Lone Rider
Blokes Who Can
Not really a trip report but just some some random pictures taken during the trip. While mapping I normally don't take a lot of pictures as I am too busy noting down info about the road, tracks, points of interest and so on. My target area for this trip was Highway 15 from Rd 13 South eastwards to the Vietnam Border and areas north of this road. I entered and exited Laos over the Friendship Bridge No. 3 (Thakheak to Nakhorn Phanom).
Crossing the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge No. 3
The village ladies loading jerrycans with fuel to be taken with the other supplies back to the village
Was told by a man in green with a big gun not to take pictures of the low water level at the Xe Banghiang Bridge
Somewhere on the road between Thaphangthong and Toumlan - quite a good road except for the last 10 km. or so on the Toumlan side where there was a lot of erosion on and along the road
River crossing just before Toumlan
This guy got stuck in the river while washing his truck and 20 people could not pull/push/dig him out. They asked for help so after pulling him out of the mud I had to use the winch to get him on the road again as his clutch was on the verge of packing it in.
Sunrise over the mountains
Highway 15 somewhere near Ta-Oy with racetrack quality pavement
One of the many river crossings on other roads on the trip
Although the snake was dead for quite some time, the small guys who were very shy, did not take chances and used a stick to have a better look
Trucks loaded with logs waiting at the customs post at the Lay Lay border crossing to Vietnam. Probably a long wait as the drivers were busy cooking their meal on the road.
Another new road being constructed
The Sekong Coal Mine
Training in UXO removal near Saravan
Keng Khong Kham Rapids south of Saravan in the dry season and how apparently it looks like in the rainy season
Crossing the Xe Don River on my way to Kalum
Bikes crossing the Xe Don on road 23 / 1G near Ban Dan Gnai
New bridge being constructed over the Xe Don
New racing canoes being carved out of logs for the boat races on the Mekong
Tobacco drying along the Mekong
Take the bridge or the dirt road crossing - Decided that the dirt road would be a better bet.
Crossing the Xe Noy on my way back to Thakheak and home.
![IMG_3481.jpg](/motorcycle-forum/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi74.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fi252%2Foffroadlanna%2FRide%2520Asia%2520Forum%2FLaos%2520Central%2520South%2520mapping%2520Trip%2520January%25202013%2FIMG_3481.jpg&hash=8035794563cef5c823368e76c2c467c2)
Crossing the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge No. 3
![IMG_3483.jpg](/motorcycle-forum/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi74.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fi252%2Foffroadlanna%2FRide%2520Asia%2520Forum%2FLaos%2520Central%2520South%2520mapping%2520Trip%2520January%25202013%2FIMG_3483.jpg&hash=96254d1dcd2819eae6bbe71c90016b88)
The village ladies loading jerrycans with fuel to be taken with the other supplies back to the village
![IMG_3496.jpg](/motorcycle-forum/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi74.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fi252%2Foffroadlanna%2FRide%2520Asia%2520Forum%2FLaos%2520Central%2520South%2520mapping%2520Trip%2520January%25202013%2FIMG_3496.jpg&hash=1254464f128048af758eaa56f35ba32b)
Was told by a man in green with a big gun not to take pictures of the low water level at the Xe Banghiang Bridge
![IMG_3502.jpg](/motorcycle-forum/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi74.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fi252%2Foffroadlanna%2FRide%2520Asia%2520Forum%2FLaos%2520Central%2520South%2520mapping%2520Trip%2520January%25202013%2FIMG_3502.jpg&hash=707e2c5f2189cccf5d334ff36b24701b)
![IMG_3505.jpg](/motorcycle-forum/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi74.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fi252%2Foffroadlanna%2FRide%2520Asia%2520Forum%2FLaos%2520Central%2520South%2520mapping%2520Trip%2520January%25202013%2FIMG_3505.jpg&hash=59b5032de24327cfef85f938f44f44b0)
Somewhere on the road between Thaphangthong and Toumlan - quite a good road except for the last 10 km. or so on the Toumlan side where there was a lot of erosion on and along the road
![IMG_3507.jpg](/motorcycle-forum/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi74.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fi252%2Foffroadlanna%2FRide%2520Asia%2520Forum%2FLaos%2520Central%2520South%2520mapping%2520Trip%2520January%25202013%2FIMG_3507.jpg&hash=fe403d9ba91c81f521dabe7ed635c98d)
River crossing just before Toumlan
![IMG_3509.jpg](/motorcycle-forum/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi74.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fi252%2Foffroadlanna%2FRide%2520Asia%2520Forum%2FLaos%2520Central%2520South%2520mapping%2520Trip%2520January%25202013%2FIMG_3509.jpg&hash=4e272abacd9ff23b39d41cd094edad0f)
This guy got stuck in the river while washing his truck and 20 people could not pull/push/dig him out. They asked for help so after pulling him out of the mud I had to use the winch to get him on the road again as his clutch was on the verge of packing it in.
![IMG_3513.jpg](/motorcycle-forum/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi74.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fi252%2Foffroadlanna%2FRide%2520Asia%2520Forum%2FLaos%2520Central%2520South%2520mapping%2520Trip%2520January%25202013%2FIMG_3513.jpg&hash=fb2e004c3b0ae64498ee19a999f195d8)
Sunrise over the mountains
![IMG_3514.jpg](/motorcycle-forum/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi74.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fi252%2Foffroadlanna%2FRide%2520Asia%2520Forum%2FLaos%2520Central%2520South%2520mapping%2520Trip%2520January%25202013%2FIMG_3514.jpg&hash=f4b69b70b0aa96e2d4b605925f6a2bc8)
Highway 15 somewhere near Ta-Oy with racetrack quality pavement
![IMG_3518.jpg](/motorcycle-forum/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi74.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fi252%2Foffroadlanna%2FRide%2520Asia%2520Forum%2FLaos%2520Central%2520South%2520mapping%2520Trip%2520January%25202013%2FIMG_3518.jpg&hash=c5ed8c1853308cf661b46b75ec55c366)
One of the many river crossings on other roads on the trip
![IMG_3522.jpg](/motorcycle-forum/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi74.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fi252%2Foffroadlanna%2FRide%2520Asia%2520Forum%2FLaos%2520Central%2520South%2520mapping%2520Trip%2520January%25202013%2FIMG_3522.jpg&hash=30e6505725850ae649d4c11e01631f5b)
![IMG_3523.jpg](/motorcycle-forum/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi74.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fi252%2Foffroadlanna%2FRide%2520Asia%2520Forum%2FLaos%2520Central%2520South%2520mapping%2520Trip%2520January%25202013%2FIMG_3523.jpg&hash=db3b2f56f2dc0b7ff2ebfd02264faaec)
Although the snake was dead for quite some time, the small guys who were very shy, did not take chances and used a stick to have a better look
![IMG_3524.jpg](/motorcycle-forum/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi74.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fi252%2Foffroadlanna%2FRide%2520Asia%2520Forum%2FLaos%2520Central%2520South%2520mapping%2520Trip%2520January%25202013%2FIMG_3524.jpg&hash=76c4d65bd0dac783ac91ad27e4ae27f1)
![IMG_3525.jpg](/motorcycle-forum/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi74.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fi252%2Foffroadlanna%2FRide%2520Asia%2520Forum%2FLaos%2520Central%2520South%2520mapping%2520Trip%2520January%25202013%2FIMG_3525.jpg&hash=cac4b45a5883da423d9218acdbb26b89)
Trucks loaded with logs waiting at the customs post at the Lay Lay border crossing to Vietnam. Probably a long wait as the drivers were busy cooking their meal on the road.
![IMG_3527.jpg](/motorcycle-forum/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi74.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fi252%2Foffroadlanna%2FRide%2520Asia%2520Forum%2FLaos%2520Central%2520South%2520mapping%2520Trip%2520January%25202013%2FIMG_3527.jpg&hash=5991a8b25cbb3625047afced2147f233)
![IMG_3532.jpg](/motorcycle-forum/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi74.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fi252%2Foffroadlanna%2FRide%2520Asia%2520Forum%2FLaos%2520Central%2520South%2520mapping%2520Trip%2520January%25202013%2FIMG_3532.jpg&hash=8e9303dd1f527193e07673c86fc6a6ff)
![IMG_3534.jpg](/motorcycle-forum/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi74.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fi252%2Foffroadlanna%2FRide%2520Asia%2520Forum%2FLaos%2520Central%2520South%2520mapping%2520Trip%2520January%25202013%2FIMG_3534.jpg&hash=08f362e2275dc25bffe114470f2c1866)
![IMG_3537.jpg](/motorcycle-forum/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi74.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fi252%2Foffroadlanna%2FRide%2520Asia%2520Forum%2FLaos%2520Central%2520South%2520mapping%2520Trip%2520January%25202013%2FIMG_3537.jpg&hash=8496084dd1b3c4bbb06b482f88adf35f)
Another new road being constructed
![IMG_3546.jpg](/motorcycle-forum/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi74.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fi252%2Foffroadlanna%2FRide%2520Asia%2520Forum%2FLaos%2520Central%2520South%2520mapping%2520Trip%2520January%25202013%2FIMG_3546.jpg&hash=796ba6ad849c7f4f0a5c3749120044a3)
![IMG_3545.jpg](/motorcycle-forum/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi74.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fi252%2Foffroadlanna%2FRide%2520Asia%2520Forum%2FLaos%2520Central%2520South%2520mapping%2520Trip%2520January%25202013%2FIMG_3545.jpg&hash=079ffa5caeed0d29d26a6620c2816494)
![IMG_3550.jpg](/motorcycle-forum/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi74.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fi252%2Foffroadlanna%2FRide%2520Asia%2520Forum%2FLaos%2520Central%2520South%2520mapping%2520Trip%2520January%25202013%2FIMG_3550.jpg&hash=feec4779c0784912f328700ac508f56c)
![IMG_3551.jpg](/motorcycle-forum/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi74.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fi252%2Foffroadlanna%2FRide%2520Asia%2520Forum%2FLaos%2520Central%2520South%2520mapping%2520Trip%2520January%25202013%2FIMG_3551.jpg&hash=ffcc280d766a0b73104d2ef416af9039)
The Sekong Coal Mine
![IMG_3577.jpg](/motorcycle-forum/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi74.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fi252%2Foffroadlanna%2FRide%2520Asia%2520Forum%2FLaos%2520Central%2520South%2520mapping%2520Trip%2520January%25202013%2FIMG_3577.jpg&hash=dcf63ab451ab585b52e512feb9fc3d39)
Training in UXO removal near Saravan
![IMG_3578.jpg](/motorcycle-forum/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi74.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fi252%2Foffroadlanna%2FRide%2520Asia%2520Forum%2FLaos%2520Central%2520South%2520mapping%2520Trip%2520January%25202013%2FIMG_3578.jpg&hash=354a0e25fe6d3ca35de16afb0b068269)
![IMG_3581.jpg](/motorcycle-forum/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi74.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fi252%2Foffroadlanna%2FRide%2520Asia%2520Forum%2FLaos%2520Central%2520South%2520mapping%2520Trip%2520January%25202013%2FIMG_3581.jpg&hash=4298b4386bbb0772d9d9217071b50c6c)
Keng Khong Kham Rapids south of Saravan in the dry season and how apparently it looks like in the rainy season
![IMG_3583.jpg](/motorcycle-forum/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi74.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fi252%2Foffroadlanna%2FRide%2520Asia%2520Forum%2FLaos%2520Central%2520South%2520mapping%2520Trip%2520January%25202013%2FIMG_3583.jpg&hash=60d987d406a3b41f101bf73889379b9b)
Crossing the Xe Don River on my way to Kalum
![IMG_3592.jpg](/motorcycle-forum/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi74.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fi252%2Foffroadlanna%2FRide%2520Asia%2520Forum%2FLaos%2520Central%2520South%2520mapping%2520Trip%2520January%25202013%2FIMG_3592.jpg&hash=c6b655f7480909ac54b8c4bd505e665f)
Bikes crossing the Xe Don on road 23 / 1G near Ban Dan Gnai
![IMG_3598.jpg](/motorcycle-forum/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi74.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fi252%2Foffroadlanna%2FRide%2520Asia%2520Forum%2FLaos%2520Central%2520South%2520mapping%2520Trip%2520January%25202013%2FIMG_3598.jpg&hash=2adca85ca964ef561c3e28c3c68682a7)
New bridge being constructed over the Xe Don
![IMG_3608.jpg](/motorcycle-forum/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi74.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fi252%2Foffroadlanna%2FRide%2520Asia%2520Forum%2FLaos%2520Central%2520South%2520mapping%2520Trip%2520January%25202013%2FIMG_3608.jpg&hash=50a3885a5b0cac702215935934e45473)
![IMG_3610.jpg](/motorcycle-forum/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi74.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fi252%2Foffroadlanna%2FRide%2520Asia%2520Forum%2FLaos%2520Central%2520South%2520mapping%2520Trip%2520January%25202013%2FIMG_3610.jpg&hash=ad5c6e8b981439f484b46954002435b0)
![IMG_3611.jpg](/motorcycle-forum/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi74.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fi252%2Foffroadlanna%2FRide%2520Asia%2520Forum%2FLaos%2520Central%2520South%2520mapping%2520Trip%2520January%25202013%2FIMG_3611.jpg&hash=0d74426535ba324c1238fdee5b6ef7db)
New racing canoes being carved out of logs for the boat races on the Mekong
![IMG_3616.jpg](/motorcycle-forum/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi74.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fi252%2Foffroadlanna%2FRide%2520Asia%2520Forum%2FLaos%2520Central%2520South%2520mapping%2520Trip%2520January%25202013%2FIMG_3616.jpg&hash=af2e98fd1d157154bf98d233a1d55c4b)
Tobacco drying along the Mekong
![IMG_3620.jpg](/motorcycle-forum/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi74.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fi252%2Foffroadlanna%2FRide%2520Asia%2520Forum%2FLaos%2520Central%2520South%2520mapping%2520Trip%2520January%25202013%2FIMG_3620.jpg&hash=259c31b34a7898fdb3b6743b25006eff)
Take the bridge or the dirt road crossing - Decided that the dirt road would be a better bet.
![IMG_3622.jpg](/motorcycle-forum/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi74.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fi252%2Foffroadlanna%2FRide%2520Asia%2520Forum%2FLaos%2520Central%2520South%2520mapping%2520Trip%2520January%25202013%2FIMG_3622.jpg&hash=79f4c910c09ca5350b7c2dbec030b047)
Crossing the Xe Noy on my way back to Thakheak and home.