The Land of a Thousand Elephants
It’s one of the world’s few remaining communist states and one of east Asia’s poorest countries. Apparently there are 51 airports but only 9 are paved!
view travelling through the passes
The border crossing out of China was much easier than trying to get into the country. The Canadians (us) were surprised at the cost of Laos visas compared to the rest on the truck. Wonder what we charge Laos or what we did wrong!!!?
As we drove through the fields on first entering Laos we noticed they weren’t as organized or as neatly maintained as China – but everything was still very lush and green.
One of our couples had decided to leave us in Laos and continue their honeymoon on their own - we wish them the very best and to have a great time exploring their way to New Zealand and which they hope will be their new home.
limestone cliffs makes for many caves
housing seen along the road
In the first city Luang Nam Tha – it was all outdoor things to do as the city – town was very small. We ended up renting a motorbike for the day and toured as many back roads as we could get to.
Then found a perfect little restaurant overlooking the rice paddies for lunch where the beerlao was cold! (many of the restaurants serve it warm – yuk!!) We even managed to find a waterfall but it lost its appeal with all the garbage at the bottom. The motorbike provided a nice breeze as it remains very hot and humid. The chin is sweating regularly – guess I’m not a lady after all! We rented the motorbike for 50,000 kip +/- $6 US a day. Had so much fun did it again the next day.
Then found a perfect little restaurant overlooking the rice paddies for lunch where the beerlao was cold! (many of the restaurants serve it warm – yuk!!) We even managed to find a waterfall but it lost its appeal with all the garbage at the bottom. The motorbike provided a nice breeze as it remains very hot and humid. The chin is sweating regularly – guess I’m not a lady after all! We rented the motorbike for 50,000 kip +/- $6 US a day. Had so much fun did it again the next day.
Russell ditched me before the creek
Russell and I decided to have muesli for breakfast in our hotel room one morning. Imagine our surprise when the yogurt was vegetable yogurt with corn, beans and other assortment. It still tasted good, just a little weird!!
Next we took a narrow boat down the river to Luang Prabang.
The Khan river we started out on joins the Mekong River which flows past this city and Vientiane. This is an Unesco World Heritage Site. We enjoyed the boat ride for approx 6 hours just cruising down the river rather than travelling by truck that day. We are surprised at the way some things are done quite differently here – many businesses are family run – meaning the whole family is at the restaurant, grandparents, parents and all the kids and other siblings. Everyone looks after everyone and it’s amazing how smooth it all works out. Can’t say you hear the kids crying or acting up. Feeding the little toddlers is a riot as I haven’t seen a highchair yet and everyone tries to catch an open mouth as the kids are playing. There isn’t a mountain of toys anywhere for entertainment either. As we floated down the river the kids were merrily jumping off the bank without a parent or older sibling nearby ( the river was flowing very quickly). We would have had life jackets on our kids and at least one or more adults to look after 6 or more kids – at least maybe more. We wouldn’t have wanted to swim in the river, it’s wet but all the garbage we see floating down, it says to us, stay dry and safe from excrement that it contains. As we drove along the highways 2 and 3 year old playing on the side of the road!! But everyone seems quite happy and all have a smile and a friendly wave for you.
In Luang Prabang we were very surprised to see all the backpackers from around the world touring through the city. We haven’t seen very many tourists for a while so it felt kind of strange. Friends of our daughter and son-in-law have started a coffee shop called JoMa Bakery cafe here and have branched out to a few more cities. Jeff Spohr (also originally from Cranbrook) has also joined the team and we met up with him – to catch up and have a natter. The Harder’s, Jocelyn and Mike have been out here around 8 years and Jeff the last 3. We wish them all the very best with this venture and can tell you the chocolate-banana shake and carrot cake is the best. A little bit of Canada while travelling. From what we could see, it seems very popular with the travelers and locals having a coffee and using the internet while the A/C keeps everyone comfortable or maybe it was the leather chairs!!
looking down from the bridge outside the hotel
the river boats waiting for us to go down the river
entrance to the caves that they used during the silent war
had spots labelled for communication - ammunitions
Sandra on the balcony - just needs a book and glass of cyder
In Luang Prabang we were very surprised to see all the backpackers from around the world touring through the city. We haven’t seen very many tourists for a while so it felt kind of strange. Friends of our daughter and son-in-law have started a coffee shop called JoMa Bakery cafe here and have branched out to a few more cities. Jeff Spohr (also originally from Cranbrook) has also joined the team and we met up with him – to catch up and have a natter. The Harder’s, Jocelyn and Mike have been out here around 8 years and Jeff the last 3. We wish them all the very best with this venture and can tell you the chocolate-banana shake and carrot cake is the best. A little bit of Canada while travelling. From what we could see, it seems very popular with the travelers and locals having a coffee and using the internet while the A/C keeps everyone comfortable or maybe it was the leather chairs!!
JoMa coffee shop
There are also many night markets here that have everything – the Laos food is great and very tasty. We also had one night out over the waterfront to celebrate the engagement of Zoe and Susan (fellow travelers). Had a lot of fun and wish them a long life together!!! Congratulations!!!
Laos is known for the elephant reserves and there are many places where you can have a tour, go for a ride or help wash the elephants. Found many places to see the water falls as well. We actually spent a day getting organized to send all our winter and camping gear home when we should have been out gallivanting. Russell was impressed as the postal service charged us $280 – compared with China because they wouldn’t let us send used clothing home as it was a health issue – even if it was our own clothing and going out of their country not into it. Go figure ey! But we didn’t realize when we got to Vientiane (the capital) there wouldn’t be a lot to do down here. Should have read up better!!
tubing down the river - lots of booze and mj if wanted - looks like she might be in a spot of bother
Next we hit a National Reserve area on our way to Vietnam but as we believe we won’t be able to use blogspot we will send the blog on Laos now instead of after our 2 weeks in Vietnam. Till next one, travel safe and a lot lighter right!!
a dog's life guarding the restaurant
