This post is part of the Route-Info series continuation from :
1. Route Info - Road Trip Southeren Thailand from Hat Yai to Arayanprathet
2. Route Info – Road Trip Cambodia
3. Route Info – Thailand Part 2 Going from Central to Northern Thailand
From Thailand last stop at Chiang Khong, I enter into Laos to Huay Xai and from there on this is the riding route I took going south through the northern parts of Laos before exiting at Vientiane and re-entering Thailand to explore the region of Isaan.
(Entry From Thailand) Chiang Khong -> Huay Xai -> Luang Namtha -> Muang Xai -> Nong Khiaw -> Luang Prabang -> Phou Khoun -> Vang Vieng -> Vientiane -> Nong Khai (Exit into Isaan Thailand)
Things of Interest along the route :
Huay Xai – Luang Namtha
Huay Xai to Luang Namtha was one of the more peaceful ride up and down the mountainous terrain through really rural countryside of Laos. Village are scattered far apart with no electricity or piped water. Riding slow watching the locals gathering all kinds of forestry produce walking slowly along the side of the road makes one appreciate how simple life can be.
A light tap on the horns giving the beep beep hello to the kids as I ride pass the villages was always returned with a smile and waving hands and by evening one could see the whole village gathering around the one source of bamboo piped water from the mountain to have a bath. Girls delicately covered in their sarongs while the kids runs free playing with water.
The Border Towns of Lao – China
I did two day trip detours to the border of Lao – China just for fun partly wondering if I would be able to sneak Bluey into China and also hoping there was some sort of signpost saying Border of Lao-China which I could take a photo with Bluey.
The Pang Hai Border crossing passes through the countryside of Muang Sing village which is shaped like a natural broken rice bowl. The city sits in a very flat plateau fully farmed with paddy fields, sugarcane, corn, etc but towards the horizon one could see the village was fully encircled by sharp jagged mountainous barrier.
The Boten Border Crossing is the main heart-line between Lao-China and heavily used by trucks transporting all kinds of agricultural produce from Lao to China and in return construction materials are brought in from China to Lao.
Muang Xai – Nong Khiaw
Muang Xai, Muang Xay or Oudomxay all means the same city which is the largest city in northern Laos. Large is always relative in Laos and for someone who grew up in KL-Malaysia, it felt more like a forgotten town than a city. Still the signs are there of a city, as indicative of the presence of industries not reliant on farming or tourism.
Nong Khiaw however is another favorite of mine. This small town with beautiful jagged limestone mountain plunging straight into the Nam Ou river is a sight to see plus with the little shacks of retreats blending into the river and forest scene was a great place just to chill back and relax watch the river run by.
UNESCO HERITAGE – Luang Prabang
There is so many things to say about Luang Prabang, but I’ll leave it as just a UNESCO Heritage city in Laos. The only one in fact so its a must stop for any first time visit to Laos.
Phou Khoun
The hidden gem. The roads are challenging climbing up the mountain but totally worth the priceless view. Find the local strawberry farms / campgrounds to experience an amazing sunset over sharp rocky mountain landscape which looks like a picture from a magical fantasy world.
Vang Vieng
The backpacker town of Laos. Good place to re-supply.
Vientiane
The quint capital of Laos .... nuff said ... :)
Traveled On : Jan 2019
#overlandinglaos #motorbikinglaos #routeinfo #laos #motorpackerasia #blurtravels
1. Route Info - Road Trip Southeren Thailand from Hat Yai to Arayanprathet
2. Route Info – Road Trip Cambodia
3. Route Info – Thailand Part 2 Going from Central to Northern Thailand
From Thailand last stop at Chiang Khong, I enter into Laos to Huay Xai and from there on this is the riding route I took going south through the northern parts of Laos before exiting at Vientiane and re-entering Thailand to explore the region of Isaan.
(Entry From Thailand) Chiang Khong -> Huay Xai -> Luang Namtha -> Muang Xai -> Nong Khiaw -> Luang Prabang -> Phou Khoun -> Vang Vieng -> Vientiane -> Nong Khai (Exit into Isaan Thailand)
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| Route Info - Northern Laos |
Huay Xai – Luang Namtha
Huay Xai to Luang Namtha was one of the more peaceful ride up and down the mountainous terrain through really rural countryside of Laos. Village are scattered far apart with no electricity or piped water. Riding slow watching the locals gathering all kinds of forestry produce walking slowly along the side of the road makes one appreciate how simple life can be.
A light tap on the horns giving the beep beep hello to the kids as I ride pass the villages was always returned with a smile and waving hands and by evening one could see the whole village gathering around the one source of bamboo piped water from the mountain to have a bath. Girls delicately covered in their sarongs while the kids runs free playing with water.
The Border Towns of Lao – China
I did two day trip detours to the border of Lao – China just for fun partly wondering if I would be able to sneak Bluey into China and also hoping there was some sort of signpost saying Border of Lao-China which I could take a photo with Bluey.
The Pang Hai Border crossing passes through the countryside of Muang Sing village which is shaped like a natural broken rice bowl. The city sits in a very flat plateau fully farmed with paddy fields, sugarcane, corn, etc but towards the horizon one could see the village was fully encircled by sharp jagged mountainous barrier.
The Boten Border Crossing is the main heart-line between Lao-China and heavily used by trucks transporting all kinds of agricultural produce from Lao to China and in return construction materials are brought in from China to Lao.
Muang Xai – Nong Khiaw
Muang Xai, Muang Xay or Oudomxay all means the same city which is the largest city in northern Laos. Large is always relative in Laos and for someone who grew up in KL-Malaysia, it felt more like a forgotten town than a city. Still the signs are there of a city, as indicative of the presence of industries not reliant on farming or tourism.
Nong Khiaw however is another favorite of mine. This small town with beautiful jagged limestone mountain plunging straight into the Nam Ou river is a sight to see plus with the little shacks of retreats blending into the river and forest scene was a great place just to chill back and relax watch the river run by.
UNESCO HERITAGE – Luang Prabang
There is so many things to say about Luang Prabang, but I’ll leave it as just a UNESCO Heritage city in Laos. The only one in fact so its a must stop for any first time visit to Laos.
Phou Khoun
The hidden gem. The roads are challenging climbing up the mountain but totally worth the priceless view. Find the local strawberry farms / campgrounds to experience an amazing sunset over sharp rocky mountain landscape which looks like a picture from a magical fantasy world.
Vang Vieng
The backpacker town of Laos. Good place to re-supply.
Vientiane
The quint capital of Laos .... nuff said ... :)
Traveled On : Jan 2019
#overlandinglaos #motorbikinglaos #routeinfo #laos #motorpackerasia #blurtravels
