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melmariet
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Hello! I am traveling with a friend considering trying one of the many motorcycle loops famous in sea. Unfortunately we are both inexperienced, and hoping for some advice as to some ways to get comfortable and prepared for taking the journey. Can anyone ( suggest easy day trips in northern laos or Vietnam? And recommendations for what might be an easier safer route than the king lor loop? I was looking at this loop, http://www.travelfish.org/feature/19
wondering if having paved roads would make it better?
Obviously we would wear helmets, go slow, etc. Thanks!
#1 Posted: 29/1/2013 - 00:13
caseyprich
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Well I was a super-noob when I did the Bolavan long loop in Southern Laos and had no problems with it at all. One great thing about getting your road legs in Laos is that the drivers are very courteous and the traffic not very bad. I wouldn't start riding a bike in Vietnam.
Anyway, the road from Pakse to Tad Lo is a breeze, and then from Tad Lo over to Paksong is very quiet and relaxed. Get to see a number of nice waterfalls, and both Tad Lo and Paksong are very unique. I don't think the wider loop is necessary unless you have the time and just want to enjoy the ride.
http://www.travelfish.org/feature/83
http://www.travelfish.org/feature/10
#2 Posted: 29/1/2013 - 00:43
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千里之行，始于足下
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melmariet
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Thanks! I will look into it, If only I hadn't just arrived in Vientiane from pakse! Just missed it. Are there any other nice loops in Laos further north of Vientiane?
#3 Posted: 29/1/2013 - 01:10
fondo
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Well, I don't think it's a very good idea. Someone's trouble free run doesn't mean that they all are. The annals of SEA tourism are littered with stories about motorcyle mishaps.
I'd also inspect one of those helmets before you start thinking that it might act as a safely device.
#4 Posted: 29/1/2013 - 01:18
caseyprich
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I'm not sure about what the 'loop' is like, but I have some friends who rented motorbikes a few years back to explore around Luang Nam Tha and they enjoyed it very much.
#5 Posted: 29/1/2013 - 06:48
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千里之行，始于足下
Captain_Bob
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The road from Luang Namtha to Muang Sing is about 55km good sealed surface and passes some pretty interesting territory. Can also continue down the road to Xieng Kok on the Mekong but that stretch of road is a bit more seasonal. You can rent simple 110cc scooters in Luang Namtha on the main drag, then maybe use it around town for a day to get used to it and/or reveal any problems before you head to Muang Sing. You can also ride to the Chinese border, also 55km and back again in a day. Traffic is generally light on these roads but look out for big blue Chinese trucks hauling ass down the middle of the road.
#6 Posted: 8/3/2013 - 09:18
MADMAC
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Learn to ride before you come or ride in rural areas with little traffic. Traffic volume can be high here, and drivers are insane half the time, moronic the other half. Most new riders get small bikes without a clutch, but the reality is these bikes are harder to drive and less safe than something a bit larger with a clutch. Be careful, as the environment is pretty unforgiving.
#7 Posted: 10/3/2013 - 05:36
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Victory in Pattani
ricwolt
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Hello
I will arriving in Vietnam around April 27 2013 and want to buy a motorcycle in HCM to ride to Hanoi.
Anyone out there want to do something simular and possibly travel together.
Can anyone recommend a place to buy a motorcycle in HCM
#8 Posted: 8/4/2013 - 23:24
MADMAC
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For bike sales in Saigon, try this link:
http://www.expat-blog.com/en/classifieds/asia/vietnam/ho-chi-minh-city/motorbikes.html
#9 Posted: 9/4/2013 - 00:38
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Victory in Pattani