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Lao People's Democratic Republic/Don Không Round the world trip 2008
3/4/08
We were greeted by a mist over the river and a nice breakfast on the deck Following instructions given to us by a non-cyclist we headed north; took a ferry to the other side of the river; and continued to Phonghong. We were told to look for the Nam Lik Eco Resort sign before the bridge. Only too soon did we find it (33kms)! The signs led us down a side road that became dirt that became a rutted track. Where is this place? Eight kilometers plus. Now we’re here – what is this place? Twelve bungalows, perched on a hillside, owned by a Laos Frenchman and run by a Frenchman; a “lodge” exhibiting nature: collections of mountain butterflies and bugs, aquariums with snakes, frogs, turtles and fish, wild orchids strapped to every exterior facing balustrade and beam, all viewed from comfy chairs and surrounded by books and well placed tables. The staff cooks up tolerable meals, washes linens and make up the wonderful beds. These bungalows are Spartan and small but meet most needs complete with outdoor bathrooms and porches furnished with tables, chairs and hammocks. After last night’s gorgeous accommodation and lovely pool for $25, this seems awfully expensive at $30 p/n. I guess someone has to pay for all the advertising we saw in Vientiane and it is “out in the boonies.” After walking down to survey the swimming options riverside, we opted for “hammock time” instead. We had hoped this stop would shorten our long 90km ride tomorrow, but alas, it will add 8k’s of dirt road at the start. Oh well. One can never trust a non-cyclist for cycling directions.
March 06 Lao People's Democratic Republic/Muang >
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March 03 Lao People's Democratic Republic/Buan
We were greeted by a mist over the river and a nice breakfast on the deck Following instructions given to us by a non-cyclist we headed north; took a ferry to the other side of the river; and continued to Phonghong. We were told to look for the Nam Lik Eco Resort sign before the bridge. Only too soon did we find it (33kms)! The signs led us down a side road that became dirt that became a rutted track. Where is this place? Eight kilometers plus. Now we’re here – what is this place? Twelve bungalows, perched on a hillside, owned by a Laos Frenchman and run by a Frenchman; a “lodge” exhibiting nature: collections of mountain butterflies and bugs, aquariums with snakes, frogs, turtles and fish, wild orchids strapped to every exterior facing balustrade and beam, all viewed from comfy chairs and surrounded by books and well placed tables. The staff cooks up tolerable meals, washes linens and make up the wonderful beds. These bungalows are Spartan and small but meet most needs complete with outdoor bathrooms and porches furnished with tables, chairs and hammocks. After last night’s gorgeous accommodation and lovely pool for $25, this seems awfully expensive at $30 p/n. I guess someone has to pay for all the advertising we saw in Vientiane and it is “out in the boonies.” After walking down to survey the swimming options riverside, we opted for “hammock time” instead. We had hoped this stop would shorten our long 90km ride tomorrow, but alas, it will add 8k’s of dirt road at the start. Oh well. One can never trust a non-cyclist for cycling directions.
