Buy/Rent a bike in Laos

If you are going to do a long distance bike trip, you'd be best to either bring your own decent quality bike or purchase your bike in Vientiane at the bike shop on Dong Palan street (can't remember the name). The shop is owned by a french guy who is also the national cycling team coach. He has good bikes.

Don't know about bikes for sale in Tha Khek.

What kinda bike we talking? Motor or bicycle?

I'd heed phakphon's advice. You could also buy a good quality bike in Thailand [LA bikes are Thai made but are pretty good quality and you can even get TREK bikes in Bangkok and Chiang Mai]. A very good quality LA moutain-bike [with disc-brakes] in Luang Prabang will run you U$325.

As to riding the southern half of Laos, it's relatively flat and even the Bolaven isn't that hilly compared to the mountains in the north. I met a British couple at Champasak who rode in from Cambodia and 3 weeks later saw them again in LP. They bought their highend Trek bikes in Thailand via an internet search from Africa where they were doctors for several years.

Thanks a lot for your answers guys.

I just found a bike in LP, second hand, 4000 Baths.
It looks alright and will probably do until the Cambodian border.
Do you think I could get it any cheaper in Vientiane?

Thanks again anyway its great to have your view.

hi David,

buying a reliable bike in Laos is difficult, almost impossible if you are a "tourist only" as you won't be able to get the bike's document under your name. Since January 2008 there is a new bike rental company in Vientiane called Jules Classic Rental, have a look at the website: www//bike-rental-laos.com

as far as i know they are the only ones to be officially registered for bike rental and the only ones to have "real" insurance.

the bikes are in very good condition and they offer assistance...

cheers
Vatnak

I checked out the website and it only covered motorbikes. Does anyone know of a bicycle rental shop or sale shop, preferably for mountain bikes ( Trek or LA) , in either the capital or Luang Prabang. Our intentions are to ride bikes between the cities in March of 09.

Thanks,

Len