Floating Down the Mekong River

Our crammed boat across to immigration into Laos from Thailand.
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We crossed the Mekong River from our accomodations in Chiang Khong early in the morning.  Our backpacks and bodies filled a canoe-like boat for the short trip to the immigration stand on the other side of the river.  We debarked, got our visas stamped, changed money, and loaded into tuk-tuks towards our bigger boat for the journey down the river to Luang Prabang.

The boat was a nice size, albeit a bit narrow.  The eight of us climbed aboard while our backpacks were precariously carried across the bamboo plank onto the boat.  I silently prayed that my giant "turtle", as I affectionately call it now, would not take a tumble into the muddy Mekong!  The boat had pillow mats, old car seats, and benches spread throughout the length of the inside.  It had a very basic toliet that emptied into the river when flushed, and a simple coolbox with waters and sodas.  This rustic ship would be our home for two full days as we travelled into Laos towards the former capital of Luang Prabang.

Boats along the Mekong.
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Travelling along a river is romantic in theory, and at first it was pretty impressive.  The giant towering mountains on either side, the local life, and the sheer size of the river even in dry season was enough to captivate your attention and imagination for at least half of the first day.  It was later, that the boredom sets in a bit.  Luckily the company is chatty, my I-pod was fully charged, and I always travel with a deck of cards.

We docked later in the evening in a small town of Pakbeng, known mostly as a transient town of visitors travelling back and forth from China, Laos, and Thailand.  Set against a mountainside, it is very simple and quiet.  As our boat pulled into the dock though, the locals came bounding down the hill to carry our bags up the hillside to our accomodations for a small fee.  It was 50 cents, but to them, that money goes far.  There was quite a competition for the bags, and as mine is most likely the heaviest of the group, I felt a bit guilty for my small porter.  They lugged them up to our nice guesthouse which runs its electric on a generator, as does the whole town.  We checked in, order our breakfast for the next morning, and headed to a restaurant across the road for drinks and dinner.  We ate an acclectic assortment of Thai and Laos food, and enjoyed each other's company while being on land!  Ha, ha.

Locals along the way.
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The next morning we woke early to eat, pack, and head out along the river again.  It was another full day of travel.  I napped, read, and chatted the day away, but was so excited to finally reach Luang Prabang that evening.  The former capital city was named a World Heritage Sight in 1995, and therefore was prevented from modernizing too much.  The temples are incredible, and the vibe of the town is laid back and enjoyable.  We are here three nights, so I can't wait to explore.