Day one on the Mekong River

After going out in Chiang Kong and having one too many beers getting up this morning was easier said than done. But we managed to get ourselves up and moving. After cold showers we were ready to head over to Laos. First stop was the Thai immigration, (our guest house had organised our Visas for Laos) then into a tiny wee boat and across the river into Laos. All went very smoothly, we then waited round for a bit before our boat left at 11.30. We got talked into booking our accommodation in Pak Beng. For the princely sum of 400 baht (around $16NZD) we have got ourselves a pick up from the boat, accommodation for the night with a private bathroom, fan and free wifi! 

It's pretty hot today, which isn't too bad when the boat is moving and there is a bit of a breeze, but as soon as we stop it becomes sweltering.  There aren't too many people on our boat today which is nice, it means we can all spread out a bit. The seats are old van seats in sets of 2 or 3 so no need for the cushions we bought. Food and drinks are available to buy, but its much more expensive than on land, Shaun bought a coke for 50baht, yesterday he bought a one for just 15! 

The scenery is beautiful, I've taken hundreds of photos on the camera. 

This is a small settlement on the side of the river. We have seen a few of the fast boats going past, it's a bit scary when the drivers and half of the passengers have motor bike helmets on! I'm glad we decided to take the slow boat.  We have spent the day sleeping, reading and playing cards with other travellers on the boat. Upon arrival in Pak Beng we found our guesthouse showered and headed out for dinner, we ate at a local resturant with an American couple we met at the resturant and 2 German guys we have travelled with since Chiang Mai.  

Day 2- another day on the river

We were up quite early as neither of us slept very well. Had breakfast then down and onto the boat. A different boat today, this one is much more packed so far less room to spread out and nap.  We have spent all of today doing very much the same as yesterday, reading, napping and watching the world go by. We are both looking forward to getting to Luang Prabang and having a shower and getting some washing done, we are both feeling very grimy and are running out of clean clothes! 

Our bargain accommodation wasn't all it was cracked up to be there was no transport from the boat to the guesthouse, no mosquito net and they turned the wifi off during the night so we couldn't use it this morning. Oh and a guy on our boat who didn't book just sorted it out when he got there only paid 250baht!

So far on our trip downstream today we have picked up a whole lot of Laoation people, and 5 motorbikes. I was sure they wouldn't fit in but here they are.