Blogs from Laos, Asia - page 562

We weren't able to write for a bit because we were on the move a lot, and then I didn't really feel like it when I heard Nana was sick, but it sounds like she'll be okay, so I better catch up with it. First of all, Merry Christmas to everyone. We just got off the phone to Nana's and I'm really sorry we couldn't talk to everyone that was there but we're in the sticks and the line was rotten, so I just needed to let Dad know we were okay and check that Nana was. Okay, Days 15 & 16: Chapter Five - Ketchup: Part One - Ayutthaya. First a tip: If you ever happen to drive with a Thai man, don't sit in the front seat. What's that line from the Fast Show, ... read more

'Twas the night before Christmas And all through the Laos, Not a creature was stirring (because here they're Buddhist). The stockings (and underwear, rain jackets, etc.) were scattered all over the floor, And Sarah hoped to God that St. Nick wouldn't snore The travellers were nestled all snug in their beds While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads (actually this is a Lariam side-effect. Other symptoms include: nausea, vomiting, dizziness, light-headedness, loss of balance, headache, sleepiness, inability to sleep, abnormal dreams, diarrhea, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, abnormal heart beat, skin rash, hair loss, eyesight problems, muscle pain, convulsions and "disturbances of mood". If symptoms persist contact a doctor immediately) And Sarah in her pigtails and Nick in his Hockey Hair (Against which Sarah plotted with a bottle of Nair) Had just settled in fo ... read more

Hey All, we hope you're all enjoying the holiday season (or at least coping well)! We'll just give you a run-down on the latest from Laos before wishing you all a safe and happy Christmas and New Year. Luang Prabang continues to be a comfortable place to stay, offering excellent food (especially good cheese) and wonderful atmosphere. Definitely our favourite place so far. About a week ago we started getting the itch to explore, and the closest site outside the city is the Kuang Si waterfall, about 30 km south of the town. In Laos, 30 km means a one hour or so drive. But it was definitely worth the bumpy ride! The waterfall is actually one large waterfall and five or six smaller ones, all of which flow into calm pools of the most beautiful, ... read more

'Travelling Back in Time' is how Fern felt about our journey through Laos (rhymes with 'cow'). I shan't bore you with too much history (for a welcome change!), but Laos and Thailand are similar in some respects, although urban Thailand is much more modern, which I assume is due to a bountiful tourism industry. Having finished up in Northern Thailand, we crossed into Laos at the nearest border which took us into the town of Huay Xai, from where we would spend the next two weeks journeying south. Click here for a map of Laos. The Mekong River forms the border between Thailand and Laos here, so a 30p longtail boat trip across the mighty Mekong brought us to immigration on the Laos side where I bought my visa and went on my merry way. The ... read more

Today has been one of those hang out, watch movies, and eat lots of junk food days - yes, that's right, we're totally hung over! We're in the little town of Vang Vieng in Laos and have spent most of the past 5 days floating down the Nam Song river in tractor inner-tubes along with about 200 other backpackers! Apart from the relaxing pace of the river, the dramatic limestone scenery, and the colourful little dragonflies that invariably land on you, there is also another big drawcard for the "tubing"; the numerous bars. All along the river, there are little bars set up which are no more than bamboo platforms selling Beer Lao and Lao Lao (the local hard alcohol of choice). But wait, there's more! Many of the bars have flying foxes (zip wires) ... read more