After flying from Vientiane to Luang Prabang, I caught an overnight bus to Huay Xai where I stayed at a nice, humble hotel on the riverbank called Hotel Mekong Lao, which cost me only 10,000 kip or about $US1. Next day I joined a river cruise run by Asian Oasis on its boat, the "Luang Say". I did the three-day, two-night version. Anyone who wants to cruise the Mekong but does not fancy the discomfort of public boats and who wants to be assured of decent overnight accommodation would like this cruise. The package includes visits to a village on day 1 and day 2 and a visit to Pak Ou Buddha caves as well as meals and accommodation. The first night is spent at Asian Oasis's own resort, Luang Say Lodge, at Pak Beng, and the second at Khamu Lodge (really a tented camp).
The mighty Mekong was also misty and muddy. Water levels were very low because in March the rainy season was long over, and riverboat skippers have to use considerable skill to manoeuvre boats between rocks and over rapids. Often spray from our bows splashed inside the boat, especially when passing other boats.
My photos of Huay Xai and most of those from the first day of the cruise have been lost so this gallery represents mainly the second and third days.