Biking through Laos' countryside.

From the 4000 Islands I headed north in Laos to Pakse which is famous for the start of the "Southern Swing." But before I left the city I had to of course visit the Mekong River for the umpteenth time this trip. 

In all I spent about 7 of 8 days traveling the countryside and mountains of Laos on motorbike! There are several loops that are known in these parts for offering some incredible views of the landscapes, while allowing you to cruise past tiny ethnic villages and see the day to day life of people and then enjoy and refresh in some gorgeous waterfalls or explore some very deep, dark caves. The "Southern Swing" I completed in 3 days and "The Loop" out of Thakhaek in 4 days. 

These were some of the houses I saw along the way-
some like above were mainly concrete based and appeared
newer. Others had all wooden structures and the walls seemed
to be woven with thin strips of wood. Sometimes the older houses
which were always build on stilts then had newer additions under
the original floor and those were always concrete as well. 

This little roadside stands were also very common. Each one was selling some local produce (bananas, green beans, pineapples or papayas. I stopped here for some papayas that I'm guessing were picked that day from the trees nearby.

Of course the animals were out in full force-sometimes they were
the most dangerous things on the road because they don't really
seem to care about the traffic. 

There were even elephants (not loose of course) but at one of the first stops I made at a waterfall I was able to see this guy and his buddy taking a bath. 

The local people also bath and wash dishes and clothes in the rivers. 

This was Tad Lo-the first waterfall I stopped at my first day on the bike. Although not the best waterfall by far that I've seen recently, I was able to glimpse these two men fishing in the falls. I watched one of them climb out into the water to cast his line for a while before climbing back out. I was pretty nervous the whole time. 

Another common way to fish in these parts is via this wooden structure that I saw often in waterfalls or rapids areas. The fishermen come in the morning to empty the traps. 

This waterfall was near the end of my second day. The mist from the fall left the ground around the waterfall a luscious green color and it felt amazing as well. (oh-my camera was stolen on this second day of the trip-ripped off my hand while I was driving along-so since I've only been using my Ipad or borrowing from others. The good thing-there are less photos to chose from to show you guys!)

I spent my second night at the top of a mountain overlooking the valley where I'd seen 3 waterfalls the afternoon before. I was the only guest that night and spent it sleeping in this tent. It was a different experience for sure.  

In the morning I awoke to this sight-mist rising off the mountain tops.  

On the 3rd day I got to Tad Fane-which is the largest waterfall in the area at 120meters tall. This is looking down into the valley from a view point. Although the most spectacular waterfall on the trip, there was no way to get down to the bottom, so aside from viewing it from atop, there wasn't much to do.

After 3 days on the "Southern Swing" I caught a bus to Thakhaek a few hours north and the next day started "The Loops" (the original I guess). I'm still waiting on some photos from my travel buddies, so in the meantime, forgive the low quality. After a few hours drive in the early afternoon we arrived to our first guest house and were stunned at the beauty of the lake that surrounded us. It was unfortunately artificially created when a dam was built, drowning the forest, but making for an eerie and mystical sight of tall, dead trees all around.

From the balcony of my guest house on the second night I had an amazing view of the fields which are currently being harvested. The families are out at all hours of the day and night (honestly-through the night too or else they could lose some crops). 

School's out! Play time for the kids. Or at least I thought so. Some of the girls were collecting shells from the riverbeds to bring home for dinner. 

Turning my head, looking up the other side of the river I could see the mountain ahead that I would cross through-literally-the next day. There is a 7.5 km/4.6mile cave located here that in only now receiving recognition. We rented some boats and boatmen and passed from one side of the mountain to the other (45 minutes one way) and to quote my guide book, " you might liken it to Middle Eart (the lights of other boats like Gollum's eyes swallowed in the gloom) or the Greek Underworld of Hades." Even if I had the pictures I don't think they would do the cave justice. 

On the third morning I left at sunrise to drive 4 hours back into Thakhaek. On the way out of town I snapped a bunch of pictures of the sunrise. But this was my favorite. The trail of mist over the fields was just perfect. 

 A bit random, but I like this picture a lot. These little bouquets of flowers are made and sold outside of most temples. They can be bought and placed around the temples or statues of Buddha.