Ban Nahin: Side trip to Konglor cave

Tuesday November 7, 2017, 52 miles (84 km) - Total so far: 1,565 miles

(2,518 km)

Was it worth the hype? Yes it was. A really great experience (if slightly alarming to anyone, like me, who is not that keen on caves or boats!!). 2,000 kip to enter the national park, then 120,000 kip to hire a boat and driver (for two people. 110,000 for 1 person, 130,000 for 3).

The boat trip lasted a good couple of hours (it's much faster on the way back!). It's VERY dark inside....lit only by your headlamps, except for the illuminated section which you walk through. The cave is so huge, it's quite awe inspiring. Make sure you look up - you might see bats! There are a few shallow sections which are very minor 'rapids' on the way back. The boatman just put his foot down when we were going against the current! You have to get out of the boat right at the end and help pull it up a 'step' - it's quite fun going back down this afterwards! I think you might have to get out of the boat more when there's less water.

We hopped out for a drink at the village on the other side. It was a bit random....hardly anyone there but several stalls, one includes a chained monkey which isn't great for those of us who feel strongly about animal rights, but hey ho.

The ride there and back is very flat. There's a section of gravel from Ban Nahin, just a few km and not too rough. The road is absolutely terrible as you approach Ban Konglor. But the scenery is fab, and you pass through some nice villages. Lots of rubbish though.

We had lunch in Ban Konglor - at one of the guesthouses. It was ok. Nothing compared to the food at Sanhak guesthouse! We spent another comfortable evening stuffing our faces, then retiring to our lovely room (albeit with added cockroach, although it kept its distance).