It has been great to catch up again after being on the road myself for the last few days.
Love the village interaction Lonerider, you really are doing it the way it should be done
Out of curiosity, what daily rate are you on with the bike? PM me if you want to keep it out of here

__________________
My memory is becoming that good, I should be able to organise my own surprise party soon

Eh up

Wondered where you had got to, missed the comments haha

Just had my hardest day yet

Having food before looking for accommodation

Knackered lol

I payed 1000 Baht a day, which is about 20 GBP

The village was awesome

Wayne

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Set off quite early from Muang Sing, it was about 0730hrs as I knew it was going to be a long day. But I didn’t know how long or how hard!

Day 31 Muang Sing to Houayxai by Wayne 66, on Flickr

The road,17B, was Tarmac for about 18km then it went on to an unpaved road, it was good going with loads to see on route. Went through loads of Banana Plantations and then I finally turned left on to the 2483 and got my first sight of the Mekong River at 0920hrs,

IMG_1650 by Wayne 66, on Flickr

IMG_1652 by Wayne 66, on Flickr

IMG_1653 by Wayne 66, on Flickr

IMG_1657 by Wayne 66, on Flickr

IMG_1660 by Wayne 66, on Flickr

IMG_1661 by Wayne 66, on Flickr

IMG_1666 by Wayne 66, on Flickr
River crossing, early on

IMG_1670 by Wayne 66, on Flickr

IMG_1672 by Wayne 66, on Flickr

IMG_1673 by Wayne 66, on Flickr

IMG_1678 by Wayne 66, on Flickr

IMG_1680 by Wayne 66, on Flickr

Then it all went very hard for me indeed, the road, which I say in the loosest of terms went to a single track between point 1 N20.88651 E100.65087 and point 2 N20.81732 E100.52865. It was nightmare, I was literally having to fight my way through young bamboo plants, jungle, fallen trees and logs on the track, so much for it being a road. The mud on the track/road was very slippery and you could not use any speed at all, I had a bit of a slow motion moment where the front wheel went from underneath me, great, picked the bike up only to find the gear selector had snapped off, not happy, but on the bright side I could still change gear, thankfully. The rest of the horrible track i did with the broken gear selector.
On the single track I had to negotiate two landslides, the first was a small gap which was on the edge of a 100/150 foot drop straight to the Mekong, the only thing breaking my fall would be the trees on the way down, and the only track which had been used was a Scooter track about a foot from the edge. Wet slippery mud, paddled may way across that, and got across ok, then came the next one about 2k’s down the track, this was an uphill climb of about 4 feet, I stopped and had a look at it, thankfully there was a bit of a flat top on the landslide so at least I could compose myself before going down the other side, another bad time, I was beginning to think why the hell am I doing this on my own, one wrong slip/move and i am in to the Mekong after and long drop. But thankfully I made it ok. Would I do that stretch again on my own…No. But saying that it was better than sitting on a boring tarmac road. After about 10k’s plus i came across and excavator which was clearing the track and making it wider, great, about time, haha. This made it a little easier going as the track was a little bit wider but it made it harder on the sloppier muddy sections due to him churning it up. Didn’t take any photos or video as that was the last thing on my mind. Eventually the track became a lot better and more free flowing. I had passed a couple of villages on route and was asking about getting the gear selector fixed, one of them being Ban Xiengdao N20.81468 E100.52652 which had a really nice Stupa and Temple

IMG_1681 by Wayne 66, on Flickr

IMG_1682 by Wayne 66, on Flickr

In all the villages I stopped at I kept hearing Meung Meung, and didn’t have a clue except it was a village. I eventually got to the village and got it welded back together at a bike place, N20.73103 E100.46026, great, at least now I could change gear properly.

IMG_1688 by Wayne 66, on Flickr
Getting it sorted

Once I left Meung ( as it is on the map) I followed the 2203 which was a nice unpaved road with a number of bad sloppy mud sections all the way to the 3, once on the 3 it was a good tarmac road to Houayxai.

IMG_1690 by Wayne 66, on Flickr

IMG_1691 by Wayne 66, on Flickr

IMG_1692 by Wayne 66, on Flickr

IMG_1695 by Wayne 66, on Flickr

IMG_1699 by Wayne 66, on Flickr

IMG_1704 by Wayne 66, on Flickr

IMG_1707 by Wayne 66, on Flickr

IMG_1708 by Wayne 66, on Flickr

IMG_1710 by Wayne 66, on Flickr

Once I got to Houayxai it was time to stop and have some food as I was in need of some sustenance. Whilst eating I got talking to some Lao men and one of them spoke a bit of English, so I asked him where there was a good place to stay with good wifi, he pointed me in the direction the the place where I am now, Friendship Guesthouse 2, good wifi, 43 photos uploaded to Flicker in about 45mins, and the hot water is ok, bike parked at front under the CCTV, coords N20.27176 E100.41343, 125,000 Kip per night

IMG_1713 by Wayne 66, on Flickr

IMG_1714 by Wayne 66, on Flickr

IMG_1716 by Wayne 66, on Flickr

IMG_1715 by Wayne 66, on Flickr

It was a really good day with lots of challenging parts if not scary at times.

Wayne

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How selfish Lonerider
Glad you survived the crappy section without too much grief The thought of swimming the Mekong with a Honda necklace is not very inviting

Those tyres also seem to be holding up quite well too
What brand are they ??

__________________
My memory is becoming that good, I should be able to organise my own surprise party soon

no I would not have fancied a dip

The tyres are IRC Trails, I have done 2806 miles (4491 Km) on them up to now

Wayne

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Stayed around Houayxai today and went for a walk in the morning.
In the afternoon I met up with Snakeboy from the site and we sat, drank coffee and had a good chat. We have arranged to go out riding tomorrow, going to the Laos side of the Golden Triangle.
After he had left I went and visited Fort Carnot, it was good to go and visit although it was getting bit overgrown as you can see by the photos. There was quite a commanding view over the Mekong River and the town. It was a Legion Fort and was built in 1900 following the acquisition of Laos into French Indochina in 1893.
On the way up to the Fort there is a bit of a Laos Military Barracks thing going on including the Bokeo Army Hospital and as you walked down the road the doors to the patients rooms were open and you could see people on drips and laid in their beds.

IMG_1746 by Wayne 66, on Flickr

IMG_1721 by Wayne 66, on Flickr
Outside the Fort

IMG_1722 by Wayne 66, on Flickr
Main Entrance Tower

IMG_1725 by Wayne 66, on Flickr

IMG_1726 by Wayne 66, on Flickr

IMG_1729 by Wayne 66, on Flickr

IMG_1733 by Wayne 66, on Flickr

IMG_1745 by Wayne 66, on Flickr
Inside the Fort

IMG_1730 by Wayne 66, on Flickr

IMG_1731 by Wayne 66, on Flickr

IMG_1744 by Wayne 66, on Flickr
The Tower you can go to the top of

IMG_1736 by Wayne 66, on Flickr
View from the first floor in the tower

IMG_1737 by Wayne 66, on Flickr

IMG_1738 by Wayne 66, on Flickr

IMG_1740 by Wayne 66, on Flickr
Views from the top

Wayne

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Sounds like ur having a great time Wayne. Great blog mate

Those narrow tracks with big drop offs sound a bit hairy but I'm sure it was worth it. Shame ting tong had gone home early from that party you went to in that previous village ha ha ... could have eased the aching wrist

Ride safe mate

Bones

yeah she might have, and it was a bit hairy but well worth it. Glad you like the report, thx

Wayne

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A short video of entering Ban Chom Ong

https://flic.kr/p/qMEgpk

Wayne

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Short Video of Route 2483 after going over the landslides and through the thickest vegetation

https://flic.kr/p/pQUhGA

Wayne

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Up quite early as normal, was feeling really hungry so went and had some breakfast whilst waiting for Kurt (Snakeboy) to arrive, which was going to be at about 0900. I had just finished my Hot Mocha when he got to where I was staying, we were in no rush so he had a brew too before setting off.
The plan was to have a steady ride out and try and find some interesting things I had researched in the local area and discussed with him.

Day 33 Local Riding near Houayxai by Wayne 66, on Flickr

So off we headed, first stop the Laos side of the Golden Triangle, I thought it would be good to have a look over the Mekong River at somewhere I was stood not many weeks ago looking at where I am stood today :confused1:. It was The Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone, coords N20.35484 E100.09054. We stopped outside the hotel/casino in the area and one of the guys outside was not very happy and was telling us both to move on ….we did…once we had taken some photos. Next up in the Zone was the Golden Triangle International Border Zone, where we had a look in the arrival and departure areas, duty free got some money from us also, cheap booze, great…. Then it was time for some food. Once we had eaten we decide to leave the Zone and start heading back towards Houayxai and look for some of the other places. However we ended up seeing some Tigers so naturally we had to stop and take a look, they were massive, also had some young Tigers there, then we saw lots of other animals in a bit of a Zoo, there was Bears, Peacocks, Monkeys and some Deer looking type of animal. It was a nice surprise. On the way out we also checked out the Ampi-theatre on Done Xao, coords N20.32689 E100.09773.

IMG_1748 by Wayne 66, on Flickr

IMG_1750 by Wayne 66, on Flickr

IMG_1751 by Wayne 66, on Flickr

IMG_1752 by Wayne 66, on Flickr
Looking at where I was a few weeks ago in Thailand

IMG_1761 by Wayne 66, on Flickr

IMG_1764 by Wayne 66, on Flickr

IMG_1765 by Wayne 66, on Flickr
Not bad for a gallon of Malt

IMG_1780 by Wayne 66, on Flickr

IMG_1773 by Wayne 66, on Flickr

IMG_1776 by Wayne 66, on Flickr

IMG_1784 by Wayne 66, on Flickr
Bear Cub

IMG_1796 by Wayne 66, on Flickr

IMG_1808 by Wayne 66, on Flickr

On the way back we were looking at trying to find the Souvannakhomkham Stone Budda area, so with a bit of gesticulating from me and quite good Thai/Lao from Kurt we eventually found one of the Budda’s. Only the one mind as they are situated in a massive Banana Plantation which is a maze of tracks and even the one we found we would have ridden past if I had not had one of the locals sat on the back of my bike showing us the way . Souvannakhomkham, one of the Stone Budda’s coords N20.24970 E100.16522. The junction we took to the Budda is at coords N20.30186 E100.16099

IMG_1809 by Wayne 66, on Flickr

IMG_1812 by Wayne 66, on Flickr

Next up was to try and find the sculpture of a Lao princess, daughter of the Lane Xang King Chao Anouvong, who is believed to have died at a certain point in the river and the Kings then did the shrine for her. Bonus, we found it, you have to go down some step to get to it and it is nearly right on the edge of the Mekong. There is also a great view of the river and some seats to sit on. coords N20.38180 E100.35274.

IMG_1824 by Wayne 66, on Flickr

IMG_1825 by Wayne 66, on Flickr

Back to my accommodation and have a drink then it was 30km in the opposite direction to have evening meal with a Laos family and Kurt’s Thai friend. What a great meal we had and I was made most welcome, then it was a ride back to Houayxai in the dark, that was fun, scooters, lorries and motorised carts with no lights on at all, all driving down the road. Thankfully no dogs, cows or kids etc running about in the road.

IMG_1829 by Wayne 66, on Flickr

IMG_1830 by Wayne 66, on Flickr

IMG_1831 by Wayne 66, on Flickr

Had a great day and it was nice to have a bit of company and a good ride out with someone, thx Kurt (Snakeboy), and you enjoy the rest of your tour

Wayne

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Set off back for Thailand after a good hearty fried noodles with pork for breakfast at a little food place across from where I was staying.
Then it was off for the short journey across the Fourth Friendship Bridge and in to Chiang Khong.

Houayxai to Chiang Khong by Wayne 66, on Flickr

IMG_1832 by Wayne 66, on Flickr
Last Photo in Laos

It was not far to the Bridge from where I was staying, maybe 12 km’s or so. When I got there I went to the Main Part of the Building and found the window for Check Out. The guy behind the window spoke really good English and he told me to get back on my bike and go to the lane for cars.
Once in that lane there was a queue of of about 6 people wanting to cross the border in their cars. As I got to the window the guy on the otherside of the glass didn’t seem to want to deal with me and he called another bloke over. This guy took my passport and paperwork (the Customs paperwork and Thailand acceptance sheet). He kept looking at it and then he put it down and just walked out of the hut. I thought this is going to be along process. I was quite wrong, after making a phone call he came back in and processed my paperwork and then asked me for 500 Bht for the escort to cross the bridge. I asked him if he had a receipt in case I was asked for it again, the answer was no. So I paid up. He then gave me everything back and said to me that I must go to the Customs window which was about 25 meters further on, on the left. He walked and I rode down to the window, at this point I had to hand in my Customs paperwork, no extra charge, just a stamp and he kept it then said I could go but had to follow this civilian car across the Bridge…..sorted
I manage to sneak bit of video of most of the area and the crossing of the bridge to the Thai side.
Once we got to the Thai side the guy in the escort vehicle point for me to go into the private car land and he drove back towards Laos.
I parked up and went to the window in the hut to my front and handed in my paperwork and passport. I was asked for the vehicle paperwork and told him I don’t have it as it is a rental bike and thats all I had.
Whilst I was filling in the arrivals paperwork one of the other guys went out and checked the paperwork with the bike registration number. He came back satisfied, I was then stamped into the country until the 13 Feb 15, not bad that, thought you only got 15 days, not that I need it all!
From that window I rode down to the Customs window which is about 25 meters behind the Arrivals booth. He took my Customs paperwork which I was given as I left Thailand, I signed it, and that was that, back into Thailand and on my way to Chiang Khong and all in less than an hour. Well chuffed.
I had to pay another 200 Bht at some point but I cant remember where, think it was the Thai side at the arrivals window

https://flic.kr/p/pSgfN6
Video of crossing the Bridge

Found a place to stay in Chiang Khong, the Baan Fai Guest House, which is next door to the Nam Khong Riverside where I stayed last time I was here, Hot water, good wifi, nice clean room, bike parked on there grounds at the back, out of the way, 800 Bht, coords N20.26704 E100.40595

IMG_1833 by Wayne 66, on Flickr

IMG_1853 by Wayne 66, on Flickr

IMG_1854 by Wayne 66, on Flickr

IMG_1855 by Wayne 66, on Flickr

Wayne

__________________
The Balkans
https://new.horizonsunlimited.com/poi_entity/8417

Good to see you got back safely in the dark yesterday Wayne. And good also to hear the border cossing went relatively smooth.

I really enjoyed your company on our day out riding.

We made it safely to Oudomxai today and tomorrow we will head for Phongsali.

Wish you a safe return to Yorkshre and happy travels later on.

Safe riding!

Regards from Snakeboy aka Kurt

__________________
In the end everything will be fine. If its not fine its not the end....

at the vehicle escort......like you could get lost on the concrete ??

__________________
My memory is becoming that good, I should be able to organise my own surprise party soon

The penultimate day was was spent riding from Chang Khong to Phayao.
Had a good night before I set off, I went back to the Hub Pub to have a drinkk and see some friends which I had met there the last time I was in CK. Had a really good time and even ended up heading back to the main road to go and play pool. It was quite a late night but not too alcohol driven.

IMG_1856 by Wayne 66, on Flickr

IMG_1860 by Wayne 66, on Flickr

IMG_1861 by Wayne 66, on Flickr

IMG_1862 by Wayne 66, on Flickr

The road from CK to Phayao was initially long and a bit boring (1020) and very damp as it had just finished raining,but then I turned off and went on a few of the back roads which turned out to be about 20km shorter than if I had stayed on the main drags. Once I had left the 1020 I ended up going on the 1292, 4005, 1126 and the 1202 straight in to Phayao. On the 1202 I stopped off at one of the reservoirs for a bit of a chill

Day 35 Chang Khong to Phayao by Wayne 66, on Flickr

IMG_1865 by Wayne 66, on Flickr

IMG_1867 by Wayne 66, on Flickr

IMG_1871 by Wayne 66, on Flickr

IMG_1873 by Wayne 66, on Flickr

IMG_1874 by Wayne 66, on Flickr

IMG_1875 by Wayne 66, on Flickr

IMG_1876 by Wayne 66, on Flickr

IMG_1877 by Wayne 66, on Flickr
The view across the lake

Once I got in to Phayao I had a bit of a drive through and found a coffee shop to plan my next move of finding some accommodation. There was a few places scattered about and decided to ride along the edge of the lake and see whats about.
I found The Cosy Nest, quite a nice place but a bit on the expensive side, they only had the large twin and kings rooms left, he was asking 1500 Bht but got him to knock 10% off the price, breakfast included. Awesome shower and great wifi, nice clean room. The bike is park on the front but there is CCTV and a security guard on as the hotel is open 24hrs. coords N19.16459 E99.89785

IMG_1879 by Wayne 66, on Flickr

IMG_1881 by Wayne 66, on Flickr

IMG_1886 by Wayne 66, on Flickr

IMG_1887 by Wayne 66, on Flickr

Wayne

__________________
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