Day 23 - Relax @ Luang Namtha

Woke up at 8am. Didn't feel as cold as last night. I looked out side and the floor was very wet. It must have been raining last night.

Went out to the local bookstores but they don't sell the colouring books that I was looking to buy for the children. I was kind of disappointed to put this plan aside.

So I went back to take my bike to do a little off roading and explore the place a little. Rode out of town and explored a couple of the nearby village. My bike when without my heavy luggage, ate up the dirt track happily.

11am went back to town for an early lunch of 'khao soi' (spicy noodle soup) for 10,000 kips (US$1.25)

In a little while, I shall gear up and ride to Boten, the border to China.

12pm I set off for Boten. When I reached there, the entire Chinese administered vice town is abandoned as if an epidemic has hit it. Just like the 'land of the dead'

All the hotels, restaurants, KTV, massage joints, casino and brothels were all closed or abandoned. There were also many building that were nearing completion. Strange that that Chinese will just walk away from such a big investment.

Disgusted, I went back to my room for a nap. Slept till 6pm and then went outside to the night market for dinner.

Had papaya salad, roast pork and pineapple shake for 22,000kips (US2.75) 90% of the shops are closed after dark and the town is dead. Not to my liking at all. It's a good thing I'm leaving for the Thai border in Huey Xai tomorrow morning.

Expenses:

Hotel - US$11.25
F&B - US$10

Day 22 - Luang Prabang to Luang Namtha

Very very cold morning.. Don't feel like getting out of bed.. Reluctantly, I got out of bed at 8am.

At 9am, armed with a bacon baguette, a walnut brownie and a bottle of water, I started my journey to Udom Xai which is 200km away.

The first 120km of the journey was beautiful. Nicely paved roads (98%) and nice corners to lean into. The next 80km all the way to Udom Xai was horrible; fire roads all the way and uncountable number of potholes.

Lucky thing for me, the roads are all dry. Otherwise it'll be pure torture for me. Once again I would like to stress that knobby tires are absolutely vital. Do not enter Laos if you do don't have knobbies. (Unless if you ride a kup)

Along the way, I met many small children at the villages along the way. Many of them don't seem to go to school and run around playing. I gave out my small change to whichever children who posed for my photo willingly.

At about 2pm, I pulled into Udom Xai town. Quickly I topped up my petrol tank and had lunch at 'sinphet restaurant'. Ordered beef noodles and coke at 16,000kips (US$2)

The signboard reads that Luang namtha is 115 km away. Guess I'll make a dash for it as Udom Xai looks boring to me.

Once out of Udom Xai, the roads went from hell to heaven. Beautifully paved roads all the way. Not a single pothole spotted. For once, I'm grateful for the Chinese for doing something.

Went I reach the junction between the route to Boten and Luang Namtha, It began to drizzle. I quickly put on my rain gear and reduced my speed to about 40km/h. I decided that this is not the correct time to visit Boten (China border) so decided to find accommodation in Luang Namtha first.

Suddenly it began to rain very heavily. Luckily I was all geared up. Visibility dropped drastically and it was freezing cold till my fingers went numb. I had on turn on my high beam (aka misfits spot light) to ensure that I'm visible.

About an hour later, at 5pm, I reach Luang Namtha and checked in to 'thoulasith guesthouse' for 90,000 kips a night for a big room (US$11.25). I like this place because I can park right outside my room.

8pm I went out for a ride and went to the night market which is just a few food stores. Nothing interest me here. So I crossed the road to 'manychan restaurant' to have some garlic pork. The meal cost 40,000kips (US$5)

As I was leaving, someone approached me. He is Singaporean biker, Alex. The one who rode past me at Krabi w/o saying hi. We had a nice long chat about our riding plans. Apparently, our ride paths are now in opposite directions.

11pm, rode out for 3 minutes and I'm
shaking uncontrollably. This is crazy.... It's bloody cold!!! Must be below 10 degrees outside.

Went to nearby 'dragon ktv' which is actually a disco. Nice lazer light show but only 1/4 filled. I'm too cold for any drinks now. zzz. The beer here is freaking even cheaper at 16,000kips a bottle (US$2) Music is good but there's no crowd; maybe because it's a weekday.

What I can confirm is that this place is 100% safe as it is crawling with policemen. Boring so I went back after 1 bottle.

Expenses:

Hotel: $11.25
Petrol - US$8.50
F&B - US$9
Entertainment - US$2