We left Chiang Rai and headed for the next country on our trip, Laos. Before entering Laos, we were driven to a little town on the boarder of Thailand, Chiang Khong, where we stayed overnight.

The next morning we were taken across the river and into Laos on what can only be described as a very small narrow boat (we were practically sitting on the water!) First we had to stop at the boarder point to get our passports stamped and then we were taken to catch the long boat which would take us down the Mekong River from Huay Xai to Luang Prabang over the next two days - excellent we thought, nice and relaxing cruising down the river, soaking up the rays and the beautiful scenery of Laos.....mmm the reality was a little different......

After stocking up on food supplies we caught the first glance of the boat - it was basically a narrow boat, a bit like a barge that had rows of hard wooden benches down the middle and was crammed packed full of western tourists (god, they really do see us coming, don't they?!). We quickly figured out that the best place to sit would be on the floor at the front rather than on these hard benches as at least you could stretch your legs out. We found a gap and off we set bound for the first stop Paxbang. The journey turned out to be a lot better than expected, as we passed the time by chatting with other people on the boat and playing cards. We arrived in Paxbang about 5.30pm where we stayed overnight in a guesthouse. It was the bizarest little village, packed full of little guesthouses and restaurants. I think the only thing that keeps them going is the tourism and trade they get each day from the long boats. The electricity even went out at 11.30pm until 5am - explained why we were given a torch when we arrived!

The next morning, bright and early at 8am we headed back the boat, dreading it as the day before they had said it would take 11 hours, 6 hours the day before had been just about bearable but any more....We got on and managed to get our same spot as the previous day, which was lucky as everyone else cottoned onto this being the best spot. We then found out that it would only take 7 hours - phew! You really can never trust Asian timings for anything!!!!

As with the previous day, we passed the time by chatting with various people and we ended up meeting a really cool group of people, four girls from Edinburgh Uni that were just graduating and four guys who all worked together last winter at a ski resort in Mirabelle, France. We spent the day playing cards as well as the name game and guess which celebrity I am...We arrived in Luang Prabang about 4.30pm and all ended up staying in the same accommodation.

Luang Prabang is a small ancient town which is surrounded by loads of mountains at the junction of the Mekong and Khan rivers. We both instantly fell in love with Laos, it is such a beautiful place and some the most amazing scenery I have ever seen. Although the country as a whole is poorer than Thailand, it is still very clean and the people are just as friendly.

That evening, our new formed group; Lauren, Jane, Clare and Joanna (Edinburgh uni girls) and Matt, Andy, Hans and Ed (Ski guys) plus Carly and I all climbed Mount Phousi, at the top is Wat That Chom Sii which is the most famous temple in Luang Prabang. The views were stunning. Later we all went for dinner, where obviously the drinks did flow!

The next day (with a few sore heads in tow) we got a tuk tuk to the Kouang Si Waterfall where there was also a bear and tiger rescue centre. There was approximately 10 bears that had been rescued, they looked just like "Gentle Ben" (sorry if no-one else remembers that programme). There was also one tiger named Phet who was rescued as she had been poached for her fur and treated really cruelly when she was only a few weeks old. She was beautiful and later on we walked past just at the right moment and were lucky enough to witness her feeding time, plus stroke her through the bars - awesome!

To reach the waterfall was a bit of a trek, so with Matt as the self appointed "Group Leader" we started to climb up by the side of the waterfall. This literally involved us climbing through the trees and up a muddy mountain side to reach the top of the waterfall - really thought our trekking days were behind us! Once we reach the top it was totally worth it as it really was the most amazing waterfall and view I think I have ever seen (check out the pics). Boys being boys, they quickly jumped into the water then started doing some jumps from the trees into the water. Us girls bathed in the water, soaking up the rays - the water was cold but so refreshing - bliss!.

We then had the task of getting back down - Matt again lead the group, this time actually walking down through one of the waterfalls. It was really slippery and you guessed it, I landed on my bum, thankfully I was just a bit muddy so nothing serious sustained.

That evening the drinks were flowing once again and we ended up playing a very funny game of "I've Never".

The next day, we all caught a bus to our next destination, Vang Vieng.....so until next time, that's all from me....

Love
Claire and Carly xx