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You would never guess that Udomxay is the country's biggest town north of Vientiane.It's not much more than a big, sleepy village with a nice market and a relaxed atmosphere.And it's a good place to spend the night on your way to or from Luang Prabang.When the red sun sets over the river, it gives you a wonderful feeling of peace and warmth.
I was especially impressed by the region Xieng Khouang because it's entirely different from the rest of Laos. Of course it has jars, but as well breathtaking plains, tropical jungle, ethnical minorities (black Thai, Mong, Mon-khmer villages, ...), civil war going on(altough you don't notice it except a high rate of military presence), recent war memories (such as a cave where a us rocket killed 1000's of civilians hiding and lots of unexploded ordnances, UXO's in short), a Far-West-look-alike capital Phonsavan (no electricity after 10 o 'clock), a market where you can buy anything from marihuana to snakes, and a moderate climate (actually pretty cold if you go there during the winter). It is also famous all over Laos for the pretty girls, which isn't a myth by the way... AND it is part of the Golden triangle and Mong-territory, which means lots and lots of cheap... you guessed it! Just...
Going from Luan Prabang to Vientanne by bus, you will meet so many villages and small towns, I was really happy that I did not fly as I would have missed another precious peace of this wonderful country.
After a few hours of boat, my driver was stopping and, thinking that he wanted me to visit a village, I was saying no thanks, when I saw that he was stopping and waiting next to some other boats and I could not understand what he was doing untill our turn arrived and we could get the motor filled up!
Laos can be considered an off the beaten path destination itself, this does not mean that you won't find tourists, but that you will not find a touristic country full of exchange office, travel agencies, street vendors exc.
Although I saw a lot of jungle and nature in Laos, I hardly saw any wildlife. Well, I just saw cities and didn't go into the woods, so I imagine that if you do a jungle trail you will see some interesting animals.All I saw was this incredibly green spider, about 5 cms, that was threatening me from a bamboo stick!!!
there's a place called Lao Pako, about 1.5hrs away from Vientiane. It is a little getaway from the city. Most travellers go to Vang Vieng as it is on the way to Luang Prabang, the next biggest thing developing rapidly after the capital.Lao Pako has a preservation forest situated opposite a resort that some rich swede (i think) developed. Quite nicely done, really integrating a traditional method spa, using herbal stuff from the forest. For nature lovers, you'd like the place for its quiet and serene beat. Esp avoid public holidays and weekends and you're set :)pls see travelogues for more pics of the place!
Crossing the huge airstrip left from the mid-70's, Vang Vieng has a bit of a boom town look to it. I liked the bungalow I got on the left side of the runway, immaculate and inexpensive. I will try to find a map that shows the name so I can post it below. Anyway, VV is a bit of a traveler haven now, with tons of us wandering all over the place moaning about how much nicer it was before we got there. The place is full of cafes and cyber shops, and some of them are decent. Again, though, the email speeds decline when it rains, not sure why, but it may be due to the fact that there are few landlines. Best thing to do in town is rent a boat, an inner tube and a bike. That ought to fill at least 4 or 5 days, with your nights spent in the bars and cafes till the wee hours of the morning. Rumor is that the cafes with the green lanterns outside have a bit of a surprise on the menu, I remain...
After I and an Italian guy ( the man with black glasses) just came to Laos from Cambodia overland, we met with some young Laotian travellers who came from Vientiane to travel in the south of Laos by motorcycle on No. 13 highway. My Italian companion was so excited when he looked at them driving a kind of Italy-made motorcyle which had a strange and special design.I hope one day I could travel in Laos by motorcyle just as they do. By the way, what is the brand of that kind of lovely motorcyle showed in the picture?
It is a Lime Stone Karst area full of caves to wonder.The village is on the way between luang Phraban and Vientiane. It is a good stop in between to shorten the distance and time on bus between the two cities. the place offers you a lot of activities, hiking, speleology, cycling, water rafting and other adventure sportrs.
La Residence Phou Vao Luang Prabang
4 Reviews and 281 Opinions TOUGH MANAGEMENT While this facility may be nice, I know the management is tough and does not have...
Settha Palace Hotel Vientiane
5 Reviews and 132 Opinions Settha Palace is a small luxury family owned hotel.It has its importance as a historical example of...
Ban Sabai Riverside Bungalow Vang Vieng
84 Opinions
Reviews and photos of Laos attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Laos sightseeing.
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Q: do any VT have any experience with the VIP overnight sleeper bus from Vientiane to Luang Prabang??? is it reasonably...
A: I took the VIP bus from Luang Prabang to Vientienne in 2010. There is a toilet on the bus. I was on the upper deck and the airconditioner was very weak. So it was a VHB...
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