I am embarking on my first ever taxi ride in Vietnam and although the hotel called the taxi, panic was simmering below the surface. When the driver starts asking questions that I don’t understand, I thrust the piece of paper with the hydrofoil ferry address on it at him, hoping that he’s asking for the…
Stepping up the Pace
Right, so back on the solo travel path and I’m heading back to one of the first cities I ever visited. I wanted to come back here for a few reasons. One was because I’d only spent a day or two here last time on a group tour and didn’t feel confident enough to go…
The End of the Mekong
I get up early today to check out Vientiane in the cool of the day. But it doesn’t go to plan. Number 1 because even in the morning, it is still super hot and Number 2 because the That Luang Festival was held last night, so the streets of Vientiane are very quiet, with most…
Lima Site 27 and a Tragic Legacy
Local food is a much better way to go when you are travelling, so this morning I pop around to one of the streetside stalls – a much different set up than then Luang Prabang Bakery with it’s open-sided shed configuration – to order a local bread roll, freshly made. A million times nicer than…
Snack Attack
Today I want to wander around town and chill for a bit. Some of the others are heading out cycling and cave exploring, but my stomach isn’t feeling so great. I’m not sure if its because of the late night snack we had on the way home, but if so, it was worth it cause…
On the Road to Vang Vieng
What does today have in store for us? Well, we’ll be spending most of it on the minibus, travelling from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng. Vang Vieng used to be known as a real party town, overrun by hoardes of tourists tubing, drugging and drinking their way along Vang Vieng’s waterways. There were the inevitable…
Local in Luang
This morning Sar is taking us to see the alms giving. Several of us are concerned about this because we’ve heard it’s not really the thing to do and that preferably tourists should really remain out of the way of such ceremonies. He assures us we are going somewhere quieter on the trail, however when…
Tuk Tuk me to Kuang Si
The weather isn’t at its best for exploring today. Light sprinkles of rain interrupt throughout the day and annoyingly the wet sand on the footpaths flicks up the back of my legs while walking. These jeans will need a wash – and not the kind provided by rain. Luang Prabang is a pretty little place….
Day 2 on the Mekong
About the only places open this morningare the bakeries lining the main road of Pakbeng. Each counter is attended by small groups of tourists stocking up on breakfast and snacks for the next part of their journey down the Mekong. The smell of breads and pastries mixes with the smell of meat roasting along the…
Day 1 on the Mekong
Hannah and I rise early to catch the sunrise. There are too many clouds for it to be spectacular but the serene calmness of the town before its inhabitants awake is priceless. The air is still apart from the crowing of roosters. The mountains on the Lao side of the Khong River are shrouded…
Sar’s Surprise
Today we leave Chiang Mai early for a long day on the road to Chiang Khong. Chiang Khong is a border town between Thailand and Laos and is where we will begin our two day cruise down the Mekong River. I’m a little nervous about what to expect, not being a fan of boats, but…