สะบายดี หลวงพระบาง Sabai dee Luang Prabang : Take II (Sail sail away to Laung Prabang)

We crossed the river by long tail boat (40 THB/ the cost is double from last year). Water revel was high today. The color of the river is very strong, having a lot of power. I passed the border office easy (Thai people don’t need visa. There is 5000 kips for overtime fee. It was Saturday) Armelle needs to make more complicate possession to passing border (French people have to pay for Visa 30 $, plus 1 $ for overtime fee) I was looking for the ticket boat while Armelle was waiting for her visa. The boat leaves everyday at 11 am from Luang Prabang to Chiang Khong. It’s the slow boat; takes 2 days; there is the speed boat also but it’s quite dangerous; takes about maybe 6 hours (not sure). We paid 1000 THB/person for the slow boat.

In the boat, there had already some people; many foreigners and some Laos. Christophe told us before leaving it would be more comfortable if we bring a cushion for sitting. We saw that cost 40 THB at the port. We didn’t buy it cos we don’t want to carry it on after the boat. The seat is small benches make by wood…um my ass! We both sit on a bench together. I got the window seat. Most of tourists are Farangs. There were a few Asiatic, four Japanese, one China and one Thai. The first day boat trip, we’ve left Huay Xai around 11 am. I was a bit exciting! It’s a long journey. When the boat started the motor, I heard a sound like wow! What beautiful scenery! Green mountain cut off the orange of the river awesome beautiful! At the back, American girls enjoyed their Mekong risky and talked a loud. At middle, tourists lied down on the floor; some listen to the music, read the book and played the cards, this is our activities along the way. The boat stopped a few time at the village where there had passengers. No limit! Once we reached to a village at noon, we saw the children carry their basket waiting for the boat come a long side a wharf. They shout! Chip ‘n cock! Chip ‘n cock! Beer Laos… Chip ‘n cock Chip ‘n cock! Beer Laos! There sale chip, soft drink and beer Laos. Since we crossed the border Thai-Laos; it seems that Beer Laos is the sign of LAOS.

the activities

We reached to Parkbang where the boat stops at night. We found a guesthouse 200 THB/a night with fan but the electricity cut off at 10 pm. The temperature outside is lower than inside the room. We were extremely hungry! Armelle ordered Tuna Fried Rice and me I’d like to taste local food. I had Lap Kai and sticky rice. It tastes good but not so hot; it tastes absolutely for foreigner. We’ve finished diner quickly and go to bed. Cos tomorrow, it will be the long journey; 8 am to 5 pm! 9 hours.

Breakfast mervellous, at Barkbang