We headed for Ventiane, the capital, with a stop-over in Vang Vieng. This time we travelled by road in a mini-bus and “VIP” small coach. I think VIP stands for Very Irritated Passengers. The roads were really bad and bumpy. Tarmac is a luxury. I don’t know how the Toyota buses manage to take such a hammering. The first leg over the mountains to Vang Vieng took 5 hours for about 190km.
We’re proper backpackers with rucksacks tied to the roof
There is a fold-down “jump seat” in the aisle to fit four people across. It was only £9 for both of us for a four hour journey though.
High up in the mountains. Yes, that’s the road surface in the foreground (it gets worse).
It’s a long way down. Pretty scenery.
At the bottom of the valley. Ahh – that’s better.
Wandering water buffaloes
We stayed only one night in Vang Vieng as it’s pretty tacky. This used to be the adventure capital of Laos. You can hire Buggy cars, motorbikes, and push-bikes; do zip-lining; and the highlight – go water tubing on the Mekong. There was a clamp-down a few years ago after 22 tourists drowned in the river in one year. That was drink-and-drug assisted.
Our hotel in Vang Vieng. We pushed the boat out (excuse the pun) and spent $40 for the room including breakfast.
Basic bouncy brown bamboo bridge
Arty café coffee stop
The second leg by bus to Ventiane, the capital, took 4 hours for 160km (100 miles). That’s an average of only 25 miles per hour! It’s on the banks of the Mekong river, and Thailand is just over the water. The traffic is pretty well behaved here.
Chinese act
It’s a Wat? Yes, a Wat is a temple
Ventiane’s answer to the “L’arc de Triomphe”
Pha That Luang temple. The highlight of Laos. Not a match for Myanmar though.
Closer
… and closer
Dragons here too
Ornate
We’re leaving Laos tomorrow for Southern Thailand. After a non-stop but wonderful trip we’re having some R&R in Koh Samui before heading home.
