December 5th, Some last thoughts about Luang Prabang…we enjoyed this town which has charm, historic attractions, activities and some very good eateries….we did not try any of the upscale establishments which I am sure would have been great experiences. The closest we came was two fer Lao Cocktails on the deck of our hotel. Many…Continue Reading “Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng…..and onwards to Vientiane”
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December 3rd We wake up quite excited, as today is when we are going on an excursion to meet up with some elephants at the Mandalao Elephant Sanctuary. We are told to wear clothes that we won’t mind getting wet and muddy and the outfitter provides optional footwear (rubber shoes/knee-high boots) for guests that are designed specifically…Continue Reading “Luang Prabang……MandaLao > into the wild”
December 1st to 3rd A bit of a longish post….the internet has not been stellar so it has been a bit of a struggle. We are staying at My Dream Resort which is situated across the Nam Phan River from the older area of Luang Prabang…..A nice hotel with super helpful staff and an excellent…Continue Reading “Luang Prabang……..an echo of French colonialism”
November 30th, A chilly morning after a good night’s sleep, quick but quite good breakfast at our hotel during which a group of monks make their way up the hill stopping at each house/business where the owners kneel on the street and hand out rice and other foodstuffs. This is called alms giving and is …Continue Reading “Pakbeng to Luang Prabang ….with visits to Pak Ou Caves & the Lao Lao Village”
November 29th We are up early anticipating a big day, a quick breakfast and at 07:30 depart via tuk tuk for the Chiang Khong Thailand Immigration Office….. …20 minutes later and 150 THB (6 CAD), we are there. Our guide is there with a welcome sign in hand and directed us through the Thai exit formalities…Continue Reading “Chiang Khong, Thailand to Pakbeng, Laos…the River Adventure begins”
November 28th, Another beautiful morning excellent breakfast as we bid adieu to the Chedi Home, “our” chedi and Chiang Mai…. Today we are on our way to Chiang Khong on the border of Laos, an approximately 5 hour journey by shared mini bus. Pick-up on schedule at 09:15 and then we spend the next 45 minutes picking…Continue Reading “Chiang Mai to Chiang Khong…….and a White Temple on the way”
November 25th to 27th Inasmuch as the most interesting part of Chiang Mai is the Old City we are pretty much staying within the confines of the Old City Walls focusing on the main Wats (temples), some lesser ones (keeping in mind there are over 300 !!!) the general area and of course checking out…Continue Reading “Chiang Mai……wats, night markets & street food”
November 24th This will be a longish transfer day ….1,300 kilometers involving a songthaew, minibus, flight and taxi as we bid adieu to Southern Thailand and head for the North….sort of reverse snowbirds. We wake up to a nice day as the regulation jungle critters make sure there is no sleeping in….last nite I had…Continue Reading “Khao Sok to Chiang Mai….. and dinner at the Wualai Road night market”
November 22nd, 2018 The jungle noise wakens us and we look out to see a group of monkeys tearing around the trees beside the treehouse, this reminds us that today should be full of adventure….. after breakfast, we are joining a tour to Cheow Larn Lake with kayaking, swimming, a hike and an overnight on…Continue Reading “Khao Sok National Park (Cheow Larn Lake )….visit to the real Jurassic Park”
November 19 – 20th, 2018 The weather was mixed for our last beach days but we did optimize them enjoying the beach, water and kayaks….and yet another beach dinner >>> they are very kid-friendly here and even include various toys so the kids can entertain themselves: We also squeezed in a trip to the Tsunami…Continue Reading “Khao Lak to Khao Sok…..end of relaxing & onwards to the jungle”