Best Route to Phonsovan

J

JJ.CM

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Nov 20, 2004
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Hi I am planning on riding to Phonsovan from Thailand. I will be travelling on crf250 with pillion and am aware some Laos roads are in poor state of repair. I am looking for a crossing route with good roads. Has anyone any recent knowledge and can advise best roads route?

Many thanks jimmy
 
You dont mention where you plan to enter and exit, but….
A great round trip would be:

Enter Laos at Chiang Khong-Huay Xai.

Huay Xai-Luang Namtha-Oudom Xai-Nong Khiaw-Phonsavan would be a great start.

Phonsavan-Phou Khon-Vang Vieng-Vientiane and exit at Nong Khai

Or Phonsavan-Phou Khon-Luang Prabang-Xayabouli-Vang Vieng-Vientiane and exit at Nong Khai.

With this route you will get a good 10-14 days trip with 1-2 day stop in Phonsavan, Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, Vientiane or wherever you prefer…

Roads are not nearly as good as in
 
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Hi Thanks for your input. Unfortunately I am a bit time constrained. Without knowing the current road state I was looking at crossing into Laos at Nong khai then Google maps offers two routes one using a lot of 13, the otherusing 13 to Paksan and turning up to Phonsovan. Both show a similar estimate of time, which it the better road condition, tarmac traffic etc?

Regards jimmy
 
The best road is Hongsa - Luang Prabang, but there's no Lao visa on arrival at the Muang Ngern border + you need a permit to get in.
@ Nong Khai you will need to use an agent for 2,000 / 2500 baht, but they have Lao visa on arrival.
@ Chiang Khong / Houi Xai they have Lao visa on arrival & no permit needed, but shit roads.
An option might be for the little lady to fly into Luang Prabang, & you ride there from HX.
But how many days do you have?
 
JJ.CM said:
Hi Thanks for your input. Unfortunately I am a bit time constrained. Without knowing the current road state I was looking at crossing into Laos at Nong khai then Google maps offers two routes one using a lot of 13, the otherusing 13 to Paksan and turning up to Phonsovan. Both show a similar estimate of time, which it the better road condition, tarmac traffic etc?

Regards jimmy
Click to expand...

I'd be inclined to use the Pakxan - Phonsavan route.
But you won't enjoy either route two-up with the current road conditions.
Another option would be for the pillion to train it to Phu Khoun from Vte, and you ride up the day before.
 
Hi Thanks for all the info advice. Last year I did Hua xai to Pak Beng , that was two up and no fun. I was hoping other routes might be better, seems not. Roads coupled with dodgy border practices, seems like laos hasn't improved at all. I rode from phnom penh crossed into Cambodia, had to pay a small charge when crossing into Cambodia but highway 13 was brand new and like a motorway...luang namtha to hua xai that was a bit more challenging...oh well plan B. Straight to Cambodia .

Many thanks for all the info advice.

Regards jimmy
 
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Reactions: DavidFL
JJ.CM said:
Hi Thanks for all the info advice. Last year I did Hua xai to Pak Beng , that was two up and no fun. I was hoping other routes might be better, seems not. Roads coupled with dodgy border practices, seems like laos hasn't improved at all. I rode from phnom penh crossed into Cambodia, had to pay a small charge when crossing into Cambodia but highway 13 was brand new and like a motorway...luang namtha to hua xai that was a bit more challenging...oh well plan B. Straight to Cambodia .

Many thanks for all the info advice.

Regards jimmy
Click to expand...
Good luck.
Please let us know how you go.
 
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