*edit - oops, meant Nong Khai!

Gotta go to Vientianne next week to get a new visa. Can't afford to fly and would rather not suffer the bus again, so contemplating taking the bike as far as Nong Khai. Any hints, tips and past experiences would be greatly appreciated.

cheers!

Tip number 1 - Enjoy the scenery

Tip number 2 - Look out for those recycled car tyre waste bins - they can distract your attention.

Its a great road!

Ally

I drove down to see the mrs's family late last year, its a good drive, took me about 7 1/2 hrs with a stop or 2.

would be great to do it on a big bike rather than in a car. enjoy

Keo: Did a web search for the Meeting Place Nong Khai, and their web site turned up. Apparently a new owner but the place is still in operation. If you are thinking of finding a place to leave the bike for a couple of days you could call ahead and make sure - their phone was listed. Other readers here might have different suggestions that are more up to date as I haven't been to Nong Khai for three or four years. Sorry I can't recommend a good place to break the trip as I never did myself, but I would think there should be some nice places to stay for all the people that go up into the national parks.

Good luck on the trip.

PS: for thaimiller: That was 7.5 hours from CM to Nong Khai with two stops!

Keo: Did a web search for the Meeting Place Nong Khai, and their web site turned up. Apparently a new owner but the place is still in operation. If you are thinking of finding a place to leave the bike for a couple of days you could call ahead and make sure - their phone was listed. Other readers here might have different suggestions that are more up to date as I haven't been to Nong Khai for three or four years. Sorry I can't recommend a good place to break the trip as I never did myself, but I would think there should be some nice places to stay for all the people that go up into the national parks.

Good luck on the trip.

PS: for thaimiller: That was 7.5 hours from CM to Nong Khai with two stops!

no that was just to Khon Khen from CM, sorry for the confusion, the stops were just toilet stops nothing more than about 10 minutes.

PS: for thaimiller: That was 7.5 hours from CM to Nong Khai with two stops!

no that was just to Khon Khen from CM, sorry for the confusion, the stops were just toilet stops nothing more than about 10 minutes.

Shucks, I was going to nominate you for the lead if they ever do a 'Smokey and the Bandit in Thailand' movie....

Keo: Did a web search for the Meeting Place Nong Khai, and their web site turned up. Apparently a new owner but the place is still in operation. If you are thinking of finding a place to leave the bike for a couple of days you could call ahead and make sure - their phone was listed. Other readers here might have different suggestions that are more up to date as I haven't been to Nong Khai for three or four years. Sorry I can't recommend a good place to break the trip as I never did myself, but I would think there should be some nice places to stay for all the people that go up into the national parks.

Good luck on the trip.

PS: for thaimiller: That was 7.5 hours from CM to Nong Khai with two stops!

'

I heard the Meeting Place is up for sale!

Anyone know if this is true?

The Meeting Place was GREAT FUN when Allen the Aussie used to run it many moons ago.

RIP!

*edit - oops, meant Nong Khai!

Gotta go to Vientianne next week to get a new visa. Can't afford to fly and would rather not suffer the bus again, so contemplating taking the bike as far as Nong Khai. Any hints, tips and past experiences would be greatly appreciated.

cheers!

The way to go....

R11 Chiang Mai - Lampang - Uttaradit

35 kms south of Uttaradit turn left (east) onto R1246

Follow 1246 approx 12 kms to the Ban Pae intersection. At the Ban Pae intersection TURN RIGHT onto R1143

Stay on 1143 to Chat Trakarn & Nakon Thai. R1143 is an exhilarating ride on twisting rolling undulating asphalt.

In Nakhon Thai turn left onto R2013 to a T Junction (just before Dan Sai). Turn left, then a right to stay on R2013, passing through Dan Sai. R2013 is a brilliant steep & winding motorcycle ride.

Stay on R2013 from Dan Sai to R203. (R2013 from Dan Sai - R203 is a superb fast flowing swooping motorbike ride.)

At the junction with R203, turn left & follow it into Loei.

Overnight in Loei.

The Kings Hotel is my favourite.

Have a massage here, they are good.

Eat & drink at the Muang Loei Pub. Good food & music. The steamed fish es exceptionally good. (Pla Tubtim Neung Manao.)

Then later 10.30PM+ hit the Robot Disco night club for a great night out. All the coyote gals sing as well as dance & the Robot is always an absolute winner for a good night out in Loei.

From Loei head north to Chiang Khan on R27.

In Chiang Khan turn right onto R211 for a brilliant roller coaster asphalt road & ride alongside the Mekong.

In Nong Khai my fave hotel is the lady boy owned Pantawee Hotel.

You can park your motorbike here while you do your visa run.

Check out these GT Rider reports for photos & more info.

Chiang Mai – Nong Khai Return

Chiang Mai – Luang Prabang return