If we wanted something different and off the tourist track, then we certainly have that in Nong Khiaw. I'm not saying that we're the only the travellers here, obviously not. But it's certainly a far cry from everywhere we have been so far.
The small town is set around both sides of the river with dramatic limestone cliffs and mountains completing the pretty view. We are staying in an extremely simple bamboo bungalow, with lots of insects, only a squat toilet, no sink, no mirror, not even a bin and the 'bathroom' doesn't have a proper roof. Anything can get in! On the plus side it's very authentic and is on stilts by the riverside with a gorgeous view of the biggest cliff opposite us from our balcony that has a hammock we fight over. It does cost less than £4/night for both of us so I'm hoping I can't complain too much though I guess it depends if anything comes to visit us tonight!
There are a few guesthouses and restaurants to choose from but not many. We went for a walk along the road earlier and within a few minutes we were in a Lao village, with friendly locals saying hello, other locals you could hear saying 'falang' (which means foreigner), simple bamboo huts for houses and chickens running wild.
There's a nice atmosphere. We're looking to either rent a bike or take a tuk tuk to some caves tomorrow.