This time, I would like to write about my trip to Vang Vieng in Laos, which started with a postcard I received from a friend.
A Journey That Started with a Postcard
I have many friends who like to travel abroad, and one of them has traveled all over the world and often shares stories about his adventures. One day, when he returned from Southeast Asia, he gave me a postcard as a souvenir. The postcard featured a woman standing alone by a river, and the scene was very peaceful and tranquil. He told me that the place was Vang Vieng in Laos, which is often called paradise.
From Bangkok to Laos
I took an overnight bus from Nong Khan Bus Terminal in Bangkok and arrived at the Laos border after 10 hours early the next morning. After completing the immigration procedures there, I got on the bus again, and it started heading towards the capital, Vientiane.
Vientiane, the Capital of Laos
Vientiane is the capital of Laos and serves as the country's political, economic, and cultural center. It is located along the Mekong River and is close to the border with Thailand. The city has many Buddhist temples and historical buildings. In particular, That Luang is one of the most important Buddhist temples in Laos. The scenery along the Mekong River is beautiful, and you can enjoy riverside walks, night markets, and local markets to find handicrafts and local foods.
As I walked around looking for a hotel in what seemed to be the center of Vientiane, I was surprised by how small and quiet this capital city was. Many shops had their shutters closed even during the day.
Thai and Lao languages are similar, so when I spoke Thai, locals said to me, "You speak Lao well." Thai people often talk to foreigners and smile back when spoken to, but I found the Lao people to be a bit more reserved and less open than the Thais.
There are not many tourist attractions here like in Bangkok. You can explore Vientiane in half a day, and most stores close around 6 pm. There are no bars or clubs open until the morning, nor 24-hour convenience stores. Unlike cities like Tokyo, New York, Seoul, or Bangkok, there are no skyscrapers or shopping malls. Additionally, tuktuks in Laos are not as pushy as those in Bangkok, and most drivers were taking naps in hammocks inside their vehicles. The relaxed atmosphere of the city left a strong impression on me.
Vang Vieng: Called a Paradise
After spending a day in Vientiane, I took a four-hour shared van ride to Vang Vieng. Vang Vieng is about 150 km north of Vientiane and is famous for its beautiful natural scenery and adventure activities on the banks of the Nam Song River. There are no specific tourist attractions other than river boating, caves, and trekking tours, but there must be a reason why many tourists from overseas visit Vang Vieng and call it a "paradise."
Why is Vang Vieng Called a Backpacker's Paradise?
One of the reasons Vang Vieng is called a backpacker's paradise is its natural beauty. Vang Vieng is known for its stunning scenery, surrounded by the Nam Song River and limestone mountains. It is a riverside resort that attracts many tourists. Visitors can enjoy various activities, such as tubing and kayaking on the Nam Song River, cave exploration, and trekking in the surrounding mountains.
Additionally, many resorts and guesthouses are located along the river, making it a great place to relax with excellent yoga and spa facilities. At night, you can enjoy drinks and food at riverside bars and restaurants. Outdoor events such as raves are also held, where you can enjoy music and dancing.
Summary
In summary, Vang Vieng is a unique place with beautiful natural scenery and a relaxed atmosphere. My journey to Vang Vieng was an eye-opening experience, and I am grateful for the opportunity to explore such a unique destination.
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