Saved the best for last

October 2nd, 2002 at 12:00am

In a new city in a new country. Arrived here yesterday morning after a 12-hour night train from Bangkok. Took the train to Nong Khai on the Thai side, then a tuk-tuk to the border (passport stamped, departed Thailand), then a bus over the Thai-Laos Friendship Bridge (passport stamped, arriving Laos), and finally a minibus for the 25-minute drive into Vientiane.

Found a good guesthouse with aircon and hot water, had a shower, threw down the bags, and then set out to explore Vientiane.

It’s a nice city, full of temples, nice restaurants, and antique and textile shops, set right along the Mekong River, and the Laotian people are really very friendly and nice and accomodating. A pleasant place to go out for a stroll. No one following you, harassing you, or staring at you like they do in Vietnam. No fear of being mugged like Phnom Phen. I can honestly say it’s one of the most laid-back places I’ve been to in SE Asia. Everyone I know who’s been to Laos absolutely raves about it and now I can see why for myself.

Today I got up early, had a great coffee and bread and fruit breakfast at a Scandinavian Cafe, and then went over to check out the morning market. Lots of good wood carvings, Buddhas, and silk fabrics to be found. I bought a wooden elephant for $4 and a Buddha for $7. After that I went on a little walking tour of the town, written up in the guidebook, first following the Mekong River then going back into town, passing several temples and other houses representing good examples of French Colonial architecture.

Spent the afternoon in the National Museum looking at various archeological finds ranging from dinosaur bones to pre-Ankorian statues. Interesting to view the Lao persepctive on the former French occupation and the American presence during the Vietnam War. Just a few of the quotes straight from the photos:

‘The American Imperialists actively threaten the people who are patriotic towards their homeland.’

‘The people in the liberated zone urge the US Imperialists to leave Laos.’

‘List of the Lao Patriotic Front Leaders and officials who were captured and imprisoned by US Imperialists and it’s puppets.’

‘Monks killed by US Imperialist Bombs.’

‘The US Imperialists commit crimes against the Lao people.’

Easy to understand why so much of the world hates Americans…

Tomorrow the plans involve Buddha Park.

One of many temples in the capital city of Vientiane

Evidence of French colonial architecture everywhere

Tuk-tuks in rush hour traffic

Entry Filed under: Laos,Vientiane