Excerpt: I closed my south Laos loop with a stop-over in Savannakhet and Na Hin (visiting Tong Lo caves). The journey, back to Chiangmai through Loei, under permanent showers, was a less fun ending for this, otherwise pleasant, tour. South Laos Trip Part 3 - Central Laos See also: First part - Ferry Tales (Champasak province): South Laos - 1 Ferry Tales Second part - Around the Bolaven : South Laos - 2 Around the Bolevan My other posts about North... Read more ..read more

Could someone please tell me what sort of issues I might be in for if I ride across and into Laos? Or alternatively if I were to drive my truck with bike in the back. I've been across many times, but not with a bike ..read more

A weekend in Houei Xai. Why? When I first moved to Chiang Khong after 35 years in Chiang Mai, one of my fantasies was to be able to do lots quick 'n easy trips to Laos, maybe China & even a Xieng Kok loop & a Muang Sing loop. Why I moved to Chiang Khong Moving On - Chiang Mai To Chiang Khong- David Unk As some of you know in the last couple of weeks I've moved on from Chiang Mai to Chiang Khong on the Mekong. It was a difficult decision to make after so long in Chiang Mai - at 64 years of age, more than half my life has been in Chiang Mai! We had a nice GTR send off at the Kafe on 27 ..read more

Excerpt: Mr. J.-M. Strobino [1], a knowledgeable French scholar, instrumental in rediscovering and rebuilding Henri Mouhot’s monument, near Luang Prabang, provided the updated knowledge for my follow up story about the Mekong explorers. I am happy to give him credit and to thank him for his kind advises and valuable contribution by sharing his expertise and pictures with GT-Rider. This iconic photograph was taken by Mr. J.-M. Strobino, in July 1989, when serendipity made him... Read more ..read more

I took a 2000 km overland loop from Chiang Mai, Thailand, into Northern Laos and back to Chiang Mai, through four Laos provinces. This ride turned out to be an adventure with a comedy of errors unfolding. This meant that certain original plans for this trip had to be altered, but nonetheless, it was still an adventure! Let me take you through the stunning scenery and challenging roads of Laos, whilst I... Read more ..read more

North Laos Brief Road Summary Back from a 2,700 kms ride a couple of weeks ago. 2nd June – 21 June 2016 Chiang Mai - Luang Prabang - Phonsavan & return. Chiang Mai – Pua Routes: 118-120-1021-1148-1080 Pua – Huay Khon – Muang Ngeun – Xayaboury – Luang Prabang Routes: 1080-Laos-2W-4A-4-13 Chiang Mai - Luang Prabang via Pua - Huay Khon - Xayaboury Luang Prabang – Phou Khoun – Phonsavan Routes: 13 - 7 Luang Prabang - Phonsavan ... Read more ..read more

Southern Laos & 10 days with the GF – “Madam Champa.” 10th -20th January 2016. On an extended ride through Laos it was time to show the GF the delights of the deep south of Laos Pakxe The Bolaven plateau – coffee & waterfalls Don Khong / the 4000 Mekong Islands / Khone Phapeng waterfall Champasak & Vat Phu world heritage site Southern Laos is a longish ride from Chiang Mai & it’s a bit far to expect the little lady to sit on the back... Read more ..read more

Excerpt: “Plain of Jars” is filled with secrets and mysteries. It is also a great biking place with a good access road and scenic itineraries. The archaeological sites are testimonials of the past whilst scars in the landscape are reminiscent of more recent war turmoils. Third part of a Laos trip report (1). Plain of Jars loop See also: Part 1 - Crossing the border : An Easy Road to Laos - 1 Crosing the border Part 2 – The Road to Luang-Prabang : An Easy Road to Laos - 2... Read more ..read more

G'day All, Chris Corbett just passed over this way in the last couple of days. He took these pics of the current conditions of the road. (Pictures used with permission) Chris said vehicles are still using the road.. But the rest of the road could slide away at any time. As you get closer to the top.. The road is sagging and getting ready to slide. Quote " That road has some real problems " If you are planning a trip any time... Read more ..read more

MEKONG BOAT TRIP Sailing the Khong from Houei Xai - Luang Prabang is a very popular tourist activity in Laos. These are usually a two day trips with a night in Pak Beng, a place that used to have a terrible reputation for a dump of a town on the banks of the Mekong. Pak Beng has improved a lot over the years, but if you're doing the Khong by boat then IMHO opinion the only way to go is with your own boat & in a day. Put your bikes on board & sail down the Khong in style, eating & drinking... Read more ..read more