Chiang Khong to Huay Xai

Sunday October 15, 2017, 14 miles (22 km) - Total so far: 851 miles

(1,369 km)

Although the lure of the swimming pool was great, we did manage to drag ourselves away from the Namkhong guesthouse! I was happy to grab one last iced Thai tea for the road, and then we headed straight to the friendship bridge.

The whole process was straightforward. We waited a little while for the shuttle bus but not long really. The bikes went inside the bus, at the back, which involved lifting them quite high up through what I assume is the emergency exit. Lots of help though! The paperwork on the Laos side took a little while too, but all went smoothly. The ride into Huay Xai is pretty easy, although we didn't go the most direct way!

We are staying at the Kaupjai guesthouse. 300 baht for a fan room that is one of the cleanest we've stayed in so far. Huge bed and very hot shower. It did smell a bit mildewy but is much better after opening the window and having the fan on! The owner is a little brusque, but speaks English and did knock on the door this evening to tell us to bring the bikes inside, so perhaps it's just a bit lost in translation. Anyway, it's not important, it's a good spot, and is right at the start of the main.

Lunch was at Bar How, really excellent. Washed down with our first Beerlao!
Dinner was at Muang Ner, also pretty good and a bit cheaper.
Both meals were more expensive than we've been used to, but this is very much a tourist town so perhaps that's a factor.