Laos in a week

We arrived late afternoon in Vientiane and unfortunately we hadn't had good enough internet anywhere for awhile to book our accommodation, so finding a restaurant with wifi was our first stop. We'd noticed when we made a stop on the journey here that the prices seemed a bit more expensive but we were hoping it was just because we were right at the border... turns out it wasn't. For some reason the accommodation was a lot more expensive as well. There are places within our budget but you seem to get a lot less for your money compared to Vietnam. Anyway, we found a backpackers hostel not too far from the centre that was as basic as they come, and booked it for just 2 nights. The next day we caught a local bus to the Buddha Park, which was quite interesting.

Whilst there we bumped into a couple we had met on the journey from Vietnam, so after chatting to them for awhile and getting an ice-cream we then caught the bus back. The rest of the day was just so hot, we couldn't bare staying out in it, so we decided to squeeze the next sight in the next morning before checking out.

There wasn't that much else to do in the area so we didn't want to waste any more time (or money) hanging around here. We were heading for Luang Prabang but decided to split the journey and spend a couple of days in Vang Vieng. The area is known for activities such as tubing down the river, rock climbing and quad biking but having seriously over spent last week and on the journey to Laos, we needed to spend as little as possible for a while, so just had a chilled couple of days. Although we did have another interesting night trying to get 2 cockroaches out of the room, though it wasn't funny when they started flying at us. The weather was good though and there were some nice walks around the area.

The bus to Luang Prabang took about 6 hours. We took the risk and went for a mini bus, but what a mistake that was. We were the last ones on so got the 2 back seats between 2 other people. There was no air con which we were told there would be and when we did ask one of the other guys to open his window wider for us, as it was roasting at the back of the bus, he simply shrugged and said it was too much on his neck... So frustrating! Also they were the bendiest roads we've been on so far, so it was like being on an old rickety roller coaster for the entire journey. Only plus side - we got to see some pretty amazing views, though I think I would happily of missed them to avoid being squished between a sweaty Sean and a large Chinese guy for 6 hours.

It was a nice relief when we got here. Again we'd had to spend a couple of pound more on accommodation but it was much better than the last 2 places. We got drinks and fruit when we arrived, the host gave us maps with all the sights on, and we had a balcony overlooking the main street. It was Thursday at this point and we needed to find a sports bar to watch the football. We thought it would be hard to find a place but turns out there were 2 bars near us and when we found it the place was packed with English and Welsh fans. It was good to see everyone uniting for the game. Turned out not the most fun night for Alex though.

The next day we explored the local sights. First on the list was Phu Si, which was a gold monument and temple at the top of a hill.

Next we strolled across to the palace museum though we probably should have planned the day better as we got there in the 2 hours of the day when it was shut. Oops.

Finally on the list was Wat Xieng Thong, Luang Prabang's most well known Buddhist Temple. It was very impressive but as we always knew, once you've seen a few temples, you've pretty much seen them all. We actually didn't even pay for both of us to go in this one, as it just didn't seem worth it for the 10 minutes it takes to go around.

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When seans alone with the camera.

2 minutes up the road from our hotel is where the night market starts, going all the way along the Main Street of town. Though we don't necessarily buy anything at the markets it's a really nice atmosphere just walking around, so we've been going there pretty much every night.

We had an early start the next day. Every morning, between 5 and 6, the monks in the area walk in procession around the streets and take offerings of food and gifts from the locals, known as the Alms giving ceremony. We managed to get a few pictures before we jumped back into bed for a couple of hours.

Today we had planned on going to Kuang Si waterfall with a couple we had met whilst we were watching the football, but when we got up it was absolutely pouring with rain and didn't look to be letting up, so we've rearranged for tomorrow.

This week seems to have flown. Between travelling, sight seeing, and having the poorest internet ever, we just haven't had chance to do the blog any sooner. It's nice experiencing another country, though from staying in Vietnam for so long it takes a bit of adjusting to again. We definitely appreciate how cheap it was compared to here but we're actually planning on moving on to Cambodia within the couple of days anyway which we're both looking forward to.

:)