Thakhek – Roadside Guesthouse – 75 km
I didn’t get underway until almost eleven, as it had rained nonstop
since early evening the previous day. Eventually, I cycled out of
Thakhek, and my decision to take the river road was clearly wrong.
With all the rain, the road was one muddy, potholed mess, which
slowed the ride to five kilometres in 30 minutes. Needless to say, it
was frustrating, not to mention exhausting. There wasn’t anything
one could do so I pushed on as best I could. It’s only 120 kilometres
to Savannakhet, but after 75 kilometres and spotting a guesthouse, I
called it a day as rain once more set in.
The lady charged me 100,000 LAK for the room, and I surmised I was
overcharged. I guess she looked at this mud-covered person and
thought that cleaning the room would be a whole day's affair. I wasn’t
going to argue, as any room at $4.50 is a bargain. The only drawback
was that the area was somewhat remote, and no food vendors were
nearby. Thus, I hauled out the instant noodles I kept for such
situations and went to bed early.