We left Luang Prabang on a minibus to get to Vang Vieng. It was quite an experiencce. We were told we had air conditioning for the 5 hour journey, but it was turned off within 15 minutes because the engine would overheat. THe driver was consistently chain smoking. We travelled over huge mountains, with no barriers. THe moutains were very smokey and the view was not good, as the Laos people burn away the forrests before the rain season. AT one point, our driver wa...

Have spent the last few days in the quiet, lazy city on Luang Prabang, which had many temples, endless markets and french bistros! From this city we have learnt that lao people like to seperate you from your money in any way possible, through temple entrance fee's, bridge crossings and not including rice with your meal! Luckily my dad and his wallet where on hand to help us with this, which kept us well fed (korp jqi lai lai). We have spent the last few days awa...

Had a very busy week or so after the trekking. The next day we went on a Thai cookery course in Chiang Mai, where we learnt how to make curries, cakes, soups, noodles etc. Was great fun and very filling! So hopefully we might be able to cook something interesting now! We then took our first bus with the locals to Chiang Rai, which is a quiet city. Had a night market with some very cheap stools selling hill tribe crafts and watches. The best thing we found was a ...