Date Added

Saturday, November 7th, 2009

Posted In

Photography

Tagged

kayaking Laos Mekong travel Whitewater

Si Phan Don: Waterfall jumping

Description

In January 2009, six farang from Wales arrived in Laos for a couple of week's boating on the rapids of Si Phan Don. In loose order these are some of the sights, smells and sounds of the Mekong. If you intend to travel to the Thousand Islands during low water season next year you would do well to contact Green Discovery in Pakse or the tourist office there to obtain permits to paddle the waterfalls of Si Phan Don. The Lao People's Democratic Republic may require of you a waterfall jumping permit (see Ceufad 103).

You want captions for the photos? Tom McLay runs Mr Clean through the lense of Daz James. Very rough map of the islands, with thanks to Ali Marshall for the original beta. Two angles on Lynsey Evans on Mr Clean (yes we ran this one a few times). Make sure you catch the sleeper train to Ubon Ratchathani from Bangkok (rather than the rattly night train) and make sure Jr has the best seat in the tuk-tuk. Tom is ferried between the Thousand Islands by the irrepressible Mr Tem. Two of the side channels, Dead Cow Falls and near Site X. The team at Viencam beach. Suckling pig is not a cheap option ($50) but most food is very affordable, beside more of the sunset which met us as we arrived at Viencam. Dolphin watching from the Cambodian side and heading back in Sum Kip's longtail up the rapids in the fading light. Turbo Fairy races in front of the Watt. Mekong water down at the beach. Ferried back from the rapids at the end of a long day on the baking rocks and thundering falls. Parrot? 50p. Beer snacks, dried frogs and fresh water skate. A household blessing as families came together from all around to party and exchange friendship charms. Our trials as Liverpool United Viencam dragonboat team. The Gun Barrel fires off a round of Daz James.