On the way to Don Det we had some problems with our beloved Vietnamese Dynamite … In the first third of the way to go the bike suddenly stopped … yes, with a few worthy backspikes of pain … we wanted to say something, but we did not understand it, We went to a mechanic to see what he said.
For this we had to push under a hellish heat until we reached a farm, where there were people eating. We approached and asked where the nearest mechanic was, but our Laotian was not at his best … although pointing to the motorcycle and with a grimace of agony was enough for them to come to try to revive her. After several unsuccessful attempts we took the bike to his van and very kindly took us to the nearest mechanic … an honorable gesture that we deeply appreciate … The mechanic was able to speak with our partner, and so we were able to continue our trip.
After about 20 km the bike stopped again … in the same way, I kept insisting on its passive communication, only this time we were closer to another mechanic. This mechanic was an artisan, he looked it up and down, taking the necessary time … and finally he fixed it !! And the rest of the trip was like a silk, happy as a partridge, with a smile in the lighthouse.
Don Det is one of the islands of an archipelago located in the mighty Mekong river called 4000 islands (Si Phan Don), the truth that disappointed us a little, although it is also true that we did not move much. To get to it we first had to rent a boat to cross the river from Nadasang, so just when the sun was going to set we got a boy to take us on his barge for 50,000 kips at three, an experience.
Once in Don Det we look for accommodation, as always. After asking in several places a Dutchman who worked in a guesthouse, and who did not keep quiet or under water, he rented us a room for 30,000 kips in Ning bungalows. A correct room and in a perfect point to exhibit the beautiful Vietnamese Dynamite for sale.
To visit the island and the neighboring island of Don Khon you can rent a motorbike, but with a bike for 10,000 kips is enough. Don Khon is more beautiful and quiet than Don Det, although in the low season everything is quiet there.
To go to Don Khon you have to cross a bridge that costs 30,000 kips, although if you go crazy you pass by without stopping at the ticket office … The price of the bridge includes a visit to some waterfalls, if you have crossed the bridge face you will have to pay the same amount. The waterfalls are not worth much, if you want to save do not go …
In the south of the same island you can rent a boat with capacity for 3 people for 90,000 kips to go to see river dolphins. We could see about four dolphins repeatedly! It was beautiful, and it is always a different boat trip struggling with the currents of the enormous flow of the Mekong River … it is spectacular the size and strength of this river …
To eat at Don Det there are several local food restaurants, such as our guesthouse, although we fell for the temptation of Indian food … the Jasmin restaurant is owned by the same owners as Pakse, although a little more expensive … it tastes great! ! (comparing with the little variety of local food, fried rice and noodle that we have been eating for months …).
During our stay at Don Det we put our Vietnamese Dynamite for sale, strategically placed with two “for sale” posters on the corner of our guesthouse, where everyone would spend sooner or later. The locals rubbed their hands, all offered $ 100, and waited for the days of stay or visa to run out …
Time passed and nobody communicated with us, so we decided to hang posters on the two islands, hoping to find a clueless tourist with a desire to motorcycle … Finally, the day before our departure we found a French owner of a restaurant that Interested, we took it to see it and offered us 160 dollars … we had no other options … so we accepted. To close the deal he invited us to drink and dine … a cheerful night, worthy of a farewell, goodbye to our Vietnamese Dynamite, we left it in good hands …
The next day we took the super-local mini-ferry for 30,000 kips / person, and we headed to the Nadasang bus station. We did not have a ticket. We tried to hitchhike to the border with Cambodia, about 20 km away, but it was impossible … finally, and to get rid of the kips, we took the bus directly to Siem Reap (Cambodia) for 185,000 kips each … an abuse, but it was the cheapest price we found and everyone told us it was the only option … so … we did what everyone …
We prepare to cross the most corrupt border in Asia … it’s a sad laugh … a piece of hard faces … To begin with, the bus tells you that if you give your passport and 40 dollars you do not have to get off the bus, and that is what it costs, you get to say that if you have a problem it will be your responsibility that the bus will not wait … scammer … luckily we were a good group that we refused.
Once at the border, you first have to receive the stamp to leave Laos, because in this step they charge you 2 dollars for the face … I asked for the receipt, and they said no, so I told them it was illegal … and they ignored me … We had no choice but to pay the damn 4 dollars of the two to be able to pass … swindlers … This is the police in what Asian border! It’s to freak out … But … Do not leave yet !! There’s still more!! (as a super-mouse between each sketch). When you cross the border to Cambodia, they give you a medical check-up, a guy who takes your temperature and charges you 1 dollar, since you see us about 10 people ignoring the check and entering the visa building while a policeman shouted at us to come … laugh!
Anyway, we continue. The entry visa to Cambodia for a Spanish is 30 dollars, because in this border they charge you 35, for the face! There his güevos! They also put a window that reached us at the height of the navel, so you see us crouching head saying that this was illegal while the policeman with a very bad face ignored us looking ahead … little panda of chorizos! ! Because the police, taxi drivers / tuk tuks and politicians have to always be so sausages !!? (taxi drivers apply to Asians, the rest is worldwide). And after paying for the children’s college, or the one-month beers, for all the border police, we were already in Cambodia !!! Ole ole ole and ole !!!!
We go to Siem Reap and the temples of Ankor … what excitement!