Tuesday - Total distance 572 km
Chiang Khong (KM0 / 1020) - Chiang Khong Immigration (1356) - Luang Namtha (3) - Boten (13) - Huay Xai - Chiang Rai 1020 / 1174 / 1152
The morning we had our breakfast at the hotel we went ahead to the border. The border was quiet, there was no crowd, no queue. Only a tour bus and they were leaving when we got there. At the Thai border, we were asked to submit our papers which includes the TM2 document, copy of our passport, driver's license and also our "green card" or proof of ownership of our bikes.
Once that was done, we were asked to pay the standard 500 baht for the police "escort" which I find it was just another way for them to make a quick buck from us.
Once we arrive at the Lao border, more baht was asked for the customs officer to fill up forms and process our documents. It took more than hour for us to cross a border that has no queue and we paid about 300 baht to get our passport stamped.
After a frustrating morning of waiting and paying unnecessarily to these so called customs officers we finally made it over to Huay Xai. It was the first experience for me to ride on the right side of the road.
First pub I see at Lao. We borrowed the use of its toilet. The establishment was out of electricity at the time.
A familiar sight from its Thai counterpart.
Lots of these black piggies running around.
Hours later we arrive at Pangsai.
There are no highway rest stop. Steven said he saw a lady stopped her car and defecate by the road side with 2 doors open.
Some kids at Lao were very shy, but some were welcoming.
You see kids walking by the shoulder of the road.
The villagers look like they were preparing dinner by the road.
The lady was in traditional costume and she has a very shy daughter. The lady could speak fluent Mandarin here.
We finally arrived at our destination. Over that golden arch is China.
This guys has been keeping up with me all the way from KL. Finally he earned his bragging rights.
I am not a fan of stickers but looks like many thinks otherwise. Route 13 to China.
This mile marker is where most 2 week traveler would like to stop by for pictures as a sign of achievement. Maybe because it says "China".
This young man who was in his school uniform seemingly took interest in our bikes. I used body language to explain to him what's the difference between a parallel twin and an in line four engine. Notably the young man likes the sound of the latter. I gave this new friend of mine an emblem of a Malaysian flag which I pin in on my jacket, something to remember me by. Hopefully I visit Pangsai again and he would still recognize me.
He even showed me his english text book after I asked him whether he learn the language.
The same pub we passed by in the morning. I just gotta stop to have a Beerlao.
It took us another few hours to get to Chiang Rai after that. It was a long riding day indeed and I look forward to our next destination, Mae Hong Son. I had regretted that I did not plan enough time for Lao. This country fascinates me with its history and its people really compelled me to visit them again. Perhaps soon enough I may bring my Versys girl up here again if she is up for it.
