Luang Nam Tha, in Northern Laos, is a little town by any standard. Not much can be seen in this dusty little strip, besides a small market, a few guest houses, and a restaurant or too. It borders the Nam Ha National Forest, and for this reason, it's a great place for jungle adventures or kayaking down the Nam Tha River.

We had just rolled into town and were looking for something cool to do that was low impact for my foot, which is healing nicely, when we were approached by an Australlian girl named Megan. Megan was trying to recruit people to come with her Kayaking, to dramatically lower the cost. So we and four of the coolest people we've met in our travels, said yes. There was Leigh and Bryce from South Africa, Ian from Scotland, and Steffan from Austria.

The next day we started our adventure from the landing point near town. We zig-zagged back and forth, got hung in trees and rocks, and turned our boat around and around in circles, in attempt to follow the straight path ahead of us. Everything we did counter acted the efforts of the other, until we had to stop and take a good look at our technique. Finally after much trial and error, we were headed down the river with great precision. Okay, maybe not great prescision. It was more like average precision, but we were much happier. On the first day, we paddled 20 km through scenic forest views, stopping along the way at little villages of hill tribe people.

At long last, we reached ther village were we would be staying the night. We were greeted by a group of about 20 young children with wide smiles, eagerly lined up to say hello. About 5 minutes later, when all the pleasentries were over, they grabbed our boat paddles, stripped down, and made a mad dash for the kayaks. It was like Christmas. They were piling in boats, racing them, splashing each other, flipping them over, and constantly laughing. A few of us coudn't resist their friendly invitation to play with them. It was absolute chaos. Everyone was splashing and jumping around like we were all the same age (about 7). We played and played until we were all completely worn out. After this we spent a couple of hours teaching them card games and showing them our photos, much to their amazment. It was so much fun. Then, when was time for the children to head to thier homes, the chief himself showed up to share a wonderful traditional meal and a lot of homemade whiskey (not as good as the meal) until it was time for bed.

The next morning, we we all woke up sore from a long day, but ready to press on. It was a bit more relaxing than the first day, as we stopped many times on the way to swim or just take in the sights. All in all it was a great experience, a great workout, and a chance to get to know some great people. Great.

I'm sorry for the lack of photos. The internet conection is so slow. Check again soon

written by  katieandmichael on May 2, 2009 from Luang Prabang, Laos
from the travel blog: Katie and Michael's Travel Blog
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oh man. you guys are making this hard! I already spend too much of my time at work daydreaming about quitting & joining you. you've given me more fodder for my 'spaceout' time. :) sounds amazing.

written by  Angie Merriman on May 8, 2009

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Oh to be young with no responsibility...

written by  Debi Williams on May 11, 2009

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Sounds like great fun! Baby day is May 21st at 1130. Skype me: Angie.Nach

written by  Angie N. on May 12, 2009

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Mike, hope you have a great birthday!!!! Just realized its already the 15th there. Love, Momma

written by  Debi Williams on May 14, 2009

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hey katie and michael,

it was so great to meet you again in Vientiane!
see you soon again in the south!?

stefan

written by  stefan on May 16, 2009

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lovin "Laos story" so far-- I can almost see it

written by  Chalain Brazzell on May 31, 2009

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