The Loop

Thakek, hire motorbike, slim down luggage, off we go...

 ...first stop Konglor caves...

 ...which after a boat ride we arrived at these beautifully lit formations...

 ...that just went on and on...

 ...until after 7.5km you come out the other end...

 ...then the same boat back to come out the other end, spectacular...

 ...heading south along the dirt section of the loop...

 ...where the road is stiil being built in some places (3hr delay)...

 ...but the chance to see a very cool snake...

 ...continuing south through the man made reservoir at sunset...

...the final day saw us head to the southern tip and a cloudy sunrise...

 ...a lovely swimming hole called 'tha phalang' ...

...back dusty and knackered, down to Pakse for a little rest before we start our cycle ride down to Cambodia.

Phonsavan

Bus to Phonsavan, dusty, shrouded in smoke like all of  Northern Lao due to crop burning...

...off to see the plain of jars...

 ...weird carved stone jars to refill travellers supplies...

 ...Lou decided to get in the photo to give a sense of scale...

 ...inside a very cool cave just near the jars...

 ...again Lou in the spotlight...

...possibly the best bit was learning about the work being done by UXO and MAG to attempt to rid the country of all the unexploded ordnance left after the relentless bombing carried out during the secret war. The more you learn about this country the more you realise just how badly it has been held back by the actions of its neighbours and other nations, when you consider that they proudly refer to themselves as the friendliest nation in SE Asia it is amazing when you hear what has happened.

Luang Prabang

Udon Thani, Thai-Lao border, Vientianne, overnight bus to Luang Prabang.

Sunrise over the Mekong...

...Boat trip to see the Buddha Cave...



...to see the Buddhas...

 ...then wandered around town...

 ...and explored all the alleys and hidden stores...

...watched the monklets repairing the temple roof...

 ...and relaxing after a hard day...

 ...back over a great rickety old moto and pedestrian bridge...

...just in time to catch a moon rise over one of the hilltop temples...

...now to shake it up a bit we're off to Phonsavan on the slightly less travelled trail east into Lao

Ban Kham Pia

Isan, North Eastern Thailand Homestay with Bunloed...

 ...aiming to see elephants by staying in one of these...

 ...no elephants but a lovely one of these...

 ...after some more sleep went up holy Phutok...

 ...enjoyed the view from the top...

 ...joined the next day by  Angelina, just in time for the festival...

  ...and slightly later by Rob still suffering from the night before...

 ...hair of the dog and he was smiling again...

 ...joining the men at work...

 ...and the ladies at work...

 ...and so began the dancing, with more dancing and more dancing...

...a truly great night that ended very late...

 ...very late...

 ...undercover Bunloed made sure we all had a great time..

 ...and fortunately none of our party joined the casualty list...well maybe Rob...

 ...back to Bunloeds house and time to say goodbye to the crocodile...

 ...and goodbye to the baby elephant...

...and goodbye to Kham Pia where we had an absolutely fantastic time, we may be back...

 

...but first Lao

Chiang Mai (speed blog no.2)

Stayed in a couple of places, all nice, lovely one for Lou's birthday. Spent the days wandering the moats.

Looking at the temples.

 The temple animals.

 The lovely streets of the old city.

 Then a rest in the afternoon.

 Then out to join everyone for the night life.

 Which consisted of plenty of markets.

 Of course a Muay Thai fight.

 Which had a bar that made me laugh and think of my dad.

 Chiang Mai devoured.

Off to North Eastern Thailand.