After a late night discussion we decided that we were going to move on. We loved Muang Ngoi but we have so much more ground to cover. We would leave on a good note and hope to return later in life.
Lao coffee - strong thick and sweet. 2 cups for breakfast. Hop onto another long boat for an easy ride (under an hour) south to Nong Khiaw. Today's journey we were with the pro's; Nicole and Doug. Nicole Canadian and Doug dual Canadian and US. This travelling duo need to write a book, we could listen to their stories for hours. Not only that, they're just good guys! An unknown doggie bag was sent to the back of the boat for us from Doug and Nicole. The contents provided our breakfast: sticky rice dipped in egg and deep fried... Soo good and so filling!
Off the boat and on our first Tuk-Tuk ride to the bus depot. On the bus and a 3 hour bumpy journey through the vast and dense Lao jungle. Raw sugar cane, shrimp chips and stale turtle cheese puffs provided our munchies for the journey.
Another Tuk-Tuk into the city and a hot sweaty hour later we had found home for a few days. A $20 dollar splurge got us a super clean room in the old town with a/c, and a neat little bathroom. Wifi, tea, coffee and bananas were a added bonus!
Hot powerful showers all around and the food was calling! Food options aplenty, it wasn't long before we stumbled across a smart little joint with street front BBQ sizzling chicken and pork skewers, Mekon river fish, and pork chops. Wine, beer, food, and another night of great company. Desert consisted of shopping. The handicraft night market takes over the streets of Luang Prabang. A rainbow of colour, textiles and paper lanterns kept the eyes (and wallets) open for the boys and satisfied the crave for a shopping spree for the girls.
Tonights small insight to Luang Prabang provided an excitement for tomorrow. Temples, museums, produce markets and no doubt some more shopping are a little of what seemed to be in store for us in the morning.