The cover photo clearly indicates a trip to Laos. Due to the abundance of information and my tendency to boast, I have divided this into two parts.

Continuing from the previous episode, Vientiane, a city of peace.

One Day in Vientiane: What to Do and What to Miss

This article explores the sights and experiences of Vientiane, the capital of Laos. It provides a glimpse into the city's culture, history, and attractions, offering recommendations for activities and highlighting potential missed opportunities.

Part 3: Savannakhet, Vang Vieng, and Beyond

This section delves into the wonders of Savannakhet, a charming city in southern Laos, and Vang Vieng, a popular tourist destination known for its stunning natural beauty. It also explores the serene beauty of Vieng Tara and the iconic Orange Bridge.

This trip was my first time visiting Laos. I had read many reviews from other people, so I decided to follow their lead and explore the country myself. My perspective on Laos may not be as smooth and luxurious as others, as I encountered some bumps along the way. There were moments of frustration and irritation, but these experiences ultimately added flavor to my journey.

We traveled from Bangkok, taking a plane to Udon Thani, then a bus across the Lao border at Nong Khai checkpoint. We stayed in Vientiane for one night before continuing to Vang Vieng the next day.

The advantage of staying in Vientiane on the first night is that there is only one bus a day from Udon Thani to Vang Vieng, which leaves at 7am. If you miss it, you miss it. However, there are six buses a day to Vientiane, so we decided to go to Vientiane first to have more options.

The downside is that once we cross over to Laos, we become tourists who can be easily persuaded or, to put it simply, scammed. We need to plan well. If we're lucky, we won't encounter any problems and will have a comfortable trip without being scammed like we were.

We purchased van tickets to Vang Vieng at an inflated price, as the seller assured us it would be a faster journey compared to a large bus, taking only 3-4 hours. However, we ended up being placed on a large bus instead. We felt cheated, having paid a premium for no apparent benefit. We were left feeling frustrated and helpless, having already paid for the tickets.

The bus will stop at a rest stop for us to use the restroom and grab a quick bite to eat along the way. Then, we'll continue on to Vang Vieng, a five-hour-plus journey that will leave our behinds numb. To escape the discomfort, we'll rely on sleeping on the bus.

Upon arrival, the first priority was to find a place to eat, as they had barely eaten anything. It was almost 3 pm, and they stopped at a roadside noodle shop, devouring a bowl each, driven by their ravenous hunger.

The locals are generous with their vegetables, offering a basketful as a side dish. However, the price is not ordinary compared to street vendors. This bowl costs around 80 baht.

We then opened Google Maps and walked to our accommodation, which was about 1 kilometer away. We walked leisurely, taking in the sights along the way.

During our 2 nights and 3 days in Vang Vieng, we stayed at Phatty Villa Vang Vieng. The accommodation was in good condition, but it was a bit far from the city center. We had to rent a motorbike, which made it easier to get around.

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The first destination we will visit is the Blue Lagoon & Pookhum Cave.

Crossing the bridge over the river incurs a toll fee for both pedestrians and vehicles. I don't recall the exact amount, but I remember thinking about it at the time. I wondered where the locals crossed the bridge and if they had to pay every time they needed to go somewhere.

After crossing the bridge, we drove for several more kilometers. The view along the way was of high mountains and rice fields. The scenery was very beautiful.

We then arrived at the Blue Lagoon, where we had to pay an additional entrance fee.

To avoid crowds, it is recommended to arrive early in the morning. We arrived in the late afternoon, nearing dusk, and encountered an overwhelming number of people.

A must-do activity at the Blue Lagoon is cliff jumping. Visitors can choose between low and high jumps. Personally, I opted out due to the hundreds of onlookers, which made me feel self-conscious.

Note: The water here is much cooler than expected, as it flows directly from the Tham Pu Kham cave.

The surrounding area offers a variety of restaurants for those who are tired from playing in the water to replenish their energy.

To make the most of your visit, you should choose a high-branching option.

The jumping style varies depending on individual creativity. However, a basic approach involves jumping straight down, as demonstrated by the person in black in the captured image.

Women tend to be more visually appealing than men, especially those with fair skin, who often attract attention as if they were under a spotlight. They are also perceived as more endearing.

Low branches and high branches will face different directions when jumping, avoiding overlapping lines.

It is common to see foreigners wearing bikinis, which does not seem obscene or provocative. In fact, it is considered aesthetically pleasing.

While searching for a good photo spot, I stumbled upon this couple who looked like Tarzan and Jane. They seemed so relaxed and carefree.

Next, head to Pha Ngern Viewpoint, a short climb from the Blue Lagoon, for stunning sunset views over Vang Vieng. (Look for the orange sign on the left.)

The ascent to Pha Ngeun is not as strenuous as it may seem. There is no need for rope climbing or rappelling; simply follow the wooden stairs and handrails. However, the climb is relentless, with no flat sections. It takes approximately 30 minutes to reach the summit without breaks. If you plan to take frequent breaks, allow for additional time so you can relax at the top before sunset.

At the foot of the mountain, there is a pavilion where villagers sit and collect an entrance fee of 10,000 kip. No receipts are issued. It is assumed that they are local villagers collecting money from tourists. Is it possible not to pay? It is better to pay than to have problems later.

Panting heavily, sweat dripping down my face, and cheeks flushed red like a ripe starfruit, I finally reached the summit.

Observing our attire, we were ill-prepared for the challenging terrain, donning only sandals for our ascent. The lack of proper footwear posed a significant risk, as the unforgiving path demanded more supportive gear. Fortunately, our sandals held up, preventing a potential mishap. Had they failed, our situation would have been considerably more precarious.

Upon arrival, three foreign tourists had already ascended. However, upon descent, there were dozens, gradually arriving to witness the breathtaking sunset. This hut, situated atop the mountain, provides minimal protection from the sun and rain. Its structure is not particularly sturdy, and its weight capacity is uncertain, causing a slight sense of apprehension.

The view here is spectacular. As Pha Ngern Viewpoint is located on a mountaintop, we have a 360-degree panoramic view of the surroundings.

We arrived while the sun was still shining, and then we waited for the sunset, so we have many pictures of the different atmospheres to share with you.

Surrounded by mountains and dense trees, the flat land is used for rice paddies.

After taking numerous photos, the long-awaited moment finally arrived. The sun gradually set, disappearing behind the mountain peak, creating a breathtaking view.

Foreign tourists come alone, with their partners, or with friends.

We are happy to help by taking photos for each other. Visitors only want a beautiful photo as a souvenir.

As the sun began to set, we slowly descended the mountain. The descent was not as time-consuming as the ascent, allowing for a more relaxed pace. However, we had to be cautious to avoid sliding and bumping our bottoms on the way down.

After returning home to shower and change clothes, I went out to find dinner near the Song River.

The water level of the river is currently shallow, reaching only knee-deep. This allows for a unique and relaxing dining experience, where patrons can soak their feet in the cool water while enjoying their meal.

There are many restaurants like this along the coast. You can choose to sit wherever you like, as the food at each restaurant is quite similar.

We ordered pork waterfall, grilled pork belly, grilled chicken, and tom yum soup. Honestly, the food at home tastes much better. Plus, the bill came out to over a thousand baht, which is quite expensive.

The evening is more relaxing than the night because at night it is difficult to see anything.

Next, we headed to the popular Sakura Bar, famous for its free drinks from 2-3 pm. Even though we missed the free drinks, we still had to stop by this renowned bar that's even known in Thailand.

"If you think you have the best moves, step onto the stage. The higher you climb, the more eyes will be on you. Everyone in the club will be watching."

Today, let's go home and rest first. Tomorrow, we will stay in Vang Vieng for another day. Let's have fun and collect lots of happiness to take home.

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Please stay tuned for Part 3 of "Sabai Dee Vang Vieng," a relaxing boat trip on the scenic Song River.

Or go back to read our first day of travel at Sabai Dee Vientiane

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