Motorbiking in Asia forum

tsargood

You'll love Lao roads, NOT!!!!

At times there are bitumen roads, but with many massive potholes. At other times, graded dirt (and slop) is the go, many, though are dirt (with all that that entails).

I hired at Luang Nam Tha. Though the regulations say otherwise, you can get at Luang Prabang (more expensive because of the regulations), and I know you can can get in Vientiane. It depends on your place of entry.

Some rental agencies want your passport, others just a copy. Some say only so far from town, others don't care.

THE recognised bike authority is:

http://www.gt-rider.com/

But there are plenty of others, try:

http://www.laoyp.com/automotive/automobile-motorbike-and-bicycles-rentals/

- - - - -

And, there are motorbike tour groups:

http://www.greentrail-indochina.com/laos/laos_motorbike_tours.html

or

http://www.prlog.org/10091390-laos-adventure-tour-on-motorbike.html

Cheers

Tim

I had an idea that may also help...

Let me first explain my thinking...

You don't say how long you want to rent for, but! In Laos, the price of newer or good repair bikes don't appear to be readily negotiable. So, say you want one for about 3 or 4 weeks, then it's likely you'll pay as much to rent as the bike is actually worth.

Another aspect is that I only saw the 110/125 type (Japanese or Chinese / Korean equivalents), or 250 Baja types. That doesn't mean they weren't there, but it was only those two types that were apparent. This then brings up the question of maintenance. If you plan to be 'out there', ask yourself what sort of repairs / spare parts you might be able to get in the back of beyond for a bike no-one had seen.

Another option may be to actually buy a new bike when you arrive, and sell it when you leave.

I saw many pamphlets in GH's in Vietnam by people who'd bought and were now selling their freedom machine. This brings up the idea that maybe you might be better served to buy in Vietnam (with ownership papers, etc.) and ride into Laos. You may be able to get a better quality bike for less in Vietnam than Laos. I say 'may' because I don't know and you'll need to do your own research.

Though a bit dated, Travelfish have a story on bike purchase in Vietnam:

http://www.travelfish.org/feature/94

As for research, please email GT Rider with your questions. I've inquired there and the owner knows heaps about bikes in/around Laos. GT Rider has better maps of Laos than anyone, and apparently the Laos gov't copies the GT Rider maps for their own use!!

ps. GT Rider means Golden Triangle Rider, so the focus is nthn Thailand, Myanmar, nthn Laos, etc.

Cheers

There's a very good sticky thread on GT-Rider about rental outlets in Vientiane along with trip reports in Laos and Thailand etc.

http://www.gt-rider.com/thailand-motorcycle-forum/motorcycle-rental-in-laos-t86.html

And yes of course Jules Classic Rentals next to the Phimphone Market.
http://www.bike-rental-laos.com/

I managed to get a XR 250 which is well looked after. It has a jules classic rentals sticker on but the place didn't seem to have anything to do with the plae in Vientaine. (Probably an ex rental of thiers) It was a small garage on the road to the airport on the right, they had a baja but I went for the slightly smaller XR as I've only got Weiner legs.

Its a good bike, they gave it a service before hand and I've had no trouble with it yet. We're planing a road trip from Luang Prebang to Vang Vieng and Phonsavan then back in a few days so hopefully it will hold up, I'll report back if I don't die.