Travel to Laos - Day 3

Date of travel : 26 Feb to 1 Mar 2011

While walking the streets, I was amazed to find that the caretaker for the public toilets stay right next to the toilet!

We took bus no.14 (inform the driver that you are headed to Buddha Park so that he can let you off accordingly) from the Talat Sao morning market and headed to Buddha Park, approx 24km away. The bus journey took about 50 mins with a major stop at the Friendship Bridge that one may cross over to Thailand. (To return you just cross over to the other side of the road) The park is littered with religious sculptures and was built in 1958.

The pumpkin shaped monument - has 3 levels and it represents heaven, hell and earth. One may enter the opening through the mouth of the demon head and climb the staircase from hell to heaven for a bird's eye view of the park

We climbed the stairs!

View from the top of the stairs

Nam Phou Fountain (but no water)

Can you see the cableman? Troubleshooting is a tough job!

Nightfall by the river

Hand woven silk - a lot of work! and requires lots of patience..

I must trek when I return to Laos next... the country is still rich with greenery and must return during the wet season to visit the waterfalls............

Travel to Laos - Day 2

Date of travel : 26 Feb to 1 Mar 2011


Looked around for accomodation for the next two nights and walked the streets of Vientiane. Finally found this place... lovely and clean at affordable price.

Accomodation at Mixay Paradise, 02 Unit 01 Francois Ngin Road, Chanthabury District. Contact : +85621254223 or + 85621254224 Email : laomixayparadise@yahoo.com
These are the prices of the Guesthouse

The little details! The towels are arranged this way on the bed

Exterior of the guesthouse

We got the last room! They were full for the night and the next night.... so be sure to book early if you are heading to this place. After settling the accomodation for the night, we headed out again and visited some places of interest.

We saw this place while we were wandering around the streets... this is called the Black Stupa or That Dam which the locals believe that this structure was once inhabited by a seven headed dragon that protected the city from the threat of the Siamese.

Its in the middle of the city and its used as a "roundabout" - at the cross road of Chanta Khoumane and Bartolini Road

We took the "tuk tuk" to That Luang and Patuxai (Victory Gate or Gate of Triumph) costed Kip 40,000 for two of us (return) - one needs to bargain for this price

Patuxai - Built between 1962 and 1968 it marks the respect for all those who fought in the struggle for independence from the French. It bears the resemblance to Arc de Triomphe, boasts of 4 archways and one can climb up for a city view from the top at a fee. At night, the fountain plays a synchronized performance of music and light

The interior of the arch

That Luang - A symbol of Lao's nationhood and the country's most sacred Buddhist monument. Its situated 2 km east of Patuxai and it is closed on Mondays. The opening hours are 8am to 12noon and 1pm to 4pm

The contrast of the gold against the blue skies - absolutely worth a visit!

At the entrance of That Luang there is a man who sells coconut ice cream - its a "to die for" and "must try"
We had 2 helpings!

In the evening we took a walk by Mekong river

The pathway - hardened and dried up..... as this is dry season!

Mekong river.... with "not so good" camera..

Travel to Laos - Day 1

Date of travel : 26 Feb to 1 Mar 2011

This is my first time to Laos, was told that it's an undeveloped country but I was greeted with a surprise that there are a lot of Mat Salleh tourists! (Asian tourists are far and few in between)  The streets are dusty and there is a layer of smog in the air which makes my lungs work harder than usual! Its a laid back holiday for me, no trekking this time and enjoy the city for once!
Exch rate : USD 1 = Kip 8000 / RM 1 = Kip 2600
Can change at the airport or in town, all the rates are almost the same.
Kip is the main currency but USD and Thai Baht is also widely accepted even by the street vendors
This is a "must have" map when you are touring the city of Vientiane http://www.sinisini.com/laos/map/images/map_vientiane.jpg

Day 1 - Transfer from airport arranged with the hotel for USD 7

Accomodation at Hotel Khamvongsa, Khun Bulom Road, Ban Vat Chan, Vientiane. Tel + 85621 218415 or +85621 223257 Email : hotel.khamvongsa@gmail.com www.hotelkhamvongsa.com

Wat Inpeng which is just opposite the hotel... look at the details of the entrance!

Trying out the local street food

Yummy food wrapped in 3 types of vegetables! Thumbs up! (Kip 5000)

We just walked around the shops for the day and hit the streets again for food, eager to try the local food

We tried the grilled fish (Kip 35000) by Mekong River and downed it with Lao Beer (Kip 10000) (yummy!)

The streets are made comfy for customers to have their meals