This is a another step towards embarking on my all time passion. Motorbike touring has always been my great escape from the hubbub and routine drab of everyday life. The lure of the open road is an neverending source of release for me. Having a strong love of freedom, and a disdain for routine has propelled me onto another brand new adventure for my next trip.
It is a Laos Expedition Riding Trip which is being scheduled from the 12th-28th Jan 2008. This is not your ordinary tour or excursion but an Expedition for those who dare. The Laos Expedition route will start off from Malaysia NS Highway, through Thailand, Laos and to the border of China, Vietnam and Cambodia. Most of the riding are planned to be done in Laos with road conditions to be projected at Grade 3 to 5 trail roads in Northern Laos and Grade 1 to 2 roads to the south. Total days projected for this trip are 17 days with 6 days in Thailand and remaining days in Laos. It is estimated to have a distance coverage of slightly more than 5000km.
As this is a ride over 3 countries with riding off the beaten tracks, our group participants are putting our endurance to the test. We will be riding through one of the few toughest terrain in Laos while exploring adventurous locations where few big motorbikes would dare venture. But the attraction of exploring and experiencing laid back country life from the unobscured view of a biker makes any tough challenges of this trip worth taking.
That said, we will be visiting the numerous local attractions and have the chance to understand how Laos is also known as the land of agriculture with its wide numbers of rice varieties in the Greater Mekong Subregion. Beside the local sights, we will also have the chance to experience the ethnic diversity that made up Laotians and immerse ourselves in their warm and welcoming culture. Not to mention the religious traditions and turbulent history that make Laos what is it today.
Part and parcel of any road trip lies in the unexpected that makes its so unforgettable. Which is why the final destination is never the main focus but rather the process along the journey that makes our memories transfixed in time eternally.
Laos Map A11
24th Jan 2008. We will do a day trip down south to Veun Kham which is linked to Dong Calor Cambodia's border. We will also cover Pakxong and visit Bolaven Plateau fabled for their coffee plantation. 25th Jan 2008. We ride out of Laos border via Vang Tao into Chong Mek Thailand. From there, we will ride to Ubon Ratchathani.
Laos Map A10
23rd Jan 2008. From Thakek, we will push another long stretch all the way to our next stop point, Pakse.
Laos Map A9
23rd Jan 2008. This is the longest stretch we will cover. From Nam Phao, we will attempt one of the toughest off roads in Laos drawn in purple line, There will be a river crossing at Nakai which is often deemed impossible. If the route is not passable, we will have no choice but to back track out to Vieng Kham and take the West Coast road south to Tahkek.
Laos Map A8
22nd Jan 2008. As it is a pretty long stretch, we may choose to stop for the night at either Pakxan, Khoun Kham or Lak Xao.
Laos Map A7
22nd Jan 2008. We will attempt to ride across central Laos from Vietiane via Pakxan all the way to the Nam Phao which is linked to Cau Treo Vietnam's border.
Laos Map A6
21st Jan 2008. We will take the most commonly travelled route by bikers coming into Laos from Thailand. From Luang Prabang, we ride south all the way to Vientiane.
Laos Map A5
20th Jan 2008. We head to Luang Prabang to stay and sight seeing.
Laos Map A4
18th Jan 2008. Riding via Vieng Thong to Xam Neua, then we will do a back track down to Hou Lao and rest. 19th Jan 2008. From Hou Lao, we ride through Muang Kham and Phonsavan where we will visit the acclaimed "Plain of Jars". Rest the night in Phonsavan.
Laos Map A3
17th Jan 2008. From Nam Bak we will head east to Vieng Kham for the night.
Laos Map A2
15th Jan 2008.From Luang Namtha we will ride a day trip up to Myanmar border at Xieng Kok and ride back out to Boten which is the border town into Mohan of Yunnan China. At Boten, we will stay the night. 16th Jan 2008. Leaving Boten enroute Oudom Xai, we ride north into Phongsali to stay at Hat Sa. 17th Jan 2008.The next day we will choose to either take the alternative river transportation drawn with purple line down to Luang Prabang or back track down Oudom Xai to Nam Bak in the south.
Laos Map A1
14th Jan 2008. We will enter Huay Xai Laos from Chiang Khong Thailand and proceed to Luang Namtha for our 1st night's rest in Laos.
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