BikeManDan

Hey all

Happy to be riding my new tourer. A 2007 Speicalized Tricross Sport with upgraded crankset, short stubby riser stem, Brooks B17, Tubus Logo and Vetta front rack (haha, vintage). Here she is


Yet to get bags; have a pair of Axiom Champlains I run on my commuter but they are HUGE and are prone to bending back into the wheel. Thinking something smaller and perhaps waterproof


So....I am planning my first major tour! Plan is to head into SE Asia mid January. Flying from SFO to BKK (Bangkok) seems to be the best deal and a suitable way to start the trip (and I can only assume the mess over there at the airport will be sorted out by January). I'd like to keep the trip open ended and spend a couple months there. Best strategy seems to be to buy a roundtrip ticket (because of the entry requirements) and have the return be a far off future date then when I am ready to return home, pay the $200 change of ticket fee and book the return date I desire.

If Bangkok is my starting city I'd like to head north into Laos, possibly into China, then south through Vietnam and through Cambodia back to Bangkok to form a loop.

I'm 23, male, just graduated college, I will be traveling alone with the hope I run into fellow travelers along the way. Love photography so I will be bringing my SLR (Nikon D80), a compact lightweight tripod (any recommendations??) and a prime and zoom lens. My ideal trip is traveling through rural and sparsely populated areas staying in guesthouses occasionally but for the most part camping. Seems to be most people recommend against bringing camping gear because of the availability of guesthouses but I find camping very enjoyable and would like to specifically do it. Any advice regarding camping?

Some specific questions:

1. Should I rely on bottled water for my drinking supply? Would it be advisable to bring a water purifier?
   
2. I'm assuming mosquitoes are an issue year round. What's the advisable insect repellent? Also, I've read varying things about anti malarial drugs. Are these recommended and if so, which?
   
3. Is there a source in the United States for detailed road maps of the region?
   
4. Of course there is the issue of actually getting the bike to my destination. The options seem to be cardboard box, soft case, hard case or not case at all. Hard case is obviously the most protective but Id have to make some arrangement with a hostel or someone in Bangkok to store it for me. On the subject of bike, should I even bother with fenders? Hopefully its relatively dry this time of year. I would assume I'd have to remove the fenders when packing the bike for air travel.
   
5. Any reassuring words regarding language? The completely unfamiliar script is honestly a bit daunting. Can anyone recommend a good website with spoken audio for simple/useful phrases in Thai?

Sorry for the landslide of text, thanks for reading if you got all the way through

Gordo Grande

I can't answer any of your questons, but that's a damn nice looking bike you got there. Good luck with it!

twodeadpoets

Trippy fork but great looking bike!

pauldaley

awesome !

i'm 22 and hop to do similar journey next year (but ride there from home)

am curious as to the answers of some of your questions ... especially the malaria pils... i've heard they make you sick and not worth it, unless your in a really malaria prone area

have an amazing trip ~ very inspirational



I'm curious ... how long do you hope to tour for ? and how much money have you got saved up ?

axolotl

Seems to be most people recommend against bringing camping gear because of the availability of guesthouses but I find camping very enjoyable and would like to specifically do it. Any advice regarding camping?

I've biked in SE Asia 3 times. I wouldn't bother with camping gear. You're not going to find secluded spots very often, so you'll probably need to ask permission. I know 2 female cyclists who did this, and they were always well received. But remember, you're going to want a shower each evening. Guesthouses are cheap and plentiful and a good way to meet other travelers. In central & southern Thailand, it will be hot at night and uncomfortable in a tent (northern Thailand & northern Laos has comfortable cycling weather from December thru February). And your cycling will certainly be easier if you aren't shlepping camping gear.

Some specific questions:
Should I rely on bottled water for my drinking supply? Would it be advisable to bring a water purifier?

Either buy bottled water or use a filter.

I'm assuming mosquitoes are an issue year round. What's the advisable insect repellent? Also, I've read varying things about anti malarial drugs. Are these recommended and if so, which?

I wouldn't ask for medical advice on a cycling forum, so take anything I or anyone else here says with a grain of salt. Winter is the dry season in northern Thailand and northern Laos, so mosquitoes are much reduced. Anti-malarials are generally not recommended for Thailand. There were a few mosquitoes in Laos at lower elevations, but they weren't a big problem in January. Since the malaria threat is much reduced in the winter, as well as generally less severe in northern Laos compared to southern Laos, I brought and occasionally used some Natrapel (a plant-based product) If I had been going to southern Laos in the rainy season, I'd probably have brought DEET and probably taken anti-malarials. I did a lot of research on malaria before going to Laos and made a decision based on where I was going, the time of year I was going, and malaria statistics. I also consulted a doctor before I left and brought a self-treatment anti-malarial dosage with me just in case.

]Is there a source in the United States for detailed road maps of the region?

You can get just about anything online. For Laos, I highly recommend the map published by "Reise Know-How". It's the most detailed I've seen. Other cyclists I met in Laos were envious, and I sold my copy to 2 other cyclists when I left the country. For northern Thailand, I used a map by Periplus. You can find some other and probably better Thai-published maps on the ground in Thailand for Thailand, though outside of Bangkok and Chiang Mai, they're probably hard to find.

Of course there is the issue of actually getting the bike to my destination. The options seem to be cardboard box, soft case, hard case or not case at all. Hard case is obviously the most protective but Id have to make some arrangement with a hostel or someone in Bangkok to store it for me. On the subject of bike, should I even bother with fenders? Hopefully its relatively dry this time of year. I would assume I'd have to remove the fenders when packing the bike for air travel.

If you'll be mainly in northern Thailand and northern Laos in the winter, I wouldn't bother with fenders.

It's usually possible to store luggage for a small fee at guesthouses in Thailand. I left the suitcase for my folding bike at a guesthouse in Chiang Mai on one trip, and at a guesthouse in Bangkok on another trip. I arranged this by e-mail before I flew there.

Any reassuring words regarding language? The completely unfamiliar script is honestly a bit daunting. Can anyone recommend a good website with spoken audio for simple/useful phrases in Thai?

I brought a phrase book and found it useful in the countryside. I listened to some Thai language tapes from my local library before I left, just to get somewhat accustomed to the tones.

BikeManDan

Im planning anywhere between 1 and 3 months, will simply depend on how things go I guess I have no obligations at home so I'm rather free from constraints. Only issue is the longer I stay the hotter and wetter it's going to get
I'm fortunate to have a lot of savings accumulated and the issue of money being the last thing on my mind. Airfare will be 900-1300 (depending on lots of things) and per day expenses from what I read seem to be 15-25. It will likely be cheaper to be travelling than paying rent at home

BikeManDan

Wow, thanks for all the detailed replies

Thanks for the map tip. https://www.omnimap.com is the US reseller for Reise Know-How and they also have ITMB which I've heard is also good.

Still unsure about the camping, you seem to have the resounding sentiment that its a bad idea but there's a part of me that still wants to give it a go. I think having the camping gear would give me sound piece of mind to know that I dont necessarily have to reach some intended destination, I can stop wherever I want and not be stranded.
Perhaps in Thailand it would be silly to not utilize the guesthouses but what about in less populated areas of Laos and Vietnam?
I have a 4 pound tent, 2 pound sleeping bag and 1 pound sleeping pad. I think maybe the 7 pound sacrifice is worth it

Bacciagalupe

I agree with A., camping is just not done in most of SE Asia, with good reason.

Guest houses / hotels are very cheap, and staying in them is also a way of putting a small amount of cash into the local communities. Campgrounds are few and far between.

Also, UXO (unexploded ordinance) is a serious issue in Vietnam and especially Laos, due to the massive bombing campaigns during the war. The more rural the area, the higher the chance that you could be seriously injured by UXO, especially if you're tramping into untraveled jungle and pounding tent stakes into the ground....

If you want to camp, I recommend you tour in a different region. Otherwise, have fun.

axolotl

I met two individual cyclists in Laos who had each biked overland starting in Europe. Both were complaining about the camping gear they were still carrying, but hadn't used since each was in western China.

You didn't mention stoves or other cooking equipment. I wouldn't bother with that, either. Everywhere in SE Asia you can get wonderful, cheap meals for less than it would cost to cook yourself. In fact, the food is one of the great joys of travel in SE Asia. Buying dinner in a "night market" (mobile food stands which set up in the evening) typically costs no more than US$1, not including your drink.

eastbaybob

It sounds like a great trip. I've been to Thailand to ride a bunch of times and its always great. In fact I will be going back in February for a short ride around the NE.

Because you have a bit of time and are in California, here is my first suggestion. By the LP Thai language guide and then walk over to a Thai restaurant in Santa Rosa. Check to see if there is an attractive girl working there and have a meal. Ask her if she is from Thailand and then tell her you're going to do a bike trip in Thailand, and you're trying to learn a bit of Thai. You will then have a new friend or two and you can learn some Thai as well. Thai people love it when you go to Thailand. Also, here is website put on by a good guy that will give you 20 free lessons: https://www.its4thai.com/

I've never brought camping gear and so for have always found a hotel or resort. But if I was going to do something extended such as what you're doing I wold bring my Hennesy hammock just in case. It weighs a pound of so and would work perfect in an unfortunate spot.

As far as maps for Cambodia you don't need one as there are not enough road choices. Laos is sort of the same way, and if you read the journals at the crazyguyonabike site those will cover anywhere that you want to go. I've only been down highway 1 in Vietnam and on a guided tour and have never been to China. For Thailand I have not found a good map over here, other than google maps or google earth. Once over there the PN Atlas is good and the ThinkNet Maps are fine, you can pick them up a book stores in Bangkok for less that $6.00. I think Thailand is good to have very good map that shows smaller roads as there are so many different options. On my last trip the route was sort of figured out ahead of time and I used google earth to check for alt routes in different places that worked out great.

I've taken my bike over there in a bike box that I tossed at the airport. That works good. On the way back if you visit ProBikes in Bangkok they will do a professional job of packing the bike in a box for 300 baht. On the last time I had them clean and lub the bike forst then box it for 700 baht. That was nice once I got it home. The other good thing with ProBikes is that I've dropped off my bike to be boxed 10 days before I was going home and they stored it for that time for free, and unlike a guest house they seemed pretty trustworthy.

As far as the fendors, it will be dry so leave them home.

For mosquitos, I've used repellent to good effect but have not had many bad times with them in Laos/Cambodia or Thailand. Visit a REI store and get their recommendation, I'm sure it'll be good. You might want to visit your doctor for further question or you county public health office.

BikeManDan

Thanks for https://www.its4thai.com/ great site (has audio which is very helpful)

Well perhaps I will forgo the camping gear then
So I seriously won't have any issue finding guesthouses along the way? Will I need to plan out my stops or can I just count on something being available? Im just kinda picturing myself in the middle of nowhere with night approaching...



Edit: Also think Im going to order these maps:
Thailand - Rough Guide https://www.omnimap.com/catalog/int/thailand.htm#p8
Laos - Reiss Know-How https://www.omnimap.com/catalog/int/laos.htm#p3 (per recommendation )
North Vietnam - Reiss Know-How https://www.omnimap.com/catalog/int/vietnam.htm#p5
South Vietnam - Reiss Know-How https://www.omnimap.com/catalog/int/vietnam.htm#p5

About $60 in maps which seems slightly pricey at face value but I figure knowing where you're going is actually priceless


Edit2:
What do you guys think about tires for the region? Whats on there right now are 700x35 Panaracer Pasela Tourguards. They have some mild tread to them but I dont know how they'd fare in serious off road. The tires have been great on tarmac so far though, really comfortable.

axolotl

In 3 trips, there was just one night in northern Thailand (I was headed to Nan, a nice town) that I suspected I might have a problem finding a guesthouse or hotel, and Nan was too far to reach in one day. The maps didn't show any large towns along the way, and the area other than Nan itself, wasn't covered in guidebooks. I decided to take a bus part of the way. I asked about buses at the hotel front desk (with my Thai phrase book) and a Thai guest overheard me and offered me a ride in his minivan, which I accepted. Otherwise, everywhere else I've been in Laos, Thailand, & Malaysia, I never had a problem finding a place. The town I was leaving from that day was off the tourist trail and I was staying in an actual hotel, not a guesthouse, and I was the only non-Thai guest there. Usually, the person at the front desk in a guesthouse or hotel can speak some English, but not that morning.

A few of the guesthouses I stayed at in rural Laos were pretty rustic, but only cost $3, and they were the nicest and often the only places in town. Generally in small towns in Laos, if a room cost $5, you got a pretty nice room with a private hot shower and sometimes a TV. Because there are relatively few roads in Laos (and they don't have a lot of traffic), you will easily meet cyclists going the other way. Everyone exchanges guesthouse information, so you'll know in advance where they are located, and which ones to avoid or to seek out. For instance, between Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang heading north, several cyclists told me to stay in the 2nd guesthouse on the left in Kiew Ka Cham, not the 1st place, which they said was a dump. In the villages, if there were any other people staying in the guesthouses, they were usually other cyclists.

Between your guidebook, map, and information you've gathered from other cyclists, you'll have a pretty good idea where guesthouses are located before you head out each day.

The roads are generally quite good, so I'd say just about any tire you like would be fine. I was riding a Bike Friday on my last two trips there, 20"x35 Schwalbe Marathons, and they were excellent.

You sound like you're very well organized and know what you're doing. You'll have a wonderful time.

BikeManDan

Thanks for the reassurance about guesthouse availability

Sleeping bag will stay at home definitely. Sleeping bag liner will come with me as well as a Thermarest pad. I noticed someone brought with them on their travels a lightweight "mosquito tent". Very basic, no rain fly. Seems maybe a very basic tent structure in the 1-2lb range could be useful as an absolute last resort

I'm also not sure why I didn't think of this sooner but forget a tripod, I'm getting a Gorillapod! way lighter, way more compact and I can just attach it to the bike itself as a base (or anything else nearby)

Enthusiast

I was considering a Tricross for touring. You've given me some confidence in my choice!

xiaodidi

Notice the very short wheelbase and crazy toe overlap before you say that.

BikeManDan

Sure its not a LHT but the wheelbase on this 52cm model is 103cm and for comparison, a Trek 520 in 51cm has a 104cm wheelbase. Does the 1cm make a difference? Up to the rider I guess but I'm fine with it
The overlap is worsened by the fender and larger tires but even then I haven't had any problems, certainly nothing I would complain about. Rarely I've hit the fender with my toe when starting off but never while riding; it's basically a non issue (for me at least)
The only negative things I can say about the frame are that despite feeling very comfortable, the aluminum is not as durable and repairable as steel and that I think the seat stay rack mounts should be on the inside of the seat stay, they're rather awkwardly placed