Chiang Rai to Chiang Khong - Route advise needed

[brian_bkk]

Hi Fellas,

Getting to the nitty gritty of the planning now.

We leave Chiang Mai early early AM.. Sunrise.

Google Maps shows 3 routes will similar timings to arrive at Chiang Khong from Chiang Rai. (From experience, these timings can be a fair way off)

What route would you seasoned riders recommend?
We are looking to get to the border as early as possible to cross over and start the ride in Laos.

Suggest routes from Google are

1.
1 hour 57 mins
Phahon Yothin/Route 1, Route 1016 and Route 1129
118 km
2.
1 hour 59 mins
Route 1152 and Route 1020
111 km
3.
2 hours 3 mins
Route 1173 and Route 1174
105 km

Thanks
Brian

 

[DavidFL]

The quickest way
Chiang Mai – Chiang Rai – Payamengrai – Chiang Khong.
Routes 118 – 1 – 1020 – 1152 – 1174 – 1020.
Distance 287 kms.
"Racing" 3 ½ hrs.

 

[brian_bkk]

Thanks David.

If anyone is interested.. Below is the path in Google maps

http://www.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&h ... 558105&z=7

if you would like to load this in to you iPhone or other device.. follow the steps here to convert to GPX file

http://www.elsewhere.org/GMapToGPX/

Thanks
Brian

 

[Moto-Rex]

Hi Brian.
I'm in Luang Namtha tonight.
Look out for a klx, and a dusty rider.

 

[brian_bkk]

Hi Rex,

We are just bringing the bikes up etc this weekend as I have to go to Vietnam for work Monday to Thursday.

Heading back to Chiang Mai Thursday 2nd 8:40pm flight. Then up to Laos on Friday the 3rd.

Will you still be around then.. Would be great to catch up with you

Thanks
Brian

 

[Moto-Rex]

Sorry Brian, I misread the OP.
I'll be back in CM or CK when you return, so may see you then.
Moto-Rex

 

[Auke]

Rex,

Where will you be on monday evening 29? Should be pottering around that area - probably in the Luangnamtha area on my way further east.

Auke

 

[Moto-Rex]

Hi Auke.

Just got your post....no Internet connection in Muang Long last night.
I'm in Houei Xai tonight, and crossing back to Thailand tomorrow.

Cheers Rex

 

[Auke]

Hi Rex,

Yes, that is part of the fun in Laos - no internet to the wide wide world. Anyway had to delay my departure with one day so will not be on 29 evening in Luang Namtha but probably in a small town with no internet somewhere along the road. Will contact you once I am back in Chiangmai probably around 10 December or so.

Cheers,

Auke

 

[brian_bkk]

Hope we can see each other along the way.

If you see two guys on a black and blue ninja 650 that will be us.

Plan to spend Friday evening 3rd luang nantha and from there Nong khiew, LP, plain of jars, vang vieng before crossing to Nong khai.

Any recommendation for accommodation at luang namtha ?

Will check in here for any updates in case we can meet up.

Cheers,
Brian