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Our bus journey from Chiang Mai to Vang Vieng in central Laos was one of the worst experiences of our lives. The leg room was so minimal that we were squished to the point of pain, the aircon didn't work properly and it was stinking hot. We arrived and our pain only continued. We were exhausted and spent half an hour wandering around in the 40 degrees heat looking for somewhere to stay, tempers flaring. Had it been any longer one of us would have completely flipped.
We bumped into a load of friends from home, both Oundle and elsewhere and had a lot of fun with them. Tubing in Vang Vieng is one of the only things you can do in Laos, which is so primitive and basic. Ironically, we never actually did the tubing - hiring rubber rings and floating down the filthy river to the bars. We walked between them as everyone has heard how many drunken tourists die by falling in. We spent 5 seriously unhealthy days sleeping all morning then getting back on it at about 3pm at the bars by the river. We have lots of stories that have to be censored out at this point I'm afraid - a bottle of rum cost 1 pound! Charlie got a job for a couple of days working at a bar which meant hime getting up for 11, while Sam and I slept.
We only left ourselves 1 day in Luang Prabang, said to be the most romantic place in South East Asia. Sadly Charlie's new girlfriend couldn't be there to share the experience with him. We were totally unimpressed with the place. It was just another dirty, but less busy Asian city. We visited a boring temple which was nothing on the one from Chiang Mai and then went to a waterfall which was actually worth going to, which also was a bear care centre.
Outside the towns Laos was actually a really beautiful place. Sadly our only experience of it was through the bus window as we were short on time and it was so underdeveloped that there wasn't much stuff to do.
Dom
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Papalindo Charlie et al, It sounds like the back-packing adventure hit an all time low on the Thailand-Laos leg, and that the three you are ready for a game-changer. Mum and I are still on for flying to Bangkok for business a week on Sunday, and are looking forward to seeing you and treating to a couple of days of pampering at the Mandarin Oriental, although mum may need to de-louse you before arrival! Logistical details in Bangkok to follow from her nearer the time. Currently in the process of closing down Brookside, heading to Heathrow at lunchtime to fly back to Beijing this afternoon. Keep going, looking forward to seeing you in just over a week's time. Dad xx
linda hmmmm dont think I want to go there after that blog!! but good to hear you survived it and onto the next leg of your journey!! by the way naughty goat and Brian have jumped into our freezer..... very tastey I have to say!!! we had a indian goat night for kellys birthday and in honour of the goats! take care linda