Home » Laos » Back again - Laos

Well, what can I say about my second time in Vientianne? It hasn't changed much except there are about 3000 more tourists than last July. The tuk tuk drivers are still offering you "something" which usually means weed, women or anything stronger!!<br />

Back again - Laos

Gareth Penpraze
2007-04-21 19:18:18

Displayed times (last time: )

Well, what can I say about my second time in Vientianne? It hasn't changed much except there are about 3000 more tourists than last July. The tuk tuk drivers are still offering you "something" which usually means weed, women or anything stronger!!

On the bus from Bangkok I meet Gav and Nick from Shetlands and Sydney. We decide to keep the costs down and share a room in Saysouly Guesthouse (this time making sure there is no curfew at midnight). Its 9am when we arrive so breakfast consists of some fried rice and beer lao!! Its good to be back. The rest of the day is spent by the pool at a hotel and then sampling the nightlife in the form of copious amounts of Beer Lao and a visit to Don Chan Palace the playground for the rich Laos kids. We look a little out of place in our dirty shorts and old T-shirts but its still good craic.

Next day is a trip out to Budda Park. Met up with Helen again who arrived at stupid o'clock in the morning. I never went to Budda Park the last time with Phil and Emmet cos I was too wrecked. Instead of bartering with the Tuk tuk drivers we decided on 2 motorbikes, all seemed a good idea until the potholes started about 10km outside Vientianne. Budda Park is what it says on the tin - a park full of buddas of all sorts of shapes and sizes. The pictures say it all really.

The rest of the day I organise my motorbike for the big trip to Tha Kaek to do what is known as "the loop." That is the next blog.

After doing the loop I get back to Vientianne only to find out that almost every guesthouse has been booked out, including the one where an ozzie was found dead the night before. Seems like someone had accepted the offer of something stronger from the Tuk Tuk drivers. I relaxe that evening from a gruelling 350km ride on the bike. Next day is spent with a tour of the beer Laos factory - heaven on Earth. Its a pity they don't allow pictures to be taken inside but as soon as I arrive a nice big beer is placed in my hand. Just what is required at 10am with the motorbike parked outside.

In the afternoon I go for a herbal sauna and massage. the setting is in the jungle beside a temple where I meet Some Phone (pronounced Som Pon), a novice monk who wants to practice his English. I end up sitting with him for an hour learning a little about Buddism and he asks me all sorts of questions, including how healthy my family is!! So next time I'm in Laos I'm gonna go meet his family in the South. Happy Days. Next stop is Vang Vieng for some chillin!!

Gareth Penpraze
http://www.travelblog.org/Bloggers/ASBO-Holidays/