The Wows in Laos

On a boat entering Kong Lor Cave

Kong Lor Cave

From the moment we descended into Laos from the Nam Phao border crossing we were awe struck. The clouds parted making way for a cool sunny ride in the rural country side. I could say something trite like, it was a breathe of fresh air but it was more like we were knocked off our feet. Traffic was sparse and the road conditions deteriorated while we negotiated a two lane pock marked road with cargo trucks. Then the rain came back with a particular ferocity. We are officially in the rainy season in the moutnains where morning downpours are expected. Occasionally we can hide and get a bowl of soup or Loas coffee, but more often than not we ride through. We've spent a couple days on the popular motorbiking loop- Thakhek Loop- exploring caves and drying out.

Ascended a rainy mountain pass to the Laos border where we breezed through following the stern gestures of checkpoint officials. The sun broke through on the other side of the mountain pass. This marks the beginning of our trek through the Annamite Mountain Range ending shortly before we enter Thailand. Our short biking day felt exhausting and rewarding. We spent the night in Lak Xao, a mid sized with all necessary offerings. People were fantastically friendly, the food was great reminding us both of Vietnam and Thailand but obviously its own.

Another rainy day of misty mountains. Feels wild out here. Didn’t see many other two-wheeled touring travelers. Shared the two lane road with cargo trucks, vans, SUVs, and some scooters while dodging potholes and major muddy construction on our three mile descent. Dodged the rain for a little bit at Dragon cave. Completed one of our steepest climbs with portions between 15-20% then descended through three miles of rust colored mud covering our legs.

Short Rainy ride past limestone formations on a village road to Kong Lor caves. Trying out simple new rain gear- wrapped our backpacks in plastic bags instead of the flimsy rain covers. It has proven to be a great technique. Not pictured are thick motorbiking ponchos that will come in handy over the next week. Spent at extra day at Kong Lor caves where we did a two hour motor boat ride in a four and a half mile long cave with head lamps while our guide deftly navigated the winding water way. It was... otherworldly and impossible to not imagine what lurks in the shadows. Probably nothing. Right?