We flew from Siem Reap to Vientiane (capital of Laos) where we spent a couple of nights. We encountered our first real bout of the rainy season in Laos. We didnt get up to too much in Vientiane - pretty boring city really - but did have nice walk around and a beer or two on the river.

We then headed to Vang Vieng. Here we went tubing - this involves getting into a fast flowing river in a big rubber ring and floating down the river for 4km. This would probably take 45 mins if you didn't stop. However, there are several bars on the way that will do anything and everything to get you into their bar - including sending an 9 year old kid 100m down river to drag both of us to shore!! We had lots of fun although the river was a little scary at times especially when the current took you into a big bush or similar!

After Vang Vieng, we have spent the last 3 nights in Luang Prabang. Here we have been on elephant ride into the jungle. This was great fun!! We also visited a beautiful waterfall, looked around many temples and wats, and had a traditional Lao massage which involved bone and muscle crushing techniques but feels great after! The masseuses only just about stopped short of walking over us!!

Tomorrow our time in Laos comes to an end and we fly to Chiang Mai in Thailand for the last 20 days of the Asia leg of our trip.