Ahh, sad times! We leave Laos for Chiang Mai in just over 2 hours. We've opted to fly, rather than taking the slow-boat which takes 2 and a half days (?!) to get there..

Laos has *definitely* come in the top 3 of countries travelled (still haven't quite figured out how high). It's a country so beautiful and cultural and I feel privileged to have seen it when it's still the 'real Laos'. We hear often that only 3 years ago it was 10 times better due to much less tourists. I know in 10 years time it won't be anything like it is now, which is a real shame.

The people are so friendly, the landscapes are unbelievable and generally the traveller's we've met here are quite different to elsewhere. It's pretty unique in many ways too, which I find quite rare in a country travelled by so many.

Of course, spending Lao new year in Luang Prabang has been the icing on the cake, and so we leave on a high with smiles on our faces - what more could you want? :)