Thunder on the mountains

This is the third day in Vientanne. A bit slow today as we went out drinking yesterday. Having a big night out is not that easy. Most places close at midnight, if not earlier, so you have to check where the others are going next as the bar is closing.

Vientanne is much nicer than Luang Prabang. First of all it's a bigger city and the number of tourists are much less. Or at least it seems that way. The first two days we rented vespas, checking out the city and the surroundings. Traffic is not too heavy here so it's easy to get around. The trip to the countryside was great. We found a small road with a lot of villages to check out. We made a stop at some rice fields and helped the farmers to plant some rice. Acknowledged, that that was a bit touristic, but what the heck.

Tomorrow we start heading for Vietnam. It's going to be a two long bus rides, with an overnight stop in Savanketh. Not sure if there is much to see there.

Waterfall

Life is strange. After two days on the Mekong, I thought I would find myself in the middle of nowhere. Instead we arrived in Luang Prabang, a town that does not only house hordes of backpackers, but also tourists who are doing a fixed tour. The tourist quarters could just as well be any Spanish tourist town. Or French perhaps, as they stayed here for a long time. But the surroundings are beautiful. Laid out along the Mekong, you have a great view from any of the riverside restaurants. There are a lot of activites to do here, if you want. Elefphant rides, trekking etc etc.

The trip down the Mekong was very nice and relaxing. We were surrounded by hills, mountains (when does a hill become a mountain, please inform me) and green forrests. The wildlife though, was a disappointment. During two days I did not see a single bird, which I find a bit strange. In fact I have not seen that many birds while in Laos. Loads of butterflies though.


It seems like all trips in Asia include a waterfall, and this trip is no exception. But I must say that Kuangsi waterfall is the greatest one I've seen. This is the rain season, which made it even more impressive.

Tomorrow we will probably head down to Vientanne (the capitol) and then we will try to get off the main tourist roads.

I know that some of you would like to see some pictures, but I cannot get these computers to perform service. I'll try again later.

Big boat

Today we crossed the mighty Mekong river to Laos. Staying in Huai Xuai a small and quiet border town. Very beautiful landscape with the mighty Mekong flowing down surrounded by hills and mountains. A little bit colder than Bangkok which is a relief. From here we will take a two day boat trip to Luang Prabang in the middle of Laos.

The Bangok stay was very nice. We took a traditional Tuk Tuk tour on Big Buddha day visiting a number of temples. A Tuk Tuk is a great way to get around, but of course you have to do the obligatory stops at tailors and travel agents, who always get sour when you do not end up buying anything. But, sincerely, I am about to enter the jungle, why, why, should I want to bring a suit.

I tried, but this computer just refuses to upload my pictures.

Wish you were here

Finally arrived in Bangkok yesterday morning and met up with Hans at the hotel. It's great to travel again. Unfortunately Hans has a swollen foot so we need to stay a couple of days in Bangkok while the medication takes care of the problem. But then again that means we have some time to check out the city. Tomorrow is "big" Buddha day so we will visit some temples.

Today I finally found the camera I've been trying to find back home. I forgot my USB cable, but I will upload photos in the next coming days.

And, while I remember. Not all of my friends are fluent in Swedish. If you wondered about the language.

Take care
Magnus

Coming to you in a near future.