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Published: March 8th 2010
After India we detoured quickly through Thailand, specifically Bangkok and Chiang Rai. Chiang Rai was a different speed from India: more like Chiang (sigh) "Ah......!". The "Ah....." factor continued well into Laos as we found it to be one of the most relaxing, peaceful and chilled-out places we've been to. (Correction: we discovered the quiet, peaceful and relaxing side of Laos AFTER our six hour white-knuckle ride to Luang Prabang on one of the Mekong's infamous speedboats. Six hours in a speedboat or two days in a crowded slowboat. Pick your poison.)
Following our accelerated descent down the Mekong, we were tempted to see more than just a blur of Laos village life so back upriver we went. Set amidst a landscape of steep limestone karsts and lush forests we were happy to while away our days along the river. Clearly, more than just the "S" is silent in Laos.
Perhaps inspired by Laos' slogan, Land of a Million Elephants, we eventually set off on a Mahout-ing adventure. For 24 hours, we would live and breathe (and bathe and feed) elephants. As forestry declines and conservation awareness increases, more and more elephants have been abandoned or let go which
Village Walk
Check out the beautiful sarongs worn by most Lao women. is where various elephant camps and rescue centres have stepped in, providing food, care and shelter to elephants while giving tourists an up close (sometimes too close) and personal experience with these mighty mastodons.
We wrapped up our stay in Laos with meandering market visits, impromptu cooking lessons, cruises around Luang Prabang and local countryside on two-wheelers and getting the low-down on Laos from old friends who now call Luang Prabang home.
Editor's Note: As per requests, we have thrown in more photos than ever. Besides, Laos was definitely worth two pages of photos.
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