Chiang Mai, Thailand (November 14-15, 2008)

Chiang Mai, located in northern Thailand, was founded in the late 13th century along an important trade route. It later became known for its beautiful handicrafts, including textiles, woodcarving and silver jewelry. Today, the city is a major cultural center and a launching pad for overnight treks to nearby hill-tribe villages. In addition to an abundance of museums and performing arts, visitors can enjoy classes ranging from Thai massage and meditation, to cooking and language. For those seeking more active pursuits, the surrounding mountains are popular for hiking, rock climbing and white-water rafting.

As is the case in so many cities, the best way to explore Chiang Mai is on foot, and getting lost in the many "soi" (alleyways) is part of the fun. Bordered by a moat and the remains of an ancient wall, the Old City is jam-packed with glittering temples, fragrant food stalls, bustling markets and quiet alleyways. Outside of the Old City, the popular night market is a shopper's paradise, and the surrounding area is home to a growing number of posh hotels and Western establishments. With its wide array of both activities and amenities, Chiang Mai seems to offer something for everyone.

The moat bordering the Old City was originally built as a defense against Burmese invasions

A vendor bags steamed rice for customers at the morning market in the Old City

A woman sells hot steamed dumplings to hungry shoppers

"Sawadee" - Ronald McDonald joins his hands in the traditional Thai greeting

A diminutive tuk-tuk

A huge pile of small statues for sale at the busy night market

A woman dressed in hill-tribe costume sells handicrafts at a Chiang Mai cultural center

More Photos from Slow-Boating Up the Mekong River, Laos (November 12-13, 2008)

Boats gather in the misty Pak Beng harbor, awaiting morning passengers

Lush green hills and bright blue skies contrast with the muddy Mekong water

A floating gas station, looking a little rusty

Sunset over Thailand; the Mekong River serves as the border with Thailand for much of southwestern LaosPassengers wait to board long canoes that will carry them across the Mekong from Laos to Thailand...

...and on the Thai side of the river, another crowd of people waits to cross by boat to Laos

Slow-Boating Up the Mekong River, Laos (November 12-13, 2008)

The 12th longest river in the world, the Mekong stretches more than 4000km from the Tibetan Plateau to the South China Sea, flowing through China, Burma, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam along the way. In Laos, slow boats travel frequently along the river between Luang Prabang and Huay Xai, a border town with Thailand.

The popular journey takes two full days, with an overnight stop at the small riverside village of Pak Beng. While clusters of homes and farmed hillsides pop into view from time to time, the majority of the scenery is completely untouched. With a good book, a comfortable cushion and beautiful views on all sides, a slow-boat journey on the Mekong River is surely the most relaxing way to head for the border.

Slow boats are quite long and narrow; passengers sit in the front, and the family that owns and operates the boat lives and cooks in the back

The Pak Ou caves along the Mekong River are full of fortunes and Buddha statues

A cluster of boats by a small riverside farm

This photo gives a better sense of the sheer length of a slow boat; the village in the photo is Pak Beng

The small Pak Beng harbor at sunset. The village is powered by generator for only a few hours each day; most homes are lit with candles in the evenings.

More Photos (IV) of Luang Prabang (November 9-12, 2008)

Here I am perfecting the fine art of "tuk-tuk surfing," less creatively known as hanging off the back of a truck (Photo courtesy of Lauren Sanders)

Traveling outside of a vehicle is so much more exciting than inside! (Photo courtesy of Clare Linington and Sean Dooley)

Children gather for morning calisthenics in this village school yard

These days, even remote mountain villages have satellite dishes!

Here I am at the foot of Tat Kuang Si waterfall, outside of Luang Prabang

Sunlight filters through the mist of Tat Kuang Si waterfall, illuminating the green pool of water at its base

More Photos (III) of Luang Prabang, Laos (November 9-12, 2008)

Every morning, villagers line the sidewalks of Luang Prabang to offer sticky rice to the monks

A Buddhist cat pays its respects at this small temple on top of Phu Si mountain

A monk finishes a small wood carving at Wat Xieng Maen

A colorful Akha costume on display at the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre in Luang Prabang. Many different ethnic groups reside within Laos, each with distinct clothing and handicrafts.

The Free the Bears rescue center at Tat Kuang Si Park outside of Luang Prabang is home to a number of Asiatic black bears that have been confiscated from traffickers and poachers

A beautiful sunset over the Mekong River, as seen from the top of Phu Si mountain

More Photos (II) of Luang Prabang, Laos (November 9-12, 2008)

Local women set up their stalls at the night market on Sisavongvong Street, in front of the Royal Palace

Colorful parasols for sale

A woman sells sticky rice and savory treats at the morning food market

Centipedes, snakes and other creepy critters add a little something extra to these bottles of wine

Sticky rice cakes are formed by hand and dried in the sun before being fried to a crunchy finish

Traditional dancers in elaborate costumes take their bows at the Royal Ballet

Luang Prabang, Laos (November 9-12, 2008)

Luang Prabang, the former royal capital of Laos, is one of the country's most beautiful and romantic cities. It is bound by the Nam Khan and Mekong Rivers, which join at the northern end of town, adding a distinct island feel to the already laid-back atmosphere. Colorful ancient temples and charming French colonial buildings - now home to an impressive array of art galleries and restaurants - line the small town's main avenues, linked by narrow, stepped alleyways shaded by trees. Amidst the tourists and townspeople, orange-clad monks wander the streets, hiding from the sun behind large umbrellas.

There's no shortage of sights to see in the UNESCO World Heritage city, from the old Royal Palace Museum and nearby historic temples, to the renowned craft market that takes over the main street every evening. Activities also abound, from cooking courses and slow-boat tours, to elephant rides and jungle treks. Slightly further afield, the lush countryside is ripe for exploring, with overgrown trails linking small mountain villages, stunning vistas and pristine waterfalls. Despite all these tempting things to do and see, perhaps the best way to truly appreciate Luang Prabang is to stroll slowly along the riverfront or linger over coffee at one of the many excellent outdoor cafes and simply soak up the spirit of the town.

The glittery temple at the entrance to the Royal Palace

A closer view of the intricate wood carving on the front of the temple

Motorbikes and tuk-tuks crowd the main street leading into Luang Prabang

Restaurants, galleries and internet cafes line Sisavongvong Street

Young monks walk to temple in the afternoon sun

The view south of Luang Prabang from the top of Phu Si mountain, in the center of town