The ride was stressful, and there was no time to enjoy the scenery,
so when I spotted the Dokphet Hotel, I pulled in even though it was
only 15h30. I needed to get my head around this road. The room was
cheap as chips at 150,000 LAK (Lao kip) or $6.75. It is large and
clean, and the complex is situated in a large, lush garden. With a
restaurant just outside the complex, it was a real bargain. I felt that I
would deal with the dreaded Route 13 the next day.
Pak Ngum, Dokphet Hotel – Paksan, BK Guesthouse – 86 km
I set out anew and was ready to tackle that horrid road. A massive
storm came in during the night, which meant the potholes were filled
with water and branches were strewn all over the road. It was a
complete nightmare as I waded through the water, not knowing if
large potholes were waiting to swallow me. In these flooded areas, it
was better to wait and watch the cars and motorbikes to determine
the best route to take. You can just imagine my delight when 10
kilometres down the drag, I reached a brand-new road. Hallelujah!
I've never loved a road as much as that one! From then on, biking
was easy, and I could enjoy the quintessential Laos scenery of
farmlands (now flooded) with misty mountains in the distance.
Most rural people could be seen in the flooded areas, fishing net in
hand and calling, “Sabai-dee, felang!” (Hello, foreigner!) on spotting
me. The Laotians are gentle and very kind. Thus, there was no
chance of a quick water stop as it usually comes with a photo shoot
of the children. Even the shy ones will come closer. Too cute.