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In contrast to its dubious distinction as the most heavily bombed country in the world, (between 1964 and 1973 the U.S. dropped two million tons of bombs on Laos, roughly 30% of which failed to detonate and remain dangerous today), my experience of Laos was of a peaceful, extremely laidback and very beautiful place. Rugged limestone cliffs, emerald-green forests, pristine jungle waterfalls, friendly people, a relaxed atmosphere everywhere you go, and all to be enjoyed with what is probably South East Asia's best beer... What more can one ask for?

Kayaks, Caves & Waterfalls - A Week in Laos

Michael Meadows
2006-09-26 16:37:25

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In contrast to its dubious distinction as the most heavily bombed country in the world, (between 1964 and 1973 the U.S. dropped two million tons of bombs on Laos, roughly 30% of which failed to detonate and remain dangerous today), my experience of Laos was of a peaceful, extremely laidback and very beautiful place. Rugged limestone cliffs, emerald-green forests, pristine jungle waterfalls, friendly people, a relaxed atmosphere everywhere you go, and all to be enjoyed with what is probably South East Asia's best beer... What more can one ask for?

As always of course, my enjoyment of this trip did depend largely on the company. There were four of us who set off late one afternoon for a hectic week-long trip through Laos. Casto & Leti you know from previous blogs, two of the best people I know. And quite a few of you have recently asked me about Jen, the girl with me in my profile picture... ;) Jen is from South Korea, but spent some time on exchange in the U.S. a few years ago, where she met Leti. Taking advantage of how close Leti was in Thailand, Jen came across for what was initially meant to bea short visit. We both sensed something between us early on, but sat down together one night and decided that there was no point starting something, when it seemed as if it could only end in us both getting hurt. So that was where things stood, as we all set out for a week in Laos together. But you know what they say about best intentions...

Vientiane
While always fairly comfortable, (to be honest, ridiculously luxurious compared to all other Asian public transport I've taken so far), the air-conditioning on Thailand's long-distance buses is just silly. After a sweaty wait for our bus in the humid heat of Bangkok's northern bus terminal, we stepped on board to be hit by an icy blast of truly Arctic-level air-conditioning. Initially a relief, we soon found it too much, shivering in our seats and putting on extra t-shirts. It's around ...