Luang Prabang, Laos

Having spent 2 nights in Vang Vieng I booked the VIP bus to Luang Prabang, 6hrs journey north. However, this has got to be the worst day of travelling so far, worse than the Lizard incident in Magnetic Island. I was expecting a similar bus that brought me from Bangkok to Laos, but I was in for a shock!! The promised 6hr journey to Luang Prabang turned into a 10hr journey. I don’t know how they call it a VIP bus because there was nothing VIP about this bus service. Bearing in mind there were more passengers than seats at the start, the bus driver seemed to be picking up his mates on the way up. It even got the the point where people were hanging out the door!! Secondly it was about 40 degrees and NO air-conditioning. I would love to know the Laos definition for VIP!!

Since I was only here for two nights the next morning I spent looking around trying to find an alternative mode of transport, because there was no way I could handle another “VIP” bus journey back to Vientiane. After much searching around and bargaining I ended up booking a 45 minutes flight back to the capital. In the afternoon, I thought I’d experience some local transport and took a TUK TUK to the Wat Xienthong Temple. The temple is built along the Mekong River.

In the evening I spent walking around the town centre, about the size of my street back home. I done the typical tourist thing and went to the night market where the locals tried their best to sell me rubbish souvenirs, but I resisted the temptation. However, I did get a couple of postcards.

The next day was my flight back to the capital. In general, Luang Prabang was ok, but I don’t think I gave it enough time to enjoy, plus after that bus journey I couldn’t wait to get the hell out of here!! Luang Prabang had a lot to offer such as jungle treks, kyaking, but I had limited time here and I had done similar things in Australia and New Zealand.

I arrived at the local airport, a lot different to Heathrow, I was hoping of a better journey then that stupid VIP bus. I was a little sceptical at first taking a local airline, I was just hoping the pilot knew how to fly and that I would arrive in one piece. Without too much of a problem, other than a few bumps on the way I arrived safely. I am glad to announce that 40 pounds has been the best sent money since travelling.