Rock The Boat
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
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We left Vientianne in style.. a 40 seater air conditioned coach - with a few people headed for other adventures that means a double seat each and lots of leg room… it’s the little things! We set our sights for the “King Kong” caves (real name is Konglor) in Phu Hin Bun National Park which would be our home for the next few nights, well not the actual caves but a small resort nearby only accessible by longboat. Longboat isn’t quite the words I’d use to describe them, 3 seater wooden paddleboats with removable engines …. not everyone’s cup of tea but at least we got guides to help us bail the water out (ours was named banana man).
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The accommodation here was pretty basic but all that you need in the jungle; a bed, mozzie net and we were lucky enough to even have a fan! There was a restaurant on site which served really tasty food – good thing too cos there wasn’t anything else for miles! In particular the grilled fish in banana leaf was fantastic! The main reason for coming to this part of Laos was the caves which last years group raved about so our hopes were high as we got on our boats and headed into the dark. 2009 didn’t let us down, the 7.5 km of caves were amazing. We were taken through at some speed and managed to stop off to see some stalagmites and stalactites which were somehow provided with electricity?! We were then entertained by a few of the guides getting into the water to what looked to be a bit of a splash around but ended they were moving a rock. Laos men in their underwear – not something I particularly want to see again. We almost lost James, Kay and Ben as they drifted off but our guides didn’t let us down and rescued them meters from where they started. We stopped off for lunch before heading back for a much deserved swim in the river (no Ben.. it wasn’t the Mekong but one of its tributaries!). A definite highlight of the trip so far and a real hidden gem, if these caves were in Europe they would be overrun with coach tours probably.
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Savannakhet was our final stop in Laos where we got to see our first glimpse of Thailand across the river, we’ll be there in a few weeks but first we’re heading to Vietnam and Cambodia. One last Beer Laos and we say a fond farewell to the country currently number 1 on our list of places to return!
Our easiest border crossing since Europe and we arrive in Vietnam, first stop Hue where we hope to be reunited with Pete tomorrow for one big drink… he deserves it!!
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