Vientiane, set along the meandering Mekong River, is the very laid back peaceful capital city of Laos. This city is in stark contrast to the chaotic bustling streets of Bangkok or select other South East Asian cities! Vientiane is small enough that its not an overwhelming city (population 135,000) and you can find your way around quite easily. If you do get lost, there is usually a Tuk-tuk eagerly waiting to whisk you away to your destination. … [Read more...]
Vientiane, Laos – Activities & Attractions
Dong Dok University is located several miles north of Vientiane and is a great place to meet Lao students. Often these students are interested in practicing foreign languages with tourists. Internet cafes are mentioned here because this USED to be an activity in and of itself! Back in the day, this city had the most internet cafe's of any city I had ever been to. These used to be predominantly located in the center of town and along Thanon Fa … [Read more...]
Vientiane, Laos – Food
For under several dollars or euros one can get a typical Lao meal from one of the many street side restaurants. Many of these restaurants serve several different varieties of soups - most of these restaurants have either street side seating or seating set back in the restaurant (usually just one room). Typically the soups will consist of some meat and some type of sprouts, mint, and other greens. Usually the soups are not spicy - the spices … [Read more...]
Vientiane, Laos – Lodging
There are many guesthouses and inexpensive hotels to stay at in Vientiane. Vientiane is small enough in that it is fairly easy to walk around looking for lodging (if you do not have pre-arranged accommodations). Tuk-tuk drivers are found all over town - and for a few thousand kip will take you across town. Be sure to bargain with these drivers - in my experience they always initially offer a very high price. Hayasoke Guest House is a … [Read more...]
Vientiane, Laos – More Information
The following are several things to be aware of when traveling in Vientiane and are listed in alphabetical order. Laos installed the first ATM in the country in Vientiane, and in the early 2000's still could not handle international transactions! Fortunately today, there are plenty of international ATM's scattered throughout town. There are at least 6 or 7 banks in Vientiane that can handle cash advances or change money. A good souvenir is a … [Read more...]
Vang Vieng, Laos
Vang Vieng (population about 25,000) is located in central southern Laos about a 4 hour bus ride north of the capital city of Vientiane or about 7 hours south of the town of Luang Prabang. If you enter Vang Vieng by bus you will be dropped off on a huge gravel runway on the edge of town. A brisk several minute walk across the runway will bring you to the main part of town. Signs for guesthouses or restaurants call out from almost every single … [Read more...]
Vang Vieng, Laos – Caving
The caving opportunities that surround Vang Vieng is in one word, awesome! There are many many small unexplored caves, and the ones that have been explored often have minimal facilities...usually just a guide who carries a small lead acid battery hooked up to a head light. If you are lucky the guide will have extra lead-acid headlights. Unlike more "developed caves" the caves near Vang Vieng are not improved inside at all. Rarely will their be … [Read more...]
Vang Vieng, Laos – Water Activities
Several tour companies located along the main street in Vang Vieng offer kayaking trips bundled with cave explorations and stops at small villages just north of town. Each tour operator displays a small billboard in front of their shop; these 'signs' are always covered with items such as photos from previous trips and pleased customer comments. Single day trips range in price from $15 to $25 dollars US. Its always a good idea to shop around … [Read more...]
Vang Vieng, Laos – Motorcycles
Several small businesses located in Vang Vieng rent motorbikes. Renting motorcycles is a great way to see the surrounding countryside and small towns near Vang Vieng. Motorcycle rental should be around 6 to 8 US dollars per day. You are responsible for getting gas. Sometimes the gas stations in town (and there are about 3 or 4 stations) run out of gas. I experienced this - fortunately the company I rented from had another family member … [Read more...]
Vang Vieng, Laos – Lodging
There are many guesthouses setup for travelers in Vang Vieng - most reasonably priced. Air conditioning is certainly available in some of the guest homes. The guest homes that we visited are comfortable, safe and clean. Diamond Gold Hotel, formerly Bungalow Thavonsouk is located really close to the Bamboo Footbridge overlooking the Nam Song River. They offer bamboo thatched lodges - essentially small bungalows overlooking the river. There is … [Read more...]