Khe Sanh to Savannakhet
It was a fresh, misty and early start from the Thai Ninh Hotel. The road was mainly downhill to the border. We made good time, but the border formalities on both side were sluggish, and we lost 1 1/2 hours there. David paid the standard $35 for his visa plus a $1 stamping! fee.
What a contrast a border makes. On the Lao side, towns were noticeably simpler, traffic quieter, less verdant, dusty and hot. We were in the area of the Ho Chi Minh Trail which ran mostly through Laos and Cambodia. The Americans were unable to find it then, but today would have an easier job since the prime forests are gone and replaced by banana plantations.
After the initial 90 or so km, the road conditions deteriorated rapidly. Perhaps we should have studied the map more carefully since the Nelles map did show the road to be in a bad state.
The ride was no fun as temperatures soared to 38C with no shade. We could not even stop for breaks because the roadworks, which went on for more than 60km made the surrounding areas very dusty.
It was a relief to arrive in Savannakhet. We found a room at the Hoongthip Hotel and took a few beers alongside the Mekong, watching the sunset and the Savannakhet bicycle passeggiata.
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| Commemorating the Battle of Khe Sanh |
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| Wild fowl and civet cat? |
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| Goats do roam; sometimes they take the bus |
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| Provincial Tourism Department map |
Total distance: 265km
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