Vientiane

Posted by Brian

Posted on August 7, 2007

In the Vientiane, the Capital of Laos. Its like most large towns/cities over here (except for Bangkok - thats unique) only this place is noticibly poorer and dirtier than other countries. Its a communist country I think, although from the looks of things the idea is very loosely enforced. There is wealth, although not much, and poverty side by side, and I've only really seen the tourist area. Haven't had a chance to wander around the city and wont get to either because we have to head for the airport soon.

Its strange how your idea of expensive changes. I would be very sceptical now of paying a euro for a beer. Think I'd walk out of the place if it was any more than a euro. And thats for a 640ml bottle! The currency over here is a nightmare. There are so many notes and on one side they have random numbers where on the other they have the value of the note, eg. the 1000 kip note has 1000 on one side and 9000 on the other!! Just so confusing.

Since tubing we just got a bus to here and spent the nice in a reasonable guest house. Was expensive enough but was clean and comfortable so am happy. I think it was about 15 US dollars to for 3 people in the room. So that works out at about 4 euro each for the night with air con.

We leave for Hanoi in a bit and have looked in to getting a place. I think the plan is to stay in Hanoi for 2 nights then get a train to the coast. From there we'll pan out on a beach for a couple of days and make our way down the coast to Ho Chi Min City (Saigon). Should be fun.

Until next time,

Brian