La La Laos pt. 2

Well after our disasterous trip with local Laos transport we opted for the Minivan at 110,000 Kip each. And that wasn't much better at all, we nearly lost our lives maybe 3-4 times, but we did gain a few more friends to our international group. Som (French/Laos guy and his name means organge in Thai sii som) and 3 japanese girls.

We got to Vang Vien at about 7-8pm ish or there abouts, in our car there was a couple who had travelled here before so that was good, as they pointed us in the right direction. After our 6 or so hour trip I was really thankful to get out, I was car sick most of the way, but I didn't see my breakfast twice thank B!

Can I just say that Laos has the most amazingly beautiful mountain range I have ever seen! I couldn't believe it, the mountains were simple spectacular. I wish the photos I took gave it justice.

Vang Vien has is for me little to be desired, it was very touristy or rather it was full of youths, so drunk and probably high that I was so disgusted that I couldn't wait to leave. But one of the main attractions there is to go tubing down a river, tubing for Australians is Li-Lo-ing. I did it growing up in the Blue Mountains and on camping trip so I opted out. But the others went and had a amazing time, but as a heads up if your going there are bars that line the river and various other activities. Be careful, alcohol and swimming can be a dangerous mix. Its a beautiful place though.

The next day we caught another minibus to Vientiane, I strategically located myself near the door for 2 main reasons, I didn't want to be car sick again and also then I would have leg room. It proved to be the best decision ever as the others were so cramped that they could barely walk when they got off the bus.

Vientiane, is the capital of Laos. Its quite a beautiful city, heavily doused in French architechure and styling, it was really weird to see writing in Lao and then french underneath. Like most cities it was quite expensive to stay and eat there (compared to other places in Laos and Thailand). But thank to the Lonely Planet belonging to Som and Auralies absolutely destroyed one we were able to get around and see quite a lot. Vientiane was essentially where our international group of travellers were to leave one another. But it was an amazing time.

Z.