I just wasn’t ready to risk it, so I took the advice of the internet and decided to try a different crossing. It would be Nakhon Phanom, 3rd Friendship Bridge crossing to Thakhek. If that fails then off to do the Mae Hong Son loop at Chiang Mai!

Another early start with a lack of sleep! 18c, bloody freezing on the bike! My hands were cold all day. Haven’t really experienced that before now. I can see why bikers in some unfortunate countries park their bikes up for the winter!

Google offered a few options to get to the Mekong, so I chose the one that looked like it contained a mountain pass, hoping for some great views.

The road didn’t offer many views and when there were some of the spectacular twisties with steep inclines and decents kept my eyes on the road.

I don’t get to ride mountains often so it was tough but good fun. You can see where the mountain pass was on the profile above. The macaque monkeys all over the road also kept things interesting!

I eventually stopped for a badly needed break and to feed a local doggie before the final showdown with the border crossing!

Google tried to lead me astray because they appear to have relatively new roads leading to the border offices and the bridge itself. Signposts were very good however!

The Thai customs were a bit unhappy that my departure point had changed from the assigned one at Nong Khai. The lady was very helpful though and after checking with her boss changed it and allowed me through. Think this was only possible because my entry was recorded on computer, not paper?

Tbe Laos side took a while with no less than 6 different windows to visit! Visa was 2,000THB and vehicle was 60,000kip. Think the guy was disappointed I had kip so he couldn’t over charge me!

But success! Made it to Laos after about 2 hours at that crossing. Again both sides helpful and welcoming. Laos side was confusing but fine.

So it was 16:30 by the time I got to Thakhek, a town I didn’t have on this trip plan and now I am about 500km off track. At least I am here and will look to see what tomorrow brings as I head north in Laos!

Adventurer