Adventure in Laos: 25 Kilometer Hike to Utopia! Part One
The other day I decided to go on a long hike crossing the Nam Song River heading west of the town of Vang Vieng where I have been staying. Planing on hiking along side of the road, I had no idea what I would encounter or how my day would turn out. My only plan was to leave early with plenty of water and my map.
I leave my hotel just before dawn around 5:45. I cross the Nam Song River and head away from town. The morning fog is settled over the nearby mountains.
There's a group of young children playing as they walk down the street. The boy in blue has a little trigger action fishing spear. I soon enter a small village. You can see how they live in the details of these photos.
I come to a fork in the road. Do I go right towards Blue Lagoon One or head 4.5 kilometers left towards Blue Lagoon Utopia! I decide to go to Utopia as I visited Blue Lagoon One a week prior with a friend I made from Switzerland.
The road suddenly is no longer paved and the following section is wet clay mud! I try to find the best way across. I struggle not to mess up my nice sneakers.
A farmer carrying a couple sacks of rice offers to give me a ride as he sees me having difficulty with the sneaker mud combination. I hop in his wooden carriage. I hold on tight as there were endless pot holes. I had no idea how far he'd take me or where to exactly.
We pass a beautiful lush rice field.
Suddenly we stop maybe he took me up the road two kilometers. We enter a village and what looks like a possible fork in the road. I'm not sure where I am. I try to show my map on my phone to the farmer, he speaks no English but points in a direction. I tipped him 10,000 Lao Kip, which is about a $1.25. He was very happy. I continue in the direction he pointed. It was getting hotter. I could feel the temperature rising along with the sun. It's now about 8am.
I cross a 25 ton bridge and see if it's marked on my map, it is. I know my location. Still on track to Blue Lagoon Utopia!
Let's find Utopia! In part two tomorrow.
Not To be Missed!
Real Life Captured #1: Luang Prabang Laos, Part One (15 photos and historic description)
With over 10 years of travel experience I answer travel and international lifestyle questions. Leave a question in the comments and I may make a video just for you!
Nice and active day! looks good
Thanks Haas. Been so busy traveling and enjoying life! I'll set aside a "steemit day" and check in on your blog and others soon.
Souds good will look forward to you new posts
I really like to see all your posts because many play around the inhabitants who are still naturally very good work
Thank you!
Change one tag to laos :) Gotcha in time and will promote...
Thanks Sharon. Appreciate it like always.
Haha this was a fun post following you on your adventure ! Lots of great photos too ! Hope you find Utopia tomorrow !?! Thanks for sharing !👍👍👍💕💕
Thank you so much Karen. I'm so glad you enjoyed it. I just put up part two. Things start to get a bit more exciting. and the third and final Part three really turns a bit nutty. Hope you enjoy!
Thanks ! Will check it out soon , just got back from out of town for thanksgiving , getting ready for work , will check it out there !👍👍👍
Awesome Karen. That's right you guys do Thanks giving a little differently and earlier in Canada. I hope you had a great time!
Thanks ! Yes the dinner was awesome ! Have Lots of leftovers with me ! Mm mm! At work now , I will check out your post !👍👍👍
great! Another piece of National Geographic quality.
Thank you @kayderross!
so much lush and green.. I am not really a hiker so , a bike would suit me more.. hehe
I know what you mean. I used to be a big time mountain biker. I did 2,000kl through south East Asia in 2011-2012. Thanks for stopping by.