Into Laos and down the Mekong

It's hard to leave Thailand... after 4 weeks spent here, we wish we could spend another 4! But Lao is calling us. The border crossing as always is quite an experience on its own and this one is about crossing the Mekong river on a tiny boat, with dozens of Lao people getting supplies from Thailand.

The river Mekong and in front of us: Lao!

The first thing to do in a new country (just after getting the visas ;-)) is to try local food!! This one consists of boiling your own fresh vegies in a boiling broth, yummy!!

There are not many remains of the French colonial time, and apart from the obvious croissants and baguettes, Petanque turned here into a national favourite sport. Locals seem to take this sport very seriously.

All the cruising boats getting ready for the next morning departure

After getting our boat tickets for the next day,

we enjoy a drink looking melancolically accross the river at
the sunset over Thailand...

Early morning the next day from our hotel window

Around 7am, the Buddhist monks go around
the streets to receive food from locals (their only way to get food)

Waiting for the boat to leave under the morning sun after a fresh night (14°C)

The boat quickly fills up with 120 tourists, so there's not much space left.

Fortunately, we have the first seats and have a bit more leg room.

The cruise is perfect to observe the untouched nature
as well as the life of small rural communities

The cruise to Luang Prabang takes 2 full days so we stop to spend the first night in the cute river side village of Pak Beng.

Evening just before reaching our destination Pak Beng for the first day

The next morning is quite fresh and foggy, which adds to the atmosphere.

Breakfast on the river side.

Boarding on the second day of the cruise.

For the second day, the 120 tourists are split into 2 boats, so today we have much more space and even get a table. The sun comes out after about 1 hour ride.

Arrival with the sunset in Luang Prabang.

David