Break for the Border- Vietnam to Laos

It proved a challenge to fulfill our aim of an overland trip between Vietnam and Laos. However- having now managed it, it has become a highlight of our travels so far. There have been several reports of the border crossings at Nameo as being far from pleasant. Border guards and transport too and from the village have been a source to concern for some travellers- however- either things have improved or we were lucky.

Leaving Ninh Binh early morning Shannon and I left on the back of two motorbikes.....well OK- one was a moped. Not quite living the biker dream of the open road on a Harley but it worked. I am not particularly experienced on the back of motor bikes so the next two days was to prove a bit of challenge.Like all great expeditions, we set off having planned meticulously.

15 minutes out of town we ran out of petrol. Not possibly the best start for the trip.......Shannon was on the lead bike with Kiem, I was following closely, some may say too close but this is Asia. Anyway, the interped explorers headed east to Mai Cho, only about 140 kms east but almost 6 hours away. The terrain was incredible. Going though the moutainous jungle, briefly broken by a serious of small settlements. Passing through one village we saw a chopstick factory. Shortly afterwards a series of waterwheels used to take water from the river to irrigate the paddy fields. Both were views we would not have seen on bus taking the normal route.By this time my confidence on teh back of the moped was not much better.

Action was needed on arrival at Mai Cho. A quick walk around the stunning countryside ......and then Rice Wine (plenty of it), local food (though not the insects) and Vietnamese Kareoke. I am shocking, Shannon proved to be quite some diva. Our two drivers remained unimpressed. What did we have to do to impress them? Shannon had tried the insect but was unable to palate the crunchiness of the insects leg.

The second day was a sprint to Nameo for 6 hours. More winding roads, suicidal chickens, dogs, cows and goats to be narrowly avoided, along with a flat tire. Skillfully the drivers dismantled the back wheel and replaced the inner tube. I did not check that any nuts and bolts were left on the ground. I would rather not think about it.... Other than that it was a largely uneventful journey.

Arriving at the border after 2 days was a relief- though I would have to recommend it to anyone travelling in the area. You can fly from Hanoi to Luang Probang- but with such a great journey it would be a shame to miss the experience.