Mekong River boat trip 2017

[KTMphil]

Sailing the Mekong River from Luang Prabang to Pakbeng is a very popular tourist activity in Laos. Backpackers usually continue upstream to Houy Xai the next day. Pakbeng used to have a terrible reputation for a dump of a town on the banks of the Mekong. It's improved a lot over the years, but if you're doing the Mekong River by boat then the best way to go is with your own boat. Put your bikes on board & sail down the Mekong River in style, eating & drinking as you go. There is phone service on about 50% of the river - but still a totally stress free relaxing day (apart from loading the bikes).



image by Triangle Golden 007, on Flickr



Our boat is registered at 70 tonnes. The loading begins.



image by Triangle Golden 007, on Flickr

 

[KTMphil]

Re: Mekong River boat trip 2016

A few rapids even in dry season, so the bikes are secured with ropes

_DSC2433_edited by Triangle Golden 007, on Flickr



Early morning departure, time for some breakfast

_DSC2428_edited by Triangle Golden 007, on Flickr



_DSC2427_edited by Triangle Golden 007, on Flickr



_DSC2435_edited by Triangle Golden 007, on Flickr




The boat skipper at his duty post (even a Hino truck steering wheel column)


_DSC2437_edited by Triangle Golden 007, on Flickr



An untouched riverside life


_DSC2442_edited by Triangle Golden 007, on Flickr



_DSC2439_edited by Triangle Golden 007, on Flickr



Speed boat taxi's zip by at 40-50 km/hr

_DSC2443_edited by Triangle Golden 007, on Flickr


Up-front, great place to get the best photo's

_DSC2445_edited by Triangle Golden 007, on Flickr




Remote villages

_DSC2446_edited by Triangle Golden 007, on Flickr



_DSC2447_edited by Triangle Golden 007, on Flickr




Mixture of sand beaches and rocks

_DSC2449_edited by Triangle Golden 007, on Flickr



Bikes are staying put

_DSC2450_edited by Triangle Golden 007, on Flickr



Rocks everywhere, constant watch needed

_DSC2452_edited by Triangle Golden 007, on Flickr



_DSC2453_edited by Triangle Golden 007, on Flickr



Having a nice sleep


_DSC2511_edited by Triangle Golden 007, on Flickr





_DSC2509_edited by Triangle Golden 007, on Flickr

 

[KTMphil]

Re: Mekong River boat trip 2016

More to come........

 

[mactbkk]

Re: Mekong River boat trip 2016

Phil

Standinherg by for the "more....".

My sister and brother in law were over here from Oregon January 2016, we took the Shoompoo Cruise from Houei Sai down to Pak Beng, great trip, scenic. Next morning a Ford Everest and driver picked us up, on across the river, drive to Xieng Lom, lunch, where I'd lived for a few months fall 1967, then on to Hong Sa for the night, lived here, too, fall 1966. Next morning on to LP via the back road, 4B I think it is, good trip. Out of LP, north a bit, then east to about the end, and south over a very rough trail/road to Phou Kout and on to Phonsavan.

A Q for you: What did the boat charter cost?

Mac

 

[KTMphil]

Re: Mekong River boat trip 2016

Mac


Boat for motorbikes and food, will cost you anywhere between 15,000 - 20,000 Baht

Phil

Standinherg by for the "more....".

My sister and brother in law were over here from Oregon January 2016, we took the Shoompoo Cruise from Houei Sai down to Pak Beng, great trip, scenic. Next morning a Ford Everest and driver picked us up, on across the river, drive to Xieng Lom, lunch, where I'd lived for a few months fall 1967, then on to Hong Sa for the night, lived here, too, fall 1966. Next morning on to LP via the back road, 4B I think it is, good trip. Out of LP, north a bit, then east to about the end, and south over a very rough trail/road to Phou Kout and on to Phonsavan.

A Q for you: What did the boat charter cost?

Mac

 

[KTMphil]

The Tham Ting Caves

_DSC2456_edited by Triangle Golden 007, on Flickr



_DSC2462_edited by Triangle Golden 007, on Flickr



_DSC2464_edited by Triangle Golden 007, on Flickr



100's if not 1,000's of Buddha statues


_DSC2465_edited by Triangle Golden 007, on Flickr



_DSC2467_edited by Triangle Golden 007, on Flickr



_DSC2468_edited by Triangle Golden 007, on Flickr




_DSC2469_edited by Triangle Golden 007, on Flickr



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_DSC2474_edited by Triangle Golden 007, on Flickr



_DSC2475_edited by Triangle Golden 007, on Flickr

 

[KTMphil]

Whoa! - The beauty of the mighty Khong and its way of life

_DSC2541_edited by Triangle Golden 007, on Flickr


This why the dont transit at night


_DSC2539_edited by Triangle Golden 007, on Flickr



Buffalo cooling off


_DSC2534_edited by Triangle Golden 007, on Flickr



_DSC2537_edited by Triangle Golden 007, on Flickr



Going home to the village, no road access


_DSC2536_edited by Triangle Golden 007, on Flickr



_DSC2531_edited by Triangle Golden 007, on Flickr



Fishing on the Mekong River


_DSC2530_edited by Triangle Golden 007, on Flickr



Beautiful villages


_DSC2528_edited by Triangle Golden 007, on Flickr



_DSC2532_edited by Triangle Golden 007, on Flickr




_DSC2527_edited by Triangle Golden 007, on Flickr


Delicious lunch

_DSC2518_edited by Triangle Golden 007, on Flickr


_DSC2514_edited by Triangle Golden 007, on Flickr










Nap time


_DSC2521_edited by Triangle Golden 007, on Flickr




_DSC2488_edited by Triangle Golden 007, on Flickr

 

[KTMphil]

More beautiful villages


_DSC2501_edited by Triangle Golden 007, on Flickr



Catching a slower boat


_DSC2497_edited by Triangle Golden 007, on Flickr



Fish traps


_DSC2496_edited by Triangle Golden 007, on Flickr



_DSC2495_edited by Triangle Golden 007, on Flickr



Nearly passed


_DSC2492_edited by Triangle Golden 007, on Flickr



Out of season boats moth balled


_DSC2491_edited by Triangle Golden 007, on Flickr



When it all goes wrong

_DSC2489_edited by Triangle Golden 007, on Flickr

 

[KTMphil]

Early morning start on the Mekong River




Well organized breakfast with coffee all prepared




Wooden fender poles all tangled up with the next boat







Then finally free almost out of the docking spot






Sep Lai







More on the whole trip here:



http://www.rideasia.net/motorcycle-forum/threads/8893-China-expedition-April-2017





..

 

[KTMphil]

A few of the mighty Kong more from on board

 

[nikhuzlan]

Marvellous Boat Ride. The only thing really noticeable was the total and absolute lack of wildlife along the river. Not even birds and monkeys.

 

[KTMphil]

Marvellous Boat Ride. The only thing really noticeable was the total and absolute lack of wildlife along the river. Not even birds and monkeys.

 

[oldbloke]

I wouldn't mind doing something like this in November... what would water levels be like then?

 

[KTMphil]

I wouldn't mind doing something like this in November... what would water levels be like then?

Water levels shouldn't be a problem.