Three days down the Nam Ou
Kayaking the Nam Ou River in northern Laos with no clear plan: a village of 52 people, an abandoned settlement, and nearly 70 km so far.
For the past 3 days, we’ve been kayaking down the Nam Ou River in northern Laos.
There isn’t much information about settlements along this stretch, so we’ve just been figuring it out as we go. No clear plan. Just moving forward and trusting that we’ll find what we need.
On the first night, we reached a small village of around 52 people. They welcomed us without hesitation and kindly offered us a place to sleep and breakfast the next morning. Just genuine hospitality.
Moments like that remind you what’s important in life. Community. Sharing. Taking care of people simply because they’re there in front of you.
Pure human kindness.
The second night was very different. An abandoned settlement with deserted buildings. Just us, a small campfire, cattle and oxen nearby, the river flowing beside us, and sleeping in our bivi bags in an open shelter under the night sky.
Now we’re in Muang Ngoi, resting and reflecting, preparing for the next stop.
Nearly 70 km covered so far. Not chasing anything. Just letting this journey bring unknown discoveries, and so far it’s been special.
Grateful for the people. Grateful for perspective. Grateful we said yes.
Still going, always. 💜🇱🇦🫂
First shared on Instagram. The trip became Namou, and we’re going back in 2027.