Luang Nam Tha

I came to Luang Nam Tha (or just Nam Tha) to go trekking in the Nam Tha National Protected Area (NPA), Laos's version of the national park. The big difference being that people are allowed to live within the boundaries of the NPA. The town of Nam Tha is small with one main street with lots of guesthouses, traveller oriented restaurants and travel agencies. The town didn't have any character but I still liked it. It was quiet with lots of facilities and stuff to do around. I was looking to do a long trek in the NPA and went to a few different agencies. Green Discoveries had a German couple doing a seven day trek combining forest and village stays. This sounded good to me. They would arrive in town tomorrow. I wanted to meet them first because seven days is a long time to spend with people you don't like. I ate lunch and dinner at an excellent Indian place.

I went back to Green Discoveries the next day to find out that the German couple had cancelled! I was on my own again. Treks with one person are very expensive. Even just adding one more person cuts the price almost in half. I began just asking random couples and solo people I saw. I found a Portuguese guy who was interested so we went to Green Discoveries. He wasn't totally sure because he was worried about his knee he injured 3 weeks ago but then decided to go for it. Then at the last minute as we are literrally signing the paperwork, he stops and says he doesn't want to go now! What a f#$@ing loser! Sorry for my language but this really pissed me off. I spent a few hours with this guy talking about the trek and then last minute he changes his mind!? I left right away. I had to find at least one other person to share the trek with and didn't want to spend another day in town looking for people. I finally found an American women and a Spanish guy who were interested. We went down to Green Discoveries, filled in the paperwork and paid. We were on our way, finally. The 3 day trek starts tomorrow (Dec 22) and spends 2 nights sleeping in forest bungalows. It goes through forest and mountains and not near any villages. This is just what I wanted. I only have to carry my personal stuff and some clothes. I look forward to this trek.
I had not seen a drop of rain in Myanmar but things were looking lush in Laos. It is the dry season but there was a five minute shower yesterday and it sprinkled rain for hours today. This isn't normal for this time of year and I just hope it doesn't rain too much on our trek.