Vientiane

mouth of the 'heaven/hell pot' ... its quite creepy in there ... but still worth trying!! heh heh

Vientiane . . . (modern Capital)

a closer view within the ancient gates surrounding wat Sisaket ...

a local primary school - they loved my presence there. I chatted with some of them, the teachers and the canteen lady. They are such enthusiatic people.

Heaven/Hell path - a very large construction in the form of a 'pot'. It holds a dark passage way that leads up to the top of the 'pot' - up top is heaven and in between is hell . . . try it for yourself at the Buddha Park

at the bus depot (7am) where i was getting ready to depart for Luang Prabang (another option from flying). I'm seated in the bus already while the driver waits till all the seats are filled - this is the guy who sells us last minute breakfasts ... (bread, fresh fruit, lollies ...)

mythical / mixed religious images depicted in concrete forms - quite fascinating - a nice variety of detailed figures worth seeing . . .

SO what does this sleepy capital city have to offer the prospective tourists and travellers then?

Well, many things definitely.
Whether it be drinks by the Mekong at sunset or breakfast at sunrise - walking through the many buzzling locals markets for fresh produce or local handifcrafts, silk and souvenirs - or simply cycling through the aged temples and religious monuments around the city on your rental bicycles. That's the cultural experience.

THEN you can also be pampered in the luxurious 4* and 5* hotels around the city after a big day outdoors or go back to your budget accommodation to mingle with the locals and other backpacker buddies to share anecdotes on your travel experiences.

There are many choices available of accommodation, restaurants, entertainment, indoor and outdoor activities as well as cultural elements to experience in this well preserved city.

Admittedly, at face value one might think there is not much to do here. But if you are really keen and more seasoned in your travels then you would definitely know better than than, right?

When you travel to such a reserved destination, you really have to WANT to know more and experience more. If you dig deep enough into the depth of your own curiosity of the world then you will find that there are so many things you can do to make the travel experience within such countries more worthwhile.

Another approach to exploring Vientiane then is to chat with the locals - or try to do that with the people who may understand. OR seek out the local colleges, univeristies, schools etc. that may have English classes and ask permission to enter there grounds - have a chat with the students and teachers. It certainly is an experience. You will be fascinated by what they have to tell you about their culture and they will be fascinated by you and yours.

You will be surprised at how enthusiastic and informative these people are.

OR another side to that is, ask the teachers or principals whether you can drop by and volunteer to be an English teacher's aid for example, for a couple of hours for one day out of your (most likely) extended travel. What does it hurt if you give it a try. You can only gain from this experience.

Use your imagination - that is how you truely travel you know - take the chance. Otherwise, why are you going to such a destination in the first place ...

The people are approachable, the cuisine is diverse, the sights are invaluable and the activities are only limited by your imagination. Have I convinced you of the real value of one of many beautiful cities in LAOS yet?! I don't know what else to say if i haven't succeeded in convincing you ... Think about these new ideas on your next travel to Laos - or if you haven't been there before, then WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? ... go go go. Go seek, see, participate and really appreciate the real differences of the world ...

Hmm ... I do go on don't I?!

@Intro to LAOS @Lao Events @Luarng Prabang @Vientiane @Pakse @Si Pan Don @Mekong River @Transportation

Vientiane . . .

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