Blogs from Luang Namtha, North, Laos, Asia - page 2

With the last grains of sand in the hour-glass of my Thai tourist visa rapidly trickling away, I scurried to the Thai border and bade farewell to the country that has been my second home (yet again) for the past few months. As I approached the boat landing for the short long-tail boat ride across the Mekong River, I could already see Thailand's friendly neighbour beckoning warmly in the near distance. And barely two minutes (and THB40) later, I was there! Immigration at both Thai and Laos ends were a breeze, with nary a queue and friendly officers, which really put my tiring visa run experiences at the Cambodian border at Poi Pet in stark contrast. And so, after getting off the boat at the Laos end, clearing immigration and walking up a short slope, there ... read more

Up very early next morning, after an uncomfortable night, we scrambled over the rows of motorbikes in the hotel foyer and pulled our suitcases through the damp streets of Menglun to the nearby bus station. It was only a two hour drive, again through fog shrouded hills and valleys, to Mengla. Mengla certainly had a lot more going for it then Menglun - including a brand new shiny bus station. We had an hour to wait for our connecting bus so filled in the time people watching as we ate a late breakfast in a cafe at the bus station. Jerry was pretty happy as he got the best plate of fried rice he had eaten so far that trip! I saw a couple of beautifully dressed ethnic women wearing indigo tunics which were finely embroidered ... read more

In a break from my previous location by location efforts, I have decided to compile a list of hints and tips of how to be a happy bus traveller in Laos: 1. Don't bother to turn up on time. Yes, they may tell you over and over again that the bus leaves at 8, and emphatically circle the departure time on the ticket, but this is all an illusion. The bus will go when it's good and ready, not when you need to. 2. But don't turn up too late - having a ticket and a seat number does not entitle you to a seat. It's surprising and strangely impressive how many people companies in Laos can fit in a bus. I've heard a fellow backpacker describe how she shared one seat with another woman, and ... read more

That's right. It's been six months. We have been travelling for over half a year. Say whaaaaaat? What an adventure it has been and now it's a completely new year – 2013. That number doesn't seem real, isn't 2013 supposed to be, like, the future? Where is my flying electric car? What a rip-off... Well now that that minor anxiety attack is complete let's discuss the last month of insanity before I tell you all about my plans for 2013. This last month was FULL of new people, new travel buddies and new friendships. I had a chance to get to know Ty's friend Jaf a lot better (he's a total sweetie pie), I got to travel with one of my best friends Paul and I got to meet so many other cool people. Dan and ... read more

I arrive into Luang Namtha from Jinhong – and despite numerous stories and misinformation central from the useless hostels in Xichuanbana – its easy and painless. I share another (my last for now) Chinese bus with only a couple of other Lau Weis – and some women eating sticky rice in pandan leaves. The feathering bamboo forests and bright lime green of the rice paddies gives way to huge dark green undulating mountains, broad leafed banana plants and tropical palm trees. There is a Japanese guy on the bus and I ask him how it is bearing in mind the troubles (all over China angry mobs have been attacking Japanese tourists over the dispute with their islands) “Uncomfortable” he says. He has been refused accommodation in China because of his nationality. Dai- the Japanese student from ... read more