SATURDAY 23RD DECEMBER 2006 Got an 11hour bus to Pakse then another local bus to Si Phan Don(AKA THE 4000 ISLANDS) for 4hours. Me & Gaz were the only non-locals on the bus & blatantly got ripped off paying more than double (still works out about a pound which is laughable but frustrating at the time. Got dropped off on a dirt path with no clue where to go but soon found our feet. The island (Don Khong) was small & not very touristy which made a chang...

SUNDAY 16TH DECEMBER 2006 Bussed it down to Vang Vieng which was interesting!A lad sat next to me carrying an AK47! Obv I performed excellently under pressure! Turns out he was a goody tho so weve still got hold of all our cash! Vang Vieng is an odd one- small s***ty town with only a few streets but set in gorgeous surroundings with class things to do day and night! Stayed up to watch Chelsea followed by United- wish we hadnt bothered!lolCheers Bugs! Bottlers! ...

WEDNESDAY 13TH DECEMBER - FRIDAY 15TH DECEMBER 2006set out on minibus from Chiang Mai to the thai-laos border Huay Xai where we stayed the night. Then got a slow boat down the Mekong river which took all day to reach Pak Beng.Were crammed like sardines but the scenery more than made up for it! Went for a group curry which was lush & got offered a place to stay should we ever visit Vancouver (how'd u like those apples Rich????) Stayed the night then took t...

THURSDAY 21ST DECEMBER 2006 Took 3 hour bus journey to Vientiane (capital of Laos).Got dropped off by the Mekong river so fisrt impressions were quite good. Trekking around looking for a cheap hostel however soon showed the capital in all its glory & impressions quickly altered! Just lots of buildings really, quite dirty and just hustly and bustly - not much to do. Went for walk along river & watched the sunset at Sunset Sala Khounta (a recommended bar) ...