Backpacking in Laos

From Bangkok to Vang Vieng (PART 1)

Before Departure

December 1, 2016

Before embarking on a week-long adventure, packing is essential. However, the most crucial task is photographing the luggage to document the memories. The heaviest burden will undoubtedly be the photographic equipment. The more equipment one has, the more they want to bring it all, resembling a person carrying an excessive load of straw. While a single camera and lens were sufficient for enjoyable travel in the past, the more one acquires, the more they carry. The reason for this remains a mystery. Clothing bags are manageable, but camera bags are the heaviest, guaranteeing sore shoulders upon return.

Embark on a journey from Bangkok to Udon Thani

December 2, 2016

Due to the need to work on a regular day before, I booked a ticket with Nakhonchai Air. After reviewing various reviews, Nakhonchai Air seemed to be the most suitable option for the trip. Therefore, I chose a departure time that was quite late, almost the last round, to arrive in Udon Thani in the morning in time to buy a ticket to continue to Vang Vieng, Laos.

The station was quite crowded, as we were waiting to board at the Nakhonnay Air Center.
The price of a one-way ticket from Bangkok to Udon Thani was 454 baht.

Interior of a Nakhonchai Air tour bus

The bus's interior, which I personally dislike due to the adjustable seats and backrests, makes me feel inexplicably claustrophobic. I usually travel north and useสมบัติทัวร์ buses, which have different seats. I prefer seats with a more open view, but it's a matter of personal preference. In any case, I pray for everyone's safety on tonight's journey. Listening to music and falling asleep is the best way to pass the time on long trips.

At Udon Thani Bus Terminal

March 12, 2016

We arrived at Udon Thani Bus Terminal around dawn, approximately 6:00 AM to 7:00 AM. We took turns guarding our luggage while the other went to wash up and brush their teeth. Our next mission was to book bus tickets to Vang Vieng. According to online reviews, there was only one departure time at 8:30 AM. However, on that day, there were three buses departing for Vang Vieng, which confused us a bit. Perhaps it was due to the long holiday weekend and the increased number of passengers, resulting in additional bus schedules.

After completing our individual tasks, we rushed to book tickets, fearing we would miss the bus to Vang Vieng and have to take multiple connections. Seeing the large crowd, we worried there wouldn't be enough seats on the available bus. However, we were unaware that two additional buses were scheduled to depart. Fortunately, we made it onto the first bus and avoided the need to rush or compete for seats.

Bus tickets to Vang Vieng cost 320 baht. You will need your passport to purchase a ticket.

It's time for our breakfast. We feel relieved after successfully getting a car to Vang Vieng. As the saying goes, "An army marches on its stomach." In fact, I'm the type of person who gets hungry as soon as I wake up. But when I go out, I have to restrain myself from eating too much, otherwise I'll have to go to the bathroom too often. Haha!

For breakfast, we stopped at a shop run by an uncle and aunt who sell old-style coffee and simple breakfast dishes in front of the bus ticket office. As there were no other customers, we went ahead and ordered the most popular dishes: a fried egg and a baguette, along with hot Ovaltine coffee to refresh ourselves.

Fried egg on a pan + Ovaltine with Baguette bread

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After a while, the number of tourists began to increase.

Upon arrival at the immigration checkpoint in Nong Khai province, the journey from Udon Thani takes approximately one hour. During the ride, the bus staff will distribute documents for cross-border clearance. Passengers are advised to complete these forms while en route to Nong Khai to expedite the immigration process. It is crucial to bring a pen, as it is essential for completing the paperwork.

The provided text is empty. There is nothing to translate.

Let's go to Nong Khai!!!!

Passengers will be provided with cross-border application documents inside the vehicle.

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Immigration checkpoint in Nong Khai Province

After submitting the documents at the Nong Khai checkpoint, we took a bus to the Lao immigration checkpoint. There were a lot of people that day, so we had to stand in line for quite a while. We didn't have to fill out the documents that we had been given on the bus, but some people hadn't filled them out because they didn't have a pen, so I lent them mine. This took quite a bit of time, especially considering the long line and the fact that we were running out of time.

One-way ticket: 55 baht.

To cross the border, Lao immigration requires the purchase of a border crossing card. Use a One-way ticket to scan and exit the checkpoint (similar to using a BTS skytrain card). The cost is 55 baht per person on weekdays. The price on non-working days is uncertain, but it is likely to be lower. This price is applicable during Lao official working hours.

After passing through the checkpoint, I decided not to exchange money for kip yet. The bus staff advised me that I could exchange it at the rest stop to save time, as we still had a long journey ahead to reach Vang Vieng before nightfall. After another two hours of travel, we finally stopped for lunch at almost 2 pm. I was so hungry that I could barely stand it! I had to make do with snacks on the bus. My first meal in Laos was truly a test of my stomach's endurance. 55555

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This is Laos.

March 12, 2016

The first meal in Laos was lunch, which was provided by the bus company at a restaurant. The restaurant was filled almost entirely with Thai tourists.

Note: The original text is empty, so the translation is also empty.

The shop was quite crowded with people. They offer a wide range of services, including money exchange, Lao SIM card purchase, food and beverage ordering, and snacks. I exchanged 6,000 Thai baht, but I don't remember how many Lao kip I received.

Stir-fried rice with kale, crispy pork, and a sunny-side-up egg, and Pho.

The first meal I had in Laos was stir-fried kale with crispy pork and a sunny-side-up egg. I wanted to try the pho, like my friend, but at that moment, all I could think about was eating rice. I couldn't think of anything else to say, so that's all I ordered. However, my friend told me that the pho was delicious, and I saw that many other people were ordering it as well.

SIM cards for Laos are available for purchase.

At the restaurant where we stopped for lunch on our way to Vang Vieng, there was a service to buy Lao SIM cards for the convenience of communication. But more importantly, I didn't want to miss out on updating my life in Vang Vieng to Thailand.

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Vang Vieng, Laos

December 3, 2016

The bus safely delivered us to Vang Vieng.

We arrived at the Vang Vieng transport hub at almost 5 pm. During the journey, we encountered significant issues with using our Lao internet SIM card. When we called the service provider, they responded in Lao, which we couldn't understand. We decided to postpone seeking assistance until we arrived at our destination. However, upon setting up camp, we were perplexed by the fact that our friend was able to access the internet without any problems.

At Vang Vieng Transportation, many people who come to visit Vang Vieng can purchase advance bus tickets back to Thailand upon arrival. Alternatively, those continuing their journey to other destinations can also purchase advance tickets. We, along with our friends, stayed in Vang Vieng for two days before continuing to Luang Prabang. However, we did not purchase tickets in advance as we needed to plan our itinerary in Vang Vieng first. We opted for a spontaneous approach, deciding on our sightseeing destinations upon arrival.

Inside the Vang Vieng Bus Station

Upon arrival, a complimentary shuttle service in the form of a small songthaew is available to transport visitors to the town center. While the walk is not excessively long, approximately 1 kilometer, the winding paths can be disorienting. As a result, opting for the free shuttle is a sensible choice. However, few individuals choose to walk, as preferences vary. For instance, small female tourists carrying camera bags and backpacks may find the walk strenuous. Notably, Korean and Thai tourists constitute the majority of visitors.

A small free songthaew will take you to the center of Vang Vieng.

A small shared taxi will drop you off at MALANY VILLA 1. Everyone will then need to walk to find their own accommodation. There will be three-wheeled vehicles waiting to ask where you are staying and offer to take you there. It's similar to our own country, imagine the scene of taxis at Mo Chit station all rushing towards you. However, it's not as overwhelming here, it's just similar to what we have.

A small shared taxi from the transportation station will take you to MALANY VILLA 1.

Our accommodation is located near the Song River. We gave our friend the task of finding a place to stay that was nice, beautiful, and located by the Song River and mountains. It was a difficult task, but they managed to find one! We divided the responsibilities: they booked the accommodation, and we booked the bus tickets and planned the main itinerary.

"Other Side Bangalow," the name of our laid-back accommodation, but we still don't know where it is located in Vang Vieng. Where is the Song River? We decided to ask the locals. We spoke in Thai, assuming they would understand, and they did. We understood some Lao, but not all of it.

With the directions in hand, we set out to find our accommodation. Following the instructions, we walked straight ahead, turned left, and continued walking until we reached the bridge over the Song River. Thank you for the help.

Remember the word "well-being".

We always forget to say hello.

A bridge crossing the Song River to the accommodation on the other side.

Crossing the wooden bridge to find accommodation, the first sight that greeted us was breathtaking. The view from the bridge showcased a stunning panorama: a pristine river, majestic mountains, colorful hot air balloons against a clear blue sky, and picturesque landscapes. The limestone mountains stretched out, forming a beautiful and intricate pattern. The Song River sparkled with clarity. We couldn't resist taking photos before continuing our search for lodging. However, we couldn't linger on the bridge for too long, as the constant flow of vehicles and pedestrians made us a bit apprehensive about the possibility of falling.

Our accommodation: "Other Side Bangalow"

Our accommodation for tonight and the next night is located a short walk from the Song River. It is mainly occupied by Western tourists. The front of the property is a family-style accommodation with large houses. However, the noise from the tourists' speakers is quite loud. Our accommodation is located further inside, near the mountain, and has a large lawn for sports, activities, or camping.

Upon arrival at the accommodation, without delay, we collected our belongings and immediately ventured out to soak in the atmosphere.

Embark on a grand adventure with a hot air balloon. I wish I could go up too! ^^

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The sun is setting, the wind is dying down, and the streets are starting to fill with people and vehicles.

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A paramotor glider flew by, looking like fun.

The riverside offers a vibrant atmosphere with a variety of activities on both land and water. Visitors can enjoy a relaxing drink or meal, paddle a kayak, float on a rubber tube, or take a scenic boat ride along the Song River. The lively ambiance is filled with people and activities, making it an ideal spot for recreation and entertainment.

A wide range of water activities are available.

Vang Vieng is a vibrant and lively destination, perfect for those seeking an exciting adventure. With its abundance of activities, both on land and water, there's something for everyone. Kayaking is a popular choice, offering a relaxing way to explore the scenic waterways. Whether you're traveling solo or with friends, Vang Vieng promises an unforgettable experience.

For those who prefer a more leisurely experience, boat tours are available along the scenic Song River, offering breathtaking views without the need for paddling. These tours typically last around an hour. Alternatively, a wide range of other activities are available to suit various interests, with packages tailored to specific preferences.

Tour company for booking a car to Luang Prabang

As dusk approached, we set out to find a tour company to book a sleeper bus to Luang Prabang. We had another goal in mind: to experience the novelty of traveling this way. Would it be a comfortable sleep or would we be eager to jump out of the bus? 555

Vang Vieng offers numerous transportation companies for booking trips to various destinations, including Luang Prabang, Thailand, southern Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. It is advisable to inquire about prices at multiple companies, as costs may vary slightly.

The next day, we booked and chose a package according to our preferences. My friends gave me full decision-making power! There are many companies to choose from for activities in Vang Vieng. Choose whichever one interests you, don't miss out!

Evening atmosphere in Vang Vieng

Tonight, it's all about my friend's cravings. They asked if I wanted pizza, and I immediately said yes! They had been reading reviews and wanted to try a recommended pizza place that's known for its deliciousness.

Okay, let's go. I'm easy. I wanted to eat that anyway.

The sentence is already in English and does not require translation.

PIZZA LUKA Restaurant

Following Google Maps, we finally found the restaurant, which was several blocks away from our accommodation. Since we were already there, we decided to make the most of it, both in terms of food and sightseeing. I loved the ambiance of the restaurant. We sat there, enjoying pizza in a beautiful garden, with soft candlelight on the table and a slightly cool breeze, reminding us that it was winter.

Freshly baked pizza from the oven, the owner made it himself. He is a foreigner and seems very happy, very relaxed. The smell is good. There are a lot of customers. If my friend hadn't told me, I wouldn't have known about it. It's really hard to find. I'm very happy with my dinner tonight.

Waiting for pizza? Delicious food is worth the wait.

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Following the arrival of the drinks, a tuna salad was served.

Please provide the sentence or phrase you would like me to translate from Thai to English. I will ensure the translation is accurate, concise, and maintains a simple and short tone.

The pizza is here!!!

The long wait is finally over! My favorite salad has arrived. The salad bowl is huge, and we get to mix it ourselves. I love how fresh the vegetables are. The pizza is also delicious and incredibly fragrant. I'm not exaggerating when I say this. Now I understand why people love pizza so much. However, our eating culture is very different from that of Westerners. Glancing around the table, I noticed that only Westerners were eating. A portion this size would be considered excessive for us, so we usually order and share. Westerners, on the other hand, each order their own pizza and eat it individually.

Excuse me, friend, are we eating in the wrong way? Haha!

Bottled Water in Mini Marts

After finishing our meal, we took a leisurely stroll back to our accommodation. Along the way, we stopped to buy a bottle of water, but there was no refrigerator in our room. No problem, we were too lazy to walk back out to buy one. As we walked, we passed by numerous pubs and bars, indicating that this area is also a paradise for those who enjoy drinking and nightlife.

However, we are not interested in this activity. We prefer to return to our accommodation, relax, and update our social media about our experiences in Vang Vieng.

Please provide the sentence or phrase you would like me to translate from Thai to English.

Nighttime atmosphere by the Song River

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The atmosphere in the picture is very loud, with music playing as loud as at a temple fair. 555

"Home is our castle."

I really want to jump on the bed and sleep, but I haven't taken a shower yet... BANG!!!

Tonight's accommodation will be in a traditional mosquito net, not the luxurious white nets you might find at high-end resorts.

And the one who spreads the mosquito net is me, because my friends don't know how to spread it. Because nowadays at home, we sleep with mosquito nets, otherwise we will definitely be bitten by mosquitoes.

My friend took a shower first and went to sleep, leaving me to shower afterwards. Now I have to set up the mosquito net and watch out for mosquitoes for them!

A cozy little cottage, our own little home.

The bed, pillows, and mosquito net are all provided, ensuring a comfortable sleep until morning. The availability of fans is a welcome addition.

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"Stay tuned for PART 2, where we'll take you on an ADVENTURE."

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