Riding The Track That Follows The River That Borders Laos And Vietnam East Of Xepon.

Moto-Rex · Jul 28, 2016

Riding the track that follows the river that borders Laos and Vietnam east of Xepon.

It was good to be in Laos, and back on the klx again, as it had been 5 months since Id been there.

I had wanted to ride this track for about 3 years after spotting it while riding up from Salavan. So I had a look on google earth, and after many hours studying the area from space, it was time to give it a shot.

I worked at a loop, and after a night in Xepon I was on my way, but after at 10 kms in, it started to pour down with rain big time. Not knowing what the trail ahead was like, I turned back and did another loop 30 kms away in an area where I knew I could get out if it continued to rain. This worked out well, as I did a great loop further west, ( report on the way) and when I returned to do the river track the next day, the weather was better, although dark clouds were all around me.

So there’s photos from both days on this report, but still in the order as if you were riding the loop.

The way.

I rode into to Xepon to try a get some food for the journey, but Xepon can be a little light on when it comes to takeaway.

There was plenty of piglets packed in bamboo carriers for sale, but they take up too much room on the bike, and by the time you cook it, you’ve wasted half the day.

So I rode out of town and headed towards the border with no food.

That must be so uncomfortable for the little fellas in those cages.

Then just a few kilometres out of town I hit the jackpot. Bread…French style as well.

This lady had everything, even fresh meat in a ice cooler, the bike was a supermarket on wheels.
I just brought a couple of bread rolls and a can of Birdy,…said goodbye to Miss Tesco, and I was on my way.

I rode towards the border,..turning right at Dong. This road takes to Nong and beyond .

The beautiful old suspension bridge, and the brand new concrete one a few kilometres south from the turn off at Dong
[/UR]

A few more Kilometres I came to the start of the Loop, ..this track would take me to the Vietnamese border.

The track turns to dirt straight away, and this little village is the last place to get drinks. If there open.

I had the feeling this was going to be a good days ride. No rain to be seen, and no idea what to expect.

So nice through here.

I like these types of tracks, enough ruts and bumps to get it interesting, ..plus you can move along at a good pace.

I came across the Lao banana futures exchange.

This is about the spot where I started to follow the river. But although the track is so close to the river, you wouldn’t know it due to the vegetation.

Goats…they always take the hot line.

My little point and shot camera doesn’t show just how stunning it was riding through here.

These next three screen shots give you an idea what it was like. The yellow is the border,..Im in the red.

Selfie. And a serious selfie at that. Chad Reed has the same riding top. The similarities end there.

Lunch time on the trial. Bread and Birdy. At this point I was only about 120 kilometres from the south China sea, and 40 kilometres from Khe Sanh.

KLX…What a magnificent machine.

After lunch the riding was just brilliant. Lots of deep rutted gully’s

At last a glimpse of the river.

I had ridden a little bit of this the day before from the other direction on the way back from another loop.

Laos on the left…Vietnam on the right.

Riding along here beats working.

Once I hit the road that heads back to the Nong, I kept riding south. The track opens up, and its easy going, and there were some great villages and views across to Vietnam.

This little girl climbed up this ladder but couldn’t get over the last hurdle. One giant leap for a someone so small.

This was one of many great villages scatted along the river. The people were so friendly. I rode through this village to get a good look at the river.

Magic spot.

Selfie. A worn out Rex with Vietnam in the background.

While I was looking at a river this lady wandered down just to say hello. Nice moment.

The bike voted the best Adventure riding bike in the world eight years running…the Kawasaki klx250.

This house could do with a coat of paint.

There must have been 60 kids in this hut.

I like this photo.

Young children in owe of the KLX

I was taking a photo on the road when this guy came over and wanted to show me he’s house and little baby. It was so cool. Moments like that is what Laos is all about to me.

After pending some time checking out some villages and the river, I hooked back on to the loop and rode west towards the Nong road.

About half way back it turns into a road race track, but the loose stuff on top made it good fun.

Once back on the Nong road which is pretty much tar all the way to Dong now. I then headed back to Savanekhet

Ho Chi Minh trail remnants on the Nong road. More on that and riding in this area here.

https://www.gt-rider.com/se-asia-motorcycling/threads/a-cool-laos-ride-salavan-pajudone-dong-xepon-plin-xethamouak-vilabury.11874/

Remnants

The area around Xepon and Nong has some great trials to explore, this is just one of many.

That's about it, another great motorcycle ride in Laos.

Moto-Rex

brian_bkk · Jul 28, 2016

What a ripper ride in the rainy season Rex.
Some great shots.

Looks like you had a fantastic time.

Cheers
Brian

DavidFL · Jul 28, 2016

Now that really does look like a brilliant little new loop for dirt road fans.

It's amazing how narrow that river - the Xepon - is between the two countries & you have to wonder what goes on out there at night, especially when the river's low & "walkable."

Motorcycle Laos Vietnam 38.jpg~original.jpg

Any idea on the name of the sizeable looking Viet town across the river?

Some of the locals look damn interesting

Motorcycle Laos Vietnam 52.jpg~original.jpg

dark complexion alright
and with these different roofs

Motorcycle Laos Vietnam 41.jpg~original.jpg

i wonder what ethnic type they are - any idea?

Last but not least - this is a great road pic

Motorcycle Laos Vietnam 33.jpg~original.jpg

Thanks for the contribution. A beauty in the true Moto-Rex tradition.

ianyonok · Jul 31, 2016

Great looking area there. Great photos. Thanks Rex.
I agree, the KLX is a great machine. To me, mine looks ugly and sounds awful. But it can take me to some very special places that no other machine could. Road riding is great, but offroad can really be magical and escapist.

scotty007 · Jul 31, 2016

Your a legend Rex, great report and pics, good on ya mate!

Trail Daddy · Oct 16, 2016

Moto-Rex said:
Riding the track that follows the river that borders Laos and Vietnam east of Xepon.
Great stuff...thanks for this.
Can't wait to explore Laos....
and YES....it sure beats working..

Maurice

It was good to be in Laos, and back on the klx again, as it had been 5 months since Id been there.

I had wanted to ride this track for about 3 years after spotting it while riding up from Salavan. So I had a look on google earth, and after many hours studying the area from space, it was time to give it a shot.

I worked at a loop, and after a night in Xepon I was on my way, but after at 10 kms in, it started to pour down with rain big time. Not knowing what the trail ahead was like, I turned back and did another loop 30 kms away in an area where I knew I could get out if it continued to rain. This worked out well, as I did a great loop further west, ( report on the way) and when I returned to do the river track the next day, the weather was better, although dark clouds were all around me.

So there’s photos from both days on this report, but still in the order as if you were riding the loop.

The way.

I rode into to Xepon to try a get some food for the journey, but Xepon can be a little light on when it comes to takeaway.

There was plenty of piglets packed in bamboo carriers for sale, but they take up too much room on the bike, and by the time you cook it, you’ve wasted half the day.

So I rode out of town and headed towards the border with no food.

That must be so uncomfortable for the little fellas in those cages.

Then just a few kilometres out of town I hit the jackpot. Bread…French style as well.

This lady had everything, even fresh meat in a ice cooler, the bike was a supermarket on wheels.
I just brought a couple of bread rolls and a can of Birdy,…said goodbye to Miss Tesco, and I was on my way.

I rode towards the border,..turning right at Dong. This road takes to Nong and beyond .

The beautiful old suspension bridge, and the brand new concrete one a few kilometres south from the turn off at Dong
[/UR]

A few more Kilometres I came to the start of the Loop, ..this track would take me to the Vietnamese border.

The track turns to dirt straight away, and this little village is the last place to get drinks. If there open.

I had the feeling this was going to be a good days ride. No rain to be seen, and no idea what to expect.

http://s895.photobucket.com/user/ph...le border/Motorcycle Laos Vietnam 5.jpg.html

So nice through here.

http://s895.photobucket.com/user/ph...le border/Motorcycle Laos Vietnam 5.jpg.html

I like these types of tracks, enough ruts and bumps to get it interesting, ..plus you can move along at a good pace.

I came across the Lao banana futures exchange.

This is about the spot where I started to follow the river. But although the track is so close to the river, you wouldn’t know it due to the vegetation.

Goats…they always take the hot line.

http://s895.photobucket.com/user/ph...le border/Motorcycle Laos Vietnam 5.jpg.html

My little point and shot camera doesn’t show just how stunning it was riding through here.

These next three screen shots give you an idea what it was like. The yellow is the border,..Im in the red.

Selfie. And a serious selfie at that. Chad Reed has the same riding top. The similarities end there.

Lunch time on the trial. Bread and Birdy. At this point I was only about 120 kilometres from the south China sea, and 40 kilometres from Khe Sanh.

KLX…What a magnificent machine.

After lunch the riding was just brilliant. Lots of deep rutted gully’s

At last a glimpse of the river.

I had ridden a little bit of this the day before from the other direction on the way back from another loop.

Laos on the left…Vietnam on the right.

Riding along here beats working.

Once I hit the road that heads back to the Nong, I kept riding south. The track opens up, and its easy going, and there were some great villages and views across to Vietnam.

This little girl climbed up this ladder but couldn’t get over the last hurdle. One giant leap for a someone so small.

This was one of many great villages scatted along the river. The people were so friendly. I rode through this village to get a good look at the river.

Magic spot.

Selfie. A worn out Rex with Vietnam in the background.

While I was looking at a river this lady wandered down just to say hello. Nice moment.

The bike voted the best Adventure riding bike in the world eight years running…the Kawasaki klx250.

This house could do with a coat of paint.

There must have been 60 kids in this hut.

I like this photo.

Young children in owe of the KLX

I was taking a photo on the road when this guy came over and wanted to show me he’s house and little baby. It was so cool. Moments like that is what Laos is all about to me.

After pending some time checking out some villages and the river, I hooked back on to the loop and rode west towards the Nong road.

About half way back it turns into a road race track, but the loose stuff on top made it good fun.

Once back on the Nong road which is pretty much tar all the way to Dong now. I then headed back to Savanekhet

Ho Chi Minh trail remnants on the Nong road. More on that and riding in this area here.

https://www.gt-rider.com/se-asia-motorcycling/threads/a-cool-laos-ride-salavan-pajudone-dong-xepon-plin-xethamouak-vilabury.11874/

Remnants

The area around Xepon and Nong has some great trials to explore, this is just one of many.

That's about it, another great motorcycle ride in Laos.

Moto-Rex

Trail Daddy · Oct 16, 2016

Great stuff...thanks for this.
Can't wait to explore Laos....
and YES....it sure beats working..

Maurice

It was good to be in Laos, and back on the klx again, as it had been 5 months since Id been there.

I had wanted to ride this track for about 3 years after spotting it while riding up from Salavan. So I had a look on google earth, and after many hours studying the area from space, it was time to give it a shot.

I worked at a loop, and after a night in Xepon I was on my way, but after at 10 kms in, it started to pour down with rain big time. Not knowing what the trail ahead was like, I turned back and did another loop 30 kms away in an area where I knew I could get out if it continued to rain. This worked out well, as I did a great loop further west, ( report on the way) and when I returned to do the river track the next day, the weather was better, although dark clouds were all around me.

So there’s photos from both days on this report, but still in the order as if you were riding the loop.

The way.

I rode into to Xepon to try a get some food for the journey, but Xepon can be a little light on when it comes to takeaway.

There was plenty of piglets packed in bamboo carriers for sale, but they take up too much room on the bike, and by the time you cook it, you’ve wasted half the day.

So I rode out of town and headed towards the border with no food.

That must be so uncomfortable for the little fellas in those cages.

Then just a few kilometres out of town I hit the jackpot. Bread…French style as well.

This lady had everything, even fresh meat in a ice cooler, the bike was a supermarket on wheels.
I just brought a couple of bread rolls and a can of Birdy,…said goodbye to Miss Tesco, and I was on my way.

I rode towards the border,..turning right at Dong. This road takes to Nong and beyond .

The beautiful old suspension bridge, and the brand new concrete one a few kilometres south from the turn off at Dong
[/UR]

A few more Kilometres I came to the start of the Loop, ..this track would take me to the Vietnamese border.

The track turns to dirt straight away, and this little village is the last place to get drinks. If there open.

I had the feeling this was going to be a good days ride. No rain to be seen, and no idea what to expect.

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Riding The Track That Follows The River That Borders Laos And Vietnam East Of Xepon.

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