Hello - well after considering the horror stories of each option (plane, speedboat and slowboat) we decided to experience Laos airlines and fly from Chiang Mai to Luang Prebang. Flight was fine. We were amazed how the pilot managed to do the safety talk (which was quite simply 'here are the doors - have a good flight') , dish out in-flight snacks and drinks in the cabin and only pop into the cockpit a couple of times for take off and landing! You have to give the guy credit were credit's due!!

Anna kept herself engrossed in a magazine most of the flight, mainly because Ruby Wax and her daughters were sat in front of us and Rik isn't te most subtle when he has spotted someone famous! Landed and headed to passport control and to get visa's. Bailed Ruby and family out as she only had pound sterling which they wouldn't accept for visa payment and so for a very reasonable interest rate we exchange dollars for one hundred pound sterling (which Rik now refuses to spend as it's Ruby Wax's money - Anna thinks she will manage to spend it - never has been a problem spending someone else's money!) Her coolness was impressive. She wasn't the least bit disturbed when this big scotsman and his travel beard went galloping after her out the airport in his flip flops waving his camera at her! To show her gratitude she agreed to have her photo taken with him.

Luang Prebang is just beautiful. The people here are lovely and we have seen a few babies we may think about putting in our rucksacks and giving out as cute xmas presents to everyone. After a few action packed days in Chiang Mai we have decided to take it easy (at least until the wounds heal). We bumped into a couple we met in Chiang Mai so have enjoyed a few nights of food and beers with them. We climbed Mount Phousi the other night and watched the sun set over the Mekong River. Taken a boat up the river, enjoyed Beer Laos at 40p a bottle, wandered around the night markets, watched the monks collecting alms at 6.30am from the locals and yesterday we took a cookery course, went to the market and then cooked 5 traditional Laos dishes. A whole day of cooking and eating!!! We were in heaven and can't wait to impress our friends with some local dishes infused with extra chilli and 16 garlic cloves!

Can't explain how gorgeous this place is and how lovely the people are, it's so chilled out but reluctantly we head off tomorrow to Vang Vieng. We'll add some photos in the next day or so.

LOL Anna and Lik xxx