December 15-January 13

We decided to return to Thailand and Laos this year. Our last trip to Laos (2004) had mainly covered Vientiane and south to Cambodia, so we wanted to see more of Northern Laos this time. A good way to do this is to enter Laos at Huay Xai from Chiang Khong in the north of Thailand and travel down the Mekong to Luang Prabang. Then south to Viang Veng, Vientiane and finally back into Thailand at Nong Khai.

Then down to southern Thailand for New Year and some islands; Ko Libong, Koh Lanta and Ko Jum, before one night in Krabi and the return flights to Bangkok, Amsterdam and Manchester.

Dec 16-18, Chiang Mai

We originally planned to head for Chiang Rai, but the most convenient onward flight from our Bangkok arrival was Chiang Mai, so we gave ourselves three nights there to recover from jet lag, acclimatise, chill out, and plan our onward jouney. Oh, we also went to the dentist!

Dec 19 Chiang Mai to Laos

The 8.00 am VIP bus to Chiang Khong and across the Mekong into Laos at Huay Xai.