20 hours to Laos

Trip Start Nov 16, 2004

Trip End Nov 15, 2005

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Flag of Lao Peoples Dem Rep Vientiane, Lao Peoples Dem Rep
Sunday, February 13, 2005

Started marathon journey from Hanoi at 7pm on Saturday evening. After two short minibus rides in two different minibuses around Hanoi we eventually took our seats on the coach that would take us into Laos. The space on the coach was reduced by the apparent smuggling of 'chocolate wafer biscuits' in the hand luggage area. It was further reduced by the backpacks on the back seats as the hold under the coach had been reserved for several cans of diesel that were filled at the first petrol station we passed. So feeling a lot more safer knowing that we were sat on so much fuel we began the long journey to Laos. The journey wasn't so bad - helped by the few hours sleep I managed to get and the apparent lack of stops by the driver(s). We only stopped every 4 or 5 hours which without a toilet on board could've been embarrassing - however it did mean that we arrived in Vietiane at 4pm on Sunday afternoon - a relatively short journey of 20 hours.

Gateway to Great Stupa

Found a hotel and then headed off along the riverfront in search of good food and cheap beer. Both goals fulfilled we sat back and watched some more goals - unfortunately this time by Man Utd. We also watched a rugby match between England and France but my memory has forgotten the score.

Hired some push-bikes and explored Vientiane. For a capital city it is incredibly quiet and relaxed compared to the chaos in Vietnam. I managed to cross the road without hearing the continuos blaring of car horn or feeling that this might well be the last I get to cross a road. We visited The Patoxai, a kind of mini Arc de Triomphe, that is known as Victory Gate. We then headed off to Pha That Lung (Great Stupa) which is a symbol of Laos sovereignty and Buddhist religion. Whilst being impressive I am beginning to get fed up with seeing temples - as someone pointed out, its not as if I would spend my time back home exploring one church after the next! After deciding we had seen all we wanted to we booked the bus to Vang Vieng for the next day.

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