Nov 11: Night, Vientiane
We are going to Pakse, then on to Champasak to visit Wat Phou
, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Can't wait to see the ruins, built from the 6th to 12th centuries by the Khmers on the mountain slope.For some pre-trip prep, we decided to spend a little time wandering
around Vientiane in search of information. The Lao Tourism office was useless. Exotissmo, which sold expensive tours, took the trouble to tell and show us where to buy tickets for the express bus to Pakse, though they did not sell such tickets. Lao Youth Travel also told us where to buy the tics, how much they cost and showed us the schedule. The lady we asked even called to confirm the bus company had tickets to sell for the next run before telling us to go to the bus office to buy the tickets ourselves.After the morning's fact-finding excursion, we went back to our guesthouse to pack. We were moving to Dragon Lodge.
When we went to the lobby to settle our bill, we saw two large backpacks. Sitting on one of them was our British friend, Sarah. The other Sarah was checking in. Annie and I were happy to see them again. Since everyone was busy moving, we decided to meet for lunch later.
This trip has been extremely precious. It is fun to run into other travellers who have befriended us along the way. It is a wonderful feeling to see a familiar face or two after some time in a strange place full of strangers you cannot or have yet to get to know.
Shortly after noon, we met the two Sarahs as planned. We ate lunch in a small shop selling delicious duck rice. When it looked like we had stayed too long (the wait staff had long ago cleared our plates and was eyeing us discreetly), we continued our chit-chat in a nearby cafe. The ladies were off to Savannakhet next, before heading for Vietnam
. We might run into them again. If not, we might meet in Singapore a few months later. We exchanged emails and parted.Monday is still a quiet day in Vientiane
although there are more traffic and people on the roads, compared to somnolent Sunday.Still, some locals told us that traffic had thickened, compared to three years ago. First, more motorbikes apppeared; then came more cars, they said rather wistfully.
Being typical city dwellers, however, we reckon Vientiane would be even more bustling. Nonetheless, we are glad that Vientiane has not yet gone the way of other polluted, congested, cities in this region.
Vientiane
, with enough creature comforts for the urban-oriented, is a most charming place to while away a few relaxing days.Budget (for two in kip and USD)
Nov 11
Room >> US$15
Breakfast >> K16,000
H2O >> K1,000
Lunch >> K24,000
Coffee >> K13,000
Dinner >> K14,000
Cakes + H2O >> K6,000
Bus to Pakse (advance) >> US$24
Nov 12
Breakfast >> K14,000
Internet >> K6,000
Lunch >> K14,000
Coffee >> K18,000
Dinner >> K20,000
Supper >> K2,000
Drinks >> K3,000
Next... First night bus to Pakse
1 comment:
Hi Matthias
Can I put a link on our blog to your world heritage website?
As for our trip to Wat Phou, the site was a little messy then because there were many labourers working there. Don't know if they were restoring anything because they looked like contruction workers to me! However, over the main shrine after those flights of steps, they had erected a tarpauline to protect the shrines, which were revered by the locals, as evidenced by the presence of offerings and incense. The labourers were having lunch on site (but not at the shrine) and they were rather noisy. I did not see much signage, but it wasn't difficult to find your way around. Anyway, this trip was made at the end of 2002. I'm sure things have changed by now.
The approach and the view from the temple was awesome. Without the noisy labourers, it would have been a more atmospheric experience. Those who have problems with steep steps may find the walk up more challenging.
CL
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