A person from Ortenau on a long journey: Christian Huber's adventurous trip around the world!
Christian Huber cycled around the world for a year, from Frankfurt to Athens, Laos and beyond. Experience exciting encounters and adventures.

A person from Ortenau on a long journey: Christian Huber's adventurous trip around the world!
Christian Huber, a native of Ortenau, embarked on an impressive trip around the world in August 2024. Starting by bike from Frankfurt to Athens, he crossed several countries before finally ending his journey via Indonesia in Frankfurt after more than a year. The exciting route took him through Austria, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro and Albania, among others.
The diverse experiences and encounters on his journey are remarkable. After traveling from Athens with a backpack, Huber visited countries such as India, Nepal, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore, New Zealand, Australia and Vanuatu. His experiences in Laos in particular had an impact on him.
Adventure in Laos
In Laos, Huber crossed the border with the necessary visa formalities and took a slowboat to Luang Prabang. This boat held 150 passengers and made a two-day trip with a stopover in Pag Beng. The ride was quiet, punctuated by occasional speedboats, and there were snacks on board as well as local food offered by hawkers. However, on the way back the boat was affected by technical problems which were resolved by kiosk staff on site.
Luang Prabang, a city picturesquely located between the Mekong and a tributary, offered a relaxing atmosphere with fewer tourists than in Thailand. Huber began his exploration with a mountain bike tour to the impressive Kuang Xi Waterfall. Another highlight was a visit to Nong Khiaw, a charming village on the Nam Ou River known for its steep hiking trails to viewpoints and a war museum.
Huber also visited Muang Ngoy, a place that can only be reached by water and has a simple infrastructure. Here he was able to enjoy activities such as hiking and kayaking, which matched the adventurous spirit of his trip.
Transportation and culture
Getting around Laos proved challenging. Minivans were often crowded, reflecting common practice. Huber experienced numerous improvised and organized situations that expanded his knowledge of culture. The capital Vientiane, known for cozy government buildings and temples, was another important location on his trip before he continued on to Thailand.
Laos is a developing country that relies heavily on investment from China and Vietnam. Nevertheless, Huber plans to return to Laos to gain more experiences before continuing his journey to Cambodia. These decisions are motivated not only by his thirst for adventure, but also by the enriching encounters with the locals.
For travelers planning to visit Laos, it is important to be aware of the currency: the Lao Kip (LAK), where 1 EUR is equivalent to approximately 25,000 LAK. Cash is the most common payment method, as credit card payments are usually unusual and often involve high fees. ATMs, such as those from BCEL or Indochina, offer different withdrawal amounts, but travelers should be careful with conversion rates.
This trip by Christian Huber is an inspiring example of exploring the world and the positive impact that traveling can have on the mind and understanding of culture. The stories of improvisation and organization in Laos add a valuable dimension to his journey that may inspire others to undertake similar adventures.