Nong Khiaw to Luang Namtha

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There is not a lot to do in town, although there is some good hiking in the immediate area.   We went for a walk around town, down to the river to see the bridge and to check out the riverside gardens.  Had dinner at Sunset Guesthouse as Mexai does not have a restaurant
 

Neither guide nor driver from Luang Prabang had been here before.  It was a joint adventure, we were heading for the Chinese border.  First a short hike

                       Tham Pha Thok Cave

One of many limestone caves in Northern Laos which housed the Pathet Lao whose flag marks the entrance. Many villagers moved to large cities or lived in refugee camps during the Indochina war and the bombing campaign of the US. but many others stayed close to their homes, living in caves, only coming out  under cover of darkness to tend their crops

One last look at the lovely Nam  Ou             

 From both ends of the bridge

             Preparing to leave Nong Khiaw

There are five of us on this trip,  Twoah our guide who came with us by boat,  Nam our driver who drove the van from Luang Prabang to meet and take us to Muang Sing and back to Luang Prabang, KC who was on our trip to Phonsovan & us

Laos UXO Officer- Nets are for catching birds                              

 

 Hmung Village houses stand on rocks to discourage termites

 
 

Mixed reception from the boys but the mothers and babies were friendly

 

There was a festive, expectant air about this Khamu village, the children were obviously waiting for something special and the extravagant sound system being set up was another dead give away.  Apparently a civil wedding ceremony was taking place in the brides home

We have seen this game in Myanmar where we think it must be illegal as we were never invited to get up close.  Wooden cubes with animal images on each side were rolled down the ramp.  Pictures ending face up decided the win or loss.  A fruit machine without the fruit?

 The game of chance is popular

 

 

 

 As is Tony's rival attraction , stickers

 

 Baci - the ties that bind - Laos style

 

 

 

Baci is a ceremony not just at weddings but for anytime you want to wish someone well, a birth, going on a journey etc.   At weddings, white silk thread is tied on the wrists of bride and groom and cash donations tucked into them by the guests.  Traditionally the ties are left to fall off or untied,  they are never cut.  If they remain in place for longer than three days it is considered a lucky omen for a long and happy marriage 

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