The slow boat along the Mekong finishes in Luang Prabang, Laos' second biggest city and feels like a small town. We had planned to stay only 2 nights but the place is really nice so we're staying a bit longer. It has a real French vibe left over from their occupation, lots of beautiful temples, some up and coming bars/cafes and the best market we've seen.

We met a few nice people on the boat so teamed up yesterday and did a few activities. We went to a beautiful waterfall and did some swimming and diving into the turquoise waters. It is however the rainy season, so there has been quite a bit of rain in the past few days. The 5 of us also went for a Laos massage. 1 hour for less than 3 pounds…..good value.

There is a curfew in Luang Prabang and most bars close at 12 and then most people are early risers. But last night we went to the disco and it stayed open until the crazy hours of 12.30. Then we found the bowling alley which stays open until 2am!

Today we decided to do a one day elephant camp, not far from the city out in the jungle. It was great fun and we learned how to "drive", with commands in Lao and elephant language. Guess who was landed with the newest elephant….me. The colossal animal just didn't understand my accent and wanted to destroy the forest!! Kim's elephant was lovely and held her on tight with its ears. The day finished with the 2 of us walking the elephants into the river for a bath, it was so much fun and the "mahouts" (elephant drivers), got their elephants to spray us and lie down….brilliant experience…..until they decided to float some poo.