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…
A minibus fare of 150 Thai Baht and 762 sweeping curves are all that separates Chiang Mai from our next destination, Pai. To cover the eighty mile journey will take a little over three hours, strap in and hold tight. Our departure is on time, or as near as, which was a pleasant surprise. The 8:30 a.m. departure had never rolled into the station until … Continue reading The long and winding road…
Oldest On the Bus 