Xiangkhuang – Simply cycling around

Ban Nam Chat > Vieng Kham (68km)

I thought the worst was behind me but it didn’t mean the road would be flat. Ban Nam Chat is situated in a hole. I’ve enjoyed yesterday night going down hill for quite a while. After dinner, when I was trying to find a spot where to sleep I’ve ended cycling uphill again. That was only the beginning of the hill. This morning I started with a 650m ascension. I had some lunch at Phou Khoun which was in a bowl but still 1200m high. Finally I had another climb that brought above 1500m and started a huge downhill during late afternoon. At night, another huge storm hit the sheds where I was staying. The wind was super strong and I thought the roof was going to collapse but it didn’t fortunately!

Phonsavan > Ban Nam Chat (79km)

Originally, we planned to leave at 7am this morning which is already quite late for me. That would let us only 2 hours of fresh temperature before the sun start attacking seriously. We got prepared, asked to the owner of the hotel if he could take a picture of us which he did obviously. Then, we were kind of ready to go but still talk and talk and talk until 9am! Arg! That’s nearly too late to start cycling now! Anyway, we must move! Have a good trip Stéphane. Enjoy Vietnam :-)

Phonsavan, day off and visit of the plain of Jars (21km)

Today we did not do anything special with Stéphane. We just stayed at the guesthouse, went out to eat when you got hungry and that’s it. Around 5pm, when the lights became good enough to take pictures, I cycled to the Plain of Jars which is not really far from the city centre of Phonsavan. There is several different sites apparently but I’ve chose the main one. Of course, I cycled there.

Keo Leuk > Phonsavan (99km)

Finally, I’ve reached my first goal, Phonsavan! This morning I wasn’t sure if I would make it but I knew Stephane was there and was going to move very soon. Fortunately, a long downhill helped a lot! It gave me the motivation to keep going. For the first time since I left Luang Namtha, I’ve seen a valley. I think the worse is behind me now.