[Trip Report] Ride, MHS Thai- Northern Laos from 15 Nov- 6 Dec 2010 Link to picture

[ChaoPuzzy1968]

Day 8 (23 Nov 2010) Oudom Xai to Luang Prabang 187.2km

The morning temperature is cold, it started to rain. Rain were microrain. So fine like someone spraying mist. The whole town was envelope in the beautiful mist. When we speak, we were able to see mist coming out of our mouth. Unfortunately not able to capture it on photo.

After check with the host, found out that from Oudom Xai to Luang Prabang 80km of gravel roads.

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af276/veronchay/E-PIG/DSCN2797.jpg

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af276/veronchay/E-PIG/DSCN2800.jpg

As we travelled, the view of Sea of Clouds always captured our attention.

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af276/veronchay/E-PIG/DSCN2807.jpg

Here we go again..was it the last stretch of fire road?

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af276/veronchay/E-PIG/DSCN2810.jpg

X mas plants we encountered along the way, it was a pity to see them been covered by dust and mud deposits.

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af276/veronchay/E-PIG/DSCN2819.jpg

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af276/veronchay/E-PIG/DSCN2826.jpggravel

The simple town along the way.

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af276/veronchay/E-PIG/DSCN2837.jpgtown

Pak Mong intersection whereby we had to make a right turn. Here was a stall with English menu. Had our fried rice, coffee Laos for lunch. Borrowed their toilet too. Bought some local make biscuits for night snack. Noticed the local special diet of bugs, worms and rat in cage.

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af276/veronchay/E-PIG/DSCN2852.jpg

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af276/veronchay/E-PIG/DSCN2848.jpg

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af276/veronchay/E-PIG/DSCN2853.jpg

As we drew closer to Luang Prabang, river scene is captivating. A re-visit to Laos reminded us of the scenic view of river, mountains with unique indo china look.

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af276/veronchay/E-PIG/DSCN2890.jpg

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af276/veronchay/E-PIG/DSCN2897.jpg

The day travelled was refreshing, as the hot afternoon sun heating up the earth beneath us, yield to look for a resting place. Despite the short distance coverage, we were able to explore the tourist place which we missed the last trip. Elephant riding, river ride were some of her main attraction.

We paid USD12 +1 for a night stay with air con and hot shower. Requested the operator of guesthouse to provide us with 2 additional pillows. After placing our stuffs in the room located on the ground level next to the exit(requested); we did our routine chain spraying, with the help of the garden hose- was able to clean Big Fcuk. Not forgetting to praise her for the day for a safe and enjoyable ride since we started.

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af276/veronchay/E-PIG/DSCN2927.jpg

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af276/veronchay/E-PIG/DSCN2943.jpg

Took time to chat with the local, asking for directions that lead to Van Vieng. Not certain if we should stop at Van Vieng(227.1km) or Vietiane(390km) The determining factor would depend on our arriving physical condition @ Van Vieng.

 

Beside the nightmare of the fire roads, sand and mud; this trip we were able to enjoy more food which we did not during the last. Able to have sausages, BBQ fish on bamboo stick and most important Local Laos coffee instead of 3 in 1 instant coffee.

After dinner, Big Fcuk was parked and covered for the night.

 

 

In the midst of the night, the cold air enter into the room from the ventilation system. Room temperature was 23 …outside was below 15. Only by closing the toilet door was I able to sleep.

Edited December 21, 2010 by ChaoPuzzy1968

[ChaoPuzzy1968]

9 Day (24 Nov 2010)Luang Prabang to Vientiane 390km

When we lift up the Big Fcuk cover, an armada lot of mosquitos was lifted to the air. They hid on Big Fcuk because of the her bodily warm vs the cold night air. Set off with thick winter glove and thick rain coat. Before exiting the town, bought some water.

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af276/veronchay/E-PIG/DSCN2978.jpg http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af276/veronchay/E-PIG/DSCN3001.jpg

The ride in the morning was always pleasant with fog, mist.

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af276/veronchay/E-PIG/DSCN3011.jpg

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af276/veronchay/E-PIG/DSCN3031.jpg

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af276/veronchay/E-PIG/DSCN3037.jpgFrench guy

While doing the mountain twisties, came across this rented bike and its rider. Was not able to tell if was a foreigner or otherwise. We followed him for a distance, initially he was worried. After a certain distance, he came to realize that we meant no harm.

We parted with the rider when we came across rest point in the mountain. There were clean seat type toilet available. Ordered our hot coffee we enjoyed the cool air, hot coffee and beautiful mountain ranges of green.

Here we managed to get our French loaves after so many days in Laos without succeed. French loaves for the sardine that we bought earlier.

 

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af276/veronchay/E-PIG/DSCN3046.jpgPhouKum

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af276/veronchay/E-PIG/DSCN3082.jpg Ven Vieng

Afternoon ride, heat is kicking in. After top up, we stopped for lunch in Van Vieng town. We bum into the rider of the bike earlier.

This French guy offered us beer (ordered too many by mistake). In return we bought him lunch. To him, this was his second Laos trip. He simply love the beautiful view of Laos and its people. Between Laos and Cambodia, he preferred Laos. He rented a scrambler from Vientiane for USD30 a day. He rode to Pakxe-Phonsovan via off road. Phou Kum down and heading to Vientiane before he fly off.

 

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af276/veronchay/E-PIG/DSCN3103.jpg

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af276/veronchay/E-PIG/DSCN3115.jpg

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af276/veronchay/E-PIG/DSCN3117.jpg

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af276/veronchay/E-PIG/DSCN3119.jpg

To our surprise, the thousand of twistie that we encounter seem easier with the help of Big Fcuk. Before we realized, we reached the basin approaching the capital area. With our last year experience on the DR200SE, the twisties seem to last forever. Was not able to speed up due to gravels and sand along the way. Speed approaching vehicles with poor driving skills. The truck drivers tended to over-bend and eat into our lane. To make thing worst, we were next to the cliff.

 

Vietiane traffic was scarely as it was knocking off timing. We went back to a similar guest house Heaun Lao Guesthouse

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af276/veronchay/E-PIG/DSCN3139.jpg

Throw stuffs in the room, we spray chain, clean up Big Fcuk.

Edited December 21, 2010 by ChaoPuzzy1968

[ChaoPuzzy1968]

10 Day (25 Nov 2010) Vientiane R&R

Paid for 2 night stay @USD15. Spend Laundry for washing and hand host 50,000kips

The entire day used to relax.

After the renovation, the guest house even have free wifi.

The auntie opposite of the guesthouse whom sold noodles, has also upgraded to having fridge. More meat variety too. She was so delighted to see us, serving us fried rice with added meat, soups, hot coffee. It was nice to be here.

Vientiane Icon

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af276/veronchay/E-PIG/DSCN3160.jpg

Vietiane Traffic

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af276/veronchay/E-PIG/DSCN3165.jpg

Renovated Portion of the guesthouse

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af276/veronchay/E-PIG/DSCN3168.jpg

Since we had to save our knobbie tyres, we need to load up train at Nong Khai. Leaving enough petrol to last us till train station, leaving only half tank.

[ChaoPuzzy1968]

11 Day (26 Nov 2010) Vientiane(Laos) , Nong Khai (Thai) 10km

Laos Custom

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af276/veronchay/E-PIG/DSCN3178.jpg

After clearing our passport, we queued up for vehicle clearance which was located next window. We were told to have the signature of the gentlemen in green and surrendering our Laos Karnet to him. With that we rode off.

Friendship Bridge (Thai-Laos)

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af276/veronchay/E-PIG/DSCN3182.jpg

The Chiang Khong ‘s Vehicle in-bound document saved us the quene time. Otherwise, a 5ply form need to be filled before having the passport chop. This was the vehicle re-entering process.

Together with 200B, we cleared our passports. Another counter to issue us another Karnet. After we had the Karnet signed.

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af276/veronchay/E-PIG/DSCN3188.jpg

Nong Khai custom

While waiting for a small break, a swam of Chinese tourist exit Laos; entering Thailand thu Nong Khai. One of them took the courage to approach us and ask for permission to sit on Big Fcuk for photo taking. The rest started doing the same. They had not seen big bike before. Especially a pink one.

Check ourselves to Nong Khai Railway station. Was not able to purchase ticket till 13:00hrs. Big Fcuk ticket required to wait till 18:00hrs then can buy her ticket.

Different from Bangkok and Hatyai; Nong Khai bike handling was done at the ticketing counter but at different timing.

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af276/veronchay/E-PIG/DSCN3190.jpg Lunch

Bought 2 1st class ticket to Bangkok departuring 19:20hrs for 2,434B 18:00hrs bought Big Fcuk’s ticket for 960B. In Nong Khai, there isn’t additional cost such as tips. Nontheless, we still tips the staffs 200B for handling our Pink Lady.

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af276/veronchay/E-PIG/DSCN3197.jpgNong Khai Station

Dinner on board cost 180B per pax. Rice with some meat.

Discussed during dinner on board to proceed with train ride to Hatyai after Bangkok or otherwise.

The painful part of train ride was the wait for the next train. Reaching Bangkok 08:00hrs; train out of Bangkok was scheduled to 15:45hrs.

[ChaoPuzzy1968]

Day 12 (27 Nov 2010) Bangkok to Surant thani 645km

Wake up and wash up, after unloading(tips 200B) at Bangkok. We decided to ride out of Bangkok. Rush the packing of panniers, secure them to Big Fcuk. Started to move off from the platform. The train master blowed whistle at us. We were not allowed to ride out. Only push out! Dead….Big Fcuk not light!

After top up, we rode off trying to stay away from the highway. Somehow, we end up on highway. Looking around if see any local traffic police..did not see any…we just zoom out of Bangkok.

Bangkok traffic began to pick up the working hour jam.

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af276/veronchay/E-PIG/DSCN3209.jpg

The salt production area captured our attention.

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af276/veronchay/E-PIG/DSCN3217.jpg

There were stalls by the roadside selling salt and salt marinated fish product

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af276/veronchay/E-PIG/DSCN3216.jpg

Road leading out of Bangkok were straight. Some of the interesting vehicles carrying products.

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af276/veronchay/E-PIG/DSCN3229.jpg

After Hua Hin, Ang Tong area the famous icon Chicken!

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af276/veronchay/E-PIG/DSCN3248.jpg

Near Surant Thani, while top-up one strange lady came forward to molest Big Fcuk. She said she like big bikes and pink is her favor colour. Skipped the chance to have Wanton Noodle at this kiosk, we rushed off in a hurry.

Turn into a Castrol petrol kiosk. Usually petrol kiosk have eating outlet. This whole kiosk and eating area was very run down as compare to the standard thai kiosk with 7-11 and clean toilets. Ordered some simply local food and Surant thani famous red yolk salted egg to settle our meal.

The GPS route to guesthouses were not operational. Spend half an hour looking. We came across Happy Inn Hotel who was managed by Laos lady.

The guesthouse similar concept with Mai Sai Inn Hotel. http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af276/veronchay/E-PIG/DSCN3261.jpg http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af276/veronchay/E-PIG/DSCN3268.jpg

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af276/veronchay/E-PIG/DSCN3258.jpg

After wash up, boiled some hot water with the blow torch to make coffee. Chill out the evening.

[ChaoPuzzy1968]

Day 13 (28 Nov 2010) Surant Thani to Hatyai 300km

It was an lazy morning. It was still raining in morning, decided to stop if it got too heavy. For the past 2 weeks, we were blessed with dry weather. The rain came it reminded us that the southern flood 2 weeks back. As we proceed, oil palm and rubber plantation were still submerge in water.

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af276/veronchay/E-PIG/DSCN3270.jpg

Rain got denser. Stopped over at the petrol kiosk for breakfast and wait out the rain.

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af276/veronchay/E-PIG/DSCN3272.jpg

Many stretches of the way were very slippery due to the combination of rain and oil. Travelling speed reduce and maintain good distance. As we came closer to destination, Hatyai- more areas exhibited the signs of post flood waste pile, water marks. Stagnant water smell was too overwhelming.

Finally, we reached Hatyai; route GPS to our favor Crispy Pork location. http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af276/veronchay/E-PIG/DSCN3297.jpg

After our lunch, we headed straight to Sing Golden Place Hotel. Paid 2 night stays 890B per night wo breakfast. Bell boy used a trolley to help us to transport our heavy panniers and belonging to our room.

Rush back basement carpark to attempt to Big Fcuk. Praise her and covered for the night.

The 2 days R&R, Big Fcuk recuperate while we rest too. Took tuk-tuk to Lee Garden for dinner and supper (bird nest)

Went to the local cinema, looking forward to watch Harry Potter. Only to realized the show was in Thai.

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af276/veronchay/E-PIG/DSCN3298.jpgbird nest w ginko nut

We noticed the ambient temperature dropped to a cool 25 deg C. Very unusual.

Edited December 21, 2010 by ChaoPuzzy1968

[ChaoPuzzy1968]

Day 14 (29 Nov 2010) Hatyai

Enjoyed the variety of food available. Walk around Lee Garden Mall.

At the reception area, a computer was placed for guest used. Took this opportunities to load up some of the photos.

Breakfast

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af276/veronchay/E-PIG/DSCN3300.jpg

McDonald

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af276/veronchay/E-PIG/DSCN3301.jpg

Day 15 (30 Nov 2010) Hatyai-Sadao-Bukit Ayer Hitam-Seremban(KL) 550km

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af276/veronchay/E-PIG/DSCN3309.jpg

Truck of logs

Chill out at the highway motel RM60. Wash up and dinner.

Day 16 (1st Dec 2010) Seremban to Singapore 300km

We took a slow pace to go back. Came across a DL1000 KL owner

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af276/veronchay/E-PIG/DSCN3318.jpg

He paid RM81k for his DL1000. Also owning 2 other dual sport bikes. He was on his way to Singapore Ah boy shop to shop for bike chain and parts. He zoomed by us leaving us to smell his exhaust. We got knobbies, cannot go to fast. After bid him good bye, we headed 2nd link while he headed to 1st link.

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af276/veronchay/E-PIG/DSCN3319.jpg

Wash bike before going home.

[papabread79]

Always good that u can eat all sort of things when overseas. I survived on bread while in Laos, and where food was not easy to be found in Thai, i depended heavily on 7-11 for their easy to serve foodies.

 

Not fair sia u rode on highway in BKK! i was stuck in the traffic for 1.5hrs till i found smooth road.

[ChaoPuzzy1968]

  papabread79 said:

Always good that u can eat all sort of things when overseas. I survived on bread while in Laos, and where food was not easy to be found in Thai, i depended heavily on 7-11 for their easy to serve foodies.

 

Not fair sia u rode on highway in BKK! i was stuck in the traffic for 1.5hrs till i found smooth road.

 

we also love the 7-11......a real life saver

[G450X]

Well written and nice trip...glad you enjoyed

[ChaoPuzzy1968]

thanks , u are the inspiration

[bernardk]

you are very poisonous.... Hahahahaha....

[ChaoPuzzy1968]

Thailand

Hatyai

Crispy Pork Trotter 250B:thumb:

N07.00445 deg

E100.47224 deg

Tire

N06.99798 deg

E100.47218 deg

Sing Golden Place Hotel 890B/night:thumb:

Tel: 074 232 333

N07.00052deg

E100.47327deg

Hatyai Railway

N07.00388deg

E100.46780deg

Tak -Ban Suan Thong Guesthouse 350B/night

N16.82351deg

E099.12666deg

Mae Sot Magic Hill:dot:

N16.76821deg

E098.64711deg

Mae Lim Refugee Camp

N17.14256deg

E098.36835deg

Khun Yum Waterfall Resort 800-1000B/night

N18.832279deg

E098.04597deg

Biyoke Chalet Hotel opp MHS post office 960B w breakfast

www.baiyokehotel.com

Golden Triangle

Golden Iyara Resort 800B

053-651112

Chiang Khong River Crossing

Mr NOPPADOL tel:085-5242225 500B/bike

N20.26121deg

E100.40676deg

LAOS

Oudom Xai

Dokbor Guest house(Chinese) USD10

N20.68764deg

E101.98637deg

Lubang Prang

Peeyada Guesthouse USD12:thumb:(USD1 for Extra 2 pillows)

N19.89738deg

E102.15330deg

Vientiane

Heuan Lao Guesthouse USD15 wifi:thumb:

Tel: (856-21)21 62 58 HP (856-20)55 61 39 29

e-mail:heuanlao@hotmail.com

N17.95712deg

E102.61864deg

Edited December 29, 2010 by ChaoPuzzy1968