We were really sad to say goodbye to 'nine' at Green Tulip House in Chiang Mai but was looking forward to our slow boat ride into Laos. We got picked up around midday and spend 6 hours chlling on a mini van chatting to some fellow slow boaters and reading on our way to the border town of Chiang Khong in Thailand. As part of our deal we got one nights free accomodation which was nice and we were both really excited about having a real hot shower as we`d previously experienced luke warm at best. Everyone who was catching the slow boat watched the film 'the book of Eli' and chilled out before our big trip the next day.

The following morning we ate our free basic breakfast and headed over to Laos via a long tail boat which was sketchy with our backpacks but interesting all the same. On the Laos side it was pretty crazy and we still waited in anticipation on who actually had our passports as we hadnt seen then since the previous night when we filled in our visa forms. After much chaos all was OK and we handed over our US dollars in return for our passport freshly stamped. Both me and Ash still get excited everytime we get a new stamp!

After some hassle over a guy trying to exchange money with us for a rubbish rate and then trying to book accomodation in Pak Beng (the over night stop off) we finally got to the boat which was basic to say the least. The cushions we`d bought the night before from the guesthouse for 40 baht were going to come in handy thats for sure! The boat was already rammed and the car seats (yes car seats that had been cut out of a car and were free standing on the boat) had been taken as had the mat on the floor which the locals seemed to bag. Therfore our only option was the wooden benches that already looked uncomfortable before you even sat on it. Once we got going we soon settled in and chilled out with gorgeous scenery around us and good conversation from the British lads behind us. What more could we want?! The Mekong river is pretty full at this time of year and so the water flowed quickly around us. We had a number of 'local' pick ups and drop offs which added to the adventure.

After riding for 6 hours we were pleased to arrive at Pak Beng, our stop off for the night. This was a local Laos village with no ATM or 7 Eleven in site which was a refreshing change from Thailand. We walked up the hill and found a cheap room after some advise sought from Trip Advisor. All was good and we had a pleasant evening watching the locals hold their festival for the end of rainy season lighting lanterns on the river, setting boats off and throwing fireworks around. Some of the kids were literally holding fireworks in their hands whilst they were going off it was mental to say the least!

There was much deliberation about what time the boat would leave the following day so me and Ash decided to get down there early to bag a good seat. On arrival around 9am the boat was full to the brim and we ended up sitting on the floor, knees to our chest with very little space around us to move. With more people getting on, some people complained and they suddenly decided 2 boats would leave for Luang Prabang. With cheers all round me and Ash jumped ship and breathed a sigh of relief with much more legroom. The Laos guy told us 'dont worry we sail together' so we left our rucksacks on the other boat. BIG MISTAKE! Although our boat set off first within the first 20 minutes we saw the other boat pass us as we made a local stop to pick up rice, chickens, locals with suitcases etc... You name it, it all got on the boat! After this we made several more local stops and my heart was pounding by the time we arrived in Luang Prabang around 5pm as i`d convinced myself our bags wouldve been gone. Luckily they were there so a big sigh of relief! A well enjoyed adventure on the slow boat from Thailand to Laos.