A trip up the Nam Ou river was one of many highlights of Laos although the long bus trip to the river crossing was brutal on the bum. Another hour by boat is the little riverside village of Muang Ngoi, a favorite stop for backpackers looking to experience local village life. We camped out here for 3 nights, playing on the river, hiking into the backcountry padi fields and exploring caves. Home cooked food was available from all the straw guesthouses but our Mama spiced each evening up with a steady supply of rice wine shots. Cheers to that.
