Chiang Khong, Thailand to Pak Beng, Laos

Today’s trip was from Houayxay to Pakbeng-

I was up early and the owners of the cabins drove us to the border.  I was met at the entrance and given a blue sticker for Nagi Tours, then after an hour or so of passport/visa stuff, I was in a van heading for the river where numerous boats were waiting-

Our boat is really nice but we paid for the luxury.  Very worth it as not all boats have enough seating, nor do they provide food and drinks-

The Mekong-

Water buffalo-

The driver has to know where he is going as there are lots of rocks and narrow channels-

We  saw a couple ferries-

and a few bridges-

We stopped at a village-

Even though they live in the middle of nowhere, each hut has an address-

They grow sticky rice and store it here.  This building full will last a year-

About 30 families live here.  They have solar electricity, running water and a primary school. Families have as many as 10 kids-

7-11 village style-

Threshing rice-

Long boats used for fishing-

Another village along the way-

My seat mates:  Erik from Philadelphia, Helena and Charlie from the U.K.-

Arriving in Pak Beng-

Mekong Backpackers Hostel-

The town is rubby-

A tailor-

Cooking supper-

Sunset on the Mekong-

Tomorrow we leave at 8 a.m. to arrive in Luang Prabang around 4 p.m.  I would definitely recommend this.  I’ve met a lot of people and it’s a very relaxing way to travel.  Looking forward to tomorrow.