Vang Viang

The bus had clearly been designed with more concern for ground clearance than ease of access - it stood much higher on its wheels than a typical 4-wheel-drive off-roader.

Before getting on we had to load our luggage. This didn't go underneath, of course (that's where the ground clearance was) - we were expected to lift up our bags and throw them to the guy perched on the roof. I was glad I'd reduced my pack to something approaching a reasonable wight. The small European girl whose bag I threw for her hadn't.

They pushed the bus (with another vehicle, I assume) to get it going and we were off. A quick stop at the out-of-town Vientiene bus station to take on more passengers afforded a look at the non-tourist buses, loaded with passengers buried under livestock and cardboard boxes and huge plastic laundry bags.

The three hour journey took four and a half hours - which is how long it always takes. It's not that Asian transport is always delayed, it's simply that the schedules are fiction.

We arrive in Vang Viang after sunset and it is clear that I've arrived in my first real "traveller hub". Almost every face on the street is western. The roads are lined with bars serving pancakes and pizzas and beer while Friends or Family Guy play on the screens. If a place isn't a bar it's an Internet cafe or a guest house or a tour office or a convenience store, or a combination of these.

There's something to be said for this kind of place. Certainly, it's nice to go and see some "authentic" locals, or explore where the hand of man has not set foot, but not all of the time.

The next day it also becomes clear that it won't be like this for long. They're building stuff everywhere. More luxurious hotels are springing up. Give it a few years and this will be more of a family resort.

And it's also clear why. It's amazingly pretty here, and the surrounding area is full of places to go walking or cycling or kayaking or tubing or caving. Come and see it before it gets expensive.

Photos here.

Anthony

Other stuff

See all my photos on my Flickr account.

Where's Anthony?

6 Mar -