Up the Mekong River to the Pak Ou caves. Great collection of buddhas in caves. Lunch across the river. Stopped in villages where they make rice whiskey and silk, and paper in another village. Helped us understand where goods are made for distribution. Came into Luang Prabang. Climbed more than 400 steps to great vantage point to see sundown, really awesome. Stayed in town for dinner , went to night market and then took taxi back to hotel.

We had an amazing morning kayaking all the way down the Nam Khan river from our resort to Luang Prabang. Fried rice in a banana leaf on a riverbank for lunch. Spent the afternoon in the city. Saw Royal Palace and temples and monasteries. Ate dinner on the waterfront (Tamarind Restaurant).

Took small boat to Elephant Park. Riode elephant led by a mahout, into the river and back onto land, elephant energized by a bunch of banana leaves! Had lunch in a tented area on the river, then crossed the river for huge (vertical!) hike thru mountainous, jungle-y area. At the top was Kmer village. Saw the school and walked through the village. Return hike included men preparing rubber tree products and incredible walk through Sae waterfall.

Left Hoi An this morning, arrived in Laos mid-afternoon. Staying in an Eco- lodge, so serene.