Vientiane

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After a 24 hour bus journey, including a 2 hour border crossing at 5 in the morning, we arrived in Vientiane in Laos at 3 pm. The capital is not a busy place and more a sleepy town; I reckon it's possibly the most relaxed capital on earth. Its streets are lined with trees, there are temples on every corner and on the river front there is a hassle free market every night with countless restaurants, bars and what we think were brothels. A struggle perhaps between its communist past and it's inevitable more capitalist future?!

We stayed here 3 nights and had a relaxing time walking around, drinking our first beer Lao (best beer of the trip so far), visiting temples and eating Indian food! Yep Indian food, the cheapest food on offer and the best curries we've ever had in our lives!!! Our banquet for 2 including beers was £3.60! Also, accommodation is peanuts, a clean cosy room, including breakfast and afternoon coffee and cake for 7 quid, crazy!
Weather permitting we hope to stay 3/4 weeks in Laos, so we are heading to Vang Vieng next and slowly travelling north.

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Photos

Patuxai
Vientiane's Arc de Triomphe replica.

Wat Si Saket
More than 2000 silver Buddha images and 300+ seated and standing Buddhas. My favourite temple so far.

Chao Anouvong
King Anouvong was Laos' last king of the former Lao Kingdom of Lan Xang (1767-1829).