Thursday, January 28, 2010

Celebrating Australia Day Laos style

The journey from Kratie to the 400 islands was well co-ordinated despite my fears (mini bus - big bus - cross the border - big bus - boat - island) and immigration was a breeze. Ban Nakasang, the jumping off point for Don Det and Don Kohne is not very prepossessing but once you're on the water the first sight of the islands takes your breath away. To think I'd be calling this home for a few days! And apart from a bike ride or a boat tour there is not much to do here but reacquaint oneself with the hammock. I started my stay on Don Kohne where I was told the older crowd stay (damn those pesky kids!). I found a lovely room at Pan's Guesthouse - it was $12 a night but it had its own bathroom with hot water. I would later see the original type of accommodation on the island - flimsy bungalows with dodgy shared bathrooms - which is fine if you like that sort of thing. Unfortunately I could only stay one night on Don Kohne as most of the accommodation had been booked out by a large tour group. So I spent the morning finding and moving to new digs on Don Det. I ended up at the most expensive bungalows on the island but they were the nicest with a comfortable hammock and breakfast included. So now I could relax and enjoy the serenity.

The following morning I got up early and hired a bike to explore the islands. I headed around the sunset side of Don Det which I had not yet seen. This path linked up with with the bridge to Don Kohne. After paying the toll of 20,000 kip I headed down the old rail line to what I'd hoped would be some waterfalls. Not having consulted a map I ended up on the rockiest, bumpiest path with seemed to go on forever. It was quite picturesque but I had to keep a careful eye on the road. I amazed (and very lucky) that I didn't get a flat! I did end up at some waterfalls thanks to some helpful people I met along the way - nothing was signposted. The falls were rather nice even though its dry season. All up I spent 2 hours exploring on a badly adjusted, bone rattling, single speed bike. But I loved it! On the way back I saw a sign outside the bakery advertising an Australia Day BBQ. I'd completely forgotten it was Australia Day! I ended up spending it next to the Mekong, drinking Beer Lao and eating duck cooked on the BBQ followed by a beautiful sunset (images right). Its a tough life!

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