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Published: June 19th 2010
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Chris's Section Vientiane is the capital of Laos. It isn't as pretty as Luang Prabang, or have the buzz of Vang Vieng, but it's a fairly nice place. There isn't a great deal to do - we've been here 4 nights and that was one too many we think. There's a couple of nice Wats (temples) - but if you've seen one you've pretty much seen them all. Listen to the weary traveller, hehe!
Accommodation is a bit pricey here. Our place cost 120,000 kip (£10) a night, and we had to negotiate this down from 150,000 (we paid 40,000 in Pak Beng). We do have air con and a TV, but compared to everywhere else in Laos it's not value for money. There are plenty of restaurants and bars around, but they're fairly homogenous and bland.
One thing we've noticed about the cost of living in Laos (for a backpacker) - we're living on £10-£13 a day easily. Living and eating well. We spent about £18 a day in Thailand and had to watch the budget much more. But, transport in Laos is a bit more expensive. There are no govt buses and no real competition exists
on the main bus/boat routes. I know we're covering large distances for relatively small amounts, but it does add up. We've spent £50 each so far on transport in Laos. Not a huge amount for the distance covered, but it works out at £3.50 a day on average. When you're on a £15 a day budget it's something to consider.
Tonight we're off to Pakse on the overnight bus. It has beds - should be interesting. Makes me glad to be part of a couple, as single travellers often have to share a bed with a complete stranger! The ultimate aim is to head down to the 4000 Islands - the southernmost part of Laos. The area is made up of a series of islands (no shit) that have a super chilled-out vibe in (apparently) a beautiful setting. It's firmly on the backpacker trail, but on the whole is pretty undeveloped compared to much of Laos - many of the main islands have only just got electricity. We plan to spend 5 days or so in this area before moving into Cambodia.
Louise's Section We are now on our last day of being in Vientiane, the
Vientiane
Fatty buddha Laos Capital. To be honest there hasn't been much to do here, we have been to the best Wat and seen the 'Vertical Runway' aka their Arc De Triumph but that's about it. Once again unless you can afford to hire a car or we are brave enough to do motorbikes the other sites are too far away.
Only one fainting incident this time, albeit in a pub full of people. I think we have worked out that I should not drink beer after taking my Vitamin B1 tablet, they don't seem to mix well. Wouldn't mind but who's gonna believe me when I say oh I fainted from taking a vitmain, sounds like such a line!! Chris now just laughs at me once he knows I'm ok.
So on an overnight bus to Pakse tonight, this breaks up the journey to the Four Thousand Islands in very Southern Laos which are a series of islands on the Mekong River. Hoping to spot some Irrawaddy dolphins but they are very rare. Things will probably go quiet there as internet is very limited if present at all.
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