After a long trip via Hong Kong and Bangkok we arrived in Vietanane, Laos. While passing through Bankok we noticed extensive flooding. Vehicles, cars, buses, trucks were parked on freeways in the outside lanes to remove them from city flooding. The domestic airport was closed, but the international one had no problem.

The above picture is actually from Vietanane and is the Great Sacred Stupa. After two nights in Vietanane, we moved on to Luang Prabang which is a UNESCO world heritage site and a charming town of about 25,000 along the banks of the Mekong River. This has become a very "in destination" to travellers seeking something new. We feel fortunate to visit before it becomes overrun by tourists. They had about 2 million last year.

Today we cruised upstream on the Mekong to Xang Hai village where we viewed the temple grounds, the village and of course made a few purchases. Our river boat is owned by a couple and they make their living transporting tourists upriver, back and serving a delicious lunch. The family lives on the boat, so their personal possessions, beds etc are stored during the day. After the village we proceeded further upstream to as cave filled with Buddhas and then returned to our hotel. Tonight we will visit the night market and have dinner at a local restaurant.