the mekong river

We decided to travel by longboat up the Mekong from Luang Prabang to Hui Xai (Houeisai, Huay Sai, Haui Xai were some of the spellings we saw on signs in town). The 2 day voyage was highly recommended, but after hearing several horror stories of being trapped on smelly rat infested boats and being served food unfit for Indian dogs we decided to "luxuriate." Meaning we'd spend a little more money so chances of mutiny were a little less. We easily arranged passage on the recommended vessel. On our travel day we were expecting other travelers, but as soon as our luggage was onboard the anchor was hoisted and we were off! Little did we know it, but we had chartering the entire boat.

There really isn't much to narrate about the trip. We were stationed on the front of the boat and a family lived on the back of boat. The 1st day we stopped to sleep in Pakbeng, a funky little river town thats sole purpose seems to be accomodation for overnighters heading either up or down the river. We arrived after dark and left at dawn so there weren't really any photo ops. The highlite was stopping at two Buddhist holy caves for about 20 minutes. The children were selling birds in little cages that one could buy to release, only to be trapped again and resold. So, pour a glass of wine, kick back and enjoy this overly long dipiction of the slow and very uncomplicated life on the Mekong River.