Laos has been well known for it natural beauty in the region. Visited to Loas has been my dream since many years ago. I hold for long time to materialize my dream simply I dont have the nerve to backpack to this less developed country. As I read from many traveler reviews, Laos is still considered as lacking behind in terms of the country transpotation eg: muddy road during the rainny season; roads are bumpy, public transport will break down...etc.
Year 2008 has been very encouraging year for me when I firmed my stand and made up my mind to visited there. When? I made up my mind to visit Laos in early Dec and planned to depart on X'mas. Knowing that X'mas would be a super peak season to Laos and Thailand, I insited to take up the risk.
I decided to travel by land instead of Air Asia. The overland plan have to travel from my hometown (Sg Petani) to Bangkok and from Bangkok took a overnight train to Nongkai then cross to Vientine.
First thing first, I called up the train station to check if there is any seat available to Bankok. Luckily enough they told me they still have one last ticket and more lucky it is a lower bed. Yahoo....!! Secondly I called my friend in Bangkok to book the bangkok > Nongkai ticket for me. Luck still with me, I got the ticket. But for the return ticket Nongkai >Bangkok and Bangkok >Sg Petani, I have been told that it was sold out. It seems that I only have one way ticket. (No need to come back to Malaysia??)
The day has came - Sg Petani >Bangkok (25 Dec 2008)
This is solo journey, I was planning to be alone for most of the time and for that I bring along some books with me to kill the time. However, when I met LeeChyi on the train, my plan to read was just vanished away. Lee is a Penangest that been working in Japan for 7 years. I enjoyed and inspired the conversation with her very much. Somehow we are having the same idea on life. LeeChyi travelled to many countries and also involved herself in many volunter projects on third countries on the poverty issues. I was amazed with her passion and her courage towards life.
The 23 hours train journet seemed to be very short when I have someone keeps talking with me. Thanks Leechyi on your companion and had color my journey unknowingly.
Bangkok > Nongkai > Vientine (26 Dec 2008)
After the 23 hours journey from Sg Petani. From Bangkok, there is another 12 hours journey to Nongkai (Laos Border). I met Nik and his gang in the train which later helped me a lot in passing through the immigration hazel. These 4 Thai heros are heading to Laos for shooting. They are simply like angels sent by God to accompany me to cross the border. Instead of bargains with the Tok Tok drivers, I just stand aside and let them do all the bargaining since they can speak Laos language and just followed them to my dropping points. My intuition ensured me they are kind person and can be trusted.
The first thing when I reached Vientiane is take a deep deep breath in this capital. I am here...I am here. Now, I am here. I screamed inside my heart. Then heading to a restaurant for my lunch. As I didn't prepare much on my journey, I got to look for my accommodation after my meal. I was searching and searching and at last I managed to find a decent place to pamper myself with an air cond en suite single room. After taking a rest and shower, I intended to go for a walk. After a few foot steps out from the hotel, I passed by a Chinese restaurant and the owner asked if I wanna eat something. I rejected as I have just had my lunch. "Where are you from? " this was the question that break the ice and I become friend with Jack. Jack is originally from Kuala Lumpur and owning a restaurant in Laos 2 years back. He is kind enough that willing to show me around most of the famous tourist spots in Vientiane. I thank Jack for his kindness and hospitality.
Vientine > Vang Vieng (28 Dec 2008)
From Vientiane to Vang Vieng, journey will take about 4 hours. The journey was bored and nothing much to do. Still I enjoyed the moment. Vang Vieng is famous with it natural beauty and outdoor activity such as tubing along Mekong river, craving and tracking. I met Naok - a Japanese engineer. We become travel mate and I think I have ruined his itinerary. Naok decided to follow me to Luang Prabang instead of flying back to Bangkok simply I told him Luang Prabang is the "must go" city in Laos.
I did what others travelers did in Laos such as tubinng under the cave, caving., tracking etc. One day package cost me USD 20. I enjoyed the adventurous very much.
Another thing that keep on remind me till now is the Mulberry Organic cafe here. The mulberry milk shake is simply the best I ever had. My routine to have 2 cups per day, one morning and one in the evening.
Overall, vang Vieng is a simple and tranquil town. I don't know why, I just love this small town very much for its nothingness.
Luang Prabang (29 Dec 2008)
Laung Prabang has been awarded by UN as World Heritage in year 2005. Streets are pack with guest house and all range of hotel made this city a traveller friendly city. For me nothing much to see here but the whole environment and weather just made me feel very comfortable and lay back. It is in this city, I started to have my own time for reading and sipping well known coffee Laos. A simple life with coffee + books. This way of living has been my dream holiday style - Wake up as you wish, eat as you feel and do what you want.
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