After crossing the border, I decided to take a rest in Huay Xai. I went to the bank and changed Thai Baht to Lao Kip and then on to a small streets side vendor and ordered noodles. It was ok, not bad for a meal of less than a dollar. The main street of Huay Xai (near the border) is pretty small and easy to navigate. I walked up and down the street looking for the cheapest hostel that I could find

I found one which was just within my price range, but still expensive - $5 for a single room and a bathroom.

A few hours after, I decided to explore the area. There’s nothing much to see in Huay Xai except the temple (I forgot the name) and a nice view of the Mekong River. Huay Xai was like a sleepy old town that comes alive when there’re tourists. And, I find Lao people really nice.

I found an interesting shop (The Gibbon Experience) that organizes a zip wire activity in the forest. It seems to be very interesting but I couldn’t afford it so I just went on with just strolling around. Yeah, it’s f*cking hard to be a poor traveler.

I decided to head on to the world heritage town of Luang Prabang.

There are different ways to go to Luang Prabang from Huay Xai. You can go there via speedboat (not recommended according to a lot of travel sites), slowboat (which is scenic but cramped) or by bus. It would be nice to cruise along the Mekong River but it’s a bit pricey so I took the bus instead. I was told that the bus ride was only 7 hours… lie!!!

It was 12 hours. The bus ride was kind of nice and uncomfortable. Nice because of the scenic mountain views, the cheap price and you get to see a lot of local tribes along the way. It’s a little uncomfortable because of the zigzag roads, it felt like you’re being thrown off your seat every… uhmm … 5 minutes

I was hoping to arrive before night falls but I got there by almost midnight. I was a little scared as I got off the bus. It was a little dark and I didn’t know where to start looking for accommodation. I thought that my chance of getting an accommodation by 12 midnight was higher if I go to the touristy area. I took a tuktuk from the bus station and went on.

After a few minutes (maybe less than 20), I got off in what seemed like an open market place. I started walking on the street with my heavy backpack, sleepy eyes and my beat out self. And then two guys on a motorcycle followed me when I turned left on a narrow street.

My heart beat faster and I was scared as sh*t.