Nong Khiaw Laos

The drive from Luang Prabang north to Nong Khiaw was stacked full of beautiful scenery.

The woman sitting next to me kept falling asleep and resting her head on my arm so I gave her my neck pillow thinking that would help her out, but she put the pillow on my shoulder and went back to sleep. Not a lot accomplished there.


The rich green rice fields always add to the scenery.

Heading over the bridge to look for a room.

Looking up the valley from the bridge.

I'm impressed he actually stayed on his "raft"

Definitely a mountain person.

Our room for $2 each. The bamboo walls are as good as paper when the Italians and Spaniards next door decide to get wasted on Lao Lao (local whiskey). Apparently they didn't understand "Silencio por favor".

The view from our balcony.

Never trust a cat with half black half white whiskers.

Showoff.

Local boys throwing fishing nets on the Nam Ou river.

Nice place to relax.

We headed to the river for a swim and ran into this wiley bunch. They thought they were pretty cool in our shades.

Once I started they wouldn't let me stop. I think I almost puked twice.

I keep asking myself why I deserve this...and then I realize I don't.

Morning fog burning off.

Hunter I and rented bikes again and headed for some caves.

The Pha Toke Caves were used by the Pathet Lao during the bombing campaign of the US during the "secret war". This particular cave was a 'safe' area for soldiers and villagers, and was also used a hospital during the conflict.

This is where the police headquarters were.

The bank.

They brought in all the dirt to make a flat floor.

It is really nice to not see caution signs all over the place. I feel like they expect people to actually use their brains, or they are just a third world country and don't care.

These little bungalows are used by the farmers.

The limestone makes for some cool looking formations.

It is weird smiling for a camera you can't see in the pitch black.

Heading back to our bikes.

We ran into this Canadian on the road who has toured Canada, New Zealand, and SE Asia in the last 18 months. We actually kept running into as we moved down the road.

Water Buffalo are all over the place out here.

We decided to hitch a ride out of town instead of waiting until evening for the bus. We nearly got T-boned while our driver was cutting a corner and then skidded the back of the truck off the road. We were happy to get out alive 45 minutes later.

This was the last picture my camera took before completely breaking.

Luang Prabang Laos

After a very enjoyable two days on the Mekong we arrived in the popular town of Luang Prabang.

On the main strip looking for a place to stay.

This kid was everywhere. He ran all over town rolling this tire with a stick like it was his pet. It is amazing how creative kids can be.

Hunter surveying the bamboo bridge before crossing.

The Khan River before running into the Mekong.

On day two, Hunter I set our sights high with a 40 mile bike ride to Kouangxi Waterfall.

Our competition during the hill climb section....yeah we won!

Leaving at 2pm was a bit of a mistake as it was 100 F on the pavement.

The kids heading back from school all wanted to give us high-fives as we rode by.

One of the multiple lagoons to swim at.

I call this one "Beauty and the Beast". He liked the salt I guess.

The water is turquoise from the limestone it runs through.

Using water power to grind up rice.

The main attraction....meaning the waterfall.

Climbing up to the top of the falls.

The pour over.

Trying to beat the light home, but it didn't happen.

The first bread I have had in a long time thanks to the French colonies established long ago.

On the way to the bus station we ran across these rice cakes drying. It didn't help that they were on a dirt road and covered with a layer from the passing cars.

Our ride north to the mountain village of Nong Khiaw.

Mekong Boat Ride

After enjoying Chaing Mai I hopped a 7 hr bus to the Laos border town of Hue Xai. On the bus I met a guy from Chicago that went DU and also studied abroad in New Zealand at the same school I did. Nevertheless we found we had a lot in common and decided to travel together for a while.

Sorry about the lag in postings but the Internet in Laos is hard to come by.

On the bus to border town of Chaing Khong.

After getting a couple visa photos we headed into Laos.

Our first meeting with the mighty Mekong River.

Crossing over to Laos via canoe.

Hunter and I getting dinner along side the river.

After we picked up some sticky rice and egg rolls we headed to the boat.

While they were loading passengers we started to realize they were going to try to cram as many people as possible on the boat. After a brief uproar from the passengers they decided to send another boat so it was pretty comfortable....that means most people got to sit on stiff wooden benches.

Our first day was a 6 hour ride from Huay Xai to the village of Pak Beng.

Our first stop was so these village kids could sell chips and beer to all the passengers.

This fella was quite the sales boy.

There is no such thing as overloaded here.

I was tempted to join them on their mud slide.

They call it a slow boat, but it actually moves at a good pace.

The local form of transport.

These hooligans looked like they were out joyriding.

Showing off for the crowd.

After a 6 hour ride we pulled into Pak Beng and grabbed a room. This was the view from our room. The beds on the other hand felt like you were literally sleeping on a piece of cardboard on the floor. It is funny how the little things like a sit down toilet (as opposed to a squat toilet), a hot shower, or a top sheet can really make a Guest House feel luxurious.

Our send off from Pak Beng on day 2 of the journey.

The only beer you can find in Laos. Good thing it is tasty.

Relaxing on the bow.

Currently it is the dry season here so there are massive beaches along the river.

Passing one of the many small herds of Buffalo.

A good bunch of travellers made use of the lazy day by enjoying scenery with Beer Lao and music.

Party friends on Day 2.

The locals were always more than happy to say hi.

The other boat we travel down river with.

Some local boys throwing their fishing nets. Every village relies heavily on the Mekong river for nearly everything.

One of the many great views along the river.

Evidence that the wet season runs much higher a faster.

Pulling into Luang Prabang near sunset after a very enjoyable two day boat journey.