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Laos came by accident, the two week ride began as a detour to pick up a visa for China. We took the train from Hekou to Kunming, that marvel engineered by colonials and coolies, then to Dali on the sleeper bus, that ingenious Chinese solution to long distance travel, then a 737 to Jinghong on the Mekong, and once again we were back on our bikes. We crossed the border at Mohan, and returned to the Mekong and lashed the bikes to a ferry at Pakbeng (mid right). Luang Prubang somehow retains its serenity beneath the frenzy of western tourists, perhaps it is stilled by the chanting of thousands of saffron monks (top right), perhaps it reflects from the bronze relief (middle photo), or gets drowned by the beating of temple drums while the sun slides into the Mekong flowing eternally past (mid left). Laos provides few provisions for cyclists, though many cross from Thailand, and the roads are in an sad state (top left). Food is meagre in remote places, though Vientienne has everything a tourist could ask for, including an authentic Indian restaurant. The helpful Chinese Embassy issues 3 or 6--month multiple entry visas.
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