UXO, short for unexploded ordnance and Laos is still littered with it. The Cope Centre is well worth a visit if you are in Vientiane, a small museum that focuses on the ongoing clearance of UXO, the education to prevent further explosions and the rehabilitation of adults and children who have lost limbs. Laos is the most bombed country in the world per capita, in … Continue reading Laos and UXO
The train from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng was a world away from the battered minibuses that our Laos journeys have been synonymous with. Organised, on time to the minute and comfortable. What we get to see of the countryside is stunning,but much of the one hour journey is spent in tunnels that have been carved through mountains… Vang Vieng is heaven for adrenaline junkies … Continue reading Vang Vieng
Okay, there were more than two we visited today but we feel that this pair deserve a mention, well worth a look if your time in Luang Prabang permits. Wat That Luang was the cremation site for Laos royalty up until 1975. Built on a low hill in 1817, close to the banks of the Mekong. If you are imagining grandeur then sorry to disappoint, … Continue reading Two more temples…
We stumbled across our first Laos almsgiving ceremony in Pak Beng. Sat having an early breakfast before boarding the slow boat as the monks came down the street. The lady from the restaurant gave them an offering and in return the monks chanted a blessing back. Roll on a week and Luang Prabang – a UNESCO World Heritage City that is famous for the ceremony. … Continue reading Almsgiving…
Our return from Nong Khiaw was less fraught, a local bus and a view out of the front window screen. The roads are horrendous, a trace of tarmac along the centre strip and bare hardcore either side of that. Drivers heading in both directions vie for the smoothest ride, no doubt to protect their precious van and income as much as the backs of their … Continue reading Luang Prabang, take two…
It sounds like everyone on the bus has been promised an earlier pick up – maybe Laos works to a different clock to the rest of the world? Nevermind, the key thing was that we were finally on our way, just the hour and a half late… Luggage on the roof, and bodies crammed inside we set off on a hair-raising three hour journey. It … Continue reading Nong Khiaw
Our first day is the opportunity for us to get our bearings, tomorrow we take a minibus to Nong Khiaw. We haven’t gone crazy – leaving after a day – on our return we will spend another five days here. We start early, temperatures are set to reach the mid-thirties by this afternoon. Our first mission is Phousi Hill, and That Chomsi that sits astride … Continue reading Luang Prabang, literally perfect.
Before starting our two day slowboat journey along the Mekong we had to cross the border over one of the Thai – Laos Friendship Bridges. The bus was uncomfortable and old. No air con, or even fans – leaving the doors open created a cool flow via a wind tunnel. Random drop offs and collection of parcels on route as yellow blossom covered trees, chickens, … Continue reading Magic of the Mekong…
Our last full day in Chiang Rai, in fact our final day for now in Thailand, the Blue Temple – Wat Rong Suea Ten – is a must see. Before we head there we revisit a temple that we briefly looked at on the day we arrived, Wat Ming Muang, unusual as rather than being adorned with dragons and serpents, images of elephants are the … Continue reading Thai temples ticked off…
We start our day early, keen to get to the White Temple, or Wat Rong Khun to give it it’s correct title, before the masses. Walking to catch the bus we are bemused as a young lady is praying to a plucked chicken, that has been pierced with incense sticks, a restaurant owner hoping for a good day perhaps? Boarding a battered old coach at … Continue reading White Temple, Chiang Rai
Lampang, a well kept secret, a hidden gem. Think along the lines of the temples of Chiang Mai but almost having the place to yourself. The older part of the city is along the northern banks of the Wang River, the markets and bustle of the locals going about their business to the south. The pace of life in the old quarter is slow, the … Continue reading Lampang – who knew?
We were only back in Chiang Mai for a single night, with no buses running from Pai to Lampang – needs must. Arriving back at Jimmy and Jeng’s Guesthouse they tell us about the flower festival and light show that is on in the city park. Not quite sure what to expect we make the walk, early enough to see the sun setting as we … Continue reading Chiang Mai Flower Festival
Oldest On the Bus 