Vientiane, Laos
February 1-3, 2014
Loving Laos! We had some time to travel before our next house sitting assignment and decided to explore the relatively lesser known country of Laos. We read that things are fast changing here with the tourism boom and the rail line from China to Laos is almost complete which will have a tremendious affect on the future of this tiny country. We wanted to visit and experience Laos while we still had a chance to see some of it "untouched" and under developed by tourism. We have only been here for two days visiting the capital city of Vientiane but we have already had a wonderful experience and look forward to seeing more!
Our Accommodations - Moonlight Champa Guesthouse
We had such a warm and wonderful welcome from this great place called Moonlight Champa Guesthouse. Run by a Canadian and Malay couple, its the blue building in the photo. A great first introduction to Laos with a great location away from the noise of the main streets but within walking or cycling distance of all services.
Local Transport
Getting around town easy on foot or bicycle but otherwise, you can share a "tuk tuk".
Traditional Lao Massage
Ohhhh...this was heavenly! Similiar to Thai massage. You put on a comfy pair of PJ's and then get prepared to be stretched, rubbed and pulled. It was wonderful!
Hair Cut
Doug getting a local $3 head shave in the Barber slash Motorbike repair shop.
Photo's from Vientiane
Vientiane is a compact and easy town to explore so we hopped on our bicycles, ordered up a couple of "mango lassi's" (fruit yogurt shakes) and visited some the temple sites. Then we ended our day with a bag of kettle corn in central park.
Pha That Luang Temple
The Pha That Luang Temple is an important symbol for Laos and is a gold covered buddhist temple dating from the 200's
and set among a beautiful courtyard.