Bicycling from LP to Hanoi?

We are thinking of doing this. Has anyone tried this before? Are the roads ok? How many km is it?

All feedback is appreciated!

Bicycling from LP to Hanoi?

Knabra, haven%26#39;t ridden that way. Thorn Tree is often good for this kind of discussion. I did a quick search and got this thread that might be a helpful start.

www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/thread.jspa… The ';On Your Bike'; forum is very helpful there too.

Note that many roads in Laos aren%26#39;t always paved, but still passable although some more caution is required in the rainy months.

Make sure you plan a border crossing that is open and that you have your Vietnam visa in advance (I think it would be tricky without that).

Sounds a really good ride, hope it works out and you let us know how it went.

Cheers, --Kip

Bicycling from LP to Hanoi?

Hi - it was in the paper last week that you can now get visas issued at NaMeo, the border crossing in Houaphan, the closest crossing to Hanoi. I used to be a mad keen cycle tourist but have only done this route by truck, a few times - Luang Prabang - Phonsavanh - Sam Neua - Vietnam border.

The road is a widing narrow mountain road from about 40km out of Phonsavanh all the way to the border. The surface is tarsealed but has holes %26amp; landslide damage etc - but OK for a bike.

The distances are about 200km LP to Phonsavanh, 240km Phonsavanh to Sam Neua, and then about 100km to the border.

It would be a great route if you are fit, and passes the ViengXai caves and the standing stones.

Thanks for great info! Sadly I got sick and ended up taking the plain to Hanoi (wich was nice by the way). Maybe some other time..