Day 26 - Mekong River and homestay

Today was a very early start. 4.30 to give alms to the monks however we were too early so went back and then we were too late. Not a great start to the day.

Then set off at 6.30 for our slow boat up the Mekong to our homestay in a small village (49 families). The boat took 10 hours so lots of sleeping, music listened to, books read and cards being played.

Arrived at the homestay ay about 5pm, this was a lot different top the homestay Cambodia. This wasn't adapted for guests at all apart from mosquito nets, so it was definitely a local experience. Couldn't help but feel wrong about eating some beautiful food in the middle of such a poor village.

In bed for 9pm as another 4.30am start tomorrow for another long, slow boat ride to the Thai border. Couldn't help but feel an inconvenience when we went to bed as our "beds" were in the middle of their living space, felt a little awkward to be honest, didn't sleep well at all as it's just so hot and muggy, I know the locals are used to it but I still don't know how they sleep.

Day 25 - Luang Prabang

Day 24 - Luang Prabang

Day 27 - Laos - Thailand

Today was another 4.30am start to get back on the very slow boat to the Thai border.

Torches needed to find our way back to the boat as it was pitch black. 12 hours on the boat and again alot of sleeping, music listened to, cards played at which our local guide Yang kicked our asses. Off the boat and on to a tuktuk to take us to the border, 10 of us in there including 1 hanging off the back and Mike says "I don't think this is going to have the power to move" and sure enough half way up the first hill the engine cut out and it started rolling back down the hill and only stopped by some alot of locals jumping behind it. Eventually made it to the top because half of us got out and walked. After 10 mins we hear a bang and we pull over to find a tyre had blown. An F1 style tyre change by the driver and we set off again.

A relatively smooth transit through the border although some got stung for paying double, no idea why.

A short drive to our hotel in the border town of Chiang Khong, nothing much to do here but as we've had 2 very hot and sweaty days everyone was just in the mood to lounge by the pool. So pretty much that's what we did, was awesome fun messing around in the pool. I stayed in the pool for 5 hours until midnight which was probably a bad idea as my hands actually hurt they had dried out so much. Great fun though.

Day 25 - Luang Prabang

Today is Amandas 22nd birthday and we started off the day with visiting an elephant sanctuary which was amazing. We got to feed them, ride them and bathe with them (in the river with alot of elephant poop floating around). It was amazing but while it was one of the reputable sanctuaries that actually takes care of them instead of beating them I still couldn't help thinking that the elephants would much rather be out in the wild instead of carrying us around.

Unfortunately Sandra then collapsed in agony with pain from what she thought was a blister. She had to go to the hospital and have it checked out, turns out it was a blister bit it was quite deep and was pressing on a nerve, which was also causing the headache she'd had for a few days. We met back at the hotel later and she said the care she got was quite good and only cost her $21.

Our afternoon was spent at Kuang Si Waterfalls. It was absolutely stunning but very hard work climbing up to the top going up what was just mud. Wad quite fun coming back down though as we actually went down through the waterfalls. Got to one of the bigger pools and swam, the water was so cold :-) and got a free fish pedicure as all the little fish nibbled on our toes.

Out for dinner for Amandas birthday tonight but unfortunately I left them to it as today really tired me out and also came back with Sandra so she wasn't on her own.

One of the best days so far and I think Amandas best birthday too.

Day 24 - Luang Prabang

A long 7 hour bus ride to Luang Prabang this morning, around one of the windiest roads I have ever seen, but also some of the most beautiful scenery. Stopped at the top of the mountain to take in the amazing view and also the lovely cold weather :-)

Arrived into Luang Prabang at about 3.30 and straight out to see this beautiful city. Walked down one street and came across 6 or 7 amazing temples. Down to the Meekong River to have dinner with an amazing view. Then to the night market for the girls to pick up some trinkets.

So happy for Amanda and Nicolette who found out today that they both got firsts in their degrees, they are so happy and had a few tears.

Up early again tomorrow to visit an elephant sanctuary and waterfalls.

Day 23 - Vang Vieng