Readme before you journey
Every journey brings back a unique story to tell.
Regardless of the mode of transportation, the destination, or the company, every journey ultimately concludes with the word "travel." Our journey was no different. We had a clear daily destination, but the specifics of how we would get there were left open. We didn't have a set schedule, arrival time, or predetermined activities. We would decide what to do once we reached our daily destination. This approach kept our journey exciting and unpredictable. We took things slowly, adapting as we went, and learned that the true essence of travel lies not just in the destination, but also in the journey itself.
This review is intended to serve as a record of my memories and those of my friends. I will try my best to include all the information I have encountered. If it is beneficial to the reader and they choose to adapt it, we are happy. ^^
Follow our journey at
Traveltogether/Travelers https://www.facebook.com/traveltogether.kondentang?ref=bookmarks 10 members: Add, Fai, Meow, Nok, Kai, Nan, Nam, Cherry, Nokyoung, Boss. Every member is a part that completes our trip.
More perfect, happiness, and suffering that we have experienced together. These things will be important factors in making the walking experience.
Our path is increasingly memorable.
Total Budget and Expenses
What you need to prepare:
1. Passport
- Raincoat/Umbrella
3. Dust mask: During the dry season, there is a lot of dust on the road.
4. Underwear for a 4-day, 3-night trip + 4 swimming sessions.
5. Wet cloth bag
- Hat/Glasses
7. Sunscreen, please bring plenty, for me too^^
8. Long-sleeved shirt (for sun protection when cycling)
9. Other personal belongings
Currency Exchange
Thai Baht can be directly exchanged for Lao Kip at the immigration checkpoint without the need for an intermediate conversion to US Dollars.
The exchange rate for Lao Kip is 1 Baht = 226.97 Kip as of October 1, 2015. You can check the current exchange rate at [link to exchange rate website].
The exchange rate can be found at http://th.coinmill.com/LAK_THB.html. Don't forget to print or save it.
Please keep the exchange rate images for comparison.
In my opinion, it is advisable to exchange all the money we intend to use in Laos into Lao Kip. This is because exchanging money in Laos can be inconvenient and may result in unfavorable exchange rates.
Exchange rates vary across locations. Some places offer 223 kip, while others offer less. Therefore, to avoid exchange rate issues, ...
The exchange rate is not the same, so let's exchange everything at once. This will make it easier to calculate the expenses when converting to Thai baht.
(This is my opinion, so feel free to adapt it to your needs. ^^)
Map
A map is an essential tool for navigating in a foreign country. Even with limited information, a map can help you avoid getting lost.
Sure, here is the translation:
Of course, but we also need to be able to read the map. Hehe. For me, I use an offline map (MEPS.ME) that can be downloaded.
With the app downloaded, you can load maps for the country you're visiting, allowing you to pinpoint your location.
It can operate even without a signal.
If you are planning a trip to Laos, you can download a map of the country and mark the places you want to visit.
I'll put it on hold for now, but whether or not I'll go will depend on the situation. The signal in Laos might be slow, so...
It will definitely be slow, haha. You have to be patient. With this device, you can rest assured that you will not get lost.
Alternatively, you can request a tourist map of each city based on your accommodation. However, it may be difficult to read, so ask the hotel staff for assistance.
The map of Vang Vieng city from MEPS.ME is explained again and noted in Thai. ^^
Map of Vang Vieng City from MEPS.ME
Map of Luang Prabang from MEPS.ME
...With that, we can pack our bags and embark on our journey. So, what are we waiting for? Let's set off on an adventure together! ...
Trip Schedule: (October 1-4, 2015)
Thursday, October 1, 2015: Bangkok (Don Mueang) - Udon Thani - Vientiane - Vang Vieng (overnight in Vang Vieng)
Friday, October 2, 2015: Vang Vieng - Blue Lagoon - Song River Cruise - Luang Prabang (overnight on the bus)
Saturday, October 3, 2015: Luang Prabang - Kuang Si Falls - Tad Sae Falls - Wat Xieng Thong - Night Market - Vientiane (sleep on the bus)
Sunday, October 4, 2015: Vientiane - Udon Thani - Bangkok (Don Mueang) (Overnight stay)
Ready to go!
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Thursday, October 1, 2015: Bangkok (Don Mueang) - Udon Thani - Vientiane - Vang Vieng (Overnight stay in Vang Vieng)
Day of Commencement........
This morning, I had to wake up at 3:00 AM. Who would wake up this early if it wasn't for travel? I'd say only for this. Haha! I wonder if others are like me. Travel comes first, work later. Hehe! We met at Don Mueang Airport at 5:00 AM because the Lion Air flight departed at 5:50 AM. They had a promotion for a round-trip flight from Bangkok to Udon Thani for 700 baht. The price was good, and the flight time was convenient. Today was also the day Lion Air was giving out food on the plane, which was great because we could have something to munch on during the flight. The weather this morning was clear with some clouds, which we could admire from the plane. At 6:50 AM, the plane's wheels touched down on the runway at Udon Thani Airport. We've come another step closer. There's no turning back now. We're all in the same boat, so let's go together. Don't run away, or the denominator will decrease... Oops, I mean, don't run away. Haha!
The next destination is to find a car from the airport to Udon Thani Bus Terminal. We will have to take a bus from there straight to Vang Vieng. Nowadays, traveling is very convenient. It's good to be born in this era. But I've heard a lot that most people who take a plane and then a bus to Vang Vieng don't make it on time. I'm also afraid that I won't make it, but I have to make it somehow. It's better to hope than not to hope. Let's go! There will be vans waiting in front of the airport. It costs 60 baht per person. I chartered one for 10 people. It's convenient and should be fast. But I'm not sure if there are other cars. Let's take the fastest one first, or we might miss the bus. Haha.
The journey from the airport to the bus station takes approximately 20 minutes, as it requires driving into the city. However, there was still time to spare, so I prayed that I would make it in time. Upon arriving, I immediately ran to join the queue. As expected, there were quite a few people waiting in line.
Purchasing a bus ticket to Vang Vieng requires a passport. Without one, you will not be able to buy a ticket. The fare on weekdays is 320 baht. It is unclear whether the price increases on weekends. Importantly, there is only one bus per day, departing at 8:30 AM. Currently, there are no additional services, but it is expected that more will be added in the future as the number of tourists continues to grow.
While waiting in line, we collected 3,000 baht each for the common fund, which we thought would be enough. There were so many of us, we figured we could split it. In total, it was 30,000 baht. We quickly put it in our bags and fled back to Bangkok. Haha, just kidding. We didn't actually take the money. That was our friends' money. If it had been someone else's money, that would be a different story. Haha.
"It's our turn! We handed over 10 passports to the officer, who asked, 'How many people are there in total?' We replied, '10 people in total.' The officer immediately responded, 'There aren't enough seats. There are only 4 seats left.' Oh no! Our long journey to Vang Vieng is ruined. We stood in line for so long for nothing. We walked out with dejected faces and told our friends, 'There aren't enough seats. We'll have to go to Vientiane first and then find another way to Vang Vieng.' "
The Udon Thani-Vientiane bus has many departures, as shown in the schedule below. The fare is 80 baht, but it increases to 105 baht on weekends. I chose the 9:00 AM departure. While waiting for the bus, I had some time to spare, so I went out to eat. During this time, an official came over to chat with us and informed us that there was only one departure to Vang Vieng. He explained that sometimes there are fewer than 10 passengers, while other times there are more. It is difficult to estimate the number of passengers, and they are concerned that having multiple departures would not be profitable. They are currently conducting a survey to assess the needs of tourists. I believe they will definitely add more departures in the future.
The 9:00 AM bus from Udon Thani to Vientiane and Vang Vieng has departed. It takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes to reach Vientiane from Udon Thani. The journey involves passing through immigration checkpoints on both the Thai and Lao sides. Passengers are provided with immigration forms on the bus, which they can fill out while traveling. It is recommended to complete the forms before reaching the immigration checkpoints to avoid delays. At the Thai immigration checkpoint, passengers need to disembark and complete the forms at the immigration counter.
The bus staff seemed to know that our group of 10 was heading to Vang Vieng, so they approached us and offered a van rental for 4,000 baht. We thought the price was a bit high, so we bargained them down to 3,500 baht. The staff called the van driver to negotiate the price, and he agreed. This meant that we had secured transportation to Vang Vieng without having to search for it ourselves. However, to our dismay, after exiting the Lao immigration checkpoint, we saw a sign advertising van rentals to Vang Vieng for 3,000 baht. We were speechless and quickly walked away, pretending not to see it. Our travel companions lamented the missed opportunity, but there was nothing we could do as we had already booked our ride. Fortunately, we later learned that the vans in that area were quite old, which gave us some comfort and allowed us to rationalize our decision.
The Udon Thani-Vientiane bus will terminate at the morning market, where we normally have to change buses to Vang Vieng. If the bus is full, we have to take the green bus to the Northern Bus Station to catch another bus to Vang Vieng. It seems complicated, but we have already booked a van, so the van will stop for us before entering the morning market to pick us up near there. It is a good van with 15 seats, but they picked up 2 more passengers, who are Korean. So, did we charter the van or not? 5555 Never mind, there are still empty seats. They are kind and we can go together. Let's consider them as our travel companions.
Van members with international friends. ^^
The journey from Vientiane to Vang Vieng takes approximately 3 hours, covering a distance of 155 kilometers. The scenery along the way is breathtaking, even in the afternoon. We could still see the mist playing hide-and-seek with the mountains ahead of us. Lush rice fields, some golden yellow and ready for harvest, lined the road, offering glimpses into the lives of the local people. However, the road conditions were atrocious, riddled with potholes that made it feel like we were on a wild roller coaster ride. It was impossible to find a smooth stretch of road, as if the surface had been bombarded by meteorites. Despite the bumpy ride, the stunning views kept us awake and entertained. Those who managed to sleep through it must have been incredibly skilled.
The Journey to Champasak Guesthouse
The van dropped us off in Vang Vieng at 3 pm. Our next step was to ask the van driver to take us to Champasak Guesthouse. We couldn't find it ourselves, and to our amusement, the driver couldn't either! Despite this, he was determined to get us there and kept stopping to ask for directions. Finally, I opened my offline map and found Champasak Guesthouse. I then gave the driver directions, and we finally arrived. As we were getting off, the driver informed us that the correct pronunciation is "Champasak," not "Champalav." So remember, it's Champasak Guesthouse, not Champalav!
We decided to walk in because we didn't book any accommodation in advance. We only knew about this place from the recommendations of friends who had been here before. The view here is amazing! There are accommodations on both sides of the river, but we couldn't stay there because we had to sleep separately, on different sides. The rooms have a variety of prices, starting from 300 baht to 800 baht. The owner is lovely and kind, and I think they might be Thai because they speak Thai very clearly. They recommended many places to stay, and we are very grateful for that. Our next mission was to find the cheapest accommodation with the best view. Haha, it was a tough job because we didn't have any information about accommodation on hand. We decided to just walk around and see what we could find. After walking along the river for a while, we came across this place: Saykham Guesthouse. It is located right on the side of the road, opposite the school. The rooms are clean, the bathrooms have hot water, there is Wi-Fi, and they provide drinking water. However, there is no breakfast included. The rooms come in various sizes, from rooms for 2 people to rooms for 4 people. You can also choose whether you want air conditioning or not. If you choose air conditioning, it will be a different price. But we didn't choose air conditioning because we thought the weather would be cool there. So, we got a total price for 10 people of 280,000 kip, which is 123 baht per person. Wow, it's so cheap! It's a pity that I didn't take any pictures of the room, but I can assure you that it was really clean. The owner is lovely and very friendly. I highly recommend this place, but there aren't many rooms available. I think there are only 6 rooms.
Rear view from the room
Contact Number...
Time is running out today, so let's quickly pack our things and head out for a brief exploration of Vang Vieng in the late afternoon. First, we need to find something to fill our stomachs. We're starting to get hungry after the long car ride.
This is what our snacks look like: roti and baguette sandwiches. I don't know if that's what they're called, but they're sold everywhere in the city. The menus are all the same, but the prices vary quite a bit. Haha! Choose your shop carefully. The one we ate at was close to our hotel, right at the school intersection. The food was delicious! The bread was soft, unlike the hard, crusty bread back home in Thailand. There are many fillings to choose from, so you can pick your favorite. Prices start at 10,000 kip.
"Look at the person's face while eating. How satisfying is it? Or maybe it's just because I'm hungry. ^^"
After grabbing a quick bite, we set off to explore. Our goal was to find the popular rice fields in Vang Vieng by wandering around (using an offline map). From the hotel, we walked about 300 meters to the right and then turned right again. We crossed a bridge over the Song River, which cost 4,000 kip per person for a round trip or 6,000 kip per person with a bicycle. The suspension bridge offered a romantic atmosphere as we crossed. (Wait, what's romantic about crossing a bridge?)
Suspension bridge with the view of the Song River in the evening ^^
After crossing the suspension bridge, you will find a small wooden bridge. Continue walking across it and then turn right. Walk straight for about 100 meters, and you will find the resort in the middle of the rice field that you are looking for. However, do not enter the resort, as you will be scolded. From the information I have gathered, there is a fork to the left at the entrance archway. Walk down the paddy field embankment. Turn left immediately and follow the embankment. You will then find the legendary rice field you are looking for. Get your camera ready and start clicking!
We will continue later. I'm going to have lunch for a bit. ^^ When we arrived, the sunlight was already starting to fade, so we were able to capture some twilight images for you to enjoy.
Wow, amazing! If we had arrived earlier, we could have captured even more stunning photos.
This resort, according to the residents I spoke with, costs thousands of baht. With my current financial situation, I can't afford it. Haha. I'll wait until I'm a millionaire before staying here for ten nights.
As the sun sets, we bid farewell to the countryside and head back to the city. We search for a cozy restaurant, where we can enjoy a cold beer and the soothing sounds of Lao music, immersing ourselves in the vibrant atmosphere of Vang Vieng. """"Hold on..............I'll tell you more later because it will skip to the next part.
After asking locals and guesthouse owners for recommendations on where to spend a relaxing evening, everyone unanimously suggested Sakura, located a short walk from my accommodation. To get there, simply head left, walk past two alleys, and turn right. Continue walking straight, and you'll eventually reach your destination. While waiting for the evening to settle in, I decided to grab some dinner. A must-try dish in this area is the incredibly delicious "feh," a hearty noodle soup. I visited a local restaurant called "Aanee," where the portions are incredibly generous. A single bowl, priced at 10,000 kip, is enough to feed multiple people. The variety of side dishes available further enhances the dining experience. Another culinary highlight is the Lao papaya salad, which is available at numerous restaurants and boasts a unique flavor profile thanks to the addition of fermented fish sauce. The combination of flavors is truly addictive, leaving me craving for more. This satisfying meal was the perfect way to end the day.
I had to take a picture with the owner of the shop because they were so kind. I ordered two plates of papaya salad and they gave me free refills of papaya strips. Amazing!
Exiting the shop, I encountered a friendly and attractive young Western woman sitting by the roadside. Being a kind soul, I decided to approach her to alleviate her boredom. I can't recall her age or origin, but she suggested visiting the Sakura bar between 2 and 3 am for free liquor. This was right up our alley, as we never miss an opportunity for free drinks, especially liquor. However, as it wasn't yet time, we decided to grab some Lao beer and stroll through Vang Vieng. The town is relatively small, so we could easily explore it without getting lost. As we ambled along, we stumbled upon the Sakura bar. Without hesitation, we entered and secured a table in the corner, the only one available. Eager to claim our free drinks, we rushed to the bar and selected mixed drinks with Coke, orange juice, or Sprite. I grabbed several glasses, determined to make the most of the offer.
The place was packed with people, mostly Westerners and Koreans. There were very few Thais like us, less than 20 people. The club had a raised platform like a small stage where dancers could show off their moves. This was very popular with the Koreans and Westerners, while we Thais just danced at our tables. Haha! (Let's not talk about that, haha!) After a few drinks, I started to feel different, but not drunk, just different. Haha! It was a really fun night, and I learned a lot about the nightlife there. It took me a long time to get back to my accommodation, and I slept like a log.
Get a good night's rest, so tomorrow we can enjoy a leisurely bike ride to the refreshing waters of the Blue Lagoon. Sweet dreams and good night.
Friday, October 2, 2015: Vang Vieng - Blue Lagoon - Song River Cruise - Luang Prabang (Overnight on the bus)
This morning, I woke up to a breathtaking view from the back of my room. Wow, it was so refreshing! The view of the Song River and the limestone mountains playing with the morning mist was truly beautiful and impressive. Another popular activity here is hot air ballooning. The cost is 80 USD per person, with a 50% discount for young children. You can choose your flight time.
Waking up to this view? I could wake up like this 10 times a day!
Today's mission: Cycling to Blue Lagoon. We had to leave early because it takes a while to cycle there, and we had to check out of our accommodation in the morning. However, the owner kindly allowed us to leave our luggage there. We rented bicycles from a shop in front of the school. They were the kind of bicycles housewives use to go to the market, costing 15,000 kip per day. We rented 10 of them! Are we really going to cycle to Blue Lagoon on these?
Before we leave, I would like to book tickets to Luang Prabang first, as we need to be there tonight. We can book them at our accommodation for the 9pm departure. It is a sleeper bus that costs 110,000 kip per person. We need 10 seats. The bus will pick us up at 8pm.
Everyone has their own bicycle now. Equipment is ready, bicycles are ready, let's go! Let's go for a ride even though we haven't had breakfast yet. It's okay, we'll find something to eat later.
The morning atmosphere at the bridge over the Song River, the main bridge used for transportation.
The route we will be cycling today is the same one we walked yesterday evening. It cost 6,000 baht per person to cross the bridge because we had bicycles with us. When we reached the intersection, we turned right following the sign to Blue Lagoon, which was another 7 kilometers away. Fortunately, it didn't rain this morning because it rained last night, making the morning air very refreshing. However, the path we were cycling on was a bit soggy, making it quite difficult to cycle because the path was full of gravel and stones. Our plan to have a leisurely bike ride had to be changed to a mountain bike ride on a rugged path.
This is the path we cycled on, it was incredibly muddy, so much so that we had to take off our shoes! 555 Who knew the path would be like this?
But I think it was worth it. Cycling allows us to gradually see and experience the atmosphere around us more, without having to rush. What surprised us was that the villagers there looked at us like we were strange because no one there cycles a mountain bike through mud like this. They even asked us where we were going and if it wouldn't be better to hire a car. The road is difficult, you know. 555 I thought to myself, where am I going to put the bike I just rented, uncle? : Once we've decided to do something, we have to see it through! ^^
Keep pedaling, don't stop!
This is the atmosphere I'm talking about. Wow, it's so beautiful. I envy the people here who get to live in a place with such good air and views. They wake up to this every day. Their eyes can see much further than ours, who wake up to a four-walled box and a ceiling. Our lives are so limited. I'm so jealous.
Haha, as I mentioned, this review is a record of our trip, so let's take some individual photos. We came all the way here, so we can't just take pictures of the scenery, otherwise the pictures would definitely lack some elements.
Brother Add... take me away
I, the owner of the pan, oops, the thread ^^
The Lonely Nanny
Cherry, I like wordplay.
Filthy from head to toe...
Water... I'm done ^^
Meow...chewing on a child...
Cotton flower, the widow's flower.
Our hunger pangs interrupted our enjoyment, so we decided to postpone further indulgence until our return journey. The path to the Blue Lagoon is well-signposted, so there's no need to worry about getting lost. We arrived at the lagoon around 9 am, where an entrance fee of 10,000 kip per person is required. After paying, we were free to jump into the refreshing waters.
Ride and play in the water. Along the way, you will find a fork in the road. Just follow the signs and you'll be there.
Blue Lagoon
The crystal-clear turquoise water truly lived up to the name "Blue Lagoon." We were fortunate to arrive early in the morning, avoiding the crowds and securing a prime spot. Moreover, I managed to arrive just before the rain, allowing us to witness the pristine blue water. Interestingly, the Blue Lagoon transforms into a muddy brown hue when it rains.
After playing in the water and having lunch, it was time to head back to our next destination. The rain continued to fall on our return trip, so we had to cycle in the pouring rain. It was quite an experience!
Unfortunately, the water changed color just as we were playing in it.
One of the joys of traveling is encountering unexpected situations that teach us to adapt. While most people would seek shelter from the rain with umbrellas and raincoats, we embraced the experience. In pursuit of a unique adventure, we shed our umbrellas and raincoats and cycled through the downpour in Laos. The image evokes the classic film "Fan Chan" and its iconic bicycle gang, bringing a nostalgic smile to our faces.
This is my gang, cycling together. They are so cute! 555
On the way back, I told my friends that I would take them to a beautiful viewpoint. I said that if you come to Vang Vieng, you must come here because you will be able to see Vang Vieng from a high angle. My friends didn't know anything about it, but they followed me wherever I went. Before entering the village, there was a fork in the road on the right that said "Tham Pha something". I read it as "Tham Pha Ngern", which I had read in a review that it was very beautiful. So we went to see it. The distance from the entrance to the cave was about 1 kilometer. It was a continuous uphill and downhill path, even more difficult than the path to the Blue Lagoon. I couldn't turn back now that I had come halfway, so I continued to the end. I wasn't afraid of getting lost because there were signs all along the way that said "Tham Pha Kam" ... but where was Tham Pha Ngern? I was so confused. In the end, I realized that I had come to the wrong place. It was so beautiful that I could die.
Upon reaching the ticket booth, I was surprised to find it tucked away in a remote forest clearing. The entrance fee was 10,000 kip per person. When I inquired about the location of Tham Pha Ngern cave, the woman at the booth claimed ignorance, stating she had never heard of it. After further questioning, she revealed that the cave's name had been changed to Tham Pha Kham. Bemused by the unexpected turn of events, I decided to embrace the situation as an opportunity for exploration and potential storytelling. The woman assured me that the cave was only a five-minute walk away, so I set off to investigate.
The entrance to the cave is breathtakingly beautiful. Just imagine, if the entrance is this stunning, the view from above must be truly spectacular. I am confident that it will be an unforgettable experience.
This path is beautiful. Walk straight through the rice fields and cross the wooden bridge, one person at a time. Once you get down, you will find a fork. Choose either left or right. Left leads to the cave, right leads to the pond.
Of course, we had to climb the cave. Why would we come all this way just to relax by the pool? We wanted an adventure! But let me tell you, the equipment they gave us for the climb was not ideal. We were wearing shorts, flip-flops, and earplugs. It was going to be an interesting climb, to say the least.
The path is a steep climb, there is no flat ground, don't worry. Up, up, up, and up, it's quite tough. It's been several minutes, but the vendor said it's only 5 minutes. Where's the 5 minutes? It's been almost half an hour. 5555 I arrived first and cheered on the people who were crawling up, saying, "We're here! It's so beautiful up here." So hurry up and take a group photo!
"Is this real?" I asked, on the verge of tears. "What am I doing up here? Where's the rice field view I was looking for? Where is it?" All I got was this. I guess I'll just have to accept it as a substitute. At least it's a unique view," I consoled myself.
Equipped with three flashlights for ten people and venturing into the pitch-black cave, we couldn't help but wonder if it would be enough. Upon entering, everyone exclaimed in unison, "Wow, it's so dark! We can't see anything!" As we stood at the cave entrance, my friend and I decided to explore further. Armed with one flashlight for her and my iPhone's flashlight, we ventured deeper into the unknown. Following the arrows, we climbed and navigated through the darkness, encountering only the vast emptiness that surrounded us.
This is the atmosphere inside the cave. I think if it were well-managed, with brighter lights to illuminate the cave and make the stalagmites more visible, it would be beautiful. I can only pray and walk out of the cave.
It will be dark and scary to go anywhere, but still walk to explore. Take it with them 555.
The descent was incredibly challenging. Some people had to sit down and scoot down on their bottoms because their legs were shaking. The path was also very rough and rocky, requiring extreme caution. We were well-equipped for the trek, even bringing earplugs (hilarious!). It took a long time to reach the flat ground below, and we had a good laugh along the way.
Despite the challenges, we still manage to smile. After all, every experience is a valuable lesson.
After exiting Tham Pha Kam Cave, we arrived in Vang Vieng city around 2:00 PM. We immediately booked a tubing tour on the Nam Song River for 400 baht per person, with a duration of 3 hours. After agreeing on the price, we packed our belongings in waterproof bags, left our bicycles at the shop, and set off on our adventure.
This car will drop us off at the water entry point and then return, as we need to get to another location closer to our accommodation. We are also hungry, as we have been working hard and using a lot of energy. We plan to find something to eat near the riverside bar.
Ready to dive in! The water is crystal clear and the sky is beautiful. Let's enjoy a refreshing swim!
Our plan for tubing was to hold onto each other in a row and float along. The goal? To get a picture of everyone together, of course! There was no other reason. But in the end, we couldn't make it through together and had to split up because it was too difficult to control.
We had not been sailing for even five minutes when we reached the first bar we had passed. It was packed with white-haired, blue-eyed foreigners playing in the water on the bar. We thought they were playing Songkran, but it was just a lot of fun. There were ten of us who were Thai, and we were hoping to find some food at the bar, but judging by the situation, we wouldn't be eating there. So we ordered some beers and drinks, had a can each, and then went to eat at another bar instead, because we wanted to eat some papaya salad.
After enjoying some drinks, the bar owner's son brought us more beers. It turned out that our guide, who took us tubing, was friends with him. He told us to keep drinking before continuing our tubing adventure. He kept bringing more and more beers, making us wonder when it would end. The girls were complaining that they were hungry and went down to wait by the tubes. The rest of us had to keep drinking. It took a while before we could finally excuse ourselves, and by then, we were feeling a bit tipsy. We have to thank the bar owner's son, Noi, and our guide, U, for their hospitality. They not only provided us with beers but also with snacks. We were truly grateful for their generosity.
This is the owner's son. ^^
Bars in Laos typically operate on a rotating schedule, with each bar having a designated time slot to stay open. This system ensures that revenue is distributed fairly among all bars in the area. When one bar closes, patrons move on to the next bar on the schedule, creating a lively and dynamic nightlife scene. This collaborative approach fosters a sense of community and ensures that everyone has a chance to benefit from the tourism industry.
We skipped the bars and headed straight for the som tam, because we were starving! P'U brought us to this amazing restaurant with incredibly delicious food. The som tam was especially phenomenal, making our mouths water just thinking about it. The portions were huge and the prices were very reasonable. The rice came in a giant pot, and the owner was incredibly friendly. Don't miss the iconic photo spot at this restaurant – it's highly recommended. They even offer a unique way to reach the restaurant – a basket ride across the Song River! It's definitely worth trying for a unique perspective.
Our group is considered very special. Why? Because we are the first group ever to sail the Song River and reach the darkest shore. 555. I mean, is it good? Sailing in the dark, you can't see anything. 55555 But it has a unique atmosphere. We got to sleep under the stars in the middle of the Song River and see the colorful lights along the riverbank, which few people get to see. (Here I am being biased again. 5555)
The Adventure trip was an unforgettable experience. I made many new friends along the way, tried new things, and learned about the local way of life in Vang Vieng. It was a lot of fun and definitely worth it. Thanks to our guide, Mr. Wu, and the owner of the company where we booked the tour, Mr. Noi, the son of the bar owner, and the owner of the bar on the opposite side. See you again next time!
After completing the mission, we had to return the bicycles and asked to take a shower and change clothes at the place where we stayed the previous night (we paid 30,000 kip for the shower because everything here costs money). We then traveled to Luang Prabang that night. The car picked us up at 8 pm (free of charge) to wait for the sleeper bus at the bus stop.
The car picked us up at 9 pm as scheduled. It was a sleeper bus, and we had to take off our shoes and put them in a bag before boarding. The bus had double beds, which were a bit narrow, but I don't know because I fell asleep right away. I was very tired from our adventures today, and I needed to save my energy for tomorrow. Good night and sweet dreams on the sleeper bus from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang.
***Another thing I want to mention is that the road to Luang Prabang is very bumpy. This can cause earaches. The only solution is to sleep so you don't feel anything. ^^***
Saturday, October 3, 2015: Luang Prabang-Kuang Si Falls-Tad Sae Falls-Wat Xieng Thong-Night Market-Vientiane (sleep in the car)
Luang Prabang. Luang Prabang. A faint sound reached my ears. I opened my eyes sleepily and looked at my watch. It was only 3 am. It wasn't time yet, was it? They must be calling people to get on the bus. But I didn't see anyone getting on. Some of the members were still asleep. I didn't know what to do, so I asked the Laotian man sleeping in front of me if this was Luang Prabang. As soon as I heard the answer, yes, that's it. Wow, it's 3 am. We're in Luang Prabang already. What's so fast? What are you waiting for? I woke up the members and got off the bus immediately. I found out later that it only takes 6 hours from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang. 5555
So, what should we do? We arrived at dawn and had nowhere to go, so we decided to sleep at the bus station. We slept until morning and then figured out our next move. We each reserved a seat in a row, used our backpacks as headrests, and went back to sleep. It was my first time sleeping at a bus station, and it was in a foreign country! Life is good!
After a brief rest, before falling into a deep sleep, an uncle approached us and asked where we were headed and if we were interested in renting a car. We suggested two main destinations: Tat Kuang Si Falls and Tat Sae Falls. We also asked him to take us sightseeing in the city and then return us to the bus station. We agreed on a price of 500,000 kip (after much negotiation on my part, offering various options and bargaining until we reached this final price, but let's not dwell on that). We set a departure time of around 5:00 AM to find some shoes before heading to the waterfalls and strolling through the morning market.
The morning market atmosphere in Laos is similar to that in Thailand. They sell cooked food, ready-made meals, rice noodles, fruits, and sweets. While strolling around, I bought a stir-fried noodle dish for 5,000 kip (I don't know what it's called, but it's similar to Pad Thai). It was my breakfast for the day, but I planned to eat it at Kuang Si Falls on the way to the waterfall. The driver asked to stop at a gas station to refuel, which was fortunate for us. We saw mothers waiting to offer sticky rice to the monks, so we took the opportunity to join them. The mothers were very kind and willingly let us participate. They shared their sticky rice with us, which was lovely. After offering the sticky rice, the locals told us to divide the remaining sticky rice into three equal piles and place them on the ground as an offering to the earth. They then poured water on the ground as another offering to the earth (I understood this because I couldn't hear the mothers very well ^^). It was a wonderful start to our day in Luang Prabang.
The distance from Luang Prabang to Tad Sae Waterfall is approximately 35 kilometers, which takes a short drive. The route follows the Mekong River and is well-signposted.
We were the first group to arrive at the falls early in the morning. The entrance fee was 20,000 kip per person, and there was a convenient path to the falls that was easy to walk on. There was also a bear conservation center, which was nice to see on the way to the falls. (We heard that part of the entrance fee goes to the bears.)
This is Tad Kwang Si Waterfall, a stunning natural wonder. Despite the heavy rainfall, the water remains crystal clear and retains its vibrant green hue. The wooden bridge adds a picturesque touch to the scene, enhancing its overall beauty. I was fortunate to visit early in the morning when there were no crowds, allowing me to capture stunning photos from various angles. However, during peak hours, the area becomes packed with tourists, making it difficult to find parking and capture photos without people in the background.
Immerse yourself in the moment and capture countless memories. Whether you prefer solo shots or group photos, make the most of this exclusive access to the waterfall. It's our time to shine!
Here's a single photo, and of course, a photo of a pig must follow!
This location features a four-tiered waterfall, although only the first tier is accessible for close viewing. While access to the waterfall itself is restricted, visitors can hike to the top tier for a panoramic view of the cascading water. However, be aware that the trail is quite steep and strenuous.
Let's see the view from above.
The uppermost tier of the waterfall.
We spent time at this waterfall until 9 am and then traveled to Tad Sae Waterfall. There we will bathe and have lunch. From Luang Prabang to Tad Sae, the distance is about 9 kilometers. On the way, the driver stopped to let us see the local fabric weaving shop. As a souvenir, we can shop as we like.
The parking lot near the waterfall entrance is often full in the afternoons, making it difficult to find a spot.
To reach Tad Sae Waterfall, visitors must park their vehicles at the pier and take a boat ride. The boat ride costs 10,000 kip per person for a round trip and takes approximately 5 minutes to reach the waterfall.
The entrance fee to the waterfall is 15,000 kip per person. Besides swimming, there are also activities such as elephant trekking and ziplining, but these require an additional fee. It's up to you whether you want to try them.
This is Taksae Waterfall, where we will be spending the night soaking in natural pools. How cool is that? It's amazing! There are so many pools to choose from, you can pick whichever one you like. None of the pools are very deep, so you can relax and soak comfortably. Just lie back and enjoy the beauty of nature.
The food here is as delicious as ever, especially the papaya salad. I can't stop ordering it! This trip, I spent the most money on food. 5555
After visiting this waterfall, the final program of the Luang Prabang trip is to take a walk and admire the cultural heritage city of Luang Prabang.
We asked our uncle to drop us off at the foot of Mount Phousi (the viewpoint of Luang Prabang) and arranged to meet him at the post office at 7pm sharp. From here, we had to walk because our uncle told us that if he drove us everywhere, it would cost an additional 100,000 kip. Oh... I can't afford that! 555 Let's walk. Let's go for a walk around the city.
This is the atmosphere of Luang Prabang. They say it's like Chiang Mai 60 years ago. It's worth staying here for a night or two to experience more. As we walked around, we came across Wat Xieng Thong.
Strolling along, it was so relaxing. Along the way, there were many Lanna-style resorts that blended beautifully with the atmosphere. The city is truly beautiful. It was worth bringing myself and my friends to visit this place. Even though we only had time from sunrise to sunset, it was definitely worth it. ^^
After a delightful stroll through this cultural World Heritage city, we have finally reached our destination. We pay our respects with the utmost reverence.
The entrance fee to Wat Xieng Thong is 20,000 kip. It is an ancient temple with stunning architecture. While I am not familiar with its specific history, I have admired this temple for over a decade. In fact, it was my initial encounter with Wat Xieng Thong that sparked my interest in Luang Prabang. I encourage you to visit and experience its beauty firsthand.
I have been searching for Wat Chiang Thong for almost 10 years, and I finally found it!
The wooden sculptures, carved by monks in the past, have survived to this day without being damaged by woodworms or termites. This is truly remarkable.
After enjoying the sights for a considerable amount of time, it was time to head to the night market for dinner. Walking straight from the temple, we arrived at the market. The market stalls all seemed to sell the same souvenirs, making us wonder if they actually made any sales. We simply browsed the stalls before heading off to find something to eat.
The enchanting atmosphere of Luang Prabang at dusk is truly captivating.
Black market photographed from the path up to Phu Si Temple.
Continue walking until you reach a four-way intersection at the exit. There will be a small alleyway on the right-hand side, with many food stalls lining the path. Turn into the alleyway, as this is a popular food hub. The area is particularly known for its buffet restaurants, which are always bustling with customers. There are several restaurants to choose from, each with varying prices. Remember to check the prices carefully, as the cost of vegetables and meat can differ.
Come this way.
We didn't eat there though, because they only had vegetables and noodles, which we were afraid wouldn't be filling enough. We walked to the end of the alley and found a rice curry restaurant with a wide variety of dishes to choose from. They had local food as well as dishes similar to what we have at home, and it was all delicious. We ended up eating there until we were full. The prices were very reasonable, the cheapest we'd found so far. Highly recommended!
The atmosphere is just like a rice and curry shop back home. The food is delicious and very affordable. I think this restaurant is perfect for Thai people.
The tea shop that everyone recommends, I didn't go there, but it's located near the black market, by the Mekong River. You can check it out if you want.
Bidding farewell to Luang Prabang, we boarded a bus bound for Vientiane, departing at 9 pm. Upon arrival at the bus station, we exchanged our pre-purchased tickets for official ones. The tickets, costing 150,000 kip each, secured us single beds on a sleeper bus, a more comfortable option compared to our previous journey. Awaiting us were boxed meals, bottled water, and snacks.
Showers are available here, but there is only one room. The shower fee is 5,000 kip, which is separate from the toilet fee.
"Same as before, we had to take off our shoes, put them in a bag, and walk to our assigned seats. This bus has a built-in bathroom, which is good. It also has separate beds, so I don't have to share with anyone. However, the three of us had to squeeze into the last three beds. Haha, this is going to be fun!"
Sunday, October 4, 2015: Vientiane-Udon Thani-Bangkok (Don Mueang) (Overnight stay)
The journey from Luang Prabang to Vientiane usually takes around 11 hours. This time, however, we slept soundly and woke up in Vientiane. But wait, things didn't go as planned. I remember waking up at 12:30 AM to a loud commotion. A car had gotten stuck on the side of the road, blocking our path. We all had to get out and walk ahead to lighten the load on the vehicle. We stood in the darkness, surrounded by millions of stars and the light from our phones, on muddy ground. After almost an hour, our car reversed uphill to allow the stuck car to move forward. Once that was done, we were called back to board our vehicle. We were happy, thinking we could finally continue our journey, but no. The driver decided to park and sleep right there! It took almost two more hours before we could finally set off again.
Upon arriving in Vientiane at 9:30 AM, our vehicle dropped us off at the Northern Bus Terminal. From there, we needed to transfer to the Morning Market. Two transportation options were available: a chartered car or a public bus. The chartered car cost 10,000 kip per person, while the public bus charged 5,000 kip per person. Without hesitation, we opted for the more economical public bus.
Due to our late arrival in Vientiane, our plan to explore the city in the morning had to be canceled. It was a pity.
Upon arriving at the morning market, we purchased our return tickets to Thailand. The ticket booth is located at the intersection with the traffic lights, in the white building. It's a short walk back from where we got off the bus. The return fare on weekends is 105 baht per person, and we got the 11:30 am bus. With half an hour to spare, we strolled through the morning market mall. I ended up walking all the way to the Patuxai monument, but I had to hurry back. It's not far, but time was tight. We could only take a quick photo at the front before rushing back to catch the bus. We made it! We successfully visited Vientiane, completing our goal of 3 cities.
The morning market atmosphere in Vientiane.
Victory Monument
The process of crossing the border back to Thailand was similar to the process of crossing into Laos, with the exception of the departure fee. The departure fee from Laos was 45 baht, while the arrival fee was only 5 baht. This discrepancy was a bit confusing.
Arriving at Udon Thani Bus Terminal around 2 pm, I grabbed a bite to eat nearby. I then hired two three-wheeled vehicles for 400 baht to take me to the airport for my 5 pm flight back to Don Mueang. The journey was uneventful.
Our four-day, three-night trip to Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang, and Vientiane has come to an end. It was a truly unforgettable experience filled with joy, laughter, relaxation, and a diverse range of flavors. We savored every moment, making it one of the most memorable trips of the year. We can't wait to return and create more lasting memories.
Thank you to all my fellow travelers. See you again on the next trip after I finish my military service. ^^
I'm taking my leave with this photo. I got lost wandering around Central Udon Thani. Haha.
Wishing everyone a happy reading experience. Thank you! ^^
DEKSAPAIPAE
Friday, October 4, 2024 3:18 PM
