Went to Phon Phisai today to look at the Mekong . I decided to go the long way round through Ban Pho as I was convinced the short cut from Thon Na lab would be underwater. It was therefore 3 hours before I got there. The water levels were  very high just a few feet below the promenade along the front.

Mekong in full flood

I decided to return via Sang Khom but 8km out of Phon Phisai at a cross roads was a sign saying floods and 1 meter behind it was this.

Nothing like a bit of advanced warning. It was too deep to attempt to get through so I tried to detour through the village on the right hand side. However every road out of it went down to the flood again. Instead of returning to Phon Phisa I opted to try again taking the other road at the cross roads. After 5-6 k it emerged onto a Tarmac road which I remembered  took me to Ban Na Nang and from there then onto Nong Hoi. From Nong Hoi I headed back to Ban Pho only to me met by more flooded roads with no way round. While I was contemplating what to do a couple of Motor bikes emerged out of the floods  – I therefore decided to wade through – not attempting to cycle because of hidden potholes. After half a kilometer I emerged back onto dry road and Carried on. With my water bottles empty I detoured to the House at Non Prasoet for a short break and a drink of cold water. I eventually got home after 8 hours – A trip not to be repeated in the rainy season.