A short day today – 20+ kms which was down to the Friendship bridge on the Thai side, then up to the town of HouayXai which sits directly opposite Chiang Khong across the Mekong.
The slow boat from HouayXai to Luang Prabang goes on Mondays and Thursdays, so I expected the border crossing to be very easy, and it went like clockwork.
I’d also read the horror stories of a terrible exchange rate if you paid in Thai baht. Well, they charged me less than expected, so I don’t understand the complaints.
Then it was an easy 10kms or so to the ‘Little Hostel’ which as the name suggests, is little. Little and fantastic as the reviews suggest. The lady who runs the place, Nok is wonderful.
Within 5 minutes of arrival, we were sitting on the floor with a large map unfolded, plotting alternate routes to the east. She was concerned about my intended route being the major truck route between China and Thailand.
Fair enough. I know it’s possible but difficult, so I spent the rest of the day coming up with Plan B which was so good that it became Plan A.
I’m going to catch the slow boat to Pakbeng and ride from there through small towns and villages for 5-6 days to Luang Prabang. I’ll probably leave the bike in Luang Prabang for 4-5 days and make the trip to Nong Khiaw by bus and doing some hiking there.Then, I’ll return and head from LP to Phonsavan to see the ancient Plain of Jars. Then I’ll head north and enter northern Vietnam.
I’ll have to develop some climbing legs before then though. I’ve heard conflicting reports of the roads after Phonsavan, one that it is dangerous, and one that it is empty. I’ll make a call at the time, knowing that I could always take the bus.
A late lunch and dinner were at the small restaurant across the street. I keep saying thankyou in Thai and I suspect it’ll be a few more days until I get out of that habit.
