Up the Nam Ou

We headed north from Luang Prabang via bus, to a town called Nong Khiaw, along the Nam Ou River. Up until several years ago, this town could only be reached by boat, but the roads are developing quickly these days, as is everything else. Here is our 'bus'..stopped for a few minutes after a particularly big bump in the road. It says 15 passengers, but we counted 20 & two babies.

Lots of big cliffs, but we were told there isn't any climbing here anymore..boo.

The view from our sweet bungalow..

Exploring & sunset

Lao food, and specifically Alex's Restuarant in Nong Khiaw, may be the best food we have had on our trip. All the restaurants (especially busy ones) take a long time. Almost always, it's one woman, with one wok, making every dish. We've been playing a lot of cards. Matt's 'Lao farmers breakfast'. Omelet, eggplant dip, black sticky rice, veggies and fried river weed (which is exactly what it sounds like, and it tastes like roasted pumpkin seeds).

Mountain biking outside of Nang Kiaw

We biked past these people collecting rock; up high on the hill you can see a couple throwing more down.

A group of Lao boys walking.

So much limestone, but no climbing (yet).

there was an 'historical' cave that we didn't go into (every cave and waterfall and trail costs money here, so we pick and choose). The surrounding area was beautiful. 

After a couple days, we took a short boat upriver to Muang Ngoi. River life shot..

This village is still only accessible by boat, but amazingly has electricity and wifi! Our bungalow with private sunset and double hammocks!! 

Some young boys scaring fish towards their nets.

We hiked up a nearby hill and explored a couple caves there. In the 'Buddha' cave we walked about 25 minutes in...and..

At the end... we found the Buddhas!

The trail was cool with bamboo railings, lots of ladders, strange trees, and beautiful views.

In the afternoon we walked out along the towns one road, into the country a bit.

Secret river spot, sow, cool trees..

Today we took a boat back to Nong Khiaw, and we begin a 3 day kayak trip back to Luang Prabang!

xx ELM & MRP