Got woken up a few times during the night by fighting dogs and crowing roosters but all in all not a bad nights sleep. After a cold shower and delicious breakfast of pancake and banana we walked from our hotel to embark on our slow boat journey along the Mekong river from Huay Xai to Pakbeng.

The scenery is made up of lush green mountains and rocky outcrops. Quite brilliant. Is very relaxing floating down the Mekong, the boat is very clean and comfortable with loads of cushions and blankets as it was quite cold in the morning. Every now and then a village appears in the mountains not far from the bank of the mekong.

On the way we stopped at one of the riverside villages, trudged up the sand hill to find some smiling people, lots of animals and bamboo huts. They just got electricity a few months ago and there are a few satellite dishes as well. This modern touch is in stark contrast to the rest of the village. People seem shy at first but smile and say "saaba di" soon enough.

Back on the boat we enjoyed lunch then tried some of Savat's lunch - sticky rice, river weed and chilli, fermented pork and also dried buffalo skin (like pork crackling). All we're pretty tasty!

The boat is so relaxing I have an afternoon nap and enjoy the sunshine on the deck. Soon we will be arriving in Pakbeng.