Wednesday 8 May 2019

Phonsavan to Vieng Xai

Well after a pretty tame night today was to be a pavement ride heading as far north as time would allow, to tee us up for a visit to Lima 85 all being well, but first stop was to take a look at the Mig's.

The Russian cargo plane remains in its usual location, amazed the hunk of scrap has not been stripped down by now.

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Poor shot of the Mig's but it looks like some of them have been removed.

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After a quick pit stop in town for a baguette, it was north to Tham Piu Missile Cave

N19.67364 E103.56833


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They have an excellent although small information - museum which is sadly seldom open.

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One of the mass grave sites.

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We had the place to ourselves.

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The cave has an eerie feel to it, and the story of the horrific events adds to that feeling and the 374 souls claimed here.

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This memorial statue a grim reminder.

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Nearby UXO Laos office, indicates there are still uxo's littering the area.

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A quick stop in the village to check the weaving looms.

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Amazing amount of detail

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Working our way north and the roadway snakes its way through the Karst mountains

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Another pit stop and as always lot's of smiling kid's, well half smiles.

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The whole area around the communist monument in Sam Neua is getting a facelift, the town still has an unwelcoming feel, so we pushed on to Vieng Xai.

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After quickly poking around town it was time for a cold one in the Sailomyen.

N20.41221° E104.22455°

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Totally out of keeping with the rest of the otherwise quaint town, the new district offices now still unfinished, a huge white elephant.

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The defiant statue gives you some idea of what the people in the area think of the USA.

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Checking into the Chichareane hotel still the best place in town but showing signs of neglect, but the beds are super comfy.

N20.40979° E104.22687°

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The main reason to visit Vieng Xai was to gorge ourselves in the Sabiadee Indian restaurant.

N20.41107° E104.22669°


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