Te Tao in Lao

Trip Start Jun 09, 2006
1
7
33
Trip End May 29, 2007


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Flag of Lao Peoples Dem Rep  ,
Friday, January 12, 2007

I'm in Laos after taking a bus from Chang Rai to Cheng Khong, then taking a ferry over the Mekong river to Laos and passing customs (which was the easiest border i've ever crossed).  The town itself is pretty shabby, one dirt road with some guesthouses and some small shops.  There's not alot to do here except pass through.  Stayed the night and left the next morning.  The pictures here are all from the border to Luang Prabang on the two day slow-boat which was an amazing experience thanks to the many cool people that we hung out with on the trip. Although the boat itself is slow and uncomfortable, the scenery that you take in is outstanding and by seeing this and understanding the size of the Mekong itself, you come to understand its importance not only to Laos but to the other surrounding countries (Cambodia, Vietnam).  Stopped in Pak Beng for the night, which is again a small, one road town with nothing much to it except it being a half-way marker to Luang Prabong.  The people on the second leg of the trip made it for us, it was an awesome day soaking in amazing views with a few drinks in hand Children on The Banks
Children on The Banks
 .  By the way, a little hint if you do this, when they tell you that your leaving at 9 a.m. your probably leaving closer to 9:30 or 10:00, so don't be afraid to sleep in a little late because they won't leave without you as long as you buy your ticket the night before (they want to get as many people as they can!) but more importantly you'll likely be placed on the less crowded boat because the people who did get there on time will all be crowded on the first boat.  They maybe a little upset with you for taking your time, but for the extra leg-room (and after the first day I needed it being a tall fellow) its worth it.  Or you can simply not get on the boat until the last minute, but either way its a long ride so be prepared. Oh and if you do get stuck on the crowded boat you can always climb up to the roof during the trip and stretch your legs out there.....
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