The magic of the Mekong River
It is a precarious region at the moment, as tourists and government officials keen on enhancing international trade are moving in and identifying the region’s natural riches. It was not too long ago that many of these villages formed the basis of a riverine archipelago whose serenity was first glimpsed upon by hippies in the 1970’s.

They established the ‘Laos loop’, entering the country from northeast Thailand and hitching rides on cargo boats (river style) downstream to Luang Prabang. Later on, however a radical regime change saw this country adopt extreme isolationist policies. The Laotian government has recently eased restrictions on internal travel, so demand for this trip has resurfaced and is no longer a secret among the backpacking community.

To join them, make your way to North East Thailand, Isaan country, and then crossover over to Huay Xai. The Lonely Planet rates travel in this country as the most authentic experience in this slice of the globe and there are valid reasons for saying so.