Getting to Tay Trang border...

After SaPa, the plan was to travel into Laos through the most northern border of Vietnam-Laos: Tay Trang.

Most people leave SaPa back to Hanoi and from there they head south or go to Laos through borders in the centre of the country or south.

Until I get to SaPa I was never sure if that border on the north could be crossed, but I was informed that Tay Trang border had been opened to tourists only 3 years ago. 'So great, I go'.

Whereas most border routes have tourist buses, charted minivans, VIP buses and local buses going through, Tay Trang has no charted buses to get there! One agency had one bus going there and that was it. As far as i am concern I was curious to get on the Local Bus, to experience the essence of the people and the country, leaving at 7am the day after the trekking.
Miguelito was knackered from the trekking and somehow having to leave Tim, with whom I made good connection with, to go to the unknown was a bit arsh! But I had a strong will to stick to my plan. And to do so, one has to carry in mind when travelling about: you have to keep moving!

And moving now ment to get on the road to Dien Bien Phu (34km from the border with Laos): 280km road for 8hours(!)... '8hours for only 280Ks?' I wondered why... I knew it wouldn't be sweet but 8 hours..?



The local bus was leaving at 7am and this place came up with another option: They where sending a Toyota LandCruiser to pick up a client in Dien Bien Phu, so I could 'get a lift' on this car for 10$. I would not have to walk 1km to the bus station, they would pick me up instead to leave at 8am, instead of 7am.
Had a chat with Tim, as I was not sure, and balanced things up, I went for the Toyota. Local buses are very rough, the road wouldn't be easy and we just got back from this long trekking, so sounded wise. But I was a bit disapointed I didn't get the bus. Oh well...

Had a cold morning shower with this lady I met in the bathroom and off we went!!

an asian naked babe on a tile... how naughty is that??





VIP Luggage Carriers!
Tim took the initiative to carry my heavy bag, he'd been watching Arsenal 5-0 FCPorto in the early morning and was full of energy!


Tha Cruiser!!


Self Portrait

Bad ass MF!
See you back in the Uk, mate!


Al'right, so... bring it on... Lets see what this road's got to offer...

High up in the northern mountains, ONE lane only, sudden drops with no rail protection. Hmmm... ok.. a good start, I have seen this before.



Hmmm... Add on some potholes and non-paved patches on non-protected sharp bends on your way down! Sweet...



Road works! At least they are trying...



Getting more exciting!!!

Oh! And a rail... right where it should be. Well done guys!


Oncoming local buses!!


Oncoming buffalos...


They love to have a rest on the edge of the road...
He's probabily counting the cars that pass by. He is aiming for a record: yesterday he counted 3. 2 made it to the end.


WOW!!! Genious... WHO WAS THE BRIGHT MIND TO PUT THAT THERE??
Right on the good side of the road! Spot on!
I think they do it with intention, you see, the road is not exciting enough!


Not surprised about that sign... Have not a clue what the words mean, but not difficult to guess!
And you think... 8 hours...


Hmmm... Goin' no where!! It will eventually fossilize...


Oncoming weddings with road works ahead. At least someone is happy... or maybe not...






A break to contemplate the views...


Our Cruiser doing good!



Children! The always impredictable children running on the road...


And now! Landies and Gentlemen! The formidable twin brothers with their special act: flying on a Xe Om with a metal bar!


iTech


Moon surface..?

Reminder: This is the ONLY road that connects these two towns of SaPa and Dien Bien.


I don't think he really cares... We had to drive around despite the several loud horns!
Act of mercy! 'Take me away from this world, finish me off please!'
Afteral, he is gonna turn food soon anyway...


8 hours... The road wears one away...
German Florence (Flo) and Canandian Louis on a snooze. They got the same lift.




Traffic jam! Only one at the time please...
Seriously guys, do not push ok?


Have you ever heard that quote: Eat my dust, baby!!!

Well, here you go...


Towards the end the road got better... Nontheless, still a few hazzards...










Eventually, we made it to Dien Bien Phu! The city itself was dusty and with no big deal.
Historically, here was the last stronghold of the French before they lost a battle and finnaly admit defeat before the Vietnamese and leave the country for good.
No one, but no one, seems to talk english here. Not at the hotel reception, post office, mobile phones shop, street, no one could clearly tell us where the bus station was so we can buy our ticket. 'Wheeeeere-Iiiiis-Buuuus-Staaaaat-ioooon?' Nothing...
For us, this was just a resting point before we hit the next marathon: crossing into Laos.
So we got a room together...


...with a terrace...


...and a view...


NOT MINE!!!







To be fair, had this road been all paved, nice and smooth, I reckon it would have been painfully boring! Road works where everywhere through out the whole 280km stretch.
What a shame... Please guys, DO NOT fix this road! It's fun!!!

One thing is for sure, though: I am SO glad I didn't take the local f**kn bus!! (excuse my french)