Muong Ngoi

Muong Ngoi is the most beautiful place I think I've seen in Asia. Aside from its beauty created by the fantastically green-blue Nam Om river, perfectly blue skies, and densely tree covered rugged peaks, this one street village has everything you could possibly ever need, from saunas and massage to a pharmacy, to great street food vendors. Plus, despite tourism being the village's primary income generator, there's no feeling of being in a tourist trap. The only access tot he village is by river, so the tourists who make it here are something of a different breed. Not loud, not obnoxious. Just looking for some peace a quiet. The locals are overly friendly and generous, don't hassle you to buy things, and most speak enough English that holding a conversation consisting of more than Hello and Thank You while pointing to what it is that you want to buy is entirely possible. Many people I've met here come planning to spend a day or two and are still stuck after a week. There are tons of hiking and river activities to keep you busy for more than a few days, so I plan to hang here for a few days to enjoy the perfection that I have found.

Sam, Jen, Trevor (another lone traveler that we met) and I are sharing bungalows overlooking the river. Complete with a hammock, stellar views, and located away from most of the other guest houses in the village, I couldn't really ask for a nicer place. Plus we've got a semi-private beach where we've been having nightly bonfires!