Laos

Luang Namhta, 21º0'10''N 101º24'33''E

He pasado los últimos días en Laos. Ha sido una visita rápida ya que el domingo tengo que estar en Chiang Mai, por lo que solo he podido visitar el norte.

Cruce en un bus nocturno desde Bangkok hasta la frontera y temprano ya estaba en Vientiane, la capital, donde me reuní con Agus, justo un mes después de habernos conocido en Myanmar. Me había comentado que Vientiane no merecía mucho la pena, pero en buena compañía fue genial pasar allí un par de días, y celebrar su cumpleaños.

De alli, cogi un bus infernal a Luang Prabang, 12 horas sin AA. Sin comentarios.

Luang Prabang es super chulo, guay para pasar unos días relajados, y darse algún masaje y visitar las cascadas. También fui a yoga y a un centro para ayudar a aprender ingles a los niños, y conocí un grupo bastante interesante esos días!

Day Market:

De ahí, travesía en barco de dos días hasta la frontera. Y para aprovechar algún día mas en el país, visita a Luang Namtha, en el norte. Esta el tiempo un poco tonto y no tengo ganas de treckings, así que paseo en bici, relax, y blog post!

Boat life:

Igual debería darle otra vuela a Laos, porque, de momento, no me ha conquistado...demasiado tiempo perdido en transporte...

I’ve been in Laos the last days. Just a quik stop as I have to be in Chiang Mai on Sunday, so I decided just to visit the north. 

I took a night bus from Bangkok to the border and early in the morning I was in Vientiane, were my friend Agus, was waiting for me, exactly a month after we met in Myanmar. He had already warned me that the city wasn’t much worth it, but it was great to spend those 2 days there in his good company, and get to celebrate his birthday.

When we parted, I took a bus to Luang Prabang, it was 12 hours of total hell without AC. No comments.

Luang Prabang is so nice, cool and relaxing atmostphere, perfect to spend some days chilling and visiting around. I also went to yoga there and to help kids with their English. I met great people in my 3 days there!

From Luang Prabang I took the 2 days boat to the Thai border, and from there I came up north to Luang Namtha. 

This is the place for trekking, but I’m not in the mood. Weather is not nice either, so perfect for relax, bici ride and blog post!

Maybe I should give Laos another oportunity, by now, it hasn’t win my heart. Too much time on buses and boats...

Tips:

Bus from Bangkok to Nong Khai, around 650 bath. Leaves from Morchit station at 8.30pm and gets to Nong Kai at 6am. Form there take a tuk tuk straight to the border (not to a travel agency), 30baths. You’ll need a photo for the visa. You will then go through the thai border. Then take a bus, 20 baths to the lao side. Visa is 36 US dollars. After that, you can take a tuk tuk to Vientiane for 300 baths, but is better to take the local bus on the other side of the road, for just 6000 kip (less than a dollar). You’ll be in Vientiane  in less than 30 mins.

Sportguesthouse: Not bad, 100000 kip for a double room ensuite (12-13 dollars).

Tuk tuk prices are per person, try not to pay more than 20000 kip for ride, normally you can get them for 10000...Do bargain!!!

Vientiane swimming pool. Great place for a day to relax under the heat. It’s a local swimming pool, not many people during the day and cheap vietnamese restaurant on the premises. 15000 kip (2 euros).

COPE, do visit this center that supports víctims of UXO ( unexploded ordenance).

Le Banneton Bakery, nice for breakfast. Not cheap. You’ll also find it in Luang Prabang.

Bus to Luang Prabang, don’t do what I did and take the bus during the night, at least it’ll be cooler and you might be able to sleep. 150000 kip

Kounsavan Guesthouse (hostel). It has a swimming pool but the hostel is so crowded with people. I share a 4 bed female room for 2 days and then I moved to a better place. 

Namsok Guesthose I, 120000 for a double room with bathroom. Great if you’re 2. Just 2 minutes from the main road in the old city centre.

L’Hibiscus Massage and Spa, so cool for a Lao massage. 60000 kip for an hour (you can find that massage for 50000 or even 40000 in other places, but this one has a great vibe).

Cafe Ban Vat Sene, also a nice bakery. Go to yoga to Utopia, 60000 kip for a 1.5h class, or relax in its terrace open till 11pm. Eat buffalo laab at Tamarind....

Visit Big Brother Mouse from 9am to 11.30 or 17 to 19 to help local children and monks with their English. I learnt many things from Si about Hmong tribe life.

Visit the night market and the food stalls: veggies buffet for 15000 kip.

Take a tuk tuk to Tat Kuang Si waterfall, shearing with other 5 you can go for 40000 kip.

Boat trip to Huay Xai, 290000 kip for the 2 days with the tuk tuk drive to the pier. You can also pay 110000 for everyday straight at the pier.

You’ll spend the night in Pak Beng. You can easily find a place to stay for less than 60000 kip. I shared a room with 2 other girls and we paid 25000 each.

Don’t forget to get food supplies and water for the 2 day trip!

In Huay Xai we stay in Daawn Home. It is from an organization that helps village women. You can help by donating, staying at the home or eating in the restaurant. We paid 10 euros for a double room.

From there you can get a tuk tuk to the Friendship Bridge and cross to Thailand to the town of Chiang Kong. 

I went up north to Luang Namtha (4 hours on a van, 60000 kips buying at the bus station). I’m staying in a geat guesthouse relaxing after many days traveling. Zuala Guest House. Totally recommend it, one f the nicest guesthouse I have been in. 70000 kips double ensuite. Nicely decorated, and good restaurant.

Bike rent 10000-15000 kip per day.