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Published: October 2nd 2009
Patuxai, Vientiane
Vientianes version of the Arc de Triomphe built in 1969We are currently in Vientiane, the capital of Laos, which is completely different to Luang Prabang but not in a bad way. Although it too has an Asian-French feel to it and the customary Wats and markets that we become accustom to visiting, it is more developed with a lot more infrastructure in place. The French connection comes from the start of the nineteenth century when Laos became a French protectorate, and is clearly evident from the long streets (still called avenues, boulevards and rues) lined with trees, as well as their version of the Arc de Triomphe (a big block of concrete by their own admission!).
Unlike the capitals of its neighbouring countries, Vientiane has a certain calmness about it and a laid-back culture. In Vietnam and Cambodia we were surrounded by taxi drivers before we had barely got off the bus, whereas in Laos they sit back and wait for you to come to them. They’re clever enough to work out if you set the same fixed price for all (twice as much on average as we paid in Vietnam/Cambodia) then none of the drivers families go hungry.
With three nights in the same location we have
been able to slowdown in the last few days and it’s nice not to have to hop from place-to-place at a million miles an hour. We even got chance to go bowling last night which was like going back in time, or if you’re from Cleethorpes like going bowling there. We had fun none the less and at only £1 a game (including shoe hire) we didn’t complain too much when we had to move for a third time because the lane stopped working. In one of the games I got 189 which I put down to the Beer Lao as I’m not normally that good! We have also visited some impressive Temples and Beccy has been taking advantage of the local massages.
Before arriving in Vientiane we travelled from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng. The bus journey was a magical experience; navigating around the steep mountains and giving us the opportunity to appreciate the beauty of the natural landscape. The dilapidated bus also provided some amusement when about a litre of water came through one of the air blowers. The guy sat below seem prepared for anything with a blanket, blindfold and ear plugs, but unfortunately he didn’t
anticipate (or appreciate) the shower.
When we arrived in Vang Vieng we used our bible (The Lonely Planet) to find a good hotel next to the river and the photo inset gives you a good feel for what most of Northern Laos looks like. The town is an outdoor sports paradise with options to kayak, climb, traverse, tube, mountain walk and much more. For those (like me) that haven’t heard of tubing you basically get taken 4km upstream by a tuk-tuk with only your swimming gear and an inner tube. You then float down the famous Mekong River back to the town. It might not sound particularly action packed, but when you add numerous riverside bars, zip lines and slides into the mix it equals a great time even if you do feel like you’re baking in the sun on the way.
Originally we had planned to stay in Vang Vieng for a couple of days, however this got cut short in order for us to complete the treacherous bus journey to Vientiane before the expected bad weather hits Laos. Talking of ‘cut short’ I also went to the barbers and after been attacked with some pre-historic clippers
Mekong River, Vang Vieng
Some local kids having a swim and blunt scissors went away with something that resembles how I like my hair.
Well, our time in Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos has unfortunately come to an end and next stop is China (via a stopover in Bangkok). We will be initially visiting Beijing where will be relaxing for a couple of days before joining an 18 day tour to Hong Kong visiting Shanghai, Xi’an, Yichang, Three Gorges & Yangshuo on the way.
Until next time, all the best
Andy and Beccy
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alan & lyn
non-member comment
bus journey
Hi Pleased to hear you survived the bus journey! We are enjoying the blog!!