LittleSandyBeach

The 2 hour bus ride from Vang Vieng to Vientiane was interesting, roads aren’t Laos’s strong point! We checked in and headed straight out to explore. Firstly we walked down to the Mekong river which is the border with Thailand. Overlooking the river is the statue of Chao Anouvong who led the Lao rebellion against Siam between 1826-1828.

We then checked out the Naga Mall which is the main shopping centre in Vientiane (mainly for some air-con!). It’s absolutely massively with a great supermarket in the basement.

Just a short 10 minute walk away was another COPE centre, similar to the one we went to in Luang Prabang. This one being in the capital is bigger and concentrates on the rehabilitation of people who’ve been injured by UXO’s.

Near our hotel is a Hard Rock Cafe that both of us haven’t been to before so we decided to check it out! Fantastic live band and very reasonable prices for a more upmarket brand (£1.39 for a draft beer). Lots of very friendly Laotian locals wanting to know lots about our travels!

The main tourist attraction in Vientiane is the Patuxai. Also known as the Victory Gate it was built between 1957-1968 in dedication to those who fought for independence from France.

Right next to this is the Parliament building of Laos. Very impressive.

After a very hot walk of over 1 hour we made it up to the Lao National Museum. We had the whole place to ourselves and there was lots to see from dinosaur bones to guns left from the US.

There’s a great night market in the centre of Vientiane that offers lots of choice from bugs, fresh salmon to fried chicken. We went for Chinese fried rice that tastes exactly like a takeaway!

Near our hotel is a lovely little park called Namphou Park which has a water fountain that is illuminated at night. Very relaxing.

We have another 4 days here so lots more to see!