R1c Vieng Thong / Muang Hiam - Phou Lao - R6 - Xam Neua

DavidFL

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A continuation from
Road Update - Pak Mong - Nam Bak - Nong Khiew - R1c
and
R1c Nong Khiew - Vieng Thong / Muang Hiam

A later getaway than preferred on account I misread my watch earlier on & didnt look at the time again until it was "late."

Vieng Thong - Xam Neau = 146 kms on another of those wonderful narrow twisting roller coaster mountain roads.
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Brekky was at the bus station in an effort to find something decent for breakfast.
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'

Breakfast
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& the verdict is I'd rather eat at the bus station than the Tontavanh.

And I was finally on the road at 11AM. No problem I thought it's only 146 kms & the road gets better.
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The way up from Vieng Thong
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and generally it is a beauty all the way to Phou Lao, the road junction with R6.
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It seems to wind through the mountains endlessly
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Up on the ridgeline the forest cover was interesting & beautiful
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There are not as many villages as on the Nong Khiew - Vieng Thong road.
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but a big bike always gets some attention when you stop for a photo.

The closer to Phou Lao you get the busier it gets.
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The endless blind corners you need to take care on
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Some Sakura beauty
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Locals on the way home with some firewood to keep warm
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The Google Earth view to Phou Lao
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Phu Lao junction city
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more to come.
 
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DavidFL

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Vieng Thong / Muang Him - Pou Lao
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From Phou Lao to Xam Neua the road has seen better days unfortunately & is broken up & potholed in many places.

Bomb shells start to feature along the way
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A dirt road for Moto-Rex & Brian
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The asphalt ones in the distance for David Unk
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The elevation profile Phou Lao to Xam Neau
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confirmation of the roller coaster ride up & down "the hills."

The Google Earth view riding the ridgline & valleys from Phou Lao towards Xam Neua
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DavidFL

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Xam Neua
Arrival time was 3.30PM & I'd set off from Vieng Thong at 11AM
A good part of the Phou Lao - Xam Neua section was a pig of a road full of potholes, sorry I didnt get any photos of those suckers.

It was absolutely glorious weather on arrival
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The next morning it was not quite the same
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Drizzling with rain & a much lower temperature.
Unfortunately for me my dodgy knee started playing up & popping out.
The next few days were difficult - hobbling around on one leg, plus cold & wet.

Killing time
Wat Phoxaysanaram
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is up on the hill over looking Xam Neua
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a bit more to come.
 
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