Up the Mekong - part 2

Over a three day journey, we travelled up the Mekong River from Luang Prabang to a Houay Xai, a border town with Thailand, and then a bus the next day to Chang Rai in Northern Thailand. 

We had heard many horror stories about this trip involving delays and broken boats but everything worked out fine. It was a long 2 days, 9 hours each, spent watching the countryside and Lao riverside life. 

We were on a boat like this:

And spent much of the day like this:

or reading, sleeping or chatting with other tourists. 

Occasionally there were some interesting sights with local people:

And lots of haze due to people burning their fields:

There are few ways in and out of Luang Prabang, and even fewer that are financially feasible for Lao people so we saw how important the river is for Lao people. 

China has proposed a plan to build a train from southern China (Yunnan) through Laos to Bangkok and eventually Singapore. While this would be an incredible engineering feat, reminding me of the train through the Copper Canyon in Mexico that I travelled with my Dad, it would be a poor deal for Laos people. 

On our last morning in Laos, our day started with a friendly chat with a monk and Zac helped him with his English lessons.  A good end to a great visit in Laos!

We eventually arrived in Chang Rai, Thailand and wont see the Mekong again until we are in Yunnan, China in about 3 months. 

Time travelling in Luang Prabang

I've been reading a series of books for months (Outlander by Gabaldon) about time travellers. Sometimes it feels like we must be time travelling. We often have conversations like, "I can't believe we only left Vang Vieng 2 days ago. It feels like we have been in Luang Prabang for a week already!"  Each day is filled with so many new experiences that 1 day feels like about 3 days. 

We are currently in Luang Prabang.   It is a peaceful, remote city nestled in the hills beside the Mekong River in Northern Laos. It is a quiet place but rich with visual, cultural and dining delights. 

Here are some photos capturing a typical day:

Monks collecting alms in the early morning:

The  morning market:

Temple visit:

Cross the Mekong River on a bamboo bridge to go for lunch:

Eating a delicious Lao hot pot lunch:

Listening to musical story telling in the evening:

It's going to be hard to return to the pace of normal life after this trip!