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Published: June 14th 2009
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Slow Boat
Me on the slow boat (It was busier than that when we left.) After nearly 3 weeks in Thailand we finally made our way to the border between Thailand and Laos. We arrived from Chiang Rai on a three hour journey on a local bus to the border town of Chiang Khong, we’ve never been on a local bus before and it was strange being the only foreigner’s on the bus. Then a tuk-tuk to a small wooden building on the banks of the Mekong river where we got our passports stamped to say we were leaving Thailand; and after a short wait we got into a small thin wooden boat that barely floated above the water with us and our gear in it and over we went into Laos. Once the other side we spent just 10 minutes getting our visa and we were officially in Laos. We stayed in the border town of Hauy Xai for just one night, and the following day knowing in advance that there is no road between where we were and the next major town, Luang Prabang we departed on the slow boat, a two day journey down the Mekong River to our next destination of Luang Prabang.
So our slow boat trip, where
Slow Boat
The engine just open for all to see.... do we begin? It was an adventure in itself. We were advised to make sure we had some drinks with us so we stocked up on alcohol, cards and food. Everyone on the boat started drinking at 11am so the day wasn’t long getting started. From about 2pm until we got off the boat, for Stephen it was a case of 'scene missing'. We spent the entire time talking to everyone and anyone but had to get everyone’s name the following day again. (It was like being at a festival, only on a boat.) Half way through our trip, we pulled into a mud embankment where a dozen or so local children hopped aboard with food and cold drinks in basket ready to sell to all of us hungry tourists. We pulled in for the night in the very small town of Pak Beng and joined up with a load of Canadian people we had met, before heading out for dinner and more drinks. There was a great mix of Australians, English, Canadians and Irish at dinner and I have been told that the food wasn't that great.... all I know is that the booze was great!
The
Slow Boat
Myself & Gemma next day we set out on the slow boat again and there was definitely a more subdued atmosphere this time around; 8 hours travelling down the Mekong River hung over and tired with nowhere to go. But, the views from our boat were breath-taking, the river and nothing but jungle and a local village every now and again and the unique way of sailing left us with a lot to think about. For example, at one stage, we were pulling in beside another boat to let more locals on, and when we just sailed straight into the face of a cliff in order to stop, but not before knocking over a few barrels from the neighbouring boat. Everyone paused, before breaking out in laughter.
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