hi, I'm planning a tour by bicycle in Thailand / Laos / Cambodia end of january 18. I have about 6 weeks time. My plan - by plan to Bangkok and from there by bicycle a tour to Cambodia, Laos and back to Bangkok. Is there anybody who can give my some tips for this route?
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Yep, did that. Laos is great for cycling. Slow traffic and not dangerous. Book a sleeper train from Bangkok at least one month in advance to the last station before the Friendship bridge into Laos. That way you will be rested and in the morning start your trip into Laos. Be careful in Cambodia as the traffic is chaotic and the drivers are reckless. I personally will never cycle in Cambodia again. A way to avoid danger is to drive against the traffic, on the wrong side, so you will see all the oncoming traffic and avoid the exhaust of slow trucks.
Good luck and happy trails,
Jörg.
Thanks Jörg
Great area to explore by bike. I went north-east from Bangkok towards Laos, but went back up north-west to Chang Mai and entered Laos on the most norhter crossing. Laos is awesome, light traffic, great nature, cheap. Cambodia not so much, but their people are warmest and kindest in the region. Since you only have 6 weeks, I'd say take a train to Chang Mai, go to Vientiane through Luang Prabang. Central Laos is more interesting if you hit the mountians closer to Vietnam. Stop at 10000 islands, watch some river dolphins. In Cambodia hit straight to Siem Reap then onward to Thailand. Coastal route in Thailand is busy and not that intersting, except for few beaches, I'd hit it more inland. Getting back into Bangkok is intense but doable.
Have fun!
Thanks Boban
I enjoyed cycling most in northern Thailand and northern Laos. My touring buddy and I split ways in Laos and he continued south while I went east into Vietnam. The Champasak Providence in southern Laos is nice I've heard. I intend to return to cycle there someday. Depending on which route you choose, how far you want to go each day and how many rest days you want to take, you may run out of time. I didn't like the cycling options as much in Cambodia so that's why I prioritized Thailand and Laos (and Vietnam -- I had 3 months) over Cambodia. I took two buses through Cambodia and found the bus companies to be accommodating and resonable.
My route from 2016-17: http://www.brewcitybiker.com/where-am-i/
Hello Beth, thank you for your information. is it necessary to have your own tent in Thailand and Laos, or are there enough places to stay overnight?
I had my tent and used it at times, but since guesthouses are for the most part within day away and are fairly cheap (especially if you can split the cost with someone) and have water you can shower with, you are not in any need to have your tent with you. I'm coming back to the region, to mostly cycle Vietnam, and I'm planning travelling light this time, with no camping gear whatsoever.
I agree, I would not recommend bringing a tent. I always had a guesthouse within a day's riding distance. I too plan to return to the region to bike tour and this time I will be with a group so we will probably split two guesthouse rooms between the four of us.
Cheers! Happy touring!