Blogs from Vientiane, West, Laos, Asia - page 9

From our hostel in Luang Prabang we were taken to a kind of small car park which had a couple of mini buses in which would take us on to Vang Vieng, we had met a couple of girls the night before in the food market from New Zealand who were a part of a bigger group and they were all heading the same way as us and it just happened that we were on the same mini bus as them so it turned out to be a bit of a lively journey......until most of them got travel sick and it quitened down a bit but the drive from Luang Prabang was pretty good, there were many twists and turns as we made our way along the mostly bumpy dirt tracks through the mountains but the ... read more

Expectations for the bus journey to Hanoi were extremely low by the time we had spent several days reading 'the journey from hell' stories which might explain why our overall conclusion is one of 'could be worse'. Stocking up on food and drink then using our well rehearsed routine to negotiate a cheap tuk tuk ride to collect visas (feeling smug) we were ready for pick up at the hostel for 5pm. A mini bus collected us at 17.15. 2 french were already on and we picked up a Korean couple and a Swiss guy later. Driving 90 mins we were convinced this would be the last time we were happy for a long time and that we would soon meet the bus, already full, be ushered to the back to cuddle with some smelly local ... read more

"On July 31, my dad's friend Jordan drove my dad and I to the airport. It was boring to wait for all the planes to come. Our first flight was to Frankfurt, Germany. Then we flew to Thailand. That was my favorite plane because it was purple. (I love purple) The blanket and pillow were really comfy. Oh, the food was delicious. The plane was called Thai Airways. After that plane ride we took another flight to Vientiane Laos. We went to the hotel and I was tired. We finally took a shower and brushed our teeth. (ewww) Then we went to a golden temple and that is when we first saw monks. Monks are boys who shave their hair off and wear orange or red robes. The temple was really fun and quiet. Finally we ... read more

You’re sitting in the Bar Ponnyang, 4 stories above the Mekong, gazing across the marshy sand bar that separates you from the river. Across the river is Thailand, greener and obviously more developed.The river here is wider and slower than the fast moving muddy channel you left a week ago in Luang Prabang. It’s only 2 and you’re a couple of beers ahead of where you should be. The map says the hotel is 2 blocks away so it shouldn’t be too hard to find your way.You’ve had a good day touring Vientiane and you don’t want to mess it up now by getting lost. You’re reflecting back on your busy week following the Mekong River south to Vientiane. It doesn’t seem possible it’s only been a week; you’ve made 3 moves and probably won’t be ... read more

Arrived to the pretty and relaxed Luang Prabang, sited by the broad Mekong river in the mountainous north of Laos. Wandered around town, ducking into golden temples and climbing the steep Phu Si hill to find a giant Buddha footprint, a couple of lazy cats and fine views over the surrounding forested countryside. Visited the Royal Palace Museum, a relic left over from the monarchy abolished several decades ago - seeing the town's namesake small golden Buddha, along with the remants of the royal family's possessions including a slightly incongruous classic american car collection. In between the sightseeing relaxed in the little French cafes lining the main street, enjoying the freshly-baked bread and indulgent creme brulee dessert. Next day took an strenuous hike up through the jungle into the surrounding mountains, starting with a precarious canoe-ride ... read more