Du sud de la Chine au nord Laos à vélo
by Taonature
This discussion is in French, the community’s main language.
Original post
Bonjour,
Aprés un mois passe en chine avec mes deux enfants, je receptionne notre tandem et carriole à jinghong et souhaite prendre la route du Laos à vélo. Mes questions sont les suivantes:la route jusqu'à la frontière laotienne (mengla puis boten) ne sont elles pas trop vallonnées puis de Boten à Nong Khiaw ou jusqu'à long Prabang? Me faut il plut^ot prendre un bus jusqu'à Long Nam Tha ? Ou jusqu'à Oudomxai puis démarrer là notre périple à vélo jusqu'à Non Khiaw puis long Prabang? Ce sont surtout les cotes que je crains avce notre chargement...
Merci de vos réponses,
Claire
"Le voyage est ton Père. Quand tu te seras trouvé tu rentreras et la Terre sera ta Mère" Proverbe Zanskari
onjour,
Je ne connais qu'une partie du parcours (effectué dans l'autre sens en août dernier)
Voilà notre trajet :
Vientiane -> Ban Khuen (ne pas confondre avec Ban Na Khuen) 64 kms : facile Ban Khuen -> Nam Na 31 kms : valonné mais facile Nan Na -> Vang Vieng 105 kms : valloné mais facile Van ieng -> Kasi 60 kms : montagneux Kasi -> Phou Khoun 42 kms : montagneux ++ Phou Khoun -> Kiu Kacham 51 kms : montagneux ++ Kiu Kacham -> Luang Prabang 78 kms : montagneux ++ (plus difficile dans l'autre sens) Luang Prabang -> Pakmong 111 kms : valonné Pakmong -> Luang Namtha (Bus) : voir plus bas Luang Namtha -> Vieng Phoukha 61 kms : montagneux ++ Vieng Phoukha -> Huay Xay 121 kms : montagneux ++
Concernant le trajet Pakmong -> Luang Namtha nous avons pris le bus pour les raisons suivantes :
- pour le tronçon Luang Namtha - Udomxai nous avons suivi les recommandations du site Hobomap et nous avons pris le bus; la route est en excellent état mais étroite et bordée de fossés; si deux camions se croisent alors qu'un te double (et ils roulent vite vu l'état de la chaussée) , tu ne peux pas te rabattre sur le bas côté; donc, très dangereux; en général, au Laos, quand un camion ou un bus double, le chauffeur s'écarte bien du cycliste; en revanche, s'il n'a pas la place pour te doubler, il klaxonne sans trop ralentir et c'est à toi de dégager sur le bas coté;
- pour le tronçon Udomxai-pakmonk, c'est très montagneux et le revetement de la chaussée est par endroits en très mauvais état; nous avons pris le bus parce qu'en période de mousson, nos vélos ne passait pas (6 heures de bus quand même pour une cinquantaine de kms) : voir la photo prise à Pakmong en direction d'Oudomxai, l'état de la route nous a convaincu de prendre le bus vu qu'on n'avait pas de VTT;
Pour les profils de route : http://www.bikemap.net
Si tu as besoin d'autres renseignements, n'hésite pas
Je ne connais qu'une partie du parcours (effectué dans l'autre sens en août dernier)
Voilà notre trajet :
Vientiane -> Ban Khuen (ne pas confondre avec Ban Na Khuen) 64 kms : facile Ban Khuen -> Nam Na 31 kms : valonné mais facile Nan Na -> Vang Vieng 105 kms : valloné mais facile Van ieng -> Kasi 60 kms : montagneux Kasi -> Phou Khoun 42 kms : montagneux ++ Phou Khoun -> Kiu Kacham 51 kms : montagneux ++ Kiu Kacham -> Luang Prabang 78 kms : montagneux ++ (plus difficile dans l'autre sens) Luang Prabang -> Pakmong 111 kms : valonné Pakmong -> Luang Namtha (Bus) : voir plus bas Luang Namtha -> Vieng Phoukha 61 kms : montagneux ++ Vieng Phoukha -> Huay Xay 121 kms : montagneux ++
Concernant le trajet Pakmong -> Luang Namtha nous avons pris le bus pour les raisons suivantes :
- pour le tronçon Luang Namtha - Udomxai nous avons suivi les recommandations du site Hobomap et nous avons pris le bus; la route est en excellent état mais étroite et bordée de fossés; si deux camions se croisent alors qu'un te double (et ils roulent vite vu l'état de la chaussée) , tu ne peux pas te rabattre sur le bas côté; donc, très dangereux; en général, au Laos, quand un camion ou un bus double, le chauffeur s'écarte bien du cycliste; en revanche, s'il n'a pas la place pour te doubler, il klaxonne sans trop ralentir et c'est à toi de dégager sur le bas coté;
- pour le tronçon Udomxai-pakmonk, c'est très montagneux et le revetement de la chaussée est par endroits en très mauvais état; nous avons pris le bus parce qu'en période de mousson, nos vélos ne passait pas (6 heures de bus quand même pour une cinquantaine de kms) : voir la photo prise à Pakmong en direction d'Oudomxai, l'état de la route nous a convaincu de prendre le bus vu qu'on n'avait pas de VTT;
Pour les profils de route : http://www.bikemap.net
Si tu as besoin d'autres renseignements, n'hésite pas
Pour avoir fait ce chemin en sens inverse en Mai 2012, je peu te dire que c'est pas la Hollande! Pas de vrais cols proprement dits, mais c'est les contreforts de la chaine himalayenne (n'est pas peur). Des cotes de 5 à 20km de long entre Jinghong et Vientiane.
J'ai aucune infos au sujet des bus, mais ça serait dommage de zapper cette partie, quitte a rouler plus doucement! Des paysages superbes dans les rizières en escaliers et les champs de thé à flanc de montagnes. Il y a une autoroute qui double la route nationale 213, du coup cette nationale sera ta piste cyclable perso, la circulation est quasi nulle. A toi de voir...
Ah j'ai oublié, je te mes le liens de l'article de mon blog qui parle de ce passage :
http://loicvelomonde.blogspot.com/2012/05/de-vientiane-kunming.html
bonne route
bonne route
Merci pour vos reponses détaillées. J'avais déjà prévu de prendre un bus de luang prabang à kasi mais pour le nord je ne savais pas trop. Je pense que je vais zapper la jonction luang nathma à Pak Mong en le faisant par bus. Quitte à faire l'aller retour Pak Mong jusqu'à Nong Khiaw qui a l'air sympa avant de poursuivre vers le sud.. Quand à la jonction Jinghong Boten luang nathma vélo qu'en pensez vous?
"Le voyage est ton Père. Quand tu te seras trouvé tu rentreras et la Terre sera ta Mère" Proverbe Zanskari
Pour le reste, tu peux jeter un oeil sur le site hobomaps :
http://www.hobomaps.com/Hwy17MapLaos.html
http://www.hobomaps.com/Hwy1CMapLaos.html
Précisions utiles : j'ai trouvé le Laos assez rude et, comme tu es avec des enfants, tu as raison de shunter les étapes les plus moins évidentes; en outre, en cas de problèmes de santé, la Laos étant un désert médical il faut aller se faire en Thailande, ce qui n'est pas évident lorsqu'on est à 48 heures de voiture, ou plus, de la frontière; donc, prudence, prudence...
Bonne route
http://www.hobomaps.com/Hwy17MapLaos.html
http://www.hobomaps.com/Hwy1CMapLaos.html
Précisions utiles : j'ai trouvé le Laos assez rude et, comme tu es avec des enfants, tu as raison de shunter les étapes les plus moins évidentes; en outre, en cas de problèmes de santé, la Laos étant un désert médical il faut aller se faire en Thailande, ce qui n'est pas évident lorsqu'on est à 48 heures de voiture, ou plus, de la frontière; donc, prudence, prudence...
Bonne route
Merci!!
"Le voyage est ton Père. Quand tu te seras trouvé tu rentreras et la Terre sera ta Mère" Proverbe Zanskari
On a roulé de Luang NamTha à Jinghong: pas plat mais pas trop trop dur non plus. Un conseil: prévois du cash en RMB de Jinghong à la frontière, on n'a pas réussi à retirer ou changer d'argent sur cette zone.
Entre Luang NamTha et Luang Prabang on a pris un bus, une partie de la route était presque impraticable à cause des pluies et de la boue. À voir en fonction de la météo quand tu passes mais au Laos la route est difficile !
Entre Luang NamTha et Luang Prabang on a pris un bus, une partie de la route était presque impraticable à cause des pluies et de la boue. À voir en fonction de la météo quand tu passes mais au Laos la route est difficile !
http://ofoofo.net - Blog en construction
Pour les hébergements et les "restos" entre Pakmong et Luang Prabang, voir mon post :
http://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=6112500#6112500
A prendre quand même avec prudence concernant les guesthouse parce qu'autant on a pu voir que les restaurants étaient ouverts autant pour les guesthouse on a juste vu qu'elles existaient.
Bonne route
http://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=6112500#6112500
A prendre quand même avec prudence concernant les guesthouse parce qu'autant on a pu voir que les restaurants étaient ouverts autant pour les guesthouse on a juste vu qu'elles existaient.
Bonne route
Tu pourras aussi trouver des infos sur notre blog en signature, nous avons fait la route du sud de la chine (panzhihua jusqu'à Vientiane).
Si tu as des questions plus précises après tes lectures, n'hésite pas à nous contacter. C'est "dur" mais c'est vraiment super aussi; une expérience unique!
Merci pour le lien... Ca donne envie de vous suivre
"Le voyage est ton Père. Quand tu te seras trouvé tu rentreras et la Terre sera ta Mère" Proverbe Zanskari
Tu pourras nous lire juste; on est déjà rentrés! Snif!
Salut Claire,
Peut être est-ce trop tard mais voici quelques infos. Nous somme actuellement à Champassak mais avons fait la route que tu envisages. De Jinghong à a frontière, c'est pas trop dure, il y a une route principale qui zappe les montées descentes par de grands ponts. Pas trop de circulation et largement la place pour rouler à vélo sur la droite de la route. Ensuite, une fois au Laos, ça se corse. La route de Boten à Luang Prabang est bien vallonnée mais globalement en très bonne état. On trouve des guest house assez souvent sur la route au laos et des resto également. Pas trop de soucis de ce point de vue là. Cette route est très belle. Ensuite, démarrer de Luang Prabang, si c'est pour continuer sur la route 13 va vous faire tout drôle. Le tronçon de Luang Prabang à Kasi comporte deux gros cols entrecoupé de sections vallonnées sur une route parfois un peu moyenne voir mauvaise. De Kasi à Vang Vieng, c'est beaucoup plus cool et superbe avec de nombreux pitons rocheux sortant de terre. Tu peux trouver notre itinéraire : ICI Des photos : LA Et deux articles : PAR ICI
Globalement, depuis qu'on est parti de France, le Laos est la pays le plus facile que nous ayons traversé, c'est un peu les vacances. On ne cuisine plus, on ne plante plus la tente, et le sourire des enfants à longueur de journée nous colle également le sourire ! N'hésite pas si tu veux des infos plus précises.
Benjamin
Peut être est-ce trop tard mais voici quelques infos. Nous somme actuellement à Champassak mais avons fait la route que tu envisages. De Jinghong à a frontière, c'est pas trop dure, il y a une route principale qui zappe les montées descentes par de grands ponts. Pas trop de circulation et largement la place pour rouler à vélo sur la droite de la route. Ensuite, une fois au Laos, ça se corse. La route de Boten à Luang Prabang est bien vallonnée mais globalement en très bonne état. On trouve des guest house assez souvent sur la route au laos et des resto également. Pas trop de soucis de ce point de vue là. Cette route est très belle. Ensuite, démarrer de Luang Prabang, si c'est pour continuer sur la route 13 va vous faire tout drôle. Le tronçon de Luang Prabang à Kasi comporte deux gros cols entrecoupé de sections vallonnées sur une route parfois un peu moyenne voir mauvaise. De Kasi à Vang Vieng, c'est beaucoup plus cool et superbe avec de nombreux pitons rocheux sortant de terre. Tu peux trouver notre itinéraire : ICI Des photos : LA Et deux articles : PAR ICI
Globalement, depuis qu'on est parti de France, le Laos est la pays le plus facile que nous ayons traversé, c'est un peu les vacances. On ne cuisine plus, on ne plante plus la tente, et le sourire des enfants à longueur de journée nous colle également le sourire ! N'hésite pas si tu veux des infos plus précises.
Benjamin
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I'm developing a free and open-source web app for planning walking and cycling trips (and even car trips). You can create a route by clicking directly on the map to add waypoints, and it can consist of multiple stages. The app provides tools to edit the stages and the overall route, and to display useful information (distances, altitudes, and elevation changes). A relief profile can be shown as a graph for a specific stage or the entire route.
Once the route is ready, it can be exported as a GPX file, which can then be used with a GPS or a mobile navigation app.
The app is built in JavaScript and runs entirely in the web browser. It uses the Leaflet library and several OpenStreetMap-based services. Initially developed for my personal needs (I enjoy hiking and cycle touring), I’d be happy to share it with anyone who might find it useful. It’s free to use, doesn’t require an account, and the source code is available.
Source code: https://github.com/patricklmarie/GPX-Route-Planner Online demo: https://patricklmarie.github.io/GPX-Route-Planner/
Once the route is ready, it can be exported as a GPX file, which can then be used with a GPS or a mobile navigation app.
The app is built in JavaScript and runs entirely in the web browser. It uses the Leaflet library and several OpenStreetMap-based services. Initially developed for my personal needs (I enjoy hiking and cycle touring), I’d be happy to share it with anyone who might find it useful. It’s free to use, doesn’t require an account, and the source code is available.
Source code: https://github.com/patricklmarie/GPX-Route-Planner Online demo: https://patricklmarie.github.io/GPX-Route-Planner/
Heinz Stucke has passed away.
He never stopped traveling the world since 1962.
So sad.
https://www.facebook.com/heinzstucke
https://www.facebook.com/heinzstucke
hello fellow cycling enthusiasts
here’s a travel journal of the cycling tour through the Rhône-Alpes Auvergne region by Claudio
zouli
it was the plan
http://cbandiera.free.fr/parcours/auvergne-Ralpes/
the trip was completed story being posted online soon 1100 km in 11 days beautiful and varied regions
claudio

the trip was completed story being posted online soon 1100 km in 11 days beautiful and varied regions
claudio

Hello,
We’d like to go on a 3- to 4-month bike trip starting in December, crossing from Assam (northeast India) to New Delhi via Nepal.
Are there routes with light traffic along the Brahmaputra and through Nepal?
We’re also looking for any info on accommodations, wild camping, local interactions, etc.
Thanks,
Michel
Hi there,
I’m planning to cycle from Morlaix to Brest (via Roscoff and the V45 coastal route). We’ll start riding on August 16th for 13 days (with stops for island visits, surfing, etc.). Is there a lot of traffic at this time of year? I’ve got two kids, 11 and 13, and we don’t like riding in the middle of cars (we’ve already done the Vélomaritime—Caen to Cherbourg—the Loire route from Orléans to Saumur, the Vélodyssée from Nantes to Royans, and the canals like the Nivernais and Bourgogne, where there were plenty of bike-only lanes, which isn’t the case on this route).
Thanks for your help if you’ve already done this route in late August! Virginie
I’m planning to cycle from Morlaix to Brest (via Roscoff and the V45 coastal route). We’ll start riding on August 16th for 13 days (with stops for island visits, surfing, etc.). Is there a lot of traffic at this time of year? I’ve got two kids, 11 and 13, and we don’t like riding in the middle of cars (we’ve already done the Vélomaritime—Caen to Cherbourg—the Loire route from Orléans to Saumur, the Vélodyssée from Nantes to Royans, and the canals like the Nivernais and Bourgogne, where there were plenty of bike-only lanes, which isn’t the case on this route).
Thanks for your help if you’ve already done this route in late August! Virginie
Hi there,
I’ve been road cycling for several years, and I’m about to switch to gravel in the next few days—I’m waiting for my bike, which should arrive this week.
I’m planning a bikepacking trip in a few weeks along the Véloroute V81, also known as the Vélosud, from Biarritz to Le Barcarès.
Has anyone here already done this route? Any info is welcome, whether it’s about the route itself, gear, or accommodation. I’ll prioritize staying with locals as much as possible. On that note, I just signed up for the brand-new site *Guidon et Couette* ((www.guidon-et-couette.fr)), which offers free accommodation between cyclists across the country, but there’s almost no one listed along my route!
Thanks in advance.
Laurent.
Hi there, I’m planning a cross-Canada bike trip, and I’ve got a question that might seem silly, but could someone tell me how to pack a bike (in a box, with a fragile sticker... I don’t know) for a flight? Thanks in advance!
Hi everyone,
This summer, we’re planning to cycle along the EV 19 that follows the Meuse River from Langres all the way to Rotterdam. My question is about getting back to Nantes. Do any of you know what the best return option might be? I’d love to hear about your experiences. I saw that FlixBus doesn’t take bikes. By train, I think it’s possible but would involve multiple local trains. We were also wondering if there’s a boat from Rotterdam to Saint-Nazaire that could take passengers with bikes.
Any tips or experiences you can share would be really helpful—thanks in advance! Have a great evening
This summer, we’re planning to cycle along the EV 19 that follows the Meuse River from Langres all the way to Rotterdam. My question is about getting back to Nantes. Do any of you know what the best return option might be? I’d love to hear about your experiences. I saw that FlixBus doesn’t take bikes. By train, I think it’s possible but would involve multiple local trains. We were also wondering if there’s a boat from Rotterdam to Saint-Nazaire that could take passengers with bikes.
Any tips or experiences you can share would be really helpful—thanks in advance! Have a great evening
I’ve gotten used to crossing Europe by bus to return by bike.
It was really convenient to take the bike without having to disassemble it.
But FlixBus no longer accepts bikes...
What alternatives do you know about?
Thanks.
Hi there,
I’m planning to ride the Dutch section of the EuroVelo 19, from Maastricht to Rotterdam.
Since it’s too complicated to bring my bike on the train, I’m looking to rent one locally.
I’d love any tips or bike rental shop recommendations—I’m struggling to find options even in Rotterdam.
The plan is to rent in Rotterdam, take the train to Maastricht with the bike, then cycle back to Rotterdam.
Thanks in advance for any advice or suggestions!
Nath
Coming soon:
https://www.Biclou.com/parcours/durance/
Starting from Faverges: 900 km over 9 days

Here’s the detailed Durance route starting from Briançon

Here’s the detailed Durance route starting from Briançon

Hi there,
I’m planning to build a new touring bike. I want to prioritize lightness. That said, I’m tempted by a suspension fork that could offer some comfort on rougher roads. The recent appearance of gravel suspension forks on the market might meet my needs—at least on paper. I’m particularly considering the RockShox Rudy Ultimate XPLR fork. Unlike MTB forks, its travel is short: either 30 mm or 40 mm. It weighs 1400 g, which is 400/500 g more than a steel fork.
Any thoughts or real-world feedback on this?
I’m also wondering about the durability of magnesium (lower leg) for long-distance bike touring. And what’s the impact of skipping the manufacturer-recommended maintenance every 50 and 200 hours? That’s bound to happen on a long trip unless you carry extra gear. More generally, how reliable are these kinds of forks?
Thanks in advance
I’m planning to build a new touring bike. I want to prioritize lightness. That said, I’m tempted by a suspension fork that could offer some comfort on rougher roads. The recent appearance of gravel suspension forks on the market might meet my needs—at least on paper. I’m particularly considering the RockShox Rudy Ultimate XPLR fork. Unlike MTB forks, its travel is short: either 30 mm or 40 mm. It weighs 1400 g, which is 400/500 g more than a steel fork.
Any thoughts or real-world feedback on this?
I’m also wondering about the durability of magnesium (lower leg) for long-distance bike touring. And what’s the impact of skipping the manufacturer-recommended maintenance every 50 and 200 hours? That’s bound to happen on a long trip unless you carry extra gear. More generally, how reliable are these kinds of forks?
Thanks in advance
Hi there!
I’m making an exception and creating a separate post this time, since it’s all about France. In May, we spent a week in Provence, specifically in the Luberon, exploring the cycling routes *Autour du Luberon à Vélo*, the *Véloroute du Calavon* (part of EuroVelo 8), and the shorter *Les Ocres à Vélo* route. Together, they gave us an amazing journey through rolling hills, vineyards, lavender fields still green in spring, and some of the most stunning landscapes in southern France.

It was, of course, the perched villages that impressed us the most. We visited Gordes, Roussillon, Bonnieux, Lacoste, Lourmarin, Ménerbes, Oppède-le-Vieux, Cucuron, and Lauris. Many of them are among the most beautiful villages in Provence, and it’s hard not to agree with that reputation.




One interesting point is the route of EuroVelo 8 in this part of the region. The official path mainly follows the old railway line of the *Véloroute du Calavon*, which is very comfortable and safe. But in our opinion, cyclists traveling EuroVelo 8 around the Mediterranean would discover even more treasures if the route passed through villages like Bonnieux, Lacoste, or Oppède-le-Vieux.


We were also pleasantly surprised by how safe cycling felt. Most of the route takes small local roads, but traffic is light, drivers are respectful, and road design really takes cyclists into account. It’s one of those places where you can ride peacefully even without separated bike lanes.



Our full story:
Around Luberon by bicycle - the most beautiful villages of Provence
You can also find all our cycling travel stories on the forum:
Cycling Thread - Europe’s most beautiful bike routes
S.
I’m making an exception and creating a separate post this time, since it’s all about France. In May, we spent a week in Provence, specifically in the Luberon, exploring the cycling routes *Autour du Luberon à Vélo*, the *Véloroute du Calavon* (part of EuroVelo 8), and the shorter *Les Ocres à Vélo* route. Together, they gave us an amazing journey through rolling hills, vineyards, lavender fields still green in spring, and some of the most stunning landscapes in southern France.

It was, of course, the perched villages that impressed us the most. We visited Gordes, Roussillon, Bonnieux, Lacoste, Lourmarin, Ménerbes, Oppède-le-Vieux, Cucuron, and Lauris. Many of them are among the most beautiful villages in Provence, and it’s hard not to agree with that reputation.




One interesting point is the route of EuroVelo 8 in this part of the region. The official path mainly follows the old railway line of the *Véloroute du Calavon*, which is very comfortable and safe. But in our opinion, cyclists traveling EuroVelo 8 around the Mediterranean would discover even more treasures if the route passed through villages like Bonnieux, Lacoste, or Oppède-le-Vieux.


We were also pleasantly surprised by how safe cycling felt. Most of the route takes small local roads, but traffic is light, drivers are respectful, and road design really takes cyclists into account. It’s one of those places where you can ride peacefully even without separated bike lanes.



Our full story:
Around Luberon by bicycle - the most beautiful villages of Provence
You can also find all our cycling travel stories on the forum:
Cycling Thread - Europe’s most beautiful bike routes
S.
Hi there, we’re a group of 4 cyclists looking to get from Treviso in Italy to Munich with our 4 non-folding bikes. It seems complicated! Are there any solutions? Thanks so much.
Hi, I'm looking for a Pino tandem bike for sale in Quebec and I can't find any. Does anyone have any info, please? Thanks a bunch!
