The northeast - The Rough Guide to Laos - page 242

NaxayGuesthouse Directly opposite the Caves Visitor Centre 064 314330. The small en-
suite huts at Naxay are the most conv enient c hoice for an overnight stay in Vieng Xai, with a
lovely garden area in which to relax. 80,000K
SabaideeOdisha A ten-minute walk north of the Caves Visitor Centre, just beyond the ATM
020 2385 0594. You'll find a very broad selection of warming curries and chais at this
shabby but welcoming Indian restaurant (mixed vegetable curry 15,000K), along with a few
Lao dishes. Daily 7am-9pm.
< Back to The northeast
Nam Neun to Nong Khiaw
The journey from NamNeun to NongKhiaw along Route1 is one of northern Laos's great
road journeys, crossing numerous mountain ranges and valleys. These days, you're most
likely to travel directly from Sam Neua to Nong Khiaw or Luang Prabang (twelve and four-
teen hours, respectively), but if you want to experience local Lao life then it's worth consider-
ing stopping en route, though don't expect much more than basic accommodation and noodle
shops.
Nam Neun
Until relatively recently, travelling through the region meant stopping at the village of NAM
NEUN for a change of vehicles, usually overnight. Now, the longest you're likely to stop is
for an extended break - two or three restaurants cater to travellers in transit with bowls of
instant noodles and warm drinks. The town is set in a steep valley perched above the swift-
flowing NamNeunriver - spanned here by a sturdy Russian-built bridge - which flows out
of the Nam Et NBCA and eventually empties into the Gulf of Tonkin at Vinh in Vietnam.
From here, Route 1 winds through the mountains towards Vieng Thong.
THE NAM KHAN RIVER
After the long overland loop to reach Vieng Thong, it's strange to think that the river flow-
ing swiftly past the town ends its journey in distant Luang Prabang. Starting from the
Nam Et NBCA north of Vieng Thong, the NamKhanriver heads southwest between two
ranges of high mountains, over difficult rapids and through dense jungles. The entire area
is a big blank on most maps and no passenger boats travel this length of the river. If you're
interested in exploring the part of the river that's already made it onto tourist itineraries,
speak to Green Discovery or Tiger Trail in Luang Prabang. Both companies run half- and
full-day kayaking expeditions from just outside the city, usually including a stop for lunch
and a swim at Tad Se . Prices depend on the number of people taking part.