Chiang Khong to Luang Prabang

The overnight stop at Chiang Khong en route to Houay Xai proved to be a more entertaining sojourn than anticipated.It is a transition point for those entering and leaving the northern border crossing with Laos and for that reason people seldom stay more than a single night.There are many guesthouses and restaurants in the town lining the single main street that leads to the vehicle ferry for the heavy transports trading between countries.Whilst wandering I discovered a couple of Bar/Restaurants run by middle aged Brits who seem to have found the great middle path between toiling for a living and having a good time and it would have been bad manners to not share a beer or two.

Early the next morning it was a Tuk Tuk to the Thai immigration point ,a fast ferry over the Mekong to Houay Xai ,entry into Laos,money changing and a Tuk Tuk to the slow boat moorings.There I met the other 20 passengers and our Lao guide with whom I would share the Nagi (Name of the boat) for the next 2 days.

After a couple of hours of travel we made our first stop at a hill country village to experience first hand the subsistence life of local people.At nightfall we arrived at the halfway point,Pak Beng,where we had our overnight stop,the Mekong being far too dangerous a waterway for night navigation.Another entertaining evening,most of us dined together,had our first experience of Lao food and bonded over LaoLao the home distilled whisky.

At 7 we where away again in the misty first light,another mid morning excursion to an impoverished village and later a visit to the Buddha caves before arriving at our destination,Luang Prabang around 5pm where we said our goodbyes and went our separate ways.A truly worthwhile experience not to have missed.

Ferry to Houay Xai.

Aboard the Nagi.

Alternative, speed boat.

Mekong River.

Village.

At Pak Beng.

Early morning,Pak Beng.

Elephant bathing.

The second village.

Making whisky from rice.

School girl.

The Buddha caves.