What a cool trip! We crossed the border at Chiang Khong, Thailand into Huay Xai, Laos for our 2-day 'slowboat' ride to Luang Prabang, where we would spend Christmas. First we had to survive the 5 hour bus ride from Chang Mai north. The driver couldn't figure out how to hold his foot steady on the gas, accelerating and slowing every couple of seconds. Except while passing on blind corners, then he would just gas it! Feeling a bit pukey getting into to Chiang Khong, we checked into the Bamboo Inn guesthouse, had a Tiger beer and enjoyed the best Mexican food so far on the trip! Next morning, got stamped out of Thailand, crossed into Laos, cleared immigration and made our way to the boat. What a wild ride. We were some of the last folks boarding (@130 total passengers) and settled for a seat in the back with the roar of the engine in our ears and stink of fumes reminding us too much of work.
After a long day, we ended up in Pak Beng, settled into our guesthouse, and slept.
We got up extra early the next morning, and picked a great seat near the front of our new boat, which was much nicer than day 1. Fun day. Luang Prabang is fantastic, Laos is our new favorite spot on the map and we will definitely include it as an extended stop on our next trip. Remnants of French control are abundant, from architecture to the fresh baguettes in the morning. We also enjoyed the local cuisine, including a fried river moss garnished with a jam made from chilies and dried buffalo skin. Yumm! We will post the pics soon.
We took a quick flight from Laos to Bangkok, followed by a 4 hour train ride to the outskirts of Khoa Yai National Park, where we do a 2 day trek/safari. We will be looking for snakes, elephants tigers, and toucans.
Love you all, hope the Holidays were great!
m&c
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Laos for Christmas
Well, we left Chang Mai yesterday, and made it to the Thai/Laos border town of Chiang Khong. We catch a boat this morning for a 2-day trip down the Mekong River into Luang Prabang, where we will spend Christmas. Happy Holidays to all, we miss you.
Love,
Michael and Chandler
Love,
Michael and Chandler
Friday, December 21, 2007
Thursday, December 20, 2007
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