Luang Prabang to Pak Mong
Distance - 115km
Average 17.6km/h
It was pretty hard getting back on the bike after 5 lovely days in Luang Prabang. The ride to Pak Mong was long, but thankfully relatively flat. My (natalie) stomach problems weren't over completely and the riding seemed to aggrevate them, so we took the day quite slowly.
When we got to Pak Mong we had very limited options for a guesthouse. The best we could find was a very dirty, old room. Usually we are pretty flexible with our sleeping arrangments, but this was worse than either of us could handle. It made us realise that when you are on the road, any standards you may have go out the window, as one cant afford to be fussy.
Day 2:
Pak Mong to Nong Kiaw
Distance - 32km
Average 16.5km/h
This morning we headed off very early for Nong Kiaw. I wished that we could have done the ride from Luang Prabang to Nong Kiaw in one day so that it avoided staying overnight in Pak Mong, but 145km was too much for us.
Nong Kiaw is a raved about destination for its stunning limestone cliffs and peaceful setting. Many people also visit Nong Kiaw in transit to head further upstream to another town that is only accessible by river.
When we were riding in to Nong Kiaw we realised what we were in for. It was a very beautiful town yet we could hardly see the stunning backdrop due to the thick smoke from all the slash and burning. This was partly our mistake as it is the season for slash and burning, and at other times of the year the air would be much clearer. But it is also really sad that these agricultural techniques are spoiling the towns for tourism, and even the locals complain of itchy eyes and throats. You can't really blame the farmers for this, as for them it is simply a way to tend to the land. I guess the government or NGOS should provide better education and support to aid the farmers in switching how they do agriculture.
All the same Nong Kiaw was nice to hang out and relax in for a day.
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