Luang Prabang to Nong Khiew via Pak Xeng and Sam Soun.
This was a great 210km ride, with 90kms being tarmac, and the rest an easy 120kms on the dirt, which winds it way through some of the best landscape in Laos, with plenty of friendly villages, and amazing ridge top scenery.
The way. Head north on hwy 13 for about 20 kms out of Luang Prabang to the Pak Xeng,.. turn right and keep going till you hit hwy 1C at Sam Soun, then turn left to Nong Khiew. All pretty simple, and its all clearly shown on the GT Rider Laos map.
First stop on any ride that starts out of Luang Prabang, is the market in the centre of town to grab a baguette for lunch later in the day.
It was Hmong new year, and once I turned off hwy 13 there was plenty of people scatted along the road that looked like there were heading for a big celebration some where.
A few kilometres further on I came to a small village where the party was about to begin.
What a bonus it was coming across this New Years celebration.
This would have been the place to be later in the afternoon. What a great setting for concert.
I would have loved to stick around for the main event, but it was too early in the morning so I left before it really kicked off. Just look at the size of those speakers.
Back on the road after one of those great travel experiences you come across now and then.
The main dirt road follows a beautiful river for about 50kms
I come to this little village that was right on the river, and decided that it would be a good spot for lunch. I translate the town to be Ban Pattama…can anyone better that attempt?
Beautiful spot.
French cuisine by the river.
It may have been a nice spot for a bite. But it was a place of work for these ladies that were sifting river stones.
As in most places around the world, the guy that works the least, makes the money.
Also in the village I came across these two ladies weaving…Pretty cool.
Back on the road.
These villages are full of kids, that are full of life.
Hard work starts at a young age.
The hills and the trail ahead.
I stopped in one of the many villages to take a few photos when I seen this little girl holding a baby. I took this photo from about 30 metres away as I thought my space suit may have frightened her.
Then the mother came out and called me over, and the little girl and the mum showed off there new little sibling. Sweet moment….just love this country.
This was the father of the baby.
The next village also had Hmong new Year celebrations in full swing.
The T-Junction where dirt meets tarmac at Sam Soun on hwy 1C.
Sam Soun, a good spot when you need a splash and dash to make it to Nong Khiew.
There’s also a Lao style 7-11 at Sam soun if you need a bite to eat.
From Sam Soun to Nong Khiew, it’s a nice ride with plenty of villages, on tarmac that’s in excellent condition.
Next six photos are taken from the bridge in Nong Khiew. That’s my room on the left…what a spot.
As always I arrived in Nong Khiew with the intention of staying one night, but as usual I end up staying four. This is my favourite kick back and take it easy town.
Moto-Rex
This was a great 210km ride, with 90kms being tarmac, and the rest an easy 120kms on the dirt, which winds it way through some of the best landscape in Laos, with plenty of friendly villages, and amazing ridge top scenery.
The way. Head north on hwy 13 for about 20 kms out of Luang Prabang to the Pak Xeng,.. turn right and keep going till you hit hwy 1C at Sam Soun, then turn left to Nong Khiew. All pretty simple, and its all clearly shown on the GT Rider Laos map.
First stop on any ride that starts out of Luang Prabang, is the market in the centre of town to grab a baguette for lunch later in the day.
It was Hmong new year, and once I turned off hwy 13 there was plenty of people scatted along the road that looked like there were heading for a big celebration some where.
A few kilometres further on I came to a small village where the party was about to begin.
What a bonus it was coming across this New Years celebration.
This would have been the place to be later in the afternoon. What a great setting for concert.
I would have loved to stick around for the main event, but it was too early in the morning so I left before it really kicked off. Just look at the size of those speakers.
Back on the road after one of those great travel experiences you come across now and then.
The main dirt road follows a beautiful river for about 50kms
I come to this little village that was right on the river, and decided that it would be a good spot for lunch. I translate the town to be Ban Pattama…can anyone better that attempt?
Beautiful spot.
French cuisine by the river.
It may have been a nice spot for a bite. But it was a place of work for these ladies that were sifting river stones.
As in most places around the world, the guy that works the least, makes the money.
Also in the village I came across these two ladies weaving…Pretty cool.
Back on the road.
These villages are full of kids, that are full of life.
Hard work starts at a young age.
The hills and the trail ahead.
I stopped in one of the many villages to take a few photos when I seen this little girl holding a baby. I took this photo from about 30 metres away as I thought my space suit may have frightened her.
Then the mother came out and called me over, and the little girl and the mum showed off there new little sibling. Sweet moment….just love this country.
This was the father of the baby.
The next village also had Hmong new Year celebrations in full swing.
The T-Junction where dirt meets tarmac at Sam Soun on hwy 1C.
Sam Soun, a good spot when you need a splash and dash to make it to Nong Khiew.
There’s also a Lao style 7-11 at Sam soun if you need a bite to eat.
From Sam Soun to Nong Khiew, it’s a nice ride with plenty of villages, on tarmac that’s in excellent condition.
Next six photos are taken from the bridge in Nong Khiew. That’s my room on the left…what a spot.
As always I arrived in Nong Khiew with the intention of staying one night, but as usual I end up staying four. This is my favourite kick back and take it easy town.
Moto-Rex
