Our journey to Laos started with a 7 hour mini bus trip from Chiang Mai to Chang Kong, the border between Thailand and Laos. From there we paid for a visa ($35 us or 1400 baht, try and save dollars for this as it works out cheaper) and once we had crossed the boarder we got a tuk tuk from their to the village of Houei Xai where we stayed in a hostel for one night. Houei is very small and again quite an intimidating place but for one night it was okay. It was really just for a bed and a decent nights sleep before we set off for Luang Prabang the following morning. I woke up with about 30 flies on my bed and a few lizards on the roof. Didn't even scream like a wee lassie.
In order to get to Luang Prabang we chose the slow boat option. This involves two days of sailing down the Mekong river with an over night stay in Pak Beng, (beware Pak Beng is only one street where the power gets shut off at 10pm, there is away places to stay for very cheap and you can book before you get there or just rock up. Pretty sure the area is ran by the mafia but due to the fact of how many times we were asked if we wanted some wacky backy and 'magic shakes'). Both days on the boat lasted between 6-8 hours and were pleasent enough. The boat is basically a wooden log with a roof and there is probably a high change it could just shit itself and collapse at any given moment. The seats are old car seats and it is pretty crammed but what isn't in Asia? I also grew up with a people career so I was prepared.
The views you see whilst making your way along the Mekong are incredible and for $30 it isn't too bad. I would say that the second day feels about ten times longer and it starts to lose its excitment but it is a true backpacker experience. It also wouldn't be a true backpacker experience if there wasn't a bit of conning going on. Be warned that they don't actually drop you off in Luang Prabang but 7km outside which means, you guessed it another tuk tuk. It is only an extra few quid but this seems to happen a lot. You are told one thing and then given another. Pain in the baws when the extra smash could probably by you a full meal out here.
Once we arrived in Luang Prabang we got the tuk tuk to our Hostel, the Kounsavan Guest House which I would definitely recommend. It is right in the centre, free breakfast, clean beds, nice grounds and showers and FREE TEA AND COFFEE ALL DAY! Fantastic! It is also a great hostel to meet fellow backpackers. For a 4 dorm private room it was $6 each per night. Okay so yeah it was a bit small and you couldn't exactly practice your Macarena routine but it did the job.
On the first day we got a mini bus to the Kuang Si waterfall. It was an inexpensive trip and I would encourage anyone visiting Luang Prbang to go. It is so beautiful and if you hike to the top you can actually walk up the waterfall itself. Perfect for a chilled afternoon.
The next day we went to an outdoor pool and bar, again this was such a nice way to recharge and just relax with a few beers.
At night we visited the Utioipa bar which is very popular with backpackers. It is full of loungers and cushions with a decking over looking the Mekong. Again it has such a relaxing vibe and we found ourselfs sitting for hours chatting and just enjoying the scenery and downing large Beer Lao's for $1 each.
The best place to eat in Luang Prabang is 100% the night markets. There are vegetarian all you can eat buffets for 15,000 kip (2 bucks) and you can get fresh BBQ chicken, duck, pork, sausage and fish for crazy cheap prices. It is always nice too see the locals eating with you too as you then know it is true Lao food.
Overall I loved Laos. If I had the time I would of tried to visit other villages and cities but sadly we had to start our trek to Vietnam.
Opted for the cheapest option (obviously) a 25-30hour bus journey (also known as The Journey From Hell by many) with no toilet and only two pit stops.
Hopefully I will be able to let you all know that I have survived, until then, pray for me?
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