Travel in Laos from the borders of Thailand to lesser known Southern cities in South. New Tourism, Culture, Lifestyle and Boutique Travel. Independent Guide to Travel in Laos.
The journey to Vang Vieng was easier than anticipated and, while we did choose the wrong mode of transport, it wasn’t so much the bumpy dirt track which we had expected. The road these days is now well trodden and comfortable, but this doesn’t take from that first moment of relief when we arrive to …
Most tourists would only glimpse this sandwich shop on passing as they follow TripAdvisor or their Lonely Planet guides to the Lao Kitchen or Noy’s Fruit Heaven further down the line. Very few would ever call in. It’s tatty exterior just not overly inviting for the casual passerby. It’s just too rough and ready, it’s …
A quick guide to our favourite destinations in our Southeast Asia Travel Blog (we will update as we go along). This list follows our own interests and highlights our own style in travel. We travel independently as a couple, we generally avoid tourist and backpacker trails and we love to get lost in big cities although we do …
Making my way down Lane Xang Avenue towards the Vientiane Riverside I begin at the Presidential Palace – a handy marker for the start of the riverside stretch. I follow a lightly lit side street to find busy riverside parks and a long stretching promenade. I start at the presiding Chao Anouvong Statue which towers over …
As an independent traveller there were only three realistic options for a Vientiane City tour. Quickly learn public transport, Pay for a private driver or Join a tour group. With limited time, budget and of course off centre locations I was forced to my least favourite option… the tour group booked through my hotel ($20). Fortunately it did …
If visiting Laos you are likely to arrive from neighbouring borders, Vietnam on the East or Thailand on the West. Two countries which influence Lao food in a big way. In fact most of Lao food staples are similar or the same as that of their neighbours. Influences of Lanna Food (Northern Thailand), Isaan Food (North East Thailand) and Vietnamese …
On my first visit to Laos, Vientiane I stumble on a group of kids in the grounds of That Luang Temple who were playing a game similar to French Petanque (or les Boules). A simple game traditionally played on a stretch of gravel as players throw metal balls at a small wooden ball or jack. …
There are two overland travel options from Pakse to Bangkok. Train or bus. While a stopover in Ubon Ratchathani or Isaan (Eastern Thailand) is recommended – with time constraints I am forced to rush past. I take the cheapest and quickest route – the night bus from Pakse to Bangkok. While sleeper trains are the more comfortable …
This is in no way an attempt to boost my credentials as a backpacker. This journey was just pure bad luck. Travelling from Savannakhet to Pakse was easily one of the hardest stretches I’ve done on the road. The only journey I can think worse was 8 hours on a local bus in Sri Lanka. …
Mornings in Savannakhet are the best part of the day. Sunrise in Laos not to be missed. Beautiful views and streets teaming with a unique local life. People are more active in the early hours before the sun begins its scorching. The Mekong River sits still, joggers line the perimeter and motorbikes and tuk-tuks buzz …