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Magical Laos – Land of Mystery - Almost mythical - Epic scenery – What more can you ask for...

Michael Maddess / 29.08.2010

Talking about a hot destination and we don’t mean temperature, but just a stunning and cool place to hang out, the sleepy laid back town of Luong Prabang airport staff are a pleasant surprise unlike big cities of Hong Kong or Hanoi.

After arrival, without US$ for the visa (had HK & Vietnam currency with me) immigration staff said, “No problem, just walk past immigration and there is a bank machine on the outside of the airport”. Too funny, as I cleared customs without even showing my passport. Guess they knew I wasn’t going anywhere but gives you an idea of how laid back the place is.

From the airport it’s around a 2-hour bus road with flat good roads to the small village we’re sleeping overnight. Unlike Vietnam this bus wont be stopping for anything as going direct. We could take bus in the morning, but we figure nobody likes going for long bus rides in the morning, then starting a marathon immediately on tight legs, so better just to get the traveling out of the way and wake up with the start line at your feet. This way we can also start early and take advantage of the morning cooler temperatures.

With the beginning of dirt roads in the mountain area (elevation around 300m) the long course 100km runners will do a quick flat out and back along a river bank trail nestled in the trees and sheltered from any sunlight which is quite pleasant covering a total of around 12 km before arriving back at the starting location that the 50km runners would have left earlier. The next 30 km is the same route for everyone with the first 5km a gradual uphill climb that 4 wheel drives can drive up (no stairs don’t worry) with the scenic valley opening up below you. The elevation of the highest point goes up to around 1100 – 1200m and then the road follows a mountain ridge line staying between 900-1100m for 10-15km.

Quite incredible experience with the odd curious villager walking by carrying loads on their backs. You’ll encounter villages along the way with curious kids coming out wanting to play and waving at you very different than neighbouring Vietnam. Not sure if it’s just because they are not use to seeing tourists and not sure what to do or they are just friendlier than others, but regardless very pleasant villagers.

As the dirt road follows the mountain ridge rolling hills for next 25km all the small hills are runable. There are a couple hills kind of steep, but as a jeep can drive up you get the idea that it’s duable if you train for it. If you don’t train on hills you’ll probably be walking these 200-300m long hills. If anything we’d probably encourage you not to run these small hills and just hike them taking in the scenery until the track levels out for easier running. The valley views will inspire you too keep going until you finish the day one leg.