After returning to Chiang Mai, we took a bus the next morning north to Chiang Rai. This much smaller city felt much more like being in Thailand: signs not all in English, not full of Western visitors (farang). We found a small guest house on a quiet street, and spent an enjoyable evening browsing and mostly eating in the night market. Next morning we walked back to the center of town and caught a bus north to Chiang Khong, on the Mekong River and the border to Laos.
The bus ride was fun but tiring. It was a small local bus with very narrow seats and without a/c. Many stops for people to get on or off. On arrival in Chiang Khong, we caught a tuk-tuk for a thrilling ride the 2 km to the river. Changed most of our currency, cleared Thai immigration, and took a fast boat across the river to Huay Xai in Laos. Visas and immigration went smoothly, and we found a great hotel in town overlooking the Mekong. Another language to learn, and another currency to manage. The Lao kip is about 8000 to a dollar, so after a trip to the atm we were millionaires (about $124).
In the morning (today) we'd planned to take another local bus north to Luang Namtha, a trip of about 5 hours. Luckily we were able to hook up with a minibus going the same route: a little more money but only three hours and much more comfortable. This town is very quiet and friendly, and there is much to see in the surrounding area. We've signed up for a two-day trek starting tomorrow morning into the highlands nearby. More after we return.
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