The Mekong

[Auke]

Jurgen wrote: For my next trip I have decided to cross at Nong Kai, playing safe for the first tour, and coming back through Muang Ngeun.

Jurgen,

Not sure if this is possible as there have been problems crossing the bridge from Thailand to Laos on a bike in Nongkhai - the other way - Laos to Thailand does not seem to be a problem. Have a look at: friendship-bridge-nong-khai-vte-entry-t6262.html for a possible work-around.

Auke

 

[Jurgen]

Thank you Auke, that's bad news for me! I wanted to go through Nong Khai to avoid problems . It seems that Chiang Khong is easy crossing (administration) but then a bad road. Do you have information about the crossing in Huay Kon / Muang Ngeun? I wanted to come back this way but could also enter there and go reverse.

 

[DavidFL]

Jurgen wrote: Thank you Auke, that's bad news for me! I wanted to go through Nong Khai to avoid problems . It seems that Chiang Khong is easy crossing (administration) but then a bad road. Do you have information about the crossing in Huay Kon / Muang Ngeun? I wanted to come back this way but could also enter there and go reverse.

Jurgen
Give the bridge ago, as I have heard of 2 guys getting in no problem with Thai plates. RobertH was one a few weeks ago. It seems as if there has been a bit of a staff (& policy?) change at the bridge.
If the bridge does not work, just ride 140 kms downstream to Bun Kan & cross over to Pakxan.

 

[Auke]

Jurgen wrote: Thank you Auke, that's bad news for me! I wanted to go through Nong Khai to avoid problems . It seems that Chiang Khong is easy crossing (administration) but then a bad road. Do you have information about the crossing in Huay Kon / Muang Ngeun? I wanted to come back this way but could also enter there and go reverse.

Jurgen,

As David mentioned things may have changed. With regard to the Muang Ngeun crossing I have only crossed from Laos to Thailand - no problems at all although the last time (around 5 in the afternoon on a Saturady I had to chase the immigaration gusy as he was busy playing Jeu de Boules and, consideringt he colour of his face, has enjoyed a drink or 2, 3 or more.

Other people have crossed from Thailand to Laos and have reported no problems - I will try tomorrow and will let you know as soon as I have access to Internet. overthere (probably on Monday in Luang Phrabang).

Auke

 

[Jurgen]

Thank you Auke. I just sent you an email with this question ! I see that Laos people are still very relaxed! Nothing nicer that betong (the French pétanque) and a couple of pastis (or lao Lao) to have a good (working) time. I will definitively try this border crossing but I am not sure about "visa on arrival". Should everything go wrong, I still have the wonderful Nan province and the road to Chiang Kong as alternative rides.

Jurgen

 

[DavidFL]

Tuesday 22nd June 2010

At the Golden Triangle

Chiang Saen & The 'Khong from Wat Phra That Pa Ngao

The downstream view from Wat Phra That Pa Ngao

 

[DavidFL]

CHIANG SAEN.........Wednesday 28th July 2010.

The river's up! Right up - unbelievable.

Looking upstream

Looking downstream

Looks like the drought is over alright!
:clap:

 

[DavidFL]

20TH SEPTEMBER 2010

1. Chiang Khong: The view towards Houei Xai from Tammila guesthouse.

2. Chiang Khong Cargo Port

3. R1129 Chiang Khong - Chiang Saen

4. Huai Sai Mann Viewpoint

5. Chiang Saen

Verdict: The River's UP.

 

[DavidFL]

CHIANG SAEN......Tuesday 28th September 2010

Happy -Go-Lucky with that T-shirt on!

(Note too the one colour fonts today. :thumbup: )

 

[DavidFL]

CHIANG KHONG Tuesday 28th September

HALF Moon rise over the Mekong & Houei Xai

Happy-Go-Lucky playing with her phone

and SMS-ing her fellow workers on her night off!

The Moon's well & truly up

 

[DavidFL]

CHIANG SAEN SUNDAY 14TH NOVEMBER 2010

Upstream towards the Golden Triangle

Downstream

HUAI MANN VIEWPOINT SUNDAY 14TH NOVEMBER 2010

 

[DavidFL]

CHIANG KHONG
Friday 11 March 2011
Hot & dry

but still enough water for navigation. It does not seem as bad as last year 2010.

 

[Jurgen]

I agree David, we are lucky to have this good friend just at our door steps. We can enjoy him right down to the 4'000 Islands. Lets hope that, in the future, the "Big Neighbors" still let a little water flow through it.

 

[DavidFL]

The Golden Triangle
Sunday 29th May 2011

 

[Jurgen]

Dreaming of riding along The Mekong ... Whilst preparing luggages for a two month trip to Europe

 

[DavidFL]

The Tammila view of the Mekong 11th June
for Rod Page & Jurgen....

Dusk from the honeymoon suite # 12 at Tammila 20th June 2011

 

[DavidFL]

Just down from the Customs Office & outside the home of Mrs Kao, one of our favourite Customs employees

 

[DavidFL]

A hot 'n smoky run Chiang Khong - Chiang Saen
12th March 2012

Low water bug / ferry crossing from Chiang Khong - Houei Xai

Houei Xai from the Chiang Khong Cargo & Customs Port

Looking downstream from the cargo port berth

note the bug splattered bike from a night ride into Chiang Khong.

R1129 Chiang Khong - Saen

The Huai Mann viewpoint

The "river road" R4007 past Rai Saeng Arun Resort

Wat Hua Kuan

enjoy & keep riding despite the smoky conditions.
It's the same everywhere North Thailand / Myanmar / North Laos / North Vietnam every year in hot dry season.
Some days / places are better / worse than others for a few days. It's just the luck of the game.

 

[DavidFL]

The Mekong at Chiang Saen
12th March 2012

 

[Jurgen]

I also love the 108 Buddha temple ... the rocky Mekong is very photogenic, but I hope that this will not be "high level" once a couple of dams have tamed his stream
Your pictures feel like you could already cross it on feet. Impressive shots!

 

[DavidFL]

Captain_Slash;278682 wrote: Is that pretty much as low as it gets David?

Slash
It's hard to imagine it getting much lower, but there probably have been a few more serious droughts with lower water levels. The rain however seems to have started, so it probably won't get any lower this year, unless our Chinese friends suddenly decide to turn off the tap for themselves. :evil:

 

[DavidFL]

Chiang Khong 11th August 2012
& a Kawasaki group of 30 riders set sail for Laos & ride to Sipsongpanna in S-W China on a short 4-day trip from Chiang Khong.

The day before

a view of Houei Xai from Chiang Khong.

the Huai Sai Mann viewpoint

 

[DavidFL]

1st April 2013

Wat Phra That Ya Mon on R1155

the Chiang Khong - Houei Xai bridge is in the background

Lai Ngao Viewpoint on R1155

Kang Pha Dai, Wiang Kaen

 

[DavidFL]

Chiang Saen - Golden Triangle

25th August 2013

Houei Xai from Tammila

26 August 2013.

 

[guichard]

Hello David,

Amazing from your previous pics of April. Wish it would be as magnificent in 2 months time.

Any fresh news about the bridge opening?

Cheers, Lung Jack.