River Cruise via the Mekong to Thailand

Saying goodbye to Luang Prabang was difficult. A charming city, steeped in history, wonderful architecture, a fun night market, hidden alleys, Wats, great food, all sandwiched by tranquil rivers. We chose to take a slow boat to the border crossing at Houey Xay. This was a two day cruise.

Laos is a country full of natural beauty and unique cultural experiences. However, exploring Laos is best done on its winding rivers, which are lined with stunning limestone cliffs, lush jungles and fascinating rural villages.

From the moment we set off on our boat, we were treated to incredible sights and sounds. As we made our way down the river, we stopped at the Pak Ou Caves. Nestled on the banks of the Mekong River, these limestone caves are home to thousands of Buddha statues! We were given the opportunity to explore the caves and admire the intricate carvings and paintings adorning the walls.

The highlight of our trip, however, was visiting a nearby mountain village with no roads or vehicles. Here, we saw people living life much as they had hundreds of years ago and were greeted warmly by members of a local hill tribe. The village children greeted us with smiles. We had seen them playing a game using seeds. Our tour guide bought local snacks and distributed them among the children. It was a small village with a local Chief that is elected to a four year term.

The Mekong River offered many great views of striking mountains, sandy shores, terraced gardens, and river life along the windy banks of the Mekong. We made spent a night at cute hotel on the river in Pakbeng before making our way to the border. What a great way to get to Thailand from Laos!Read more