Vongmany Guesthouse, Nong Khiaw, Day 2

It is lovely to sleep in a room so big and nice, and the coolness of the night around here doesn't hurt. It is bizarre that it is so hot during the day, and then so cold on a night, but it is lovely. It is also really nice to step out in the morning and be confronted with he misty limestone hills in the distance.
After we slowly get up, we head for some breakfast. A rather angry looking cockerel stares at Amy most of the time while we tuck into some fried rice and vegetables. It is rather off putting, but it soon leaves us alone after Amy fires some cucumber onto the car park outside.
With full stomachs and re-energised legs we head for the viewpoint. The final stop is visible from the road, and it looks a very dauntingly high way up. What is also daunting is the signs warning us that this was one of the most heavily bombed areas in Laos during the nine years of attacks from the Americans, and to step off the track is very dangerous. A sign in the hotel reiterates this and also adds the threat of poisonous animals hiding in the bush. We stick to the advice, and don't step foot off the beaten trail ahead of us.
As trails up hills go, this isn't a bad one. It is 10.30 as we set off though, and the early mist soon rises, leaving a very hot morning. Before long our legs are aching and we are covered in sweat as we plod on up in the humid air. We are offered glimpses of the views on the way up, which helps, but it is certainly a hard climb.
We pass one resting stop that is about half way up, but it is busy with nowhere to really rest, so we fight on, and soon enough we see a sign saying 5 minutes to the top. As if we are given a little treat for climbing the hill, the road flattens out for the final few steps, and we finally reach the rocky platform that is placed on the top.
The views are amazing, probably some of the best we have seen on the trip, and after one big family leave, it is rather deserted which is nice. We sit and take in the view from all sides. It looks right over the town of Nong Khiaw, and the small tourist area which looks tiny from up here. It really pushes home the idea we are in the middle of the mountains as we see only one small village for miles around, surrounded by the hills. The Mekong slithers through, adding to this postcard worthy view.
The way down is usually easier, but this time it seems harder, as the slippy dust on the path makes us go slowly, which burns the legs which are beginning to go numb. It takes around 45 minutes, and boy are we glad to get back to the booth where we bought the tickets to start up.
We go for a sandwich and a fruit shake that takes about an hour to come, and head back for some rest. The great thing about Nong Khiaw is there isn't a great deal to do, therefore we don't feel bad about sitting in the sun on the balcony. We get some washing done and put out, and enjoy a well deserved relaxing afteroon.
After a while we are hungry again, but then disaster strikes. Deen's Indian restaurant is shut! There is no way we will survive the night without our fix of curry, so we head to the less popular neighbour. It is just as good, if not better, despite the smaller portions. We finish eating, and head back, sneaking a small stop on the way for a plate of chips at a restaurant.
Another good day in Nong Khiaw, and another one that has left us very tired!Read more