LAOS

LUANG PRABANG 14TH -18TH OCT.

10 hour bus journey from Vientiane crossing several mountains, going through narrow roads,and passes is certainly not a comfortable journey but the final destination is worth the effort. Very quite and tranquil place with not many cars on the road. A sleepy town during the day and a busy one during the nights. Lots of activities in the surrounding areas like kayaking, elephant riding, trekking and cycling. Lots of old French colonial buildings in the town.
We took the slow boat ride to Pak Ou in the north to visit caves and some more Buddha temples. The river ride for the first half hour can be interesting but gets a little boring after a while. There are some spectacular water falls in the area about an hours ride away. The afternoon was spent by the falls and a little trekking.
The hotels in the area are of good quality with an average price of $25. Huge number of backpackers here staying for less than $5 a night and doing lots of outdoor activities. Restaurants serve all kinds of food and are fairly cheap. $5 for a good meal including drinks.

Falls outside Luang Prabang

on the The Mekong river

Local boats on the river

House in one of the street

Buddha Temple

Golden Temple

Entrance to the Temple

VIENTIANE 11TH -14TH OCT.

Vientiane the capital of Laos is very small and a well laid out city. Two days at the most in the city should be enough. Good night life by the river with bars and restaurants. As all cities a little expensive.
Buddha park out side the city worth a visit with ancient statutes of Buddha and other Hindu gods.

Buddha park statues

Statutes in Buddha park

Temple of Wat Sisaket

Wide avenue in the city but not busy

Central square off the avenue

Hotel in Siem Reap

Same hotel as above.