Slow boat down the Mekong

Leaving Chiang Mai bus station in the morning, we drove 6hrs to the Thailand/Laos boarder town of Chiang Klong. As the bus pulled up to what seemed to be our stop (as it said immigration/boarder control) and let off a group of Chinese travellers, the driver told Shawn, "next stop."
Scam # 1: drop tourist off in town an extra 10km from the boarder and make them pay outrages prices for a tuktuk to the boarder.

We drove right passed the first drop off spot only a few km from the boarder. 

We bartered and only paid half the fare they were asking;)

Driving up to the Thailand side boarder.

After an effortless time getting our visas and paperwork completed, we hopped on another bus, got our passports stamped for Laos, and paid for another tuktuk ride into the nearest town.

Side note: a new recently added boarder crossing between Thailand & Laos means tourists now cross at the new boarder 10 km from either boarder town, while paying more for transportation costs, and locals still cross over the river at the old crossing a short walk from the town to the river. No transportation cost...

We stayed one night in Huay Xai, Laos before our 2 day slow boat to Luang Prabang

Riverside dinner and beers while watching the sunset.

Sunsetting over Thailand from Laos on the Mekong river.

A couple hours of waiting in the morning for our boat to depart.

Slow wooden boats line the banks of the Mekong in Huay Xai, Loas.

Settled into our old van seats for Day 1 and our 7hr journey down the river.

Day 1: a few seats remain after leaving the banks at Huay Xai. (Top)

Day 2: they made one boat outta two...no empty seats this day and people seated in the engine room with all the bags. Oh, and one squatter toilet:( Classic!

Along the way we saw many many small villages lining the Mekong. 

The views were absolutely stunning.

Living along the Mekong provides opportunities for fishing, swimming, and transportation for the people living in nearby villages.

Curious kids watch while our boat saddles up the banks to drop off and pick up passages along the way. 

While the driver manoeuvres the boat to shore to drop off passengers, this guy at the back of the long boat uses a bamboo pole to make sure the motor doesn't hit bottom and we keep a safe distance from other boats.

We've finally arrived at our stopover for the night in the small village of Pakbang as the sun is setting.

Trying the Lao typical dish of Laap in the small village of Pakbang.

Our journey on day 2 began at 9am from Pakbang and arrived at 5:30pm into Luang Prabang.

Scam #2: drop passangers off 10k from town rather than the dock IN town so they pay tuk tuk drivers outrages amounts to take then INTO town.

Everyone on board refused to get off demanding that the driver start up the engine and take us to Luang Prabang. We all chanted, "Luang Prabang, Luang Prabang." However, when they started hulling our bags onto shore we knew it was a losing battle.

This is one couple that refuses to be "takin'" twice. So we refused all the pushy tuk tuk drivers and joined a few other brave souls with two feet and a heart beat. Nothing like 35+c and a 10k hike with bags to get you in shape!

After walking 3km, I noticed many trucks passing by with empty boxes so I figured why not give it a go?! A thumb and smile hitched us a ride in no time and saved us hours of walking with heavy bags.

For our friends Ran (Korea) and Emily (California), this was their first experience hitching a ride.

 I think they enjoyed it;)

Loading a plate of food at the night market. Everything you can fit on a plate for 10,000Kip! ($1.40)

After a long journey, meeting up with new friends for dinner seemed like a good plan.

...and a beer too;)

Strolling through the night market in Luang Prabang (every night) during our first night in the city.