Laos and Vietnam - here we come

Only two days until we depart on our research trip to Laos and Vietnam. There seems to be a huge list of remaining tasks before we go, but packing feels like something that can wait a bit longer.

This trip is to find a good adventure route across Northern Thailand, Laos and Vietnam with the intention of coming back in October 2009 with 20 New Zealanders for a challenging journey combining trekking, kayaking, sailing, cycling and whatever additional styles of transport we can find.

Our ideas include two days rafting from Pai to Mae Hong Son, a 6 day trek in Luang Namtha and a cycle journey from Sapa to Bai Tu Long Bay to kayak and sail among the kast formations. Somehow we also want to fit in lots more, there are mountains to climb, elephants to ride, primates to study and Wats to visit. Time for cooking and massage classes looks tight. It's tough but someone has to do the trip. Fortunately my wife, Frances has agreed to sacrifice some office time and accompany me.