I always had this special affinity for Laos (perhaps I was a Lao in one of my many previous lives?) more than any other country in South East Asia (it was ironic that Laos was the final country which I stepped into for the region). The concept of backpacking in landlocked country had somehow fascinated me since my university days but due to my crazy work schedule, the dream was never realised (my pirated copy of Lonely Planet Laos stays hidden in my cupboard). When I finally took my sabbatical, I know it was high time to embark into this 1-month backpacking journey.
As of most of the backpackers doing the Lao circuit, my plan is to enter the country
from Thailand to the northwest (i.e. Huay Xai). Will head north for the Chinese/Lao border (the border towns of Boten & Mohan) before cutting across the mountainous regions to the west (stopping short of the Vietnamese/Lao border) for the Pathet Lao Caves in Vieng Xai. My journey will then take me to the more touristy sights of Phonsavan (i.e. Plains of Jars) and Luang Prabang. From this point onwards, I will be "traversing" along the great Mekong River, bringing me to the nation's capital and fastest growing city of Vientiane, the southern cities (Savannakhet & Pakse) while ending my journey in the picturesque (and incredibly slow) Si Phan Don before the Mekong flows itself to Cambodia.
After flying into Chiang Mai (Thailand), I took a songthaew for 60B/S$2.60 (just did not feel like taking the expensive airport taxi at 120B/S$5.20). The guesthouses which I wanted to stay were full and I end up spending the humid night in Northlands House (300B/S$13 per night for a fan room). Had Khao Ka-Prow Muu (stir-fried pork with basil on rice) and a roti (with sliced banana and lots of condensed milk) for supper. The idea is to get out of the city the first thing next morning and head for the Thai/Lao border post of Chiang Khong and Huay Xai.
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On a tuk tuk (60B/S$2.60) going towards the Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Terminal (for my bus to Chiang Khong), I saw a group of monks out for Bin Tha Baht or alms round.
If nothing goes wrong, I will be like them when I ordain as a monk 1 month later.
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Do you recall what you were doing on 3 May 2011, 8am?
I was at Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Terminal listening to the Thailand national anthem while everybody stood up in respect.
P.s.: Hit my first hiccup of the trip; missed the direct bus going to Chiang Khong and thus I had to do a transit at Chiang Rai |
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Well, the hiccup was not that bad. After all, I get to eat my favourite Khao Muu Krob (or Roast Pork Rice); the very same shop (standards had maintained after so many years) which I first patronise more than 10 years ago (i.e. in 1999). Click here (2nd photograph) for the visit done in 2003.
Note: This was the upsized portion at 50B/S$2.17.
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Just a shot taken in Chiang Khong on a back of a tuk tuk (30B/S$1.30) while I was making my way from the bus stop to the immigration post.
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My first view of Laos (i.e. Huay Xai) as seen from across the Mekong in Thailand. I was to spend the next 4 weeks in this wonderful country.
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As the boat (40B/S$1.74 per person) makes it way across the river, the Thai immigration post at Chiang Khong became more and more distant. |
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I was feeling really excited. Laos, here I come! |
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The Lao immigration post in Huay Xai; well hidden along a row of shop houses at the jetty. I was finally in Laos. :)
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wyattwang.com doing it at Wat Jom Khao Manilat, Huay Xai, Bokeo, Laos. |
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Thought this could be one my favourite photographs taken during the trip.
- impressions of
Wat Jom Khao Manilat, Huay Xai, Bokeo, Laos |
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