Peaceful Sunset at the 4000 Islands of Laos

Though I wasn’t crazy for everything about the 4000 Islands of Laos (the crowds of backpackers and the party atmosphere, among other things), the evening sunsets over the peaceful river were spectacular!

Photo Favorite: Peaceful Sunset at the 4000 Islands of Laos is a post from: Cultural Travel and Street Food Around the World | Migrationology

Wat Phou, Laos

After spending a few days at the wonderfully relaxing 4000 Islands area of Laos, I headed a few hours north to the sleepy town of Champasak in order to visit the temple complex of Wat Phou.

My favorite thing about the temple was the elaborate detailed reliefs carved deep into the stones of the temple. This particular lintel (above) really caught my attention. If you have a chance to visit Laos, I’d highly recommend checking out Wat Phou.

Photo Favorite: Detailed Stone Carving at Wat Phou Temple in Laos is a post from: Cultural Travel and Street Food Around the World | Migrationology

Collecting Alms

Location: Luang Prabang, Laos

In Theravada Buddhism, monks collect daily alms of food. In the early morning they set off walking barefoot around town to collect food in their large bowls.

People stand by the side of the street and place food in the monk’s bowls as a way to make merit.

This photo was taken in Luang Prabang, Laos, at about 7 am when the monks were out on a cloudy morning.

Photo Favorite: Morning Alms Collection by Buddhist Monks is a post from: Cultural Travel and Street Food Around the World | Migrationology

The town is positioned directly on the banks of the Mekong River and only 10 km from the UNESCO world heritage temples of Wat Phou (also spelled Vat Phu or Wat Phu).

Wat Phou Temple in Laos

I left my Guest House right at around 7:30 am by bicycle and arrived at the quiet Wat Phou complex at 8 am. There was only 1 other person there when I arrived (unlike the 30,000 others at Angkor Wat in Cambodia).

The Wat Phou Hindu temple complex is located on the side of a symbolic sacred mountainside called Phu Kao, overlooking an ancient city that was previously built on the Mekong plain below. The complex dates to the 5th and 6th centuries AD, and is dedicated to the Hindu deity of Shiva.

At the top of the temple is a freshwater spring that flows from the rock, one of the reasons the temple was built and stood strong from before the main Angkorian period of Khmer rule.

Stone Carving at Wat Phou

There was a mystical feeling while walking through Wat Phou, the feeling of entering the gates of an ancient force, a powerful kingdom in its time. It actually reminded me of visiting Prambanan temple in Indonesia, except this was much more peaceful and in an overall more beautiful setting.

The bottom level of the compound was set up with 2 different palace structures, a left and right building with a stone walkway through the center. Though the condition of these 2 structures was not great, the detail of the the surviving stones was incredible.

I continued up the trail, hiking up a few flights of stone stairs and reaching the temple sanctuary on the final terrace.

Staircase at Wat Phou, Laos

Plumeria trees were sprouting everywhere, finding ways to grow their roots over impenetrable stones to hold on for dear life.

Plumeria Flowers on the Steps of Wat Phou

At the top of the hill was the main temple attraction of Wat Phou, a scenic building of crumbling blocks and elaborate reliefs carved deep into the stone walls. Posts and lintels were utilized in the construction of the temple.

Wat Phou Sanctuary on the Top Terrace

The most impressive part of visiting Wat Phou were the carvings, cut deep into the stone. This particular lintel (below), hovering over the top of a doorway, was breathtaking, a true masterpiece of intricate craftsmanship.

Detailed Lintel at Wat Phou

Deep Carving at Wat Phou

At the back of the Wat Phou temple sanctuary was an active shrine.

Wat Phou Shrine

Surrounding the sanctuary temple on the top level terrace of Wat Phou, was a natural scatter of giant boulders with a variety of statues carved straight into the walls of the rock.

Stone Statues at Wat Phou

Mango trees were in abundance around the entire Wat Phou compound; I literally sat in the stillness, listening as mangoes would naturally fall to the ground and then swoop in like a vulture and scoop them up for a treat.

They were small but packed full of vibrant organic mango-ness!

Mangoes at Wat Phou

A few hours later, a number of tour groups did arrive, but not near the tourism potential.

One of the undeniable reasons Wat Phou was so beautiful was due to the lack of others enjoying the sight, making it quiet and naturally serene.

Wat Phou is a tourist attraction where it’s still possible to sit in silence and enjoy the ancient wonder in peace.

Going Down the Stairs

Vat Phu Monument Entrance

Wat Phou Entrance Information

Entrance cost: 30,000 kip per person
Open Hours: 8 am – 4:30 pm

How long do you need to see Wat Phou? I was there for about 4 hours, but anywhere from 2 – 6 hours should suffice.

For more information on visiting Champasak, be sure to click here.

Visiting Wat Phou (Ancient Temple Complex) in Champasak, Laos is a post from: Cultural Travel and Street Food Around the World | Migrationology

Main Street in Champasak, Laos

Champasak, Laos, is the type of place where a tourist can take a vacation from traveling.

In contrast to other parts of Laos such as Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, or the 4000 Islands that at times get a bit overrun with gap year backpackers, Champasak is a quiet retreat.

Even though there is a constant flow of electricity that powers Champasak, the entire life of the town is dictated by the sun (as it should be); People wake up at sunrise and shut down when the sun light disappears for the night.

Searching for nightlife? Think again.

Champasak is located on the banks of the Mekong River, a section where the sheer wideness of the river sparks enough emotion to gasp.

Wideness of the Mekong River

The main reason why the select few visitors choose to get off that main Southeast Asian tourist trail trap and stop in Champasak is because of the UNESCO World Heritage temple complex of Wat Phou, located just 10 km away from the city.

Wat Phou in Champasak, Laos

As evening rolls in, bringing forth a comfortable breeze of fresh air, there’s no better activity than taking an easy stroll through town. The sunset degree of light reveals an almost new dimension of the already admirable French colonial buildings.

French Colonial Building in Champasak, Laos

Champasak, Laos

What to do in Champasak

Wat Phou

The single handed draw that pulls a few tourists to Champasak is the UNESCO world heritage temple complex of Wat Phou.

The temple, which actually pre-dates those of Angkor Wat in Cambodia, is set against a remarkable natural mountain landscape and is structured in terraces up the hillside.

The stone carved posts, lintels, statues and the quiet environment are what make Wat Phou an amazing temple to visit. You can see more pictures and read all about my visit to Wat Phou right here.

Around Town

The overall town of Champasak is very small, it can be fully explored by foot or even better by a leisure bicycle ride. There are a number of incredibly preserved French colonial buildings, a few gift shops, some modern temples, and a couple of restaurants.

Relaxation

The country of Laos was designed to be relaxing, and Champasak is no different. The wide expanse of the Mekong River makes a perfect setting for a river swim, or a great place just to relax on a patio, read a book and take it easy.

How to get to Champasak

Most travelers get to Champasak either from the city of Pakse, just 30 minutes away, or from across the border in Thailand.

• From Pakse: It’s easy to catch a songthaew (back of the truck public vehicle) from the main market in Pakse direct to Champasak. Songthaews leave from Pakse as soon as they are full, and cost 20,000 Kip ($2.49) per person.

• From the 4000 Islands: Don Khong, Don Det, and Don Khon all have tourist oriented travel agencies that can easily arrange transportation directly to Champasak, via boat and bus. The cost is usually 50,000 – 60,000 Kip ($6.22 – $7.46) each way.

• From Thailand (Ubon Ratchathani): The easiest way to get from Thailand to Champasak is to take the border bus from Ubon Ratchathani to Pakse and then take a songthaew from Pakse to Champasak.

I traveled to Campasak from the 4000 Islands of Laos area, and I paid 50,000 Kip for a ticket from Don Det Island to a location across the Mekong River from Champasak. I then had to pay a local boatman 10,000 Kip for a ride across the river to the town of Champasak.

Vongpaseud Guest House, Champasak, Laos

Where to Stay in Champasak

One of the coolest budget places to stay in all of Champasak is Vongpaseud Guest House, located right in the city center with a splendid view of the Mekong River.

The owner is possibly the most jolly man in all of Laos, laughing after every sentence he speaks. The rooms are old but clean and cost 30,000 Kip ($3.73) for double room with a fan. The food is quite good and the prices are decent by Laos standards.

I don’t think there’s even a need to have an official address in Champasak, but here is their telephone number if needed: 031920038.

Vongpaseud GH also offers bicycle rentals for 10,000 Kip ($1.24) per day and motorcycle rental for 100,000 Kip per day. If you are up for biking to Wat Phou, it’s only about 10 km and takes around 30 minutes.

Conclusion

As tourism grows and the backpacker route through Laos develops, there’s no telling how many years Wat Phou and Champasak will remain serene and off the main backpacker checklist.

At the moment it’s the setting, the atmosphere and the fact that very few tourists visit the area that gives Champasak such a special feeling as an unspoiled travelers retreat.

Champasak, Laos – An Unspoiled Travel Retreat is a post from: Cultural Travel and Street Food Around the World | Migrationology

4000 Islands Laos Map (Si Phan Don)

The 4000 islands are a part of Laos where life seems to go by without even knowing it. The peacefulness of the atmosphere and the calmness of the people, injects a virus that lures one into relaxation and a lack of desire to do anything productive. The sleepy islands make a perfect getaway from the sleepless noisy and chaotic cities of SE Asia.

Important Information

• Money: There are no ATM’s on the 4000 islands and guest houses exchange money for horrendous rates. To avoid losing money, bring enough Laos Kip with you to last for the duration of your stay on the 4000 Islands (Si Phan Don). 1 USD is about 8010 LAK (Kip)
• Internet: Internet is available at a few locations on the island, but is very pricey: 400 Kip ($0.05) per minute – Wow!

About Don Det Island

Don Det is the most popular and most lively island in the river archipelago. If typical backpackers come to the 4000 islands, this is their preferred island. If you are searching for bungalows overlooking the Mekong and a place to soak up the sun with a frenzy of other gap-year backpackers, you might love Don Det.

View from Don Det Island

Places to Stay on Don Det

There are loads of guest houses and bungalows all over the entire island.

Mama Tanon Cafe and Guest House: 40,000 Kip ($5) for room with bathroom inside, great view of the river

Paradise Bungalows: 30,000 Kip ($3.75) for a bungalow overlooking the river

Paradise Bungalows, Don Det, Laos

Restaurants around the island are priced and cooked according to tourists. In my opinion, the food wasn’t great, but maybe if you like Western food there are some good options. Expect to pay 20,000 Kip ($2.50) or more for a decent meal.

Papaya Salad on Don Det

Things to Do on Don Det Island

Actually there’s not much to do on Don Det island apart from chilling out:

• Lay in a hammock all day
• Walk around slowly
• Ride a bicycle around slowly
• Enjoy living
• Go to Don Khon
• Kayaking Experience: Go out for the day on a Kayak tour, cost is from 150,000 to 200,000 Kip ($18.73 – $25.00) per person.

I’ll just say this straight, you don’t really need to have anything to do (nor do you want to have anything to do) while staying on the island of Don Det!

Island Path, Don Det

Bridge From Don Det to Don Khon Island

Bridge between Don Det and Don Khon

About Don Khon Island

If you want to get away from the main drag of stereotypical backpackers, don’t even bother with Don Det, but take the walk straight over to the less tourism-in-your-face Don Khon island. The bridge to Don Khon is about a 4 km walk from the main drop-off of Don Det.

In my opinion, Don Khon is much more appealing than Don Det, as there is less action taking place and a crowd that is there more to enjoy the serenity, than party it away.

Relaxing on Don Khone Island

Note: If your boat drops you off at the main part of Don Det island, it’s about a 4 km walk (beautiful walk) to the strip of accommodation on Don Khon island.

Many travelers opt to bicycle over from Don Det for the day and are charged 20,000 Kip ($2.50) upon crossing the bridge (Note: If you want to stay on Don Khon, you can avoid the 20,000 Kip entrance fee).

Things to Do on Don Khon Island:

• Tat Somphamit Waterfall: A pleasant waterfall where you can do some hiking around
• Swimming beach: Just a small beach where you can take a dip, just past the Tat Somphamit waterfall
• Visit the Temple: Located just before the Tat Somphamit Waterfall
• Freshwater Irrawaddy Dolphins: The Southern tip of the island of Don Khon is famous for it’s freshwater Irrawaddy Dolphins. There’s a better chance to see the dolphins from a boat in the water (20,000 Kip per person ($2.50)), but there’s still a possibility to see them from the edge of the island. There are all kinds of tours available as well.

Tat Somphamit waterfall

Where to Stay on Don Khon Island

Pan’s Guest House: Nice double rooms for 30,000 Kip ($3.75) per night

Phon Vilay Guest House: Close to the temple on Don Khon, there are bungalows overlooking the river for 30,000 Kip ($3.75), bathroom en-suite

Kham Pheng Guest House: Another decent guest house with similar rates

Sala Done Khon Hotel: Offers maybe the fanciest accommodation on the surrounding islands. There very nice floating rooms that go for $50 per night.

On the Road, Don Khon Hotels

How to Get Off Of the 4000 Islands and to a Destination of Your Choice

There are many tour agencies that offer relatively the same prices to all sorts of destinations from Don Det and Don Khon. The closest city that most people head to is Pakse, Laos, costs 60,000 – 70,000 Kip ($7.50 – $8.74), including boat to Ban Nakasong and tourist oriented bus to Pakse.

Tour agencies can get transportation to all kinds of destinations in the area, better ask for details if you are looking at one of the longer routes.

1 USD = 8010 LAK (Kip)

Getting off of the 4000 Islands (Si Phan Don)

Go to Part 1 for Information on How to Get to the 4000 Islands and Don Khong Island!

Guide to the 4000 Islands of Laos: Don Det and Don Khon (Part 2) is a post from: Cultural Travel and Street Food Around the World | Migrationology

4000 Islands Laos Map (Si Phan Don)

There seems to be some confusion about traveling to the Southern portion of the country of Laos, an area known as the 4000 Islands (Si Phan Don) in the Champasak Region of the country. The name is derived from the mega Mekong River that spreads itself out, choosing hundreds of routes and forming a vast area of river islands, possibly 4000 of them (Si Phan Don means 4000 Islands in Laos)!

From the assortment of information scattered on the web, I was slightly confused myself, so I decided to check things out and relay on the information as clear as possible.

There are 3 main tourist islands to visit within the 4000 islands: Don Khong, Don Det, and Don Khon (I know it’s a bit confusing).

Sunset from Don Khon Island

Don Det and Don Khon are like sister islands (see map above), connected by a decent sized motorbike and foot bridge. Get to Don Det, and it’s not hard to WALK to Don Khon.

Important Information

• Money: There are NO ATM’s on the islands, guest houses do offer money exchange but at horrible rates. To avoid unnessecary expenses carry enough Laos Kip with you to last for your entire stay on the 4000 Islands (Si Phan Don). 1 USD is about 8010 LAK (Kip)
• Internet: There is internet available at the absurd cost of 400 Kip ($0.05) per minute!

How to get to the 4000 Islands (Si Phan Don)

It depends on what island your destination is, but it’s often most practical to start from Pakse, the largest Southernmost town of Laos. Pakse is easily accessible by bus from other parts of the country as well as from Thailand.

I personally took a bus from Savannakhet, Laos (after getting a Thai visa in Savannakhet) all the way to Muong Khong Town (on the island of Don Khong).

Once you are in Pakse, there are options to take transportation to the small town of Muong Khong Town (island of Don Khong) or to Ban Nakasong Town (entrance town to Don Det and Don Khon islands).

There are 2 Ways to Get from Pakse to the 4000 Islands

• Tourist Bus: The tourist bus leaves Pakse in the morning hours (8 am, 9am,) and heads down to Don Khong and Don Det, the price is around 60,000 Kip ($7.49) from most tour agencies. It includes a bus and boat combination in the same ticket, and there shouldn’t be any complications.
• Local Transportation: If you want to take the more local adventurous route, or if you need to depart in the afternoon (tourist buses only leave in the morning), the option is to take the local songthaew (pickup truck) to either Muong Khong Town or Ban Nakasong Town. The trip takes about 3 hours and costs 35,000 Kip ($4.37). After arriving in Ban Nakasong one must hire a boat for 15,000 Kip ($1.87) to get to Don Det island (the truck will cross the ferry to go to Don Khong – Muong Khong).

Songthaew Station in Pakse, Laos

About Don Khong Island

The island usually attracts an older, less party happy crowd of tourists. Despite the 10 or so guest houses on the island, there were only a handful of others when I visited (very nice!). Don Khong island is the biggest of the 4000 islands yet still remains sleepy, laid back, and extremely friendly.

Don Khong Island, Southern Laos

The size of the island makes it easier to get off the normal route of all travelers, cruise around on a rented motorbike and discover hidden coves or ancient rice farms. The main strip of guest houses is pleasant, extremely quiet, and also offers scenic restaurants overlooking the Mekong River.

Mekong River View from Don Khong Island

Places to Stay on Don Khong Island

1. Souk Sabay Guest House
I stayed at Souk Sabay Guest House, a decent clean place to stay with a river view dining area.

• Double room with air-con: 50,000 Kip ($6.24)
• Double room with fan: 30,000 Kip ($3.75)

The guest house also offers a small store, a restaurant, and a motorcycle rental. They can easily help you arrange transportation for your next destination.

Souk Sabay Guest House, Don Khong, Laos

2. Pon’s River Guest House
Located right next to the Souk Sabay Guest House, it offers nearly the same accommodation options and prices but offers more help in the tour planning area. You can check out there website.

3. Don Khong Guest House
Has some of the most complete information on traveling around the 4000 islands and is also the jump off for taking a boat to Don Det.

Things to do around Don Khong Island

• Rent a Motorcycle and Cruise Around the Island (about a 45 km drive): 50,000 – 60,000 Kip ($6.24 – $7.49) per day for a motorcycle + 20,000 Kip ($2.50) of petrol
• Rent a Bicycle: 10,000 Kip ($1.25) for the day (it can get quite hot during the day, so it’s best to just bike near and around the town)
• Morning Market: The 6 am morning fresh market of Don Khong brings the island together with a small scale bustle of food necessities. There are a number of stands that sell fantastic street style meals, including a lady that sells magnificent fresh Laotian spring rolls.
• RELAX: By far the most widely accepted thing to do on the 4000 islands!

Rice Field on Don Khong Island, Laos

How to Get from Don Khong to Don Det and Don Khone

If you want to visit Don Khong Island first on your 4000 Islands itinerary, and then see the other 2 islands, there are 2 main ways to get from Muong Khong (Don Khong island) to Don Det and Don Khon:

On a Boat

1. Direct Boat: the boat takes about 1.5 hours and the cost is 40,000 Kip ($5.00), usually leaves at around 8 – 9 am (depending on amount of people) from the front of Don Khong Guest House. All the tour groups sort of just pool together wherever you purchase your ticket.

2. Take a small boat across the river to mainland (15,000 Kip ($1.87)), take a songthaew (pickup truck) down stream to Ban Nakasong Town (see map). Once in Ban Nakasong, take a small boat on the river to the island drop off point of Don Det (15,000 Kip ($1.87)). If you want to avoid hassle, just take the 40,000 Kip ($5) boat ride down stream.

Continue to Part 2 for Information on Don Det and Don Khon!

Guide to the 4000 Islands of Laos: Don Khong, Don Det, Don Khon (Part 1) is a post from: Cultural Travel and Street Food Around the World | Migrationology

Sunrise on the Mekong River at Savannakhet, Laos

Savannakhet, Laos is located just across the Mekong River from Mukdahan, Thailand. If you are heading to Savannakhet to make a Thai visa run, it’s best to first find your way to Mukdahan.

Buses leave from Bangkok’s Mo Chit Northern bus terminal to Mukdahan:

• Non-air con buses leave throughout the day: around 350 THB, about 12 hours
• VIP buses leave around 8 pm to Mukdahan: cost about 800 THB (confirm everything with bus terminal in Bangkok), about 12 hours

From Mukdahan, Thailand there is a bus service that runs about every hour across the border to Savannakhet, Laos.

Thai Visa Savannakhet

The Thai Embassy in Savannakhet is actually just a Thai Consulate – General, and they give Visas!

How Much Time Does it Take to Get a Thai Visa in Savannakhet:

At the very least you will need 9 am Day 1 – 2 pm Day 2 (29 hours or so). Yes, you will need to spend the night in Savannakhet, Laos (see below).

Step 1

I arrived at the Thai consulate (day 1) at about 8:30 am. The consulate is located right in the center of town, with a Mekong River view. It’s possible to walk to the consulate from just about anywhere in town.

View Thai Consulate – Savannakhet, Laos in a larger map

Step 2

You can get a Thai visa application form right outside the gates of the consulate. There are a number of makeshift stalls that also take visa photos and offer photocopying services.

They charge 20,000 Kip for 9 passport photos and 2000 Kip for a single page photo copy (a bit expensive). The forms they supplied us were free. If you can pre-arrange your photos and your photocopy, you won’t need to worry about this!

This is what you need for your Thai visa:

• Passport (usual valid for 6 months or more)
• Visa application filled out
• 2 Passport photos
• 1 photocopy of main page of passport
• Thai Baht, or USD

Thai Visa Savannakhet

Step 3

The Thai consulate in Savannakhet opens the gates to applicants at 9:00 am (despite the sign saying 8:30 am). Nothing get’s going too early when you’re in Laos! You enter the gate and submit your visa application at the counter.

Step 4

The Thai visa costs 1000 THB for a 2 month visa and 2000 THB for a 2 month double entry visa. There is no options on the visa form to select double entry, so make sure to tell the clerk that you would like a double entry. He will examine your passport for a few seconds and then write double entry at the top. Note that you must ask him!

Step 5

You will be handed a small receipt with a number on it, and your visa will be ready the NEXT (day 2) business day at 2 pm.

NOTE: Be sure to look at the schedule of Thai and Laos holidays to avoid having to waste more time than you need to on a Thai visa run to Savannakhet.

Getting From Savannakhet to Mukdahan

Immediately after getting your Thai visa (Day 2), it’s possible to head straight to the Savannakhet bus station and catch the bus back to Mukdahan (if you are on a visa run from Thailand), or continue on you Laos travels. I walked to the bus station and it took about 20 minutes, so you can either walk or take a tuk tuk.

Here is the Savannakhet to Mukdahan bus terminal schedule:

Savannakhet to Mukdahan Bus Schedule

Cheap guest houses in Savannakhet:

• Leena Guest House: Nice location with 40,000 Kip double rooms
• Phone Vilay Guest House: Decent guest house, about a 10 minute walk from city center with rooms ranging from 25,000 to 50,000 Kip per night.

Savannakhet, Laos

It’s one of the best sandwiches I’ve ever had in my entire life, and it’s located in Savannakhet, Laos. After turning in your passport on Day 1 of the visa process, head over to the main square of Savannakhet and the small breakfast restaurant is located right across the street from Phongsavanh Bank (biggest building in Savannakhet?).

Best Sandwich in the World

How to Easily Get a Thai Visa in Savannakhet, Laos is a post from: Cultural Travel and Street Food Around the World | Migrationology

After hearing about boating the Mekong River, there was absolutely no way I could leave the country of Laos without embarking on the water journey.  I happen to be getting a Thai visa in Vientiane and had some spare time to explore the country a little further North.  After a number of ultra lazy days in the charming town of Luang Prabang and setting up the transportation logistics, I boarded a slow boat en route to the Thai border.

For 250,000 Kip (equal to about $30) we would receive 3 days of transportation all the way from Luang Prabang, Laos, to Chiang Mai, Thailand.  The first day would be a boat from Luang Prabang to Pak Beng, the second day a boat from Pak Beng to Hauy Xai, and the third day a bus from Huay Xai, Laos to Chiang Mai in Thailand.

Excited to depart I grabbed a Laos style sandwich, some fruit, and of course some sticky rice, before making my way to the 50 seater slow boat on the Mekong River.

The experienced boating staff (family who owned the boat) loaded in the morning with bags and bags of food.  I thought, surely all that food is for a later point in time, or for the entire next week.  About mid morning the family set up mats in the middle of the boat and began to play cards.  The Mother released the bags of food and the family began to casually indulge.  I fell asleep for about two hours and when I awoke the family was still balling up sticky rice and partaking.  The meal literally went on for 6 hours and I felt compelled to praise the family with congratulatory high fives.

The first day we drifted against the current of the giant Mekong, heading upstream.  As I stared into the oncoming mass of water the current put me in a trance.  Looking up I could see experienced fishermen working and taking care of their section of the river and providing food for their families.  I could see women washing baskets of clothes.  Groups of naked kids would create a ruckus of splashing water, ecstatic as our boat would glide past.

We lazied around the boat for the remainder of the day sporting the natural shirt vent and watching the sun as it passed from its harshest to a milder form.  In the later afternoon entire related families could be seen on the banks of the river together bathing.  The wake from out boat would send a wave into the circle as a cloud of white suds would disburse.

We arrived into the tiny town of Pak Beng and organized an ultra cheap guest house room at the Vatsana Guest house, for some vital snoozing (accommodation is super cheap in Pak Beng).

The next two days were equally charming.  After a long second day we finally arrived in the border town of Hauy Xai where we posted up for another night of rest.

The final day we took a boat across the Mekong to the Thai immigration office.  We then settled into a van for the 5 hour journey to Chiang Mai, Thailand.

After maximizing relaxation in Vientiane, boating the Mekong River was yet another way to experience first hand the relaxing and collected culture of Laos.  Laos is a wonderful country that makes you appreciate life.

If you are looking for a good night sleep, Asiawebdirect.com has a great range of Laos Hotels in various cities.

-Migration Mark

Related:

• 17 Reasons You Know You Love Southeast Asia
• How to Make a Thailand Visa Run in Vientiane Laos
• Volunteering in Bicol Region of the Philippines
• Adventures in Sagada

Boating the Mekong River is a post from: Cultural Travel and Street Food Around the World | Migrationology

Other than people running to Vientiane to make a Thailand visa run there are also numerous valuable things to do in the capital of Laos including lessons on relaxationism.

Vientiane has to be one of the most relaxing capital cities in the world.  It seems that no one is in a hurry and barely anyone has a schedule set in concrete.  Everyone floats by, calmly laughing, slowly relaxing, and passionately enjoying life.  Obviously men carry on sporting the natural shirt vent super casually.  Vientiane can be a welcome relief as no one has to dive off roads to avoid traffic or hustle human hordes like in many other Asian capital cities.

I stayed near the main fountain in Vientiane at the Saysouly guest house.  It was a quiet and decent place to stay with a fantastic veranda to relax and hang out on.  There are loads of other hostels and hotels to choose from in the vicinity of that area.

One can freely notice an abundance of temples in Vientiane.  Walk around town a little and you will stumble into some great sites like the Black Stupa, the Wat Si Saket with 6,840 Buddha images, and the Golden Temple.

No one can argue about the prime quality of the food in Vientiane.  The people of Laos pride themselves on their eats and do a fantastic job at satisfying.  The selection of food from the streets to the sit down restaurants serving fine French cuisine and Indian food are spectacular.  I would have to say my favorite foods in Vientiane are the Laos style baguette sandwiches and sticky rice dipped in any Laos specialties.

There is a small food evening market on a street close to the main drag of hostels.  I would highly recommend venturing to this food street to get things like spring rolls, sticky rice, grilled fish, chicken, Laos curries, and a host of other delights.  The market compares to the street food fantasy in Luang Prabang which is a little further North.

This is How You Relax In Vientiane:

1. At about 5 pm head to the banks of the Mekong River where there are eateries with red plastic chairs galore.
2. Grab a cold Beer Lao, a grilled to perfection salted fish, some fiery papaya salad (som tum), and a massive portion of sticky rice (Other edible options are available).
3. Observe the gorgeous sunset as it hovers over the tranquilly moving mighty Mekong River.

This is absolutely a mandatory thing to do in Vientiane, don’t leave without it in your mind.

Even if you only have a day or two, there are some worthwhile options in Vientiane.  Whatever you do, make sure to enjoy yourself and let time creep by as you enjoy the company of others.

-Migration Mark

Related:

• 17 Reasons You Know You Love Southeast Asia
• The World’s Smallest Active Volcano
• Immersed in Payatas: From Dump to Triumph

How to Maximize Relaxation in Vientiane Laos is a post from: Cultural Travel and Street Food Around the World | Migrationology