Heading for Vietnam

Tomorrow will be my third day out of Savannakhet. It will also be my last day in Laos for the time being, though I will return to Laos further north after a bit of touring around Vietnam. The last two days have been relatively less interesting riding since it has just been following the main road, without particularly amazing scenary (though still nice) or opportunities for interesting detours. There have also been a lack of roadside stalls along this stretch so I haven’t had as many smiling children to cheer me along (although I still get to feel like a celebrity when I pass by schools with children in the playground.) On the upside, this stretch of easy riding on nice roads has been a good opportunity to really get into the rythm of cycling, especially now that I feel that my body is starting to adjust and get used to the milage each day.

Today I did briefly meet an Italian guy on the roadside, which was a nice change after not seeing another English speaker for several days. He was doing a tour of Laos by motorbike, and seemed very impressed that I had both travelled further than he had, and done it self-powered, (or rather, powered by noodles and biscuits!)

Tomorrow I have just under 30miles to go to the Vietnam border, and then around 10 or so after the border (I have a shorter day to allow time for the border crossing.) Once in Vietnam, I will be following the Ho Chi Minh Road (western branch) through the mountains towards Hanoi. This road was used as a supply route for the North Vietnamese troops during the war, but is now known for being one of the most scenic routes in Vietnam, cutting through some of its most spectacular mountain scenery. I am anticipating that it will be challenging in terms of climbing hills with a loaded bike, but I am also very much looking forward to it. Onwards!