Day 2 On the Mekong. Pak Beng to Luang Prabang - 161 kilometers - 100miles

First posted 1/15, 7 PM

Updated 1/16, 11 PM

Left the hotel around 7:30 and walked from the Guest House bedroom front door to a coffee house/bakery.  50 feet.  Got a bananna cashew nut bread and a hot cup of java.  Met Andy and Rondi inside then headed downhill 200 yards to the long boat.  On the way bought 1/2 kilo of tiny tangerines and a whole pineapple.  

Boarded just before 8, cast off and headed downriver right at 8.  Just across the river several men were giving their elephants their morning bath and watering.

Andy, from Portland, scoping it all out.

Cool again - long pants, 2 shirts, Gtex jacket, bandanna around the neck and a hat.  Most folks wrapped in blankets.

Rondi, from Portland

Forest mostly second or third growth, few big trees.  Rockier, steeper, lots of sandy beaches.  Full sun but cool, still need several layers at 10:45 AM.

Quite a few long boats on the river.  Is a thriving business going back and forth from Luang Prabang to destinations upriver.

At 11:00, river softened, widened and the rocky shorelines diminished.  Mostly sand beaches, wider valley.

Toured a cave along the river that was a Budha sacred place.

Just before noon I was laying back in my lounge chair napping, listening to Peter Gabriel's So album when all of a sudden there was a lot of commotion.  Boat slowed, Mr. Psy ran to the front of the boat.  A fast boat was headed upriver......sort of like a bass boat....it was hailed to a stop, there was a big commotion and lots of yacking......

Apparently the French lady and her boyfriend - the couple that we had dinner with last PM and I just was speaking with this AM - had left a bag under their bed last night.  It contained their passports......oh my!

Lots of commotion while they loaded their backpacks into the fast boat, then they got in and headed back upriver to Pak Beng to retrieve their passports.  They seemed not the least bit worried, had smiles on their faces and wished everyone well as they set off upriver in the fast boat.  Veteran world travelers for the last 10 months or so.....there was no panic, excitement or even the least bit of worry.  There was lots to be learned by watching how they handled the situation.  Stay calm, think positive, take it as it comes......

As it warmed up, the Perser, a young Lao about 30 that spoke very good English, Mr. Psi, opened up the top in the front of the boat and there was more sunshine.  

Mr Psi, the Purser/guide/intrepreter.

My lounge chair turned out to be on the south side as we went downriver and I had full sun and the best seat on the boat.  Laid back, put on music and the earbuds and watched the shoreline pass.

Today was one of the most enjoyable, relaxing, scenic and magnificient days I have spent in many, many years.  It was fabulous!!

Settled in safely at Luang Prabang before 7 PM at a very nice nice Guest House overlooking the Mekong.

Lots of westeners here in Luang Prabang.  No wonder....it is a great travel destination.

After checking in to the Guesthouse took a tuktuk back to get my bags, then met with a fellow traveler from Germany and we had an enjoyable, relaxing, dinner and conversation overlooking the Mekong.

Gertie, from Germany.

This was a very enjoyable day.  

From Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang.......the last 3 days.....was easier than you could possibly imagine.  

Easier and less hassle than travel in the US and in many ways, many times safer.  

Travel in SE Asia has been a breeze.

Cough lingers, but feel great.