Safety Tips in Khoueng Xaignabouli

If you decide to do your own trip around the province you need to bear in mind there's not much accomodation outside the main towns or bigger villages, especially if you take side roads. The spatial distances don't look large on the maps but it may take you hours to get somewhere: exp. Pak Lay to Sayabouly takes 5-6 hrs or Hongsa to Sayabouly is about the same. Most of the roads are not paved and you'll pass mountain ridges where little traffic happens. When it does it gets very dusty.

Don't plan to travel late in the evening, because the roads are full of hidden traps (like large craters) which you won't see easily in the dark and you can risk breaking your bike or cars wheel. Most of driving in Sayabouly requires full attention just because of these things. If travel to border districts (Nam Pouy NParea) you will face more difficult (jungle) roads where you'll pass rivers and creeks, but also you can face fallen trees which can block your way if you travel by car. Many times you'll be driving at the edge of fall.

Note that some times in the year the river you will have to pass can be as deep as 1 meter or more and it can be difficult to know the exact situation since it's changing so fast: sometimes even locals who speak Lao won't know the present situation because those remotest distances aren't travelled frequently. The best bet is to ask army personell but very hardly you can find someone speaking English. In any case - you need good gear and experience.