Our last night in Thailand unfolded into an epic adventure of karaoke, echoing throughout the singular street of Chiang Khong, a quaint border town. Down this lone street stood our humble abode, Nam Khong Resort & Guesthouse, evoking the charm of the Jim Thompson house from Bangkok with its wooden structure embraced by jungle vegetation. Upon our arrival and a brief unpacking, we gathered to stroll down the dimly lit street to Rin Bar Food & Drink. The place bore the indelible mark of G Adventures, with walls and nearly every writable surface covered in sharpie messages from past tour groups. The owners, a wonderful Belgian man and his northern Thai wife, smartly began displaying photos of G Adventures tour guides with attached notes for each group to commemorate their visits.

As dinner began, the owners and their staff rang a bell signaling tequila shots. Despite initial reluctance, peer pressure prevailed, and everyone joined in for the first round. “One and done” was wishful thinking, as the staff expertly coaxed us into more shots, prepping us for the karaoke session ahead. Our CEO kicked off with an amazing rendition of “I Want It That Way” by the Backstreet Boys, igniting a night of enthusiastic singing. Songs from Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, The Chicks, Blue’s Traveler, and Irish hits created a lively atmosphere. Joanne’s birthday surprise, complete with a cake arranged by Chit (our CEO), led to more celebratory shots. The walk back to our lodging was a joyful stumble, and even our CEO struggled with the early 7:00am departure, arriving late but full of apologies.

Our journey continued at the Thai-Laos border, where we got our passports stamped and walked across the “friendship bridge” into Ban Houayxay. We piled our bags and bodies into a large bus, heading to town where our local Laos tour guide, Vong, greeted us. Boarding our private slow boat at 10am, we embarked on a two-day journey down the majestic Mekong River. This river, a lifeline for Laos, originates in China and flows through Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam, forming the famous Mekong Delta. Our first day took us to Pakbeng, a halfway stop for many slow boats. The boat family treated us with fresh fruits and a feast for lunch, which we devoured before napping to recover from the previous night’s festivities. The afternoon was enriched with Laos history and culture lessons from Vong.

Arriving in Pakbeng around 6pm, we experienced a local Laos town bustling with children, animals, and vendors. Our riverside lodge offered a unique stay with no air conditioning, relying on fans and cooler evening temperatures. Dinner featured the national dish, Lao Larb, enjoyed by all as we dined together. The night cooled down more than expected, allowing us to sleep comfortably under mosquito nets, lulled by the sounds of the Mekong.

Morning came quickly, and after a light breakfast at the lodge, we resumed our slow boat journey, now familiar with the routine. The second day flowed smoothly, with naps, personal entertainment, and another delicious lunch. The afternoon brought excitement with the 2024 Mekong Slow Boat River Games, officiated by Chit. Teams competed in trivia, spoon flipping, and reflex tests, culminating in Jeff’s team winning. The games ended just in time for our guided tour of the Pak Ou caves, home to hundreds of Buddha images, each with its own history and significance.

Upon reaching Luang Prabang, we settled into our hotel where we will stay for the next three nights, eager for the luxury of air conditioning. A refreshing dip in the pool with a cold Beer Laos (Somersby cider for Jeff) followed, leading to a night of local cuisine at Khmu restaurant before a raucous game of bowling.

Our second day in Luang Prabang was packed with adventures. We started at the Ethnology Museum, learning about Laos’ diverse tribes and their unique cultures. The Ock Pop Tok Living Crafts Centre offered insights into silk and basket weaving, and we witnessed master weavers at their looms, creating stunning pieces from freshly spun and dyed silk.

Our visit to the Baan Ou community began with a warm welcome from their chief (as translated by Vong) and a touching Baci Ceremony. Sitting with the elders, we received blessed strings and food offerings, feeling an overwhelming sense of gratitude for their hospitality. To be honest, I could feel a welling of tears as I got to take in this unique experience and be a part of a thriving culture steeped in Laos tradition. This glimpse into Laos life in a rural village was a highlight of the country thus far. After the provided lunch from the villagers, we had an opportunity to support them further by purchasing their locally spun silk goods in the form of scarves and table runners.

Next, we headed to the turquoise waters of the Kuang Si Waterfalls, set in a lush national forest. A refreshing dip in the chilly waters provided much-needed respite from the heat. Back in town, we explored the vibrant Luang Prabang night market, buying local goods and enjoying delicious Laos dishes.

With an early 5AM wake-up call for our final arranged activity in Luang Prabang — offering goods to local monks and receiving a blessing—we turned in for the night, reflecting on the incredible journey so far.

Much love from Laos – Andrew