Laos Reloaded

A long time ago on a visa run far, far away…….

Life in Vientiane moved about as fast as Bangkok traffic.

For those who need to know, Vientiane, the capital city of Laos located along the banks of the Mekong River has long been a popular destination for many visitors wishing to extend or renew their Thai visas…..but that’s another story.

Curiosity and the need for a major walkabout put me aboard a Laos Airways flight bound for tumbleweed town, Vientiane a quiet little border town as I remembered it.

However, something has obviously been going on during my 7 year absence. I am delighted to inform all that this sleepy little gem of a town has finally not only woken up, but also sank its teeth into the profitable backside of catering for the needs of travellers.

In my experience there are only a few destinations in the world; Central Park, Trafalgar Square, Khao San Road and so on, where when reached, if you remain there long enough, you’ll bump into someone you know; especially if you have two beers with you!

Well, Vientiane has just made the list.

For those wanting to learn about the sights of Vientiane, try a copy of LP.

But those wanting the low down on booze, bars and like minded brethren……read on!

There are basically three types of beverages to try while in Laos; its coffee, wine and of course the ever famous Beer Lao (35 Baht 650ml) All of which can be enjoyed at very little cost in the numerous bars, restaurants and coffee shops located along just about any of the capital’s roads now paced by our fellow world wanderers..

Retired Brit Alan, a prospective future resident of Pattaya, in the midst of a visa run and recent convert to Beer Lao commented while watching the Arsenal game live in the Samlo bar that “the only thing missing in Vientiane was a beach”.

Types and price range of accommodation ($5 up), phone/internet communication and bar/restaurant facilities are now on par with anything found along our very own KSR.

The town caters for all tastes (veg & non-veg) with restaurants from around the world and bars serving most well known liquor and beer at seriously cheap prices. Closing times are around 11pm mid week and vary at the weekend. For late drinks and booty shaking, follow Vientiane’s resident community on to the “local” clubs (Marina, Pak Ray and more) dotted about the town.

Remember that English, French, and Thai are all well spoken, your Baht is good in Laos, there are NO ATM’s and make sure you take plenty of small Baht currency (just the notes) or you’ll end up a Laos KIP millionaire when your change from a large Thai/Dollar bill arrives.  Most importantly for descendants of the Brit colonies, before you visit, get into the habit of looking LEFT FIRST before you cross the street or you’ll end up as a Tuk Tuk hood ornament……….(they drive on the right in Laos).

A focal point for all visitors is the town’s fountain around which was once located a bar. The bar is now gone, but change in this case has been for the better as its now a great venue to chill out with a book (used book shop nearby) or simply recover from the night before seated at either the fountain itself or at one of the surrounding European style restaurants. Real peace and quiet can be achieved at the many small food stalls set up along the banks of the Mekong if that’s what you need. However, the low water level has made the view far less spectacular from what it once was.

Aussie English teacher Linda and new patron of the most popular bar in town named Khop Chai Deu, located next to the fountain says that “the town is cool, but anything more than two nights out on the Beer Lao and you’ll forget which country you’re supposed to be heading to”

For whatever reason, visa, adventure, or simply a break from Bangkok, add Vientiane to your hit list as now there is no reason why everyone can’t enjoy what I’m sure will become a sister community of KSR.

And remember…

Keepitreal.

Other Keepitreal articles:

Happy New Year? : Energy Drinks : Lights, Camera, Action : Cash4Trash :
Laos Reloaded : Dive, dive, dive : Movers and Shakers : Mai Pen Rai :
Its official, Phuket is still rocking! : We all live in a yellow submarine... :
Phuket Strikes Back! : Sunset Street : Sleeper Class : Shop 'til you drop :
Chill out in Cha-am : The Beeer Essentials : A Bridge Not Too Far : Up, up and away : Relaxing Round Rambutri : Royal Barges : More than Muay : Temple trekkin' :
The River of Kings : One Tequilla

"I have lived and worked in Asia for 15 years. I've had the pleasure to view and experience many wonderful sights and meet and work with all manner of race and religions. From Mumbai to Melbourne I've found no other country or people that could persuade me to live anywhere else than here in Thailand."

keepitrealbkk@yahoo.com