For our final adventure in the northern Lao highlands, we based ourselves in the town of Phonsavan. The huge stone jars that we went to see are, according to local legend, left by a race of giants who used them to brew rice wine. Continue reading Plain of Jars
Month: December 2012
Viengxay Caves
It took two days on a bus to get to Xam Neua in the far north-east of Lao, but it was worth it.
Continue reading Viengxay Caves
Patok Cave
After a leisurely breakfast yesterday, we walked about three km north of town to visit a cave high up on a cliff.
Continue reading Patok Cave
Nong Khiaw
Yesterday we took a minibus to this small town on the Nam Ou river.
Continue reading Nong Khiaw
Nam Ha River
We’re back in civilization after two days kayaking through the Laotian jungle. When I first saw that the boats we would be using were the inflatable variety I was a bit disappointed, but it turned out that they were ideal. This time of year the water level is only just high enough to be navigable, with quite a few rapids to negotiate. Continue reading Nam Ha River
Zip Line to Gibbon Experience
We have spent the last three days deep in the Lao rainforest searching for gibbons. Getting there was so much fun I don’t care that we didn’t find any, especially as we have already seen them in Thailand. Continue reading Zip Line to Gibbon Experience
Pak Beng
We stayed overnight in this village on our way up the Mekong River. We are travelling on a slow boat for two days, so it is fortunate that I’m feeling healthy again.
Continue reading Pak Beng
Pak Ou Caves
I was woken about 4am this morning by the beating of the big drum at our local wat (temple). Presumably the monks have to chant or meditate for an hour or so before they start their procession through the town; I went back to sleep. Continue reading Pak Ou Caves
Luang Prabang
After almost 12 hours flying, it was great to finally land in Bangkok and find our shuttle to the hotel. I was so tired that I couldn’t get it together to find the air conditioning controls, and as it was blowing right on me I was cold all night. I slept pretty soundly nonetheless.
Continue reading Luang Prabang
Up Duck Creek
The tide wasn’t suitable for a lunchtime paddle today, but even though it was windy we were both keen so we loaded the kayaks early afternoon and set off.
Continue reading Up Duck Creek
Twin Coast Cycle Trail
Yesterday Kerry and I drove up to the Bay of Islands to “experience Northland’s best recreational trail”, according to the brochure. According to the website, this trail was scheduled to be fully opened this month.
Continue reading Twin Coast Cycle Trail
Pataua camp
I was woken at 6am this morning by tuis, and now I’m drinking tea and watching the light changing over the estuary as the sun gets higher.
Continue reading Pataua camp