Day 20: Are we there yet?

Day 20:

It seems as though we are destined to stay in Nong Khiaw.

Woke up to a completely flat rear tire. Luckily motorcycle repair shops are plentiful, and Shawn managed to push Groot to a shop about 100 meters away.

Breakfast at Q Bar while we wait. It’s going to be another slow start.Luckily we have Sammy to keep us amused, playing the guitar and keeping us company.

It seems as though the locals take precedence, as Groot keeps getting pushed back in the queue.

Finally! After an oil change and new tube, we are off. It’s 11:50 am, so we are going to have to make good time to make it to Muang Khua.

Later…

Arrived in Muang Khua at 5:00 PM. The 220 km ride was another perfect ride. The road was the best we have come across in Lao and Vietnam. Wide, paved and even some good passing zones. The first 120 km was curvy roads through dry, forested mountains, with a nice, fresh breeze that was even cool! The landscape was a nice change from the mountains in Sam Neua. More dry, the greenery was more reminiscent of forest than of jungle.

Stopped in Muang Xai for lunch, a large and modern town in comparison to the small villages that dot the highway. After lunch, the final 100 km was a spectacular road that wound along the river. The villages became old world again. Ducks, water buffalo, dogs, chickens and children crowding the highway. We stopped to take pictures from a bridge, where a young boy awkwardly watched us from a safe distance. When we had returned to our bikes, he had the courage to bicycle past us, shyly giggling as he passed.

In Muang Khua checked into Doinouboun Guesthouse. They let us park our motorcycles inside the lobby, a bonus. No hot water, a negative. Overall an ok place. Somewhat clean.

Dinner at Sabaidee Restaurant and Bar. It’s no Q Bar – we miss Sammy. Good Tom Yum soup and fried noodles, and a good place to find other tourists.