Trekking in Laos

During our stay in Luang Prabang we spent two days on an inteprid adventure into the Lao jungle - trekking, visiting ethnic minority villages, and even staying in one overnight! A big chunk of what turned out to be a big highlight of the trip was funded by Bethan and Bradley - thanks so much guys - we loved it!

We set off early morning in the back of a big tuk tuk (maybe more of a van) with our guide Put. We were dropped off at the Tiger Trail (trekking agency) basecamp before catching a boat across the river to join the trailhead.

Excited on our boat trip!

From there we trekked up and into the jungle - enjoying some amazing views, dense undergrowth and lots of wildlife (both flora and fauna).

Beautiful scenery

They don't do grass like this back home!

We stopped off at a tiny Hmong village at lunchtime and tucked into a ricey lunch - yum. This village was home to just five families and the kids were adorable - they spent all of our lunch break watching us - but we couldn't talk at all, as not only as our Lao is a bit basic, but as a minority tribe, the villagers speak a completely different language again!

The afternoon was spent trekking to the Khamu village where we were spending the night. Absolutely fanatastic to be walking through such amazing scenery, but oh boy was it hot! I don't think either of us has 'perspired' as much before. Matt had to wring out his shirt - enough said!

Trying to cook down!

We arrived at the village late afternoon to very welcome bucket showers.

Our home for the night

We had our own very basic small 'room' in a hut alongside the family home - but to make sure we really mucked in we asked Put if we could help cook. Really good to cook again (although nothing like our kitchen in West Hampstead).

Roomier kitchen than back home!

And a delicious outcome!

Soup, sticky rice and stir fried pork - delish!

After dinner we strolled around the village. It really struck us both how simple life is - only a couple of families have generators for electricity and therefore lights and TV) so for everyone else evenings are spent cooking (mums), playing outside (kids) and resting up (dads).

Threshing rice!

Piggies were VERY cute and all over the village

And then once it gets dark there isn't much left to do but sleep! Which we happily did!

Next morning we were up at 6am with the cockerels and the rest of the village. A chance for a few more photos later and we set off on the rest of our trek.

A new friend

A morning stroll

Back on the trail- beautiful views!

Biggest elephant ever - I had to jump off the path to make way

After a few hours we were back by the river and jumping on a boat again, this time headed for a small waterfall and a lovely cooling swim.

Not quite Pete Cope's canal boat

Just enough time left before heading back to Luang Prabang to visit some more elephants!

Possibly the most random photo ever!

They really wanted the bananas!

What a fantastic couple of days - like nothing we have done before. As a developing country - villages like the ones we visited may soon be changing as more roads are built and electricity comes on the scene. For the villagers (particularly the young) these are welcome developments - we just couldn't help but wonder if development is really what they want or need? Community is everything and that might just be lost with the advent of TV and motorbikes. We shall see - but so lucky to have got here and seen it all now.