Slow Boat & New Years Eve

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Before crossing the border at Chiang Khong, we booked a ticket for the slow boat down the river for Luang Prabang. The guide took us down to the river and we sped across on a speed boat for Laos. We had already arranged our Visas (although i think you can do it once you reach the border). The slow boat was exactly that - SLOW!. Slow to get going, slow once it was going and the crew also seemed a bit slow. We didn't get a seat as it was packed out and the driver was having a really hard time steering as there were so many people on board. We spent some time on the roof, working on our base tans for the islands. This was very chilled out, however it was short lived. About 5 hours into the journey, the driver started yelling stuff out and i looked up to see us heading straight towards some rocks. Supressing the urge to yell "iceberg, right ahead" we braced and collected our things together, getting ready to abandon ship. The damage wasn't too bad but a few people panicked and one jumped off into the water. The driver then told everyone to get back on board and some people refused. We managed to talk everyone into getting back on the boat and once we arrived in Pak Beng for the night, the whole ship errupted in applause.

There were a whole bunch of salesmen waiting for us on the shore and we just followed some guy and bartered a good price (around $12 AUD for 3 rooms!). Dinner was had at a very tasty indian place and we had a reletively early night after we found out that Pak Beng had absolutely zero nightlife. The next day, we arrived down at the boat early as to jag some good seats. We were in a new boat, which was larger and had some more luxery seats. I would probably recommend sitting on the right-hand side of the boat as you get some well-needed sun from the east (and trust me, you'll need it!!) This second day of cruising was much more comfortable, especially after we cracked open the Thai whisky we had brought aboard. Arriving in a new city drunk was probably not the brightest idea and to make matters worse, every place was full for new years. We found somewhere to leave our bags while we headed out to a place called "the hive". The night started quite slowly but there were two-for-one cocktails which we took advantage off. By about 10-11, the people started poaring in and the atmosphere became a lot better. The count-down was a bit of a non-event but the night as a whole was very enjoyable, with everyone finding a creative place to sleep (only one being in a bed). Me and andy slept in a building site, milney slept on some platform on a farm, burty & arno slept on a varendah with some Laos guy and Alex managed to snag a bed with some dutch girls.

The following day, most of us caught up on a lot of sleep and checked out the town. Luang Prabang is a beautiful city, with really nice architecture and pretty relaxed vibe. Last night was spent in a local bar with some american dude playing guitar, who was pretty good. After that, there was a lady-boy kareoke show which i bailed from to play guitar outside with some locals. The american guy heard us and came and joined in on slide guitar (which he absolutely tore up). Today we're going to find some waterfalls and caves, plus check out the temples. Arno had headed off on a bike ride, after confirming which was was north. I think there will be a bit more room on the bed tonight!

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Photos

Crossing the border
In a hat like that, who would be crazy enough NOT to let us in to Laos.

Relieved to be on dry land
A nice Laos sunset on new years eve.

Hive Bar for New Years
The set up out the back of the hive bar on new years eve. Everyone was getting into the spirit of things!

Comments

[liv]

hi
hi all, but mostly hi to alex. very jealous but good to get ur email the other day. keep me posted to get me through the 9-5 in sunny sunny wales. have fun x