Blogs from Bolaven Plateau, South, Laos, Asia - page 5

A broken down bus, a train, a tuk-tuk, a school bus, a double-decker pick-up truck, and van later, we had arrived in Laos. The border crossing was a breeze contrary to our worst fears. We arrived in a little sleepy Laos town called Pakse in the evening and were greeted by 15 or so giggling children yelling “Sabaidy”, which is the Lao word for hello. With our guards way up from our experiences in Bangkok, we were a bit apprehensive, but when we realized that the children were just interested in us, it was all very charming. The kids ran around, some doing cartwheels, asking Chris to flex his muscles and giving me little kisses on my hand. We knew right away that Laos was going to be different than Bangkok. Pakse is a small town ... read more

I arrived in Paxse and the first thing I noticed was the wind! Big gusts of wind whirling dust everywhere. Of course the wind concerned me because as it was I was going to be climbing uphill for the whole first day of my Bolaven cycling loop. I asked a couple of people and apparently, the wind is a constant feature here in this area : ( Mr. Boune at Green Discovery was very helpful with his insight to the area. He confirmed the route I was taking was the best way to go, easing my mind somewhat. I still had concerns about making it up the 40km climb! Mr. Vong at the Saibady 2 Guesthouse loves to use his immaculate French and he definitely is exuberant as the LP describes him. I set out the ... read more

Friday 26th October - Kietnarong and Jon and I arrived at Udon Thani and they saw me onto the bus to take me to NongKai. I then got a tuk tuk to the Border Control point where you are on your own as tuk tuks not allowed any further. You line up and then it is onto a bus over the Friendship Bridge dividing Thailand and Laos where you get a visa into Laos. Once this was done, I got a taxi into Vientiane, the capital of Laos and went to the Sausayle Guest House. My luggage was deposited on the pavement while I checked whether there was a room as there was big celebrations in the city. I was recognised from my prior visit and yes, there was a room. Before I had a chance ... read more

After the excitement of the Gibbon Experience, we had a very different couple of days, involving the Slow Boat. Which is exactly what it was, taking 2 days from Huay Xai to Luang Prabang, via an overnight stop in a random little town; lit only by candlelight and with the funniest menus due to the number of spelling mistakes, that only small children should find amusing...but well...that's the level of my humour. Arriving in Luang Prabang was a pleasant surprise as it was very French, with quaint guesthouses and a night market that dominated the narrow street on embroided carpets, softly lit by suspended light-bulbs. We spent time at some historic temples, one with a beautiful sunset, though it really was through rose-tinted glasses that I say this, as I was happily snapping away, raving to ... read more

Bolaven Plateau Asia » Laos » Bolaven Plateau By Laur4April 9th 2007Laura Fowler Bolaven Plateau... We went on a tour today of the surrounding area called the Bolaven Plateau...was incredible! We drove right into the jungle to the Yuang Waterfalls, 120m high. You couldn't get very close but the view was amazing!! Would love to come again in the wet season...it would be incredible. Felt like Tarzan was going to come swinging out of the trees at any minute! We then visted a tea and coffee plantation and then went to Giang Waterfalls. Not as big as Yuang but much more spectacular. Check out the pictures....The water was so damn cold and I don't know what... read more