(18.-27.08.16)
Koh Tao: A small island in front of the east coast of southern Thailand, a diving paradise or only destroyed reefs, beautiful beaches or run over by tourists. Anyone you ask will give you a different answer what Koh Tao is and I met alot of travellers who got stuck on Koh Tao years ago but also many who completely skiped the island.
So what is my impression of the island after 8 nights on Koh Tao?
My last post is a while ago so let’s catch up. My time offline had probably something to do with white sand beaches, diving and wonderful weather on Koh Tao … but now enough of those lazy days and so I post a few pictures as a flashback of Pakse!
Information on bus timetables, prices and routes are rare in Laos so I want to give you an overview on how to come from Vientiane to Pakse by bus!
Continue reading Bus from Vientiane to Pakse: Prices, timetable and Tips!
Vientiane is the capital of Laos but there’s still not a feeling of a capital here. There are no big traffic jams altough the number of cars is increasing exponentially and the skyscrapers are slowly but steady starting to rise into the sky.
Despite French flair – even with its own Arc de Triumph – and its location at the Mekong Vientiane couldn’t convince me. Maybe I was there at the wrong time, unlucky to experience the TucTuc cartel or my stay was too short to discover the beautiful places. I for myself found the atmosphere unfriendly and everything else aligned to take out the western tourists. Here you can at least see a couple of pictures and then you can discover it by yourself.
You have already been there? So did you like Vientiane?
Tubing – or is there something else? The first things you’ll hear about Vang Vieng are the legendary Tubing, drug consumption and all the partys throughout the city. But by legal bans and support of the other natural sight of Vang Vieng this reputation changed in recent years!
Vang Vieng which is located between Luang Prabang (5-7h) and the capital of Laos, Vientiane (3-4h), invites to explore numerous caves, to marvel at waterfalls and refresh yourself in one of the Blue Lagunes. Just rent a motorcycle for a day (40,000 Kip, € 4.50) and take the road eastward from Vang Vieng over the bridge. Expect beautiful mountains and mostly roads in good condition along the way into the valley. The best thing I did there was certainly the Viewpoint Pha Ngeun (3km from town, 30min steep uphill) from where you have the opportunity to get a combined 360° view along your way up the steep path.
I had two nice days there, definitely also because of the funny group I met. So thanks to all of you for spending the time together, for showing me how to ride a motorbike, to attend my guided tour :D, and always order some good food!
And you start thinking about how small the world is when you try to hitchhike and the car stopping is not driven by a Lao guy, but by a German, by a guy from Walldorf (my small hometown) 😀
But now take a look at the pictures!
You want to see the “real Laos”? Then a Homestay is probably the best way to expirence the traditional way of Laos life!
I spent 4 days with the rice farmer Mr. Kee and his family in the small Huay Bo Village and could lend a hand in building a hut, help cooking, planting rice and try many new things. Even I was invited to an engagement and so the days were an amazing time.
4 days, I ate 7 different animals, 12 times Sticky Rice and made countless new experiences! Now I certainly can say that I neither enjoy bat nor the taste of a squirrel, but monkey is quite good.
If you are also taken with the images, then think about having a look at Konsavan Guest House & Restaurant in Houy Bo Village near Muang Ngoi. Either walk there in around 1,5 hours through rice fields – good directions can be found here, but you can also use the navigation of MAPS.ME from Muang Ngoi to Houy Bo Village and you’ll be led directly over the rice fields – or give Mr. Kee an (+856 30 92 35 830) call and he’ll be happy to pick you up. If you want to know more about Muang Ngoi take a look here.
PS: If you can’t see blood then I warn you before, as I also have “slaughtered” a chicken the first time and there are some pictures of this as well – real farm life!
Continue reading Homestay in the Houy Bo Village (03.-07.08.16)
Situated between picturesque mountains on the Nam Ou River, this city is a popular tourist destination in the north of Laos. The only reasons you’ll go away from Muang Ngoi again are future plans or the lack of money, as there are no ATMs in Muang Ngoi. Whether exploring the surrounding nature, to relax in a hammock overlooking the river or to experience village life in one of the nearby villages. Everybody will find something in Muang Ngoi he’s looking for!
As first stop on the way to the north of Laos, Nong Khaio lies pictorial in a loop of the Nam Ou River. Perfect to admire the sunset over Nong Khaio from the viewpoint (approximately 1-1,5h uphill) – well even without a spectacular sunset it’s a great experience!
The last point before leaving to Muang Ngoi to withdraw some cash and the landing of the boat to Muang Ngoi is located in the village (1h, 2 times daily when enough of people are there, 11 am and 14.30 pm). Here are some pictures from my stay: