Vientiane

Trip Start Oct 01, 2008
1
26
82
Trip End Dec 30, 2009


Loading Map
Map your own trip!
Map Options
Show trip route
Hide lines
shadow

Flag of Lao Peoples Dem Rep  ,
Friday, October 31, 2008

Breakfast on the terrace again. As we cross to return to the hotel a tuk tuk driver intercepts us asking us if we would like a tour. When I am able to say that we need to go to the airport and negotiate what I think is a good price, he is still prepared to wait two hours until the appointed time. Meanwhile we pack and go to see a surprisingly interesting exhibition of pictires of old Luang Prabang including a good photo of the King looking plump and regal and a drawing of the results of a cholera epidemic - bodies washed up on the banks of the Mekong being eaten by scavenging birds and crocodiles. I dont think there are any crocodiles in the vicinity now.


We tukked out of town to the airport. Our research has shown that tuk tuks take different forms in different cities. Here they are little open-sided vans with seats down the side. Seat belts are not used and are usually not available even in smart taxis in Cambodia, Thailand or Laos. It is apparently something to do with Buddhist's fatalistic approach to life. The same applies to the availability of lifejackets on boats.
The plane to Vientiane is a MA60, a small turboprop. Laos airways motto is 'You are safe with us'. Fortunately, as it turned out, we were. We arrive in Vientiane to leaden skies and by the time we make it through the shabby domestic arrival terminal it is raining hard.


Th Laos Orchid Hotel is much better than expected for $45 US. There's even some 'give' in the bed.


Vientiane is small and easily walkable. First impressions compared to Luang Prabang are that there is more car traffic, even a bit of smog, and that the girls dress less conservatively. We walk through streets muddy from the recent rain and end up in the central market. I dont know the Laos for 'if that's a real Lacoste then I'm a Chinaman' but I bought the shirt anyway.


We return via the Presidential Palace. Lots of eating options nearby and we have a great meal for about £6.
Print this entry