Time In a Relaxing Lao Village

We returned to Luang Prabang three hours ago. Most of our day was spent traveling by boat down the beautiful Nam Ou.

One hour from Muang Ngoi where we spent the last three nights, and then 6.5 hours on to LP. I feel as if I'm still in the boat–a little tipsy and floaty.

It was a pretty exciting ride back at times. First, it was so beautiful as we floated down the canyon and through the mountains. About half way, all of the passengers had to disembark and walk about 15 minutes downstream to meet up with the boat again. Too shallow.

Then about an hour later, our boat slowed and the driver turned off the motor, jumped into the river in his skivvies, and starting beckoning to a group of about 10 boys on the beach to come help us. Basically it was another shallow and rocky spot, and the boat had to be carefully guided through it. At one point, several people had to jump out and wade since we were scraping the river bottom. Everybody was having fun, and the boys were cute and doing a great job.

Muang Ngoi was peaceful and quiet. The only access is by boat. Took a bit to stop watching for cars and motorbikes. We awoke each morning to a chorus of roosters about 5:30, followed shortly thereafter with the roar of motors from the boats on the river and Lao people starting their day.

We stayed in a small bungalow with private bath and cold showers. Pretty basic but comfortable. We overlooked the river and had two very comfortable hammocks on our front porch. A very relaxing time.

The first day we hiked back into the countryside about 30 minutes to an interesting cave. Along the way, we saw many beautiful butterflies, including a black one with a 4 – 5 inch wing span.

From there we hiked another 45 minutes to a Lao-Khmu tribal village. So very authentic. We walked through town and ate at a guesthouse overlooking a huge rice paddy with a mountainous backdrop. Beautiful and the vegetable noodle soup was delicious!!

Tomorrow we leave for a day and a half at a nearby elephant camp where we learn how to be mahouts, to ride on the elephant's neck and guide them. Plus we get to wash them the next morning in the river. We leave pretty early so it's time to get some sleep.

Will write again soon after our adventure with the elephants.