Thabok to Paksan

Friday November 3, 2017, 34 miles (55 km) - Total so far: 1,428 miles

(2,298 km)

A better ride today, especially early on before the traffic got going. The road passes through more rural countryside (rather than wasteland!) and appealing villages.

Paksan is quite big. We're staying down the road along the Nam San. You can walk along and see the river, and see where it meets the Mekong if you walk far enough. There are also a couple of nice looking temples, although we were feeling a bit under the weather so skipped them.

We're at BK guesthouse which is pretty good - I'd be raving about it but Thong and Mark's has spoilt me! The owner is super nice and speaks fantastic English. 50,000 for fan rooms, pretty awesome. Our room was a bit musty but it's better now - not sure they've had many visitors recently.

Lunch was at Candy Cafe - slightly random place but the food wasn't bad.
Dinner was at Saynamsun restaurant - another huge, empty place....do these places ever see customers?! We were pleased to find simple food to soothe our unhappy stomachs (sticky rice and veggies). The welcome is very friendly but they do try to flog water and cooling towels to you....can't blame them for trying to make a living I suppose!