Best Route to Phonsovan

[JJ.CM]

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

 

[Dodraugen]

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

 

[JJ.CM]

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

 

[DavidFL]

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?

 

[DavidFL]

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

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.

 

[JJ.CM]

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

 

[DavidFL]

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

Good luck.
Please let us know how you go.