Ban Nahin to Lak Sao

Wednesday November 8, 2017, 35 miles (56 km) - Total so far: 1,600 miles

(2,575 km)

Wonderful ride today. The climb out of Ban Nahin is a bit fierce, but it's a good excuse to stop at the viewpoint - incredible views. The river in Nam Theun (presumably of the same name) is stunning. Overall, the scenery is lovely all day. There are a few short climbs after the first one but nothing too bad.

We met a large group of Swiss / French / Belgian cyclists in Nam Theun! All on road bikes, with a support vehicle. Very sensible! We also met two Dutch cycle tourists in Lak Sao. They'd just come from Vietnam, where they really didn't enjoy the traffic. Eeek.

We had a fab lunch at a cafe at about half way. It's marked on maps.me as 'Loop Cafe', and is doing great job of catering to westerners without being too western! Lovely outdoor areas with trinkets and flowers, English menu, extremely friendly welcome. We were happy to support this establishment!

Lak Sao isn't up to much (as expected!). We are staying at Hotel Phouthavong - chosen because it looked better from the outside, and is set back from the road. They have an assortment of rooms with an assortment of prices. We asked to see the 60,000 kip option, and took it, so I can't vouch for the others! It's fine. Fairly big, hot shower, could do with decorating and is a bit dingy....but what's new ;)

All the other cyclists are at Souriya, which I've seen recommended in various places. It looks a bit seedy from the outside but presumably it's ok!

We tried to eat at the 'Only One' restaurant but the staff were preoccupied with some other customers and we got a bit bored of waiting. It does have an English menu though. Instead, we went to the place at the cross roads that has a sign outside saying 'Thai food' - I was hoping this meant they had an English menu too. They didn't, but we muddled along and they were very sweet. Another great fried rice, good job we love it!