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. 
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