Determined to get a little hiking in, I book us a 2-day trek through Laos that will end at an elephant sanctuary. (I am perhaps even more determined to see elephants). We depart early in the morning with 5 other travellers, driving a short distance while eating breakfast, and then zipping along the river to reach the start of our trek. All the details: White Elephant trekking tour in Laos Cost: We pa[...]
After another overnight bus (and several embarrassing bike accidents on the way to the bus), we arrive in Luang Prabang at 530am, gorging and cold. On principal, we refuse to pay the shocking price ($5 takes on new meaning in Asia) and instead decide to the 3kms into town with all of our bags. We are joined by our Dutch friend, Manuel, who is a seasoned Luang Prabang visitor and leads us right to the market in town[...]
Now preparing to bid Vientiane farewell, we try to save money by buying tickets direct from the bus station rather than the hotel. We hire bikes and pedal 8kms to the station, only to learn that the price is actually the same. In an effort to salvage the day, we ride off in search of a massage parlour, hoping someone can rub the embarrassment right out of us. Despite having an address and va[...]
People say it’s less about the destination, more about the journey. I wholeheartedly agree with this statement, especially as it pertains to Vientiane. I will always remember the brutal trip across the border more than I will remember the picturesque town. Beyond that, I will also always remember to verify that there are toilets on 24-hour buses. I learn this the hard way when, at 3am, [...]