hot hot hot...

 

Enjoy the ride and post pictures when you're back bro

[vara]

PM me too regarding the requirement entry to Vietnam & Laos please I am very interested. Thanks

 

Hi yem, what can i say....really am inspired aft looking at your pics. PM me too with regards to entry procedures to Vietnam & Laos. Not forgetting the tour operator that u've mentioned.

 

I'm planning for similar ride end of the yr.

Hope you can provide me with some useful tips.

 

Thanks.

[G450X]

A few Pix ready for sharing....The road from Cambodia into Laos (Pakse) was not so good for around 20+ km

[yem_paul]

A few Pix ready for sharing....The road from Cambodia into Laos (Pakse) was not so good for around 20+ km

 

Is that Don Kralar border you talking about?

[kingfisher]

Hi Yem Paul,

 

Thank you for taking time to share your experience in Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. I am planning to visit these places this year and would appreciate if you can email me the Vietnam contact and the document requirement for entry to Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam. Thanks