So where were we? Ah yes, northern Thailand, looking to cross into Laos. Am now travelling with my new found best Portuguese friend Marta who i met on the trek in Chang Mai.

We decided to travel together across into Laos and then maybe Vietnam or Cambodia.

So, heres the deal. Chang Mai to Huay Xai, a 6 hour minivan journey north to the nearest town along the border. Not much to report, a single street town along the banks of the Mekong. Quick visa application and a nights stay and we are off. Its raining a lot at the mo, but thats to be expected at this time of year.

Early start for the crossing, via a longtail boat across the rapid Mekong River. Arriving in Laos before 9am with a pack lunch and the start of a mammoth journey. The plan we had was to take the slow boat to Luang Prabang, a two day experience up the Mekong with an overnight stay en-route. However at the check point the friendly Laos tourist people started to hint that the boat was over booked and 100 people packed into 80 seats for two days with no food or drink for sale, started to make the trip look rather un-inviting. So we plumped for a bus ticket to Huan Nam Tha further north in the country, famous for its hill tribes.

So off we went to find the bus, initially Laos appears to be the poorest place i have ever been, the vehicles are stripped down engines with frames to cart you around. The roads are appaling in condition, even though Lonely Planet indicates they have all been replaced. There are no towns on the route, just little bungalow hut villages with satellite dishes and pigs for company. Even so, the people appear over friendly even if they are still learning the tourism game we all take for granted.

The bus was indeed a nightmare. A good 6 hour journey on windy roads through jungle lined tarmac roads. Others on the bus who had sacked the idea of the boat would continue to Luan Prabang, only another 9-10 hours further!!! Madness! For us the beginning of the journey.

So here we are Huan Nam Tha. Another wild west street in the flatlands of the jungle.

Becuase the post Tsunami depression in Thailand, although cheap, Laos is becomming more expesive and money is piling into the country. Our guesthouses are brand new and in better condition than even Samui or Koh Phan-Ghan, brand new Honda scooters line the streets and the internet cafes have Vista even though the broadband is so slow!!

Anyway, our first day was spent on the bicycles hired to locate the local villages. What started as an easy cycle ride around the town ended up an all-day., 45+km trek up and down the hillsides with tribes and waterfalls providing our photos. Exhausting but good.

The following day was to visit Muan Sian even further north, however the bus was at 8am and we didnt fancy that, so instead another break for the next big town Luang Prabang.

Huan Nam Tha.

Ill write more tomorrow.