| Day 4 Muang Phin to Xepon, Laos Kilometers 41.6 Miles 26 |
Ride/Road - Highway 9 east is newly paved and in great
condition. Very wide shoulder. Traffic light. It comes in
waves, three to four vehicles at one time, then no traffic for
long periods of time. Scenic quiet ride with plenty of
enthusiastic locals yelling from every direction, "Goodbye."
How do they know we're leaving?
The scenery is the nicest yet. Green, lush and tropical
surroundings. Lovely view of the Annamite Mountains
looming ahead and around us. Scenic river crossings.
Hills - Slightly undulating road. But mostly flat.
Weather - Hard headwind persisted and it was tough at
times. Cloudy, overcast and much cooler than the previous
three days.
Xepon town is not much to look at but the area around it is
very lush, green forested hills and tropical. The locals are
very friendly and there are many options for food and drink.
Plenty of shops to stock up or spend your last kip before
heading into Vietnam. The central market has fresh bread,
plenty of fruit options and some vegetables.
Slept - Viengsavan Guesthouse
Location - 1.8 kilometers out of town (eastside). It is on the
right side after crossing the bridge.
Cost - 40,000 kip ($4.00) (fan room) or 70,000 kip ($7.00)
a/c room
Amenities - Motel-style guesthouse in a complex courtyard.
All rooms are at ground level. Large room decorated with
antique curtains, huge window, one double bed, en suite bath
with hot water, western toilet. A/C, TV with Thai channels.
Nice, serviceable owner.
More than enough space inside the room for both our bikes
at night.
Other accommodations in town - There is another
guesthouse at the west end of town on the right side before
you cross the bridge. We stopped there first but it was full.
Some tours from Thailand stop here overnight on their way
into Vietnam and fill up the accommodations.
A new guesthouse complex was being built as we pedaled
into town. It is about 4 kilometers west of Xepon. It may be
finished by now.
condition. Very wide shoulder. Traffic light. It comes in
waves, three to four vehicles at one time, then no traffic for
long periods of time. Scenic quiet ride with plenty of
enthusiastic locals yelling from every direction, "Goodbye."
How do they know we're leaving?
The scenery is the nicest yet. Green, lush and tropical
surroundings. Lovely view of the Annamite Mountains
looming ahead and around us. Scenic river crossings.
Hills - Slightly undulating road. But mostly flat.
Weather - Hard headwind persisted and it was tough at
times. Cloudy, overcast and much cooler than the previous
three days.
Xepon town is not much to look at but the area around it is
very lush, green forested hills and tropical. The locals are
very friendly and there are many options for food and drink.
Plenty of shops to stock up or spend your last kip before
heading into Vietnam. The central market has fresh bread,
plenty of fruit options and some vegetables.
Slept - Viengsavan Guesthouse
Location - 1.8 kilometers out of town (eastside). It is on the
right side after crossing the bridge.
Cost - 40,000 kip ($4.00) (fan room) or 70,000 kip ($7.00)
a/c room
Amenities - Motel-style guesthouse in a complex courtyard.
All rooms are at ground level. Large room decorated with
antique curtains, huge window, one double bed, en suite bath
with hot water, western toilet. A/C, TV with Thai channels.
Nice, serviceable owner.
More than enough space inside the room for both our bikes
at night.
Other accommodations in town - There is another
guesthouse at the west end of town on the right side before
you cross the bridge. We stopped there first but it was full.
Some tours from Thailand stop here overnight on their way
into Vietnam and fill up the accommodations.
A new guesthouse complex was being built as we pedaled
into town. It is about 4 kilometers west of Xepon. It may be
finished by now.