Bản Ko

We requested steam buns for breakfast, so S took us on a tour of the shops till eventually we found a bakery. We ordered a couple soybean paste buns, a savory bun (with diced mushrooms, noodles, and boiled quail egg), and a couple sesame (rice?) balls to share.

On the way back we walked through the market, seeing everything from various services to meat, fish, and produce in the dimly lit warehouse-style building. We enjoyed our breakfast at a coffee shop while our guide went for a noodle bowl breakfast. The buns were scrumptious and a nice alternative to the noodle soup.

S noticed he had a flat tire, but determined it was a slow leak and simply topped it up with air. He'd look for a place to repair on the way.

We left Bac Yen, the same way we entered, but soon after took a right, and followed along the dirt track through fields of mostly harvested cassava. The leftover wood fibre was bundled and stacked, and ready for transport. Eventually we found our way back to the Da River, and followed the shore before climbing back up the valley, and over another pass.

As we descended, the steep hillsides were covered in corn fields, that eventually gave way to strawberry fields in the valley; later learning that the locals interchsnge rice and strawberry crops.

While S had his tire repaired, we snacked on a carton of freshly picked strawberries. We continued to zig-zag along narrow roads, passing through fruit orchards and sugarcane fields. The road dwindled down to a very narrow track taking us deeper into the area agricultural heartland, stopping briefly for lunch. It became apparent not many tourists, especially Caucasian ones, pass through the area. The locals were polite at hiding their inquisitive looks.

S decided to try a new trail, and avoid the main road. It turned out to be a very rocky and twisty path! Other sections were loose dirt, or narrow depressions with sides 2ft+ high. Finally reaching the next village unscathed, found ourselves quiet lost locating the exit. The village appeared to be in full celebration, and on a return path were surrounded with excited and inebriated teen girls wanting photos with us. They were celebrating a wedding 💒

S now had a flat front tire too. Two in one day! So another quick stop for the tire repair. Though we are enjoying the side roads, we're never far from stores and services. The folks enjoying a fire and boiled corn, kindly offered us some while we waited for the tire fix. Their friendly warm smiles and kindness is welcoming when we don't share a language. We finally arrived in Son La for the night.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/24inJSRSKvwRv2847

Dinner was a short walk away. Again we bundled up to keep warm, but at least it wasn't as freezing as the previous nights. Son La is a large feeling town and quite a lot going on. After dinner we took the long walk back to enjoy a bit more of the city.

Today's ride 5hrs
https://calimoto.com/calimotour/t-OIyyTZxTj8Read more