Adventure in Laos: 25 Kilometer Hike to Utopia! Part Two
My Hike to Utopia really turned into an epic journey and you really don't want to miss part one. Now for part two. We continue down the road on our way to Blue Lagoon Utopia. We pass an elementary school and a medical center. At this point I'm starting to sweat. I'm having a hard time believing how strong the sun is, it's only 8:30 in the morning.
I'm happy to see a sign for the lagoon and looking forward to having a swim once arriving.
I walk a half a kilometer down the road. It's not even 9am and I'm already looking for shade.
I turn past the bend and see this sign. I follow the road and pay an entrance fee of $1.25. The boy who takes my money offers me a slice of the mango he was eating. I accept and say thank you in Lao, "Capt-Chi"!
We've made it to Utopia!
Feeling great I decide to jump into the fresh clear water. It was early, only 9am and there were just a few Korean tourist at this time. I enjoyed the swim and rested up. I knew the second half of my hike would be a challenge with the sun so strong. There wasn't much more to see here other than the Lagoon, but that's exactly what I was looking for!
I only stay half an hour as I know it's wise to get going before the sun becomes even stronger. I dampen the towel and put it over my shoulders and head off.
I start back and I'm quickly on the road that will complete a loop. I'll be on the other side of this mountain and heading towards a different bridge that will take me back over the Nam Song River. I soon find myself in a lovely little village. The kids in the window were excited to see me.
What a beautiful rice field. After taking this photo I look down and see three boys spear fishing in a water hole! Maybe I should join them it's hot at this point maybe 10am.
I continue a short ways further and see a beautiful Buddhist Temple with the mountains in the background.
Uh-Oh Korean Tourist in Buggies!!
I walk past kilometers of banana fields and find myself at a stone quarry.
I now understand the purpose of the 25 ton bridges. After passing the rock quarry every 10 minutes a huge truck like this one would pass kicking up a bunch of dust. At this point it's near 11am and the sun is beating down. Heat exhaustion is becoming a real threat and is in the back of my mind. Having walked close to 20 kilometers already with another half dozen or more to go I knew this would be the hardest part of my journey. Let's see how we make out in the third and final part three tomorrow.
Not To be Missed!
Real Life Captured #1: Luang Prabang Laos, Part One (15 photos and historic description)
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all the photos in this post are almost similar in the area in the village of west Sumatra Indonesia and there is also a dump truck carrying white coral rocks because there is a cement factory so this picture remember me very glad I see your post thank you
Glad you have been enjoying my posts. Thank you!
You need to be carrying an umbrella on these walks. I never leave home in the day without one. The sun or the rain - either one will kill me!
That's what the locals do. I just find myself mentally blocked, like I'm some kind of wussy walking around with a umbrella in the sun like a Japanese Gisha girl lol.. But you are so right. Instead I found my self like some kind of crazy with a wet towel over my head! lol. The sun was probably some f the strongest I ever felt in my life. Makes me think there there's a big fat hole in the ozone or something. Was just incredible.
I imagine the weather in those mountains are perfect this time of year.
Yes it's pretty nice, but still can be hot!
Awesome pics. I hope the heat exhaustion was worth it!
Wait for tomorrows post. I almost pass out! lol Almost :) It was worth it. There's nothing like a good adventure to keep you in the moment and remind you that you have a pulse!
nice post! beautiful swimming spot and temple, this seems like such a worthwhile adventure despite being in the hot sun all day.
Thank you, wait for part three tomorrow. The Sun was insane! I was struggling to make it back. The Lao sun is just unreal. But all in all I like a little danger, a little adventure, makes me feel alive! Thanks for stopping by. Hope you have a great day!
Thanks for sharing your great pictures on your "hot " journey and that you had a nice swim after finally making it to Utopia , looks nice ! Such a long walk in the heat you should have hitched a ride LOL! On my way to check out part three ! 👍👍👍