Mark and I left the Mekong and Highway 13 four days ago in search of mountain serenity. We admired cultivated valleys surrounded by a rocky, karst landscape. We swam in cool, deep blue pools, and gaped in awe at panoramas of forest and plains. Today, I returned, alone, to the Mekong. The graceful sunset over the still Mekong was stunning – the highlight of the whole side-trip. Mekong – I’m glad to be back!
Sunset on the Mekong
Mark is sick. He had a temperature and chills yesterday. This morning he messaged me from his room. His friend Tucker who is living in Savannakhet would come and pick him up in the car, and take him to Savannakhet to recover. Mark wrote he is in good hands, and I should cycle on. After seeing him briefly in his cabin door, and after him assuring me that it is OK, I packed up and hit the road for the Mekong town of Thakhek.
The road was pretty, and, except for a 400m steep drop, mostly flat. I put myself into distance mode, and scooted along towards Thakhek – trying to make time to also be able to visit the Falan caves and waterhole. I made it in time for a swim, and also to see the amazing sunset on the Mekong. Tomorrow I will take the little side road that follows the shore of the mighty river.
Rocky backdrop
Falan waterhole
Umbrellas on the Mekong
Mekong River
The Mekong River at sunset
arctic-cycler.com 
It is indeed a spectacular river – we’ve just spent today sorting through our photos of it from September so it’s very fresh in our minds. Sorry to hear about Mark’s illness. Hope you stay as fit as you are.
Thanks. I’ll try my best to keep those mozzies away. 🙂
It’s beautiful – looks hot for biking, however!