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.
Travel
Stories of my travels around the world.
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.
The Sunset on Phousi Hill
Said to have been moved from Sri Lanka by the Monkey King Hanuman, Phousi Hill is the highest point in Luang Prabang’s Old Town. Topped by the Wat Chom Si temple, it is a popular attraction for tourists who want to catch views of the sunset over the Mekong River.
Wat Xiengthong, Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang is home to dozens of temples, with one on practically every corner. It is easy to spend a day exploring the many temples in the city and still have many left unvisited. We took the time to explore Wat Xiengthong, one of the larger temples in Old Town.
Morning Alms Giving Ceremony
Sai Bat, or Morning Alms, is a traditional ceremony practised in Luang Prabang every morning. Monks will walk down the streets accepting offerings of food from both locals and visitors.