Tranquil Vientiane
From the New York Times, an article about how relaxing it is to make a stop in Vientiane, Laos. I don’t know how long before the place becomes another tourist trap. So I guess now is the best time ever to plan your visit (to Vientiane) or Laos.
I like the picture below, with the little girl walking ahead, looking forward to whatever is next.
The Centuries - Old Allure of Laos’s Relaxed Capital
by Daniel Altman, NY Times January 14, 2007
It’s easy to turn into a turbo-tourist in Southeast Asia. Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Luang Prabang, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi — a vacation can start to feel like a mail route as you dutifully hit every beach and temple. When it’s time to take a break, there’s Vientiane.
Laos’s relaxed capital is rich with pleasures, and its tranquillity can be a tonic for those who have been hopscotching nonstop around the region.
The fundamental allure of the city is centuries old: its location along a long stretch of the Mekong River, its pungent traditional foods and the low-key Buddhist culture that has sprinkled gracious temples and monuments throughout the city.
For those that are interested in the article, you can read the rest of it here.
What a beautiful picture. I have yet to see Wat That Luang during the day time. Unless you count the drive by shooting with my digi-cam.
I want to go to Laos again next year for That Luang Festival. All I need is $$$.
The time to go to Laos is right now before the country is over-populated with farang tourists. At present, when you are walking on the main streets in Vientiane, you can see many farangs walking around.
So, get there before it doesn't feel like home anymore, like in the case of Vang Vieng aka farang town.
I'm hoping to be able to go soon, I'm also in need of $$$, lots of it because I also need a new digital camera.