Laos so far!!

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After leaving Chiang Mai we took the bus up to the border at Chiang Khong ready to take the slow boat the next day. The slowboat took us on a two day trip along the Mekong River through to Luang Prabang. The first day was a little uncomfortable sat on the straight backed wooden benches even with the cushions they sell you before boarding. The next day we had a stroke of luck and got to sit on some bags of rice that were piled up at the back of the boat. It doesn't sound much better but it gave us much more space and a better view over the river.

After 2 full days on the river we finally arrived in Luang Prabang where we immediately noticed how much nicer and relaxed it was than anywhere we had been in Thailand. The streets are much cleaner and the atmosphere is so much more relaxed, so much so that you dont get much hassle from the tuk tuk drivers because most of them are asleep in the back of their vehicles.

We decided to go for a cheap option the first night but regretted once we realised our window opened onto the kitchen (see picture) so for an extra 2 pounds we swopped from the pantry to a room with a real view and balcony overlooking the river.After the long trip and hardly any sleep on the first night we had a relaxing day and visited the night market.

Then yesterday we took a trip to the nearby Kuang Si waterfalls, the falls consist of a number of small pools where you can go swimming and a large main waterfall. We climbed the slippery muddy path to the top of the main falls where for some reason they allow you to walk through the river at the top with just a wooden fence stopping you going down with the water, then walked back down for a swim in the pools, where Andy got a leech stuck to his finger (not quite paradise). On the way back the tuk tuk driver was kind enough to take us to a tribal village even though we hadn't asked, where the local children crowded around you trying to sell you bracelets.

After another relaxing day today we are heading down to Vang Vieng tomorrow to do some tubing!!!

Hope all is well, thanks for all the comments on our last blog.

Laura and Andy

xxx

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Photos

SDC13356
We had an unexpected guess on our balcony

Monks
We got up at 6am to watch the 200 monks walk through the street to get their food for the day

Comments

[mum]

wow
wow that river from the top of the waterfall looked amazing, you must be mad walking over the top like that! Liked the gecko! The place sounds nice and calm, but sounds as if you still need to keep your wits about you. I was realy looking forward to hearing from you had been looking several times a day!! Rhino's are doing well in final. Dad finished his book, i quit mine got a bit bored half way through. John and Tanya gave a good party last night. All is well here. Miss you , take care in the tubs.... love you mum xx

[Lucy]

:)
Am so jealous :P x

[John]

Waterfalls
Waterfalls look stunning. Good job you are both pretty fit, some of it sounds hard work. Good you are enjoying it. stay safe. John and Tanya

[mum]

more wow's
Wow a leach how did you get rid of it? And just wondering how Monkey is enjoying the trip so far ? Is he being good ? Ha Ha Missing you xx

[Dad]

sounds great fun
Yeo it sounds great and lots of fun wish i could be there the waterfall and pools sound fun i bet you wounded where the tuc tuc driver was taking you?. the tubing sound good too the pic's are great. we are missing you both take care and looking forward to the next exiting blog love you both xx

[helen]

wow!!!
hey u, gosh u r so brave!! hope u r havin a fab time and enjoyin every experience. ur pics r fab, u look so happy :) lookin 4ward 2 the next installment!! love ya, Helen xx