R1c Nong Khiew - Vieng Thong / Muang Hiam

DavidFL

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A continuation from
Road Update - Pak Mong - Nam Bak - Nong Khiew - R1c

One of my favourite rides due the winding nature of the roads & the abdundance of road side villages & super friendly people / kids.

Its only 164 kms but such is the natutre of the road - narrow, tight twisting through the mountains that it is difficult to carry any speed.

At the Nong Khiew end it starts off like this
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its bumpy, patchy asphalt for the first 90 kms to Mouang Mouy.
In fact it could rate nicely as a pig of a road, but a beauty for a nice 250.
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Dodging potholes & avoiding oncoming traffic on the continuous blind corners is good for the brain & keeping your concentration up.

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Its a fabulous ride for the village life you can see right beside / on the road.
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The kids are always super fun & friendly.
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A wedding party beside the road
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A nice stretch of road
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Some Hmong gals out for New Year Still
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The Vstrom gets the eye from some young lads in a village
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Another family watch on
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Grandma too
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Its grass brush central in some villages along the road
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Mum & son doing chores beside the road
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The road goes through the Nam Et -Pou Louey conservation zone & the forest is thick.
The Nam Et–Phou Louey National Protected Area hosts a large number of endangered species including the last tigers of Indochina, gaur, Sambar deer
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In places they are still taking timber out
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Little landslides dot the roadside
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After Mouang Mouy the road is nice - wider & the surface more smooth, but the road is still bumpy
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Khamu weavers beside the road
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Guys working hard repairing the village "hydro-electric" water propellers.
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Its a never ending mountain ride - up & down
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& pottering along, avoiding the potholes plus slowing down in the villages for photos takes time & all adds up.
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164 kms = 5 hrs 45 @ 28 kph average speed.
Power on he says - if only you could!

Where to stay in Vieng Thong
Vieng Thong - Muang Hiam Accommodation

Where to eat in Vieng Thong
Vieng Thong - Muang Hiam Restaurants
 
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DavidFL

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A Google Earth view of part of R1C from Nong Khiew - Vieng Thong winding its way through the mountains,
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Entering Vieng Thong
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The river is the Nam Khan which flows into the Mekong at Luang Prabang.

Vieng Thong is now officially called Muang Hiam.

Muang Hiam city
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Just 1 kms from Muang Hiam city are the Muang Hiam hot springs in a nice forest park.
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Open air tubs to soak in
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The locals come down at dusk to bathe & do their laundry
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The Muang Hiam market
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I walked inside with my camera in hand & most people had a look of fear on their faces = no photos. Sorry folks. Just looking.

Vieng Thong / Muang Hiam also has a famous LS36 site nearby at NaKhang
https://www.gt-rider.com/thailand-motorcycle-forum/showthread.php/35653-Laos-the-Trip-December-2011

LS-36, “The Alamo” in Laos

Lima Site 36 not far from Viengtong.

Jimoi spills information on Laos - 8/9 day Northern Loop

Vieng Thong has featured in these reports on GTR before:

Vieng Thong to Phonsavan on the dirt.

Luang Prabang-Vieng Thong-Phonsavan-Pakxan
 
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