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On this episode of the podcast, we are off to Laos. Laos is landlocked between China, Myanmar, Vietnam, Thailand, and Cambodia. With 80% of it’s roads unpaved, it is the country in SE Asia with the least amount of tourism. After getting ripped off getting our Laos visas, we finally made it into Luang Prabang. While in Laos, we frequented a bar called Utopia, as well as Joma Cafe. Both of these places were targeted at backpackers, so we speak to the fact that we enjoyed these places because were uncomfortable in Laos, as it is a very undeveloped country. Nevertheless, we enjoyed some of the authentic food, by visiting the night market and trying some of the Laos delicacies. While in Luang Prabang, we visited an elephant sanctuary, where we had the opportunity to ride elephants. We learned how to command them in Lao, and then proceeded to ride them and bathe them. It was an amazing experience!
We made our way from Luang Prabang down to Vang Vieng, via a minivan. This was one of the most terrifying bus rides we have ever taken, to this day. We sped quickly through the mountains, taking in the scenery, while dodging cows on the road. It’s safe to say that we were relieved when we finally made it to Vang Vieng! Vang Vieng is a strange little town in the middle of the lush, Laos mountains, where the sound of Friends and Family Guy can be heard from all areas of the town. When we were in Vang Vieng, it was known for it’s drunken river tubing. We had heard that this was dangerous and dirty, so we had planned not to get wet. Unfortunately, all inhibitions went out the window after a bucket at the first bar on the river. It’s safe to say that we had an interesting day.
Although we participated in the tubing in Vang Vieng, we recognize that we put ourselves in a dangerous situation, as well as participated in a form of hedonistic tourism. Now that the tubing is shut down, what does tourism look like for Laos? Are people still visiting, or is this beautiful country being forgotten about?
Show Notes from this Episode…
- Getting into Laos
- What we did in Luang Prabang
- Riding elephants
- Terrifying transportation
- Tubing in Vang Vieng
- Tourism in a party town
- Tourism in Laos now
- And much more… here’s the episode!
Photos from Laos…
