Sometimes, the destination is not as important as the journey itself.

Greetings, esteemed readers!

I hope this message finds you well. I'm curious to know where you spent your recent weekend getaway. Did you discover any hidden gems or breathtaking landscapes? Share your experiences with us in the comments below!

Looking forward to hearing your stories!

When it comes to holidays, the words work, time, money, etc., immediately pop into our heads. Haha! It's like a dream stopper for us salarymen. Sometimes, we even think twice about going out to the front of the alley. Haha! It's not because I'm stingy, but the little money left in my pocket has to last until the end of the month. And then there's the problem of our physical health. Well, as the old saying goes, "There is no well too deep for a rope that is long enough." If you have the will, you will find a way.

After much deliberation, my mother and I decided to "pool our resources" and **break open our piggy banks!** Well, not quite that drastic. We decided to take the money we usually spend on snacks, cosmetics, and other miscellaneous items each month and combine it. To our surprise, it amounted to quite a sum! We then started brainstorming about potential destinations, seeking a tranquil haven to escape the daily hustle and bustle for a couple of days (a chance to regroup, so to speak).

Recalling a previous conversation with my sister about our shared desire to visit Laos, I decided to seize the opportunity presented by the national holiday and embark on a spontaneous adventure. The excitement kept me awake all night, my eyes wide and bright as if I had consumed several cups of coffee. I finally understood the unbridled joy my nephews experience when anticipating a trip.

It took me almost 3 hours to drive. "It sounds like a long way." In fact, the distance from the author's house to the Chong Mek checkpoint is about 2 hours by car. (Due to some commitments) Combined with my driving skills, which even Dom Dominic would be ashamed of, I arrived at the Chong Mek checkpoint almost at 3 pm. Haha, when I arrived at my destination, I was immediately scolded. Well, I made my brother wait for several hours. (What I did should not be imitated.)

Due to our limited vacation days, I planned that we should go one day in advance. At this point, readers who have never traveled to Laos can use a passport or apply for a temporary border pass.

We only went for a few days, so getting a temporary border pass seemed like a more economical option than submitting a passport. However, if you have several days, I recommend using a passport. After all, it's not much of a difference, and you can go anywhere in the country. When you return, you can return through any checkpoint and stay for another 30 days without needing a visa.

  • ➭ The documents required to obtain a temporary border pass are not as complicated as they used to be. You only need your ID card. The total cost of obtaining a temporary border pass is approximately 240 baht. You can go to the following location: https://goo.gl/maps/ZzypW8GryFs

Once you have all the documents, submit them to the officer at the white booth here. But where is this white booth? Walk straight ahead, it's not far from the border pass issuance point. Many of you might have guessed it already, right? Yes, it's the purple building over there. Haha!

After exiting the tunnel, we will encounter a spacious area suitable for running around. (Let's have some fun!) We still have one more stop, where we need to present the documents issued by the Thai authorities to the Laotian officials.

We are almost there! ｡◕‿ ◕｡ From this point, let's take a slight detour to the right to reach room number 6 (located at the back). ⇓

Room number 6, as you mentioned. ⇓

All done! Now we can travel to our destination correctly. (●*∩_∩*●)

On the other side of the country, while my sister was waiting for me to complete the border crossing paperwork, my other sister, Nhen, and her family from Laos, were waiting for us at the border crossing since morning. I have to apologize to my sisters many times and thank them for their kindness that day.

At this point, I couldn't help but exclaim softly to myself, "**Wow! Am I really going abroad?**" In my entire life, the farthest I had ever been was Bangkok. The feeling that day was indescribable. To be honest, Pakse was even closer than Bangkok. Haha.

The surrounding scenery is strikingly similar to my hometown two decades ago, a sight that is sadly no longer available today. Witnessing these familiar images evokes a flood of cherished childhood memories.

After driving for a while, we encountered checkpoints at intervals. I guessed they were probably vehicle inspection checkpoints, similar to those on expressways in our country. We didn't have to present any travel documents. If I remember correctly, there were two checkpoints before reaching Pakse (if I'm wrong, I apologize to the reader). I'll call them Checkpoint A and Checkpoint B for convenience.

Wat Phu Salao: Endless Love

"Both of them lost hope in the love they had for each other, without realizing that their love had never faded."

Before entering the city of Pakse, our group paid respects to Luang Pho Ong Saen, a sacred Buddha image at Wat Phou Salao, or Phu Salao. Saen, or scattered, literally means "to make liquor scattered" in Thai.

According to legend, Lord Bajang was heartbroken by his unrequited love for Lady Marong. In his grief, he poured out the liquor, rooster, and betel nut that he had prepared for her dowry. (This is the origin of the word "sa-lao" or "sa-lua", which means "to pour out liquor"). This story is similar to that of a young man who is heartbroken and feels sad, which is a common experience.

A Heartbreaking Misunderstanding: The Tragedy of Thao Ba Chiang and Nang Ma Rong

This passage recounts a tragic tale of misunderstanding and heartbreak, leaving a lasting impact on future generations, including the author. Thao Ba Chiang and Nang Ma Rong, two individuals deeply in love, were denied the opportunity to explain or bid farewell to one another. Thao Ba Chiang believed Nang Ma Rong had changed her mind, while Nang Ma Rong thought Thao Ba Chiang had broken his promise. This misunderstanding, possibly fueled by disapproval from their elders, culminated in Nang Ma Rong's tragic suicide. This event serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating consequences that can arise from miscommunication and unaddressed grievances.


Both were heartbroken, unaware that their love for each other had never faded. The author commends their love and expresses gratitude to Aue and Ai Sai (the older sister and brother) for sharing their story that day.

Fortunately for us, that day was the temple's Kathin ceremony day. Our group therefore took this important opportunity to make merit with the temple. (May it be of merit)

The Chapel Royal of the Emerald Buddha houses the Emerald Buddha, also known as the **Phra Phuttha Maha Mani Ratana Patimakorn**, in three different seasonal costumes.

The exterior features hundreds of Buddha statues in various postures. Buddhists believe that those who create Buddha statues for worship will be rewarded with rebirth in the celestial realm, where they will possess great power and prestige, like the sun's radiant glow.

Moreover, Wat Phou Salao boasts a breathtaking viewpoint offering panoramic vistas of Pakse city, spanning an impressive 180 degrees.

The weather that day was overcast with a slight drizzle. It was also a bit colder than back home. My sister whispered to me that this was just a taste of what was to come, and that the real cold would come that night. I wondered to myself how cold it could possibly get.


In addition to the scenic views, we also noticed numerous high-voltage power lines. These lines, as we observed, are used to generate and transmit electricity to Thailand.

Early in the morning and in the evening, many people and tourists come to this spot to take pictures. If the rain hadn't started to fall, I would have loved to sit here and watch the sunset. It must be beautiful. Next time, I will make sure to allow plenty of time.

Okay, so as not to waste any time, I will take everyone on a short drive into the city of Pakse. But first, I think we should find a place to stay for the night, right? ^ ^

Lao Nippon Bridge, also known as the Lao-Japanese Friendship Bridge, is a bridge featured in the film "The Elephant King".

We agreed to spend the night in Pak Song. In the morning, we would sit and sip hot coffee, bask in the fire, watch the sunrise over the mountaintop, and experience the true cold. "This is pure heaven," we thought.

The traffic situation in Laos is not much different from ours, except that they drive on the right side of the road, while we drive on the left. However, I find the traffic signs in Laos to be quite charming and straightforward in their communication. In fact, many things here make me wonder, "Why do we make things so difficult to understand back home?"

After a while on the road, I heard the sound of thunder rumbling in the distance. But wait! It seemed like the sound was getting closer. To my surprise, it was my own stomach growling! Haha! Well, since I'm already here, I might as well take a walk around the market and see if there's anything delicious and spicy to eat before I reach Pak Chong.

As soon as she got out of the car, the housewife immediately rushed into the clothing store, even saying, "Let's talk about dinner later." It seems that women and clothes are truly inseparable, haha.

Five minutes later, I became a de facto baggage handler.

In addition to clothing and accessories, there is also a wide variety of other goods available, such as shoes and miscellaneous household items, similar to the markets in our own neighborhoods. The prices are also quite reasonable. When buying things, it can be a bit exciting (especially when adding up the numbers). I was walking by and was surprised by the prices, haha.

As the sky began to darken, the colors became more vivid. I can't recall the last time I looked up at the sky with such awe and appreciation for its beauty. I simply exclaimed to myself, "It's truly magnificent!" and smiled. The housekeeper inquired, "What are you looking at?"

It's time to find some delicious food to eat! My stomach is starting to rumble. Haha!

While in Laos, why not try some of the local home-cooked dishes? Some people rarely get to eat traditional home-cooked meals, so why not try a different menu and change the atmosphere?

Before entering the alley, we stopped to run errands, fill up the tank, and buy some odds and ends. We planned to have dinner there, but the rain threatened to fall. We decided to eat at the gas station first to avoid getting too hungry. As soon as I finished speaking, the rain started pouring. What could we do? If it were a gas station in our country, we would have looked for a car cover and a place to shelter from the rain. But the attendant said, "Go and park inside the gas station." I asked, "Right where they fill up the gas?" He replied, "Yes, right there." I exclaimed, "Are you sure?" He confidently said, "Yes, yes."

  • The friendly staff at the gas station even let us sit and eat comfortably, saying, "Make yourself at home." The rain continued for almost 20 minutes. We would like to express our gratitude to all the staff for their kindness that day. ^ ^

The journey from Pakse to Pakxong was cut short due to the steep and slippery road conditions caused by heavy rain. Limited visibility made driving hazardous, prompting us to return to Pakse to rest and recharge for the next day's journey.

We woke up after the rooster crowed that day. Haha, we planned to wake up at 4 am, but it was almost 6 am. Haha.

My steaming cup of coffee and warm fire have been replaced by a cold morning and a slice of pâté. I'd say it's a fair trade. ^ ^

  • Pâté is a French word meaning ground meat mixed with fat.

A simple morning lifestyle on the way to Pak Song city

PAKSONG HIGHLAND COFFEE ESTATE
Coffee Plantation

Paksong Highland Coffee Estate

The Paksong Highland Coffee Estate, also known as Bolaven Coffee, was our second stop for enjoying the fresh air and taking some memorable photos. Located in Ban Bajian 18a, Paksong District, Champasak Province, the estate can be easily found using this link: https://goo.gl/maps/gXtYjVtTA7v.

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

If I remember correctly, the farm should be open at 8:00 AM. However, we arrived a little early. The kind staff allowed us to take pictures beforehand. Out of courtesy, I only bothered them for about 10 minutes. Next time, I will come back and enjoy a hot cup of coffee at a more leisurely pace. ^ ^

What impressed me the most was the weather. It was so cold that I decided not to bring a jacket from home. I wanted to experience the cold weather to the fullest. In the end, I couldn't stand the cold and had to buy a jacket on the way. What do you think? Want to experience it for yourself? Haha.


This is the first time I've seen a coffee plant up close. ^ ^

Sipping hot coffee and listening to soft music in the morning like this, just thinking about it is already blissful. ^ ^


The location offers a wide variety of photo opportunities, with new angles available at every turn. If you have ample time and are not in a hurry, I highly recommend visiting Paksong Highland Coffee Estate.

Montra Champa Lao

Montra Champa Lao Garden

Have you finished your appetizers? ^ ^ If not, I will take you all to see the flower garden again.

The enchanting Champasak Flower Garden, known as "ສວນມົນຕາຈຳປາລາວ," is located approximately 60 kilometers from Pakse city center (Landmark 11). You can find the exact location here: https://her.is/2AJjjpB. This garden boasts a diverse array of flowers and plant species, including strawberries, various vegetables, and freshly brewed coffee for visitors to enjoy.

  • Before entering the park, we must first purchase tickets at 20,000 kip per person, which is approximately 80 baht.
  • The ticket booth is located at the park entrance.

The absolute highlight is the coffee and tea. In the picture where you don't see a coffee cup, it's not because it's not there, but because the writer is holding it, unable to put it down because it's so delicious.

In addition to fragrant coffee and tea, the park also offers breakfast for tourists. On a morning like this, a hot bowl of rice porridge would be a great way to start the day.



For girls who love taking pictures with flower fields, this place is like heaven. If there were a pony running by, it would be perfect.

In terms of photography angles, you won't have to struggle to find the perfect spot here. In fact, if you enjoy taking photos with flowers, you could easily spend the entire day capturing stunning shots. The weather in Pak Song and Pakse is quite different. Pakse tends to have a warmer temperature.


The consistently cool climate allows flowers to flourish better here than in hot and humid regions.

There are quite a lot of orchids here, aren't there?

The top image appears to be a Phalaenopsis orchid, although the author admits to forgetting the exact name (apologies if incorrect). The bottom image, however, is confidently identified as a dancing lady orchid, or Oncidium.

Are you tired yet? If not, I will take you to see another highlight of this place, the Tunnel of Rainbow Light, also known as the Rainbow Tunnel.


She will come in a tank top.

Or even in groups, especially at night, I think it would be very beautiful.

Visitors to the Enchanted Flower Garden should not miss this spot. In addition to everything I have mentioned, there are many other areas within the garden for everyone to explore and take pictures. Even I haven't been able to see everything yet, haha.

I have a belief that whenever we travel somewhere and then return home, if we realize, "Hey! I forgot to visit this spot!" it often leads us to return to that place again. Haha!

Based on the blueprint designed by the park (on the sign), I believe that the park will be even more magnificent in the near future. I recommend this park to anyone looking for a place to relax on their day off. You won't be disappointed.

Lost in the beauty of the flower garden, I'm starting to feel the heat. Let's find a cool place with clear water and birdsong.

Tad Gneuang Waterfall

Tad Yeung Waterfall, also known as Tad Yeung, is a large and beautiful waterfall that ranks among the top 10 in Laos. Many people have already visited this waterfall. For the sake of brevity, the author will skip the history of the waterfall. (If you are interested in learning about the history of the waterfall, you can search for "Tad Yeung Waterfall" on Google.)

  • The journey is very convenient. Tad Yeung Waterfall is about 40 kilometers from Pakse city. Drive a little further, about 1 km, or follow the location below. https://goo.gl/maps/fGMjgANsubz

The waterfall can be accessed by walking down, but please be careful as the ground is quite wet and slippery.

From my vantage point, a long path stretches out towards another pavilion. If you find yourself here, don't hesitate to continue your walk. You might just stumble upon some hidden gems.

The closest I could get was here. The water spray was incredibly strong. I remembered that our camera was waterproof (it's waterproof now, haha). This is even in the winter, and the water is still this strong. If it were the rainy season, I wouldn't even need to describe it, haha.

The water is very cold (a foreigner said "very cold", I think, haha). However, if you are confident in the weather seal of your camera or are an adventurous type, you can walk down to take pictures below. Personally, I think it would be easier to take pictures around January-February.

After enjoying a refreshing swim, we headed to the market to buy souvenirs. The market is located just before the descent to the waterfall.

There are many beautiful photo spots for selfie lovers.

Exhibition corner of traditional weaving and costumes of the tribe

A relaxing corner to sit and enjoy the cool breeze.

Or, if you're feeling lonely and heartbroken, come here and let it all out. ^ ^

Alright, since we've already reached Tad Yeuang, let's head to another waterfall nearby. The waterfall we're going to is about 2 km from here, or you can follow this location: https://goo.gl/maps/DmJ8J3LDguK2

ຕາດຟານ Tad Fane waterfalls

Tad Fane Waterfall, also known as Tat Fane Waterfall, is renowned for its zip line, a major attraction for many visitors. However, the author harbors a strong aversion to anything that elevates them off the ground, hence their decision to observe from a safe distance with a hint of concern.


The zipline offers various experiences, including rappelling, relaxing coffee breaks, and leisurely hammock rides. Prices vary depending on the chosen activity. Rappelling costs 1400 baht, while coffee breaks and hammock rides cost 2400 baht, or approximately 62,000 kip.


Translation:

Before we were released down the zipline, the staff asked us to sign a safety waiver or some kind of insurance document. I didn't dare take a picture of it. If anyone has already tried it, please share your experience and let us know how it was. Was it fun?


Before returning, my group and I stopped by the market at Tad Faan to see if there were any souvenirs to bring back for our families.


Found this young man running after me, haha.

The young man and his Grilled Banana

The sentence is empty. Please provide a sentence or phrase for me to translate.

Products range from clothing and accessories to forest products (food).

Translation:

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For those who are interested in souvenirs, you can stop by the market at the entrance of Tad Fane. ^ ^

Pha Suam Waterfall

Pha Suam Waterfall, also known as Tat Pha Suam, is a waterfall located in Laos. The name "Pha Suam" literally translates to "toilet" in Thai. When I asked my friend about the meaning of the name, he replied, "It's the same as the toilet in our house." I was confused, but he then explained that "suam" actually means "bedroom" in the local dialect. He also mentioned that older generations in his village used the word "suam" to refer to a bedroom. Additionally, he shared that the word "tam it" means "before" and "rom" means "to talk" in the local dialect.

Traveling to Pha Suam Waterfall is very convenient. There are vehicles running in and out all the time. It is about 30 kilometers from Pakse city center. You can follow this location: https://goo.gl/maps/3i4Ga1yn7Vt. As for the rope bridge that many people have seen in the reviews, I didn't see it this time. I guess the officials must be renovating it. ^ ^

We arrived at Pha Suam around 3 pm. If we had brought casual clothes, we would have taken a dip in the water to cool off. The most popular mode of transportation for tourists to get here is by motorbike, which can be rented in Pakse town. There are many shops to choose from.

A must-visit for any traveler to Pha Suam is the Tribal Cultural Center. Here, you can learn about the rich and diverse cultures of the Lao people. With nearly 50 distinct ethnic groups, each with its own language and unique customs and traditions, Laos offers a fascinating glimpse into the country's cultural heritage.



Hello, young lady of the house, I said in greeting. Actually, I wanted to ask her a little bit about the history of this place, but this time I'll just stand and watch quietly. ^ ^

A little further on, the sound of music and children's voices could be heard from afar. Here, we can ask the elders about the history of this place.


The atmosphere was pleasant all day, even though it was already past one in the afternoon. ^ ^

We have finally reached the end of this journey. How was it for you, dear reader? As this was my first trip abroad, some parts of the content may have been awkward or contained inaccurate information. I, the author, sincerely apologize for this. Thank you for following along, and thank you to everyone who read to the very end. Until next time!

The total cost of the trip for two people was over 4,000 baht.

Equipment used to capture memories:

Cameras:

  • Nikon F
  • Fuji XE-1

Lenses:

  • 28-85mm f/3.5-4.5
  • Sigma 10-20 f4/5.6
  • XC50-230

Just a quick note:
If you have any questions about your trip, please don't hesitate to ask. I'm happy to help in any way I can.
https://www.facebook.com/Suiy.Kee.King

#tad fane#pakse#mouth of the tunnel#tad yeuang#laos#mekong river#winter#laos#laos this translation is concise and simple, providing the requested information without unnecessary additions. it also adheres to the specified tone of voice and avoids personal pronouns or colloquialisms.#thailand#community tourism#family trip#car#shared taxi#van
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