Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > West and South Asia
Roads in Cambodia and Laos Roads in Cambodia and Laos
Register FAQ Calendar Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
West and South Asia From Turkey to Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Ladakh and Bangladesh
Photo by Ellen Delis, Lagunas Ojos del Campo, Antofalla, Catamarca

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Ellen Delis,
Lagunas Ojos del Campo,
Antofalla, Catamarca



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 22 Mar 2004
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Leeds, Yorkshire, UK
Posts: 71
Roads in Cambodia and Laos
We will be in Cambodia and Laos in May/June and as it will be the monsoon are wondering what the roads will be like. We have seen some pictures on asiantales.com which show that the roads in Cambodia are washed out. Does anyone know if there are any tarmac roads in Cambodia or Laos and if they are affected when the monsoon comes.

As ever responses are very much appreciated.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 25 Mar 2004
Billy Bunter's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: London, England
Posts: 183
Since it was March when i was there i cant say for definite.... but since no one else replied thought it may be useful.... There are excellent roads in alot of Laos, american money i beleive, and would be surprised if they became impassable but i would imagine Cambodia a very different scenario. The roads directly around Pnom Penn are ok but outside of this they tend to be rough dusty (in dry weather!!) tracks... i think you would have alot of problems when they get flooded out.... the journey to and from Angkor Watt for instance would be hellish.... i then went north directly into Laos and couldnt imagine this being at all posible in bad weather with a loaded bike....

Thats my imput on it... anyone else know better??

Anyway, best of luck.
__________________
Will

Some day so soon....
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 25 Mar 2004
simmo's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: melbourne
Posts: 555
A freind has just come back from riding a push bike around Cambodia. he has some piccies of roads on his site.
http://chrisidle5118.fotopic.net/c138972.html
cheers
alec
__________________
Close to Antarctica and a long way from reality
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 25 Mar 2004
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: B.C. Canada
Posts: 209
There is good current info on Thailand, Laos,and Cambodia for bikers at www.gt-rider.com
cheers
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 28 Mar 2004
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Hilden, NRW, Germany
Posts: 20
Hi, we've just been in Cambodia and Laos and put a road report on our website. Sorry, everything is in english, but if you use a translation program you could get a rough idea
Cambodia: http://www.bikesonworldtour.de/pageID_1169085.html (Asphalt = Tarmac , Erdpiste = Dirt Road)
Laos: http://www.bikesonworldtour.de/pageID_1233095.html
In Laos, the highway 13 is from the border in the south up to the Chinese Border in the North paved and mostly in excellent condition. We enjoyed the part between Vientiane and Luang Prabang. But also Highway 7 and 6 up to Sam Neua was great fun (all paved). So for the main part of Laos it should be no problem to travel during the rainy season.

Have fun
Ulrike and Kai
http://www.bikesonworldtour.de

------------------
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 28 Mar 2004
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Hilden, NRW, Germany
Posts: 20
Hi, we've just been in Cambodia and Laos and put a road report on our website. Sorry, everything is in German, but if you use a translation program you could get a rough idea
Cambodia: http://www.bikesonworldtour.de/pageID_1169085.html (Asphalt = Tarmac , Erdpiste = Dirt Road)
Laos: http://www.bikesonworldtour.de/pageID_1233095.html
In Laos, the highway 13 is from the border in the south up to the Chinese Border in the North paved and mostly in excellent condition. We enjoyed the part between Vientiane and Luang Prabang. But also Highway 7 and 6 up to Sam Neua was great fun (all paved). So for the main part of Laos it should be no problem to travel during the rainy season.

Have fun
Ulrike and Kai
http://www.bikesonworldtour.de

------------------
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 28 Mar 2004
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: los angeles, california
Posts: 2
Cambodia's roads are a joke. The only paved stretches are only found in the cities like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Otherwise expect dust, bus swallowing pot holes, bribe hungry cops, and oh yeah... landmines.

So many bumps you'll be on a motorcross.

Laotian roads, on the other hand are quite good.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 28 Mar 2004
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Gerrards Cross, Bucks, UK
Posts: 150
Hi Simon and Rachel,

Hope all's well with you both.

As stated above, the main highways in Laos are paved and reasonably good, although you will find some rough/dirt/mud patches up in the northern hills between Udomxai and Luang Nam Tha - that's where Lisa had her little accident.

Cambodian roads aren't so good, but if you're only going as far as Siem Reap you shouldn't have too many problems. The road is paved from the border to a town called Siphon and then it's a two or three hour ride to Siem Reap on a dirt road. When we were there work was being done on the road beyond Siphon to pave it, but I have no idea if that's been finished. The dirt road has some hard core and, although rough and bumpy, shouldn't be too bad when wet. If it's dry you can ride in the loose dirt on the edge of the road which is much smoother and good fun. I would put our ride to and from Siem Reap amongst the best days of our trip.

The best thing to do is to go and find out!

Take care and ride safe,

Harvey

------------------
no pipe, no slippers
www.chasingthesun.org
__________________
no pipe, no slippers
www.chasingthesun.org
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes
Linear Mode Linear Mode

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 13:18.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top