Chiang Khong & The Slow Boat to Laos: 12-14 Dec 2013

Boarding the slow boat at Huay Xai

Rach says:

Our next stop was the Thai border town of Chiang Khong, where we would stay for one night, before crossing over to Huay Xai in Laos to board the two-day slow boat to Luang Prabang. Not being ones to struggle with a bit of idling, we were really looking forward to just sitting back with a Beer Lao, gazing at some beautiful views from the Mekong River and settling into the laid-back vibe we'd heard characterises the country.

At 8am the next morning, we were picked up by our tuk-tuk and driven to the border. Swiftly stamped out of Thailand, we were then bussed over the newly opened Friendship Bridge to the Lao side, where we awaited our visas-on-arrival. In the drizzling rain, a pick-up truck was our next less than ideal mode of transport, but whilst Pete, Marije, Evelien and about 5 others

Chiang Rai: 10-12 Dec 2013

Evelien and me on our way back from the White Temple

Rach says:

Chiang Rai is a town dull enough to rival Sukhothai. The Lonely Planet's romanticised write-up shows that it shouldn't be taken too seriously, because "well-groomed" and "delightful" it certainly isn't.

Wat Rong Khun however, just outside the town and better known as the 'White Temple', is an incredible sight. It is a modern Buddhist