Pakse – Muang Champassak – 45 km
The journey to Champassak was relatively short, only 35 kilometres.
I stopped in Champassak to visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of
Vat Phou. Although the ride was short, it was enjoyable, and the
guesthouse I chose was so charming that I decided to stay for two
nights. Instead of heading straight to the ruins, I cycled the Rice Field
Trail, which seemed quite pleasant. Everything was going well for
about five kilometres until the path turned into a clay pit, and I
decided to turn back. Luckily, the guesthouse had a garden hose
where I could wash off most of the clay. What a mess!
The next day, I cycled 10 kilometres to explore the remains of the
ancient city, an excursion that kept me occupied the entire morning. I
especially enjoyed climbing the hill to reach the highest level, where I
was rewarded with a breath-taking panoramic view of the fields
below. It's truly remarkable what they constructed on such a steep
slope.
About a kilometre south lay the ruins of Prasat Hong Nang Sida, and I
decided to head in that direction. As I made my way, I was
accompanied by a lively seven-year-old girl who acted as my
impromptu tour guide. She chattered animatedly in Lao throughout
our walk, and although I couldn't understand her words, her
enthusiasm and gestures indicated she was giving me historical
information. Upon reaching the temple, which was being renovated,
she sweetly took my hand, seemingly to ensure safety as we
navigated the area. On our way back, she skipped ahead and picked
us each a lotus leaf to shield us from the sun. How cute is that?