Slow Boat on the MeKong

We crossed the border from Thailand to Laos by land, then boarded our transport for the next day and a half - a slow boat on the MeKong River. It was slow travel at its best - a vintage wooden boat moving quietly past beautiful scenery, locals fishing and panning for gold, and many water buffalo.

Boarding the boat was treacherous …steep sandy river bank down to the water, where the boats just pull up to the beach.

But it was pretty cozy on board

And the passing scenery was fascinating

We learned to make sticky rice in banana leaf

And enjoyed several rounds of the local beer, which is quite delicious

We spent one night enroute in Pak Beng, a small village on the river, and enjoyed a delicious dinner. I’m loving the larb here!

Arrived in Nong Khiaw last night in time for a beautiful sunset from my balcony.

I like the river life, but looking forward to visiting a village and hiking to a waterfall today!