55. Social time in Laos

Social time in Laos - By Pierre

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- The most memorable moments I had in Laos were all shared with backpackers who, like me, were crossing the country. Here is an opportunity for me to describe how, during a solo travel, I was actually never alone!
- Let us come back to the country: Laos geography is simple, the points of interest are almost all on the same road. I quote them here:
Pakse

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- Pakse is the starting point of the travelers from Cambodia or Thailand. There are two major attractions:
- - the 4000 islands on the Mekong river. To discover the traditional island life, to spend decadent evenings between tourists and to observe the dolphins of the Irrawaddy (see article 49).
- - the motorcycle loop on the plateau Bolavens (see article 54) with some compatriots to joke on the road.
Thakhek

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- Second loop that leads to Kong Lor Caves and some others. With its dirt parts, I was sure to spend unforgettable moments with my companions of fortune:
- - In the mud wrapping the big wheel of David's motorcycle. David is a young mad free German very funny.
- - Listening to music from the speakers of the Stéphane's motorbike. This Frenchman is travelling for 3 years around the borders of South East Asia.
- - Having fun with Tess, the crazy Dutch girl.
- - Also with our Irish friends around a beer
Vientiane

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- In addition to again meeting dear Tess, I met Robert, this Englishman coming from London with his bicycle. During our ride on the Mekong banks he told me his adventure between London and Vientiane, it seems to be a very inspiring trip... He was also going to China and we both faced (and falsified) the visa administrative procedures...
Hitchhiking to Vang Vieng

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- I followed the idea of the six French who had traveled from Pakse to Vang Vieng hitchhiking. I wanted to make it between Vientiane and Vang Vieng. Hitchhiking in Laos means climbing up to the rear of a jeep under the burning sun and holding on yourself!
- Cool adventure with Tess (again!), Anthony and Daniel. This couple of Franco-Colombian friends was very eccentric. Finally after three hikes including two hours on flower pots we arrived over motivated to enjoy the atmosphere of Vang Vieng.
Cooling down in Vang Vieng

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- The great attraction of Vang Vieng was the tube crawling, descending down a river with a buoy and stopping at every bar. I preferred one day of kayaking which including a buoy exploration of a cave which was a good time to bully the Chinese tourists and find good playmates. SELFIE!
Vang Vieng, a paradise for backpackers

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- Normally I'm insensitive to this kind of city, but I fell under the charm of Vang Vieng. Meetings, food, evenings, and in the morning some relaxation in the blue lagoon...
- Here at Sakura's bar with Tess and David.
Do what you want!

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- I met Pauline, a French woman who came to South East Asia to forget her worries. She just arrived at my guesthouse and I guided her in my little paradise of the moment. Sometimes it's just great to talk in French even when we can easily cope abroad.
- "What shall we do tomorrow?", Pauline asked. My answer was simple: "let's see tomorrow." Conclusion: we had a good day pedaling amongst the nature of Laos. We ate at very friendly local restaurant. Then we avoided the entrance fee to enjoy a viewpoint and to do it the French way. We crossed between the barbed wire to climb over the rocks to admired the landscape in the afternoon. Finally we swam in an underground river, and we both enjoyed each others good company. Awesome, is it?
- So Pauline, ready to jump?
- https://youtu.be/N75oc4Cu4Bk
Hitchhiking to Luang Prabang

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- We were again looking to hitch hike. Everything went well for Tess and Pauline who enjoyed a direct hike. This time I was accompanied by Ricardo, a Dom Juan guitarist and traveler, looking for a new universe of work. We had more worries to achieve our destination but also had more time to dialogue and get inspired!
Luang Prabang falls

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- A new guesthouse and meeting of eight French speakers to enjoy the splendid waterfalls of Kuang Si. In front of green blue-colored waterfalls by steps, we discovered crabs and unexplored paradise, I shared excellent time with new friendly heads!
The atmosphere of the city

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- Luang Prabang is a city where life is easy and simply good. The Chiang Mai of Laos is filled with temples, markets and small stands where I could eat a buffet for less than 2€! That made the happiness of Tess of course!
Forced farewell

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- I had to leave this paradise to go to China where Franzi will be waiting for me in a few days and I have no idea of what awaits me there. It was not without regret that I left. Hitchhiking was not so successfully to Oudomxai where I had to take my bus to China.
- My adventure in Laos was the best moment of my trip. Multiplying small worries that ended up very well but also meeting exceptional backpackers to which I did not want to say bye. It will remain engraved in my memory for a long time. I tried to write brief description for this article, but just know that I am inexhaustible on the subject. Laos is my little paradise of this trip!

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