Mekong Cycling: Day 1 Nakhon Phanom - Chaiburi

Originally planned for October, but postponed due to possible flooding fears, we (= Tim & I, unfortunately Ray couldn't join this time) finally got our act together last week to finalize (?!) our 'epic' Mekong cycling adventure.

View of the Third Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge (Nakhon Phanom-Takhek)

Our first trip was a try-out: Mukdahan - Nakhon Phanom - Mukdahan (*) which went surprisingly well and gave us enough pleasure to continue.

Next was Nong Khai - Bueng Khan (**), followed by a trip in the opposite direction: Nong Khai - Sri Chiang Mai and beyond (***)!

On an early Monday morning we met up in Nakhon Phanom, Tim having arrived a day earlier to select an acceptable bicycle at a rental place and I by night bus from Korat, accompanied by my folding B-Twin.

As usual, we tried to avoid the main 212 highway and stick to smaller B-roads and paths alongside the Mekong to have a much more pleasant ride and enjoy the scenery.

Abandoned giant Naga head from some celebration.

Those small roads can take one to unusual places such as VR Logistics!

Here too they have their own unique street signs!

We hit the end of the trail once again but received a warm welcome from local fishermen.

Wat Phrathat Tha Uthen literally stood out in this small town.

We had plenty of breaks/photo stops and after cycling 59 km arrived in Chaiburi, our destination for the day.

We succeeded in finding a classic homestay with some really neat paintings on wood, which were impressive!

After lunch, we made a short ride through the area and had a look at partly overgrown Huai Hi Lake.

View of the Songkhram Creek meeting the Mighty Mekong...

To be continued!

(*) https://www.art58koen.net/single-post/cycling-along-the-mekong

(**) https://www.art58koen.net/single-post/mekong-by-bike-1-getting-there

(***) https://www.art58koen.net/single-post/train-to-busan-uh-nong-khai