Day 5

We were delighted with the fact we were able to take a boat from Luang Prabang up river to Nong Kiau. Even better was that we could hire a private speed boat to cut the 8 hour trip to just under 3 hours. Upon getting to the wharf we realised that this was going to be a hairy trip. The bikes were precariously tied in place. The driver started the trip without a helmet, we got a little worried when his helmet came on. Apparently there is no need to slow down when going up rapids that look like small waterfalls in these speed boats. The trip was like a three hour roller coaster ride with beautiful limestone cliffs along the way. Marty in particular had been soaked in the Mekong by the end of the trip.

Bungalows at Nong Kiau

Looking confident in the packing

Helmets. Optional

Pretending to be having fun

The Orphanage

The trip out to the orphanage was very successful and a humbling experience. We would like to thank everyone who sponsored the kids. We can see the money is going to go a long way towards helping maintain the premises as well as providing regular food for them. Every child had a huge smile on their face and really appreciated their special brekky.

Lao orphans teaching Jon to catch

Phan & Sinthana, who helped organise the trip to the orphanage

Day 4

The prospect of riding 130 very difficult kilometres with no place to stop in case we were too tired to continue was not looking good after day 3. The brains behind the CK Express decided to take the first 50km off the trip and hire a truck past some of the first few viscious climbs. We were still faced with a hard 20km climb, however we had the benefit of two picturesque decents and a relatively easy finish into Luang Prabang.

The caped crusader in full flight

Hardest Man in Laos

Day 2 & 3

Day 2 - Another ludicrously hot day. The heat searing off the road drained us and it was hard to remain hydrated with sweat dripping off us for the whole day. We ended in Vang Vieng which is a nice place, but we had little time to soak it up as we were completely drained and were facing a big task the next day.

Day 3 - Vang Vieng to Muang Phu Khun is recommended to be completed in two days. We thought it was a good idea to make up some time and complete the two days into one. We made solid progress in the first 18km and dined for breakfast in a small village while a torrential downpour passed. A fairly steep climb for the next 8km would have been OK if there wasn't another fierce 44km climb ahead. We reached Muang Phu Khun just after dark after beginning at first light. Needless to say we were all spent, but still partied til 8:15pm. The rock hard beds were just what was needed after sitting all day in the rock hard saddle.

I think the weather might be changing

Where's the beach?

Marty getting overtaken on the climb

Day 1

The hot temperatures and 90+ percent humidity made a relatively flat 100km somewhat more difficult. A couple of short steep climbs at the end of the day were not welcome. The highlight of the day was the drunken locals showing off their rockets and playing their (improvised) instruments in time to music being blasted at 100db.

Lao rocket parade

Na Nam

Preparation

Vientiane was a great place to begin the trip. The people are very friendly and welcoming and the whole place is pretty chilled out. We found our bikes in good condition and besides a few small mechanical difficulties, we were ready to go.

Gérard Depardieu

Bicycles are packed. We just hope Schapelle Corby's baggage handling friend hasn't wound up with a gig at Kingsford Smith.

Our itinerary -

26/04 - Vientiane to Na Nam (95km)
27/04 - Na Nam to Vang Vieng (109km)
28/04 - Vang Vieng to Muang Phu Khun (104km)
29/04 - Muang Phu Khun to Luang Prabang (130km)
01/05 - Luang Prabang to Pak Mong (100km)
02/05 - Pak Mong to Muang Xai (70km)
03/05 - Muang Xai to Muang Khung (97km)
04/05 - Muang Khung to Dien Bien Phu (110km)
05/05 - Dien Bien Phu to Tuan Giao (80km)
06/05 - Tuan Giao to Son La (90km)
07/05 - Son La to Yen Chau (65km)
08/05 - Yen Chau to Moc Chau (56km)
09/05 - Moc Chau to Mai Chau (67km)
10/05 - Mai Chau to Hoa Binh/Hanoi (66km)

We were initially worried about the condition of Don Juan . Rest assured. He is cleaned up and ready for another few thousand clicks.

Overwhelmed

A massive thank you to everyone for their support so far, it truly has been amazing. We've far exceeded our expectations! We hope that some of it can go towards fixing the dormitory roofs.

We're geared up and ready to go. Stay tuned. Subscribe to our posts on the right.