We left Thailand via a very traditional backpacker route, the slow boat along the Mekong River to Laung Prabang. An interesting journey lasting 2 days actually turned out a nice experience. The long boat packed with about 60 foreigners made it's way along the 125miles (something like that) just after entering Laos. It is called the slow boat because the other fast boat, seats 5 or 6 people and you wear crash helmets. It only takes them 7 hours.
The river is dotted with small villages, many fishermen and some beautiful landscapes. In-between chapters of our books, or while listening to ipods, we chatted with fellow travellers all with different stories to tell and experiences to share. Accommodation on the first night of our trip was in a small village specifically catering for the travelling crowds from the slow boat. We where met from the boat by over 20+ guesthouse reps touting for business. Most people got a good deal if you didn't pre-book, those that listened to the empty warnings from the travel reps ended up paying nearly twice what they should have. We stuck to our guns and got accommodation on spec!
Fishing in the Mekong, Catfish.... big Catfish !Laos is actually quite a mountainous country. The range of views along the river made for a variety of photo's. Baked in sunshine the wisps of cloud where welcome, as was the rain shower when it appeared, the sun is exceptionally strong but the breeze was enough to keep everyone sort of cool.
The mighy Mekong River
No comments:
Post a Comment