Days 32-34 Muang Ngoi Neua

We've never ridden UP rapids before! The boat from Nong Khiaw to Muang Ngoi Neua was a highlight of our trip to date. Stunning scenery, rich jade river, explosions of butterflies on shore. And Muang Ngoi - everything we've been looking for. Very relaxed, cheap, friendly, wonderful guest houses, walks to caves, a river island for the children to play on in full view of our balcony. We write this under fairy lights, BeerLao/pineapple shake in hand, absorbing a long languid sunset over impossibly beautiful landscapes. Swallows swooping en masse into the river, boats occasionally coming and going.





There's no Internet here, electricity only from 6-9pm, meals take FOREVER to arrive (and who's in a hurry?). We're working out how to maximize our time here...





Some supplementary hydro electric power generation for the village...


The view from our guesthouse balcony...


The kids made a map of the island and have names for every section of it: Open Area 1 and 2, Minefield, The Beach, Fun Park, Buffalo Area (caution!). You have to scan on and off the island. I watched Tom sit and pray at their shrine. There are even 'toilets'.


The island is skim rock heaven!


There are two walks to caves: we did one today - where Rosie bought a scarf for her good friend Grace from the lady who cooked us fried rice for lunch - and we'll do the other tomorrow. We spied a FABULOUSLY HUGE mantis on our way home.


Tom is struggling a little with a sinus infection but is battling on.

Shane, Helen, Rosie and Tom

Location:1C,Hat Sao,Laos