Vientiane, Laos (photos)

[PK]

A few days ago I made my 20th trip into Vientiane, via the Thai-Laos Friendship bridge in Nong Khai.



When you first arrive at the border crossing in Nong Khai you'll have to wait in line as they check your passport. (Note: Leaving is the fastest part of the entire process, so enjoy it.) After that you hop on a bus (.50 cents) and cross the bridge into Laos.



Once you're at the Laos border crossing you'll have to fill-out a form (make sure you bring wallet size photos of yourself) and pay $35 to get a 30 day entry visa. After you wait a while you'll get your passport back and then you can wait in another line to get a stamp and officially enter Laos. After you've got all your stamps and paid all your fees you'll then be approached by every taxi and tuk-tuk driver in Laos (don't pay more than 250 baht for a taxi into town). If you're lucky the taxi might even have air conditioning and fur on the dashboard.



Other than it being completely land-locked, Vientiane is not much different from neighboring Thailand. Rural areas  are very impoverished but inside Vientiane there are areas that are very western (Laos was once a French colony) and very rich. Typically backpackers visit Vientiane on their way to Laung Prabang, in the mountains, or just to renew their Thai visa at the Thai Embassy.

The Mekong River runs along the southern edge of Vientiane. The riverwalk area is very nice in the evening and has a lot of merchants and places to eat. The river is also where people will go to make Thailand cellphone calls since that's where the signal is the strongest. You might also see young couples hanging out.



There are some interesting places to visit while in Vientiane. That Luang is the holiest Shupa in Laos and was built in 1566. Just down the road is another large landmark called Anousavari Monument. It was built in 1962 as a monument for all those who died in Laos wars. People say it was made using cement set aside for a new airport runway.



If you have an opportunity to spend a day or two in Vientiane I highly recommend it.
pk

[Ginafish]

Thanks for sharing this country and all your photos with us! The Patuxay with the colored lights looks like a Las Vegas type of place but I know it's not. I just find it odd that it's so bright and colorful instead of somber and gray like memorials I'm use to seeing.

And the taxi with fur? (does that hand motion translate well?)

Is that the boat you are going to fix up and sail the world with?

Overall, it looks like it would make for nice vacation place.

[KitKat]

Vientiane will be a place I will definitely visit on my next trip to Nongkhai.
Thanks for the photos. 

[thartley]

In hindsight, I think I should have sent some money with PK to bring me back some pickles.   

[KitKat]

In hindsight, I think I should have sent some money with PK to bring me back some pickles.   

PICKLES??? LOL

[thartley]

Yes, its one thing I miss from home.  Have not found any here, yet.  But I'm glad he got some photos for us.   

[Nick]

Looks like a great destination. When I finally get out there (whenever it is) I'll have to go over.