Pakbeng to Muang Houn

Wednesday October 18, 2017, 33 miles (52 km) - Total so far: 883 miles

(1,421 km)

And breathe..... That's better!

Not once did we regret our decision to ditch the boat. It was a beautiful ride along the 2W to Muang Houn - our first real taste of Laos. Quiet road (mostly in reasonable condition but watch out for the huge potholes and gravelly sections) punctuated by the odd large truck, but they are easy to avoid. beautiful scenery along the river Beng, with plenty of charming villages en route. And - everyone says it - the kids are adorable! Sabaidee, sabaidee! I think it's a sort of sport for them.

The Chinese influence is apparent at regular intervals....hydroelectric infrastructure, and biiiig trucks. Most signs are in Laos and Chinese, and there are lots of Chinese cars on the road. Not sure what to think of this really!

We stayed at the Souvanhy hotel in Muang Khoun. Pretty standard - clean and functional, 80,000 for fan room. We had noodle soup for lunch at one of the restaurants in town, and a picnic dinner with some leftover food from Thailand. There isn't much to Muang Koun, but I've were pleased we had an easy first day.

(Slow connection so apologies for lack of pic).