The dangers of tubing in Vang Vieng, Laos, are well-documented. Most guidebooks say that a few people die every year. While in Vang Vieng, I heard an ominous (though unconfirmed) rumor that four people had died within the past two months. Most of the time, people die in Vang Vieng because they drink too much …
Tubing in Vang Vieng, Laos, is the most fun you will ever have without taking your clothes off. Well, I would say that, but I actually saw a guy go off one of the rope swings while naked, so I guess that’s out the window! Needless to say, tubing in Vang Vieng is one of …
I had been warned about the difficulties of crossing into Cambodia. Corruption is rampant, particularly at the Aranya Prathet-Poipet border, lying halfway between Bangkok and Siem Reap. Many people there are routed to a fake embassy and charged extra before being taken to the actual border. Thankfully, coming from Laos, we were at a different …
Swimming in the Mekong. It just sounds wrong, doesn’t it? I hear Mekong and I think Vietnam War. I picture Forrest Gump wading through chest-deep water in full military gear, the rain coming upwards. Even Lonely Planet warned that the Mekong would be muddy and disgusting through December, not turning bright turquoise until early in …
Swimming in the Mekong: Surprisingly, Not That Gross Read More »
You know what’s worse than being woken up by a rooster? Being woken up by a cow and baby who are currently having a scream-off. “Moooooo.” “Waaaaaah!” “MOOOOOOOO.” “WAAAAAAAAAH!” Welcome to Si Phan Don. I came to Laos’s Four Thousand Islands, or Si Phan Don, knowing very little about them. I knew they were nestled …
I’m at a tiny gas station in the Bolaven Plateau of Southern Laos, trying to explain to the woman how much of the magenta liquid I need. I point to my nearly-empty fuel gauge; she hands me the hose to hold while she cranks the manual pump. And then I have to figure out how …
Off the Beaten Path in Laos: The Bolaven Plateau Read More »
“Why you no have boyfriend?” The first time I’m asked this question, I’m on the overnight train from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani, the only foreigner in the car. I’m taken aback by the older woman’s question and simply smile and giggle. Thankfully, this is a very Thai answer, and it suffices. I knew this question …
Image: HKmPUA While looking through the Lonely Planet Thorn Tree travel message boards the other day, I came across this posting on Vang Vieng, Laos: I have just returned from Laos and want to warn travellers about the police in Vang Viang. We were there for 2 days. Vang Viang has a real party atmosphere …