Slow boat on the Mekong / Nov28-29

We've left Thailand for Laos via ferry to the Laos border.  It's a simple 6 step process to enter Laos.

We're taking a slow boat down the river to Luang Prabang.

These boats are about 100' long with a variety of seating.

The Mekong is low at this time of year, but still has a good current. It's fairly wide in most parts.

The river cuts thru heavy forested mountains with many rock out croppings.  Very 'Apocalypse Now'.
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The slow boat is not the only way to get down the river.
These jet boats zipped right by us.

Or you could travel a little fancier

The Mekong is a major transport route with every sort of cargo.

And elephants

And still supports a traditional way of life.

We stop half way to overnight at Pak Beng

Morning on the Mekong

Brrrrr!

We stop a riverside village

The local ladies selling scarfs

made here

Everybody helps out

School's out for lunch

Last stop is the Pak Ou caves.  The white steps on the left side are the enterance.

And from the inside

Inside are thousands of Buddhas.

There is an upper cave with more Buddhas

Another sunset on the Mekong

Next, Luang Prabang