I took my time this morning because I was hoping it would warm up. After a leisurely breakfast I rented a mountain bike for $5. I rode back down the road I came in on, stopping at the caves. They were similar to the ones in Vieng Xai, but not as fancy. And there were no falang.

I rode on in search of a waterfall. I saw a sign that seemed to be pointing down a side rode, so I turned off. I came to a river that I had to ford. I rode on, up and down big hills. It was really nice. The mountains were all around me, and it was quiet. Only a few locals passed. But no waterfall. I eventually headed back. Looking at the sign again, it seemed like it was actually pointing down the main road. Despite not finding a waterfall, it was a nice ride.

Nong Khiaw in the misty morning.
Nong Khiaw in the misty morning.

I rode back to town to tackle the dirt road behind my guesthouse. It was a grueling ride, up and down hills. I had to walk the bike up the hills since the gears don’t work.

I rode out for an hour and a half, passing through 3 small villages. The scenery was fantastic. Mountains and forests were everywhere. Only a few people were on the road. Some guys with rifles and some teenagers passed by.

Only in Laos did I see girls playing.
Only in Laos did I see girls playing.

The villages were very isolated, far down the dirt road. They did not have any shops or restaurants.

After passing the third village, the road continued on. I wondered where it went. But it was getting late and I had a 90 minute ride back, so I turned around. It was a hard ride. My legs ached. I was glad to get back to town.

Dramatic cliffs were everywhere.
Dramatic cliffs were everywhere.
The clouds made the cliffs more dramatic.
The clouds made the cliffs more dramatic.
The road was hilly but rewarding.
The road was hilly but rewarding.
There were nice views of cliffs towering over green fields.
There were nice views of cliffs towering over green fields.
The countryside was beautiful.
The countryside was beautiful.
Fording the river.
Fording the river.
The villages were very isolated.
The villages were very isolated.
The dirt oad went on forever.
The dirt oad went on forever.
This guy blocked my path.
This guy blocked my path.
On the river in the afternoon.
On the river in the afternoon.
Sunset in Nong Khiaw.
Sunset in Nong Khiaw.
Terry
I'm Terry, former cubicle-dweller, and now traveler, photographer, writer, and entrepreneur. I quit my job in 2014 to travel to US national parks, then to South East Asia. I write about independent, flexible, long-term, budget travel. Sign up to my newsletter to get the latest news on what I'm up to. I hope you join me on my trek around the world.

2 comments

  1. Beautiful shots my man. I miss Laos. Why do you think girls weren’t playing in other countries? To busy working or caring for younger siblings? Or just a thing with gender roles?

  2. Thanks Mike! It really did seem like girls were always doing chores and taking care of babies. I only ever saw boys goofing off, and boys playing sports. Except for in Laos.

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