Muang Ngoi Neua, Laos

Our guesthouse restaurant isn't open in the morning, and we actually struggle to find somewhere to eat. The villagers have all got together in what seems to be a ceremony to pin money on a tree and to build a small house, which we guess is a chicken house or something similar. Eventually we find somewhere to eat. We notice people coming and going with the various ingredients to make our breakfast. The food is good, and we tip the lady, who is delighted.

I take a walk down to the river jetty and task about tubing, but it seems we would have to charter a boat, which would cost more than we'd like.

We spend the afternoon taking photos down by the boat landing. Muang Ngoi Neua is such a beautiful place. A real taste of old Laos, and Southeast Asia. Where chickens, dogs, cats and children all play harmoniously together. And, where the village is a collective, with everyone working to help each other.

I think he have had our fix of 'off the beaten track' for now. We are looking forward to getting back to Luang Prabang, and to a room without a collection of insects. But for now, we have to get back to Nong Khiaw by boat tomorrow.