Hello WS friends,
I'm planning a cycle trip from Vientiane (Laos) to Chiang Mai (Thailand).
I'd arrive in Vientiane on 29 Nov and start riding on 30 Nov.
I'll fly back home from Chiang Mai on 23 Dec.
I have two ideas
Option 1 - From Vientiane, cycle South and head over the friendship bridge into Thailand. Ride 600km to Chiang Mai. Leave some gear in Chiang Mai to save some weight, then ride the 650km Mae Hong Son loop.
Option 2 - From Vientiane, cycle North to Luang Prabang and a few other towns just North of that area. Then ride East to Chiang Mai. This option is approx. 1100 km to Chiang Mai. From CM, ride the first day of the Mae Hong Son loop to Pai, then return to Chiang Mai.
I'm a 36 year old male from Australia. This will be my fourth cycle touring trip. I'll be aiming to ride about 60-100km per day with a rest day roughly every three days. I'd also like to spend some time visiting some of the key destinations along the way (I've booked 2 nights in both Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang).
Reach out to me if any parts of this plan interest you and we can setup a video chat to say hi. No pressure to join :)
Cheers,
Jase
I've decided to follow option 2 to Chiang Mai. I think that it will be a lot more scenic and it will provide the opportunity to see some more of Laos.
Get in touch if you are interested.
Option 2 look nice
We are currently in luang prabang, coming from phonsavan and are heading north east to Vietnam.
Have a look on the Myanmar Thailand border news, there was still conflict few weeks ago.
And have a good ride :)
Bonjour Adrien,
Your trip sounds lovely. How is Laos treating you? How long are you traveling for?
Yes option 2 is a nicer option, much more to see and do along the way. Thanks for the reminder on the Myanmar conflict. I don't think I will be near that area, but I will be sure to follow the news just in case it spreads. I visited Myanmar in 2016, such beautiful people and country. It's so sad that they're going through bad times again.
Jase
North of Laos is hilly and roads not too busy, it's possible to freedom camp or find cheap guest house. Food is cheap but not exceptional as a vegetarian.
And no rain, hot everyday, between 15 and 25.
It's definitely somewhere to explore, people are so welcoming in every little village and intrigued by bicycle travelers.
We started a month ago in bangkok and are going to vietnam next, down to Ho Chi Minh. Taiwan, Japan znd North Corea will follow before going back to Europe