First Day in Laos

The morning started early. After nearly crashing off the runway, I safely entered Laos. From the airport, I took a taxi to a bus station in Vientiane, Laos. The scene was chaotic, with buses and people all over the place, in what seemed to be no logical order. No one spoke English at the ticket counter, but they understood Vang Vieng. This was the start of my 4 hour bus trip through small villages and dangerously winding roads.

The bus was packed and I took the last remaining seat in the back. We sat for a few more minutes and they started letting on everyone who had a ticket. The aisles were filled and I believe a few people were riding inside the luggage compartment as well.

After traveling down the road for about an hour we stopped off at a little village in the middle of no where. We were allowed to get out for about 30 minutes to get food, drinks, smoke and stretch out. Once the bus pulled up, it seemed as though everyone came out from the jungle. Villagers were selling everything from food to live animals. One lady bought a caged chicken, which later joined us inside the bus for the next 3 hours.

Aside from the airport, taxi and bus, this was my first interaction with Laotians. I only knew a hand full of words, but it was better than nothing. I ate chicken, bought some cigarettes and attempted to mingle.

Finally arriving at my destination of Vang Vieng, I was rushed by a group of motorbike drivers all wanting to drive me into town. I always travel light, a small backpack with 2 changes of clothes. I immediately grabbed by pockets and moved through the crowd. Last thing I needed was to have my cash lifted, while I was far from town.

I finally got to my bamboo bungalow on stilts. It was a little different from the ones the locals stayed in. For one, the structure was sealed with clear epoxy, so as to keep bugs out - that was fine with me. I want a local experience, but not into malaria or any other inconveniences.