I don’t think I’ve ever seen as many butterflies as I have while travelling Laos. I’ve always loved these amazing creatures, and to see so many in one place was such a joy.
Travel
Stories of my travels around the world.
I Went to Prison in Vientiane
Okay, no, I didn’t actually go to prison. Yes, this is a clickbait title. But this quirky little café-bar just outside the centre of Vientiane is definitely worth a visit if you’re looking to add some unusual fun to your night out.
Nightlife on the Outskirts
While in Vientiane we wanted to explore the city’s nightlife. On this particular day we wandered toward the outskirts of the city, in search of the fabled Irish bar that many online had recommended.
Laos Art at i:cat gallery
We had plenty of time in Vientiane, so we explored not just the main tourist attractions but also some lesser-known spots on the outskirts of the city. One of our favourite discoveries was a small, independent art gallery showcasing contemporary work by local artists.
Vientiane COPE Visitor Centre
After spending some time in Vang Vieng, we took an eight-hour bus ride to Vientiane, the capital city of Laos. One of the first places we visited was near our homestay: the COPE Visitor Centre, where we would learn about Laos’ UXO crisis and the ongoing efforts to address it.
Our Vang Vieng Guided Tour
Sometimes, the best adventures aren’t the ones you plan yourself. Sometimes it’s nice to let someone else do the work for you. In Vang Vieng, we decided to hand the reins to a local tour company for a day.
Pha Ngern View Point Hike
Looking back, we learned there are plenty of hikes around Vang Vieng. You just need to know where to look. So we did our research and found a nearby viewpoint that didn’t seem too difficult.
Rice Fields of Vang Vieng
Hiking is one of my favorite ways to explore, and with Laos’ stunning countryside, I was eager to find a good route. Our first outing in Vang Vieng was both a great experience and a lesson: sometimes, the information you find online isn’t just wrong, it can be outright dangerous.
Beautiful Outside, Rotten Inside
From the outside, our hotel in Vang Vieng looked promising – almost like a five star hotel. But it turned out to be the worst stay of our entire trip through Southeast Asia. It’s a warning that you need to be careful when picking a hotel.
Our First Day in Vang Vieng
Our time in Luang Prabang was at an end. It was time to move on to another city. Vang Vieng is the natural progression from Luang Prabang. We could have continued by boat, but this time we opted for the much faster train.