scomoore1
backpacker
Posts: 14

#1 Posted: 5/3/2008 - 11:02


I just heard a traveller report that last October, he was unable to rent a motorcycle anywhere in Pakse. I was hoping to do 'the loop' by cycle or scooter from Pakse based on Travelfish and various guidebook reports. Is it true that one can no longer rent cycles? Or was this a temporary condition based on transient security issues? Or something else?
Am planning to be there in May.

Lother
flashpacker
Posts: 39

Located in:
Earth

#2 Posted: 5/3/2008 - 16:45


I was in Pakse late November and at least then there were many places to rent from. The basic models go for 7-8 $ / day. I heartily recommend riding around the Southern provinces, it was one of the highlights of my latest trip.

One word of caution though, the more direct jungle road from Pak Song to Attapeu (via Bang Bengkhua Kham) is a bit of a challenge if you're not experienced, especially in this direction. Magnificient views and interesting ride though, but maybe better in the other direction. For some strange reason the Travelfish map on http://www.travelfish.org/feature/83 doesn't show the other better but less interesting road from Pak Song to Tha Teng.

srsdj
longtail driver
Posts: 7

#3 Posted: 7/3/2008 - 09:29


I had no problem finding two Honda 100 scooters to rent in Pakse mid-December 2007 for eight days. They were both in excellent as-new condition.

But I had a lot of difficulty finding bicycles to rent in Luang Prabang!

regina5
motodop
Posts: 25

#4 Posted: 12/3/2008 - 00:22


We arrived in Pakse on January 21. 2008. We had to wait til the next day for a motorcycle to become available. We rented from Lankham Hotel- an almost new scooter in perfect condition (Their helmets are pretty useless though, except for not getting a sunburn.) 8$ a day when renting for more than 3 days. 9$ a day for less than 4 days. We didn't do the Bolaven loop. Instead we rode to Champasak and on to Ban Khiet Ngong. We also visited Ban Saphai on Don Kho. The best way to get around!

scomoore1
backpacker
Posts: 14

#5 Posted: 27/3/2008 - 03:01


Much appreciated.

scomoore1
backpacker
Posts: 14

#6 Posted: 30/3/2008 - 05:26


Another question about the motorcycle rentals in Pakse.

Did you find it necessary to leave your passports with the rental agency? I've read on a couple of older travel blog entries that this was done. I've always balked at the prospect of parting with my passport.

regina5
motodop
Posts: 25

#7 Posted: 30/3/2008 - 05:56


Yes, renting from Lankham Hotel, we had to leave a passport. We didn't try to argue the point because we were 2 people, so we still had one passport for checking into guesthouses, changing money etc. I can see where the problem lies when travelling alone. Perhaps a photo copy will do for those situations. But most rental agencies are probably going to want to keep their hands on your passport as long as you have their bike. Maybe someone else has had a different experience??

scomoore1
backpacker
Posts: 14

#8 Posted: 23/6/2008 - 01:16


Update on motorbikes from Lankham Hotel in Pakse: We're back from Laos and we did use the motorbikes from the Lankham Hotel. Be sure to check out that everything works on the bike, such as the headlight and turn signals, because they don't check the bikes out thoroughly after each rental. And check the fuel level! These motorbikes are very durable.

Traveling to Champassak by motorbike was no trouble at all. Very enjoyable to stop at innumerable places along the way.

somtam2000
admin
mahout
Posts: 2589

Located in:
Indonesia

#9 Posted: 23/6/2008 - 12:46


Thanks for the report back -- how was your trip?

regina5
motodop
Posts: 25

#10 Posted: 23/6/2008 - 12:56


When did u get back? How was the weather then? Thanx

scomoore1
backpacker
Posts: 14

#11 Posted: 25/6/2008 - 00:51


It was a great trip. Getting around by motorbike is the way to go. Especially liked Don Khong... very quiet and slow paced. Muang Khong's restaurants delivered meal after meal of fresh ingredients and some distinctive twists on Lao/Thai standards.

About Don Khong and the southern islands: We decided to take a minivan to Hat Sai Khun and take a boat across to Muang Khong, the biggest settlement on Don Khong. The air conditioned minivan service arranged by Lane Xang travel (next to the Lankham Hotel in Pakse) was a dissappointment... the van did not possess sufficient a/c to keep the passengers cool and was filthy. A gentle protest among the youngish British passengers caused that driver and his buddy/assistant from persisting with overfilling the van at the Champasak stop. Fortunately, there is at least one ready alternative: Pakse Travel also arranges minivan service between Pakse and points south all the way to the Cambodian border... it is new, cool and I wish I'd booked with them.

Southern Laos was searingly hot... much hotter than I'd expected. Next time I'll bring more sunscreen, a good idea if your fair skinned anyway, and especially if you're taking doxacycline as malaria profalaxis. (The stuff causes greater sun sensitivity.)

I'll go back...