Greetings from Vang Vieng, a short (by Laos standards) bus ride north of the capital. I reached here yesterday afternoon from Vientiane, travelling by public bus. An experience I approached with a little trepidation, as the stories I had heard about bus travel were more legend! It all started with my first attempt at haggling. First step, check with guest house staff how much should expect to pay. Next step, approach a tuktuk driver (if they don't approach you first), and ask how much to the bus station. Step 3 Roll your eyes dramatically at their first suggestion (which to be fair, was definitely taking the piss!), (I opted for the "state what I'm prepared to pay option"): 10,000kip (about USD1). Repeat step 3 for second suggestion. Finally agree on 12,000kip, Final step, climb aboard for
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