13 November, Kasi to Namkene, 20km
Hot Spring Water Resort 70,000LAK

Another spectacular day cut short by the siren call of the cutest resort beside a hot water spring. We could not resist and ended our day, opting for a lengthy dip instead of a lengthy climb to our planned destination still 25 kms away. We did more climbing today than on any previous day in Laos, but all on a manageable gradient. It got cooler as we got higher and our climbs rewarded us with fabulous views of striking mountains and faraway valleys, of bamboo and bananas and butterflies. We passed through pretty villages, stilt houses of woven reed, chickens and pigs and dogs and cats and ducks and children roaming free. Bright clothing strung on fences and women carrying goods in baskets hanging at either end of a rod across their shoulders. Some of the villages through which we passed yesterday were clearly poorer than others. Here both the adults and children were grubby, their clothing worn. Though we have seen no starvation, some of the young men are thinner than they should be. Around one third of Laotians apparently live below the official poverty line.  

Between Kasi and Namkene

Between Kasi and Namkene

Between Kasi and Namkene

Between Kasi and Namkene

Between Kasi and Namkene

Between Kasi and Namkene

Between Kasi and Namkene

Namkene police station