The World is Awesome ; Vientiane, Laos P.D.R

I blamed entirely on BIG promo by AirAsia as well as my crazy sidekick travel mates for not knowing how to refuse a cheap bargain flight (well, it does apply to me too). Without further much a due, my fingers simply start keying all the details needed to purchase a flight ticket, for 3pax!

1 month later, with backpacks on shoulder, USD50 in pocket & passport in hand with one particular place to discover.
Next unknown destination : Vientiane, Laos People's Republic Democratic.

After 3hours of flying and a meal of nasi lemak Pak Nasser, we reached the destination. Went over to the forex counter and change my USD50 into few hundred thousand of KIP's. Took a taxi from the airport to Funky Monkey Hostel which cost USD7 one way per car. The taxi driver drop us off on the wrong road, but eventually we managed to find our direction. Checked in, clean up and start wondering in attempt to get lost.

Not all those who wonder are lost

Discovered small restaurant which serve delicious halal menu & mouth watering bakery shop. Only then we started to hunt for good delicious food. We walked towards Patuxay monument, only to be distract with street sellers, markets & shopping malls along the way. Crossing street here is not as crazy as in Saigon, Vietnam. One still can manage to cross and survived.

Patuxay looks pretty much alike with Arc de Triomphe in Paris. French influence can be seen almost everywhere here, particularly street name and road signage. We meet few other solo travellers for dinner later, Lorenzo from Italy, living in OZ and spending his time travelling through Indo China and Juan from France. Had local food and we walked along the famous Mekong Waterfront night market. The heat was unbearable, even for an average Malaysian who is used to humid & hot weather.

Day Two.

Start our morning with super awesome breakfast with two thumbs up local coffee! Being adventurous and guided by the two mat salleh we met earlier, we decided to take a bus to Buddha Park. Venture our way to the bus station and hop on one of the nice air-condition bus contribute by People of Japan. Met another uncle from Swiss going solo around Indo-China who sat beside me. He's heading to Friendship Bridge to cross into Thailand to renew his visa.  What we thought a easy ride to Buddha Park was actually not! We were dropped off on a different grid (again!), had to bargain with a tuk-tuk driver to drive us to Buddha Park and to town later. 

It was a hard bargain, and he agreed for KIP50,000 for 5 of us. 8km ride with bad bumpy road & dust everywhere and we reached Buddha Park. Paid the entrance fee + camera permit (for such a small amount in KIP). The park have about 200 Hindu and Buddhist statue carved by Luang Lu (a priest Shaman).

Can't stay long due to extreme heat from the sun. The tuk-tuk driver waited for us, and he manage to get more passenger going back to town, murah rezeki dia. We met with little Anthony from Wales, on holiday with his parents. Made few conversation with the little guy and he is fascinated with Lorenzo's tattoo! Finally reached town and we are all hungry since it is already 2pm. Pick one of the nice little restaurant in front of our hostel and Im settled with Pineapple Fried Rice extra spicy. 

Had a taste of local Lao cuisine - fish Laap with plain rice. The owner is Italian with French roots. It was a sin for not to try on dessert he has to offer. Ordered creme brulee and the next thing I knew, I was falling for Juan dessert - mousse au 2 chocolats!! At night, Juan requested to have sushi for dinner (sushi is expensive in France). They do have sushi restaurant few metres away from my hostel, an upscale one! Dine in, eat sushi and back to sleep since we need to catch an early flight the next day.

It was short, yet filled with amazing discoveries. Definitely will visit again, to get lost in Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang and other awesome places, while doing volunteering job. Insyallah~~~

Expenses burnt...
Return flight ticket : 20BIGGIES + RM135/pax
Accomodation : USD27/pax for 2N (3-bed ensuite aircond room)
All-in expenses : USD50