Vientiane, same as ever. With disgusting, bear-bellied, potrohás, old white farts touting their money to score local prostitutes, sun, rain, power outages, seen it all before. The bus to Sii Phan Don leaves at eight in the evening, so we have about two days to kill in this town. Luckily the weather has much improved - e.g. much more sun! - since our last visit so we revisit some of the highlights on a bicycle. At night we accidentally find ourselves in a local...

For about two weeks now I have had to put up with stomach aches. It might be the malaria pills I started taking just before I entered Laos. I don't know. Every morning as I wake up my tummy starts acting up, sharp pains tormenting me for a few minutes. Then they stop, only to reappear ten-fifteen minutes later. I quickly go to the bathroom do a #2 once or twice and after that I'm fine for the rest of the day. Well, mostly. After every snack, lunch, afternoonie ...

While I was out elephant riding - well, or mostly just trying to survive - Remko & Michel went on a different tour. They are probably having more fun than I am, but it's sure I won't ever forget mine. We meet on Sunday evening and decide to leave Luang Prabang the very next evening. Head out to Vang Vieng for the tubing that has allured us for such a long time. With the Monday morning free and the rain finally having stopped, visit the other main attractio...

Luang Prabang is mostly a starting point for the many activities in the area. Hiking, kayaking, rafting, home stay, and elephant rides are available from the many travel agencies in town. I decide on the elephant tour. But not one of these "stupid half-day touristy crap", but a real one. For a matching price of course. I still can't believe I paid $400 for a four day elephant trek in the dense jungle of northern Laos. According to the brochure we would ride our...

Luang Prabang is a definite visit. The second biggest town of Laos - population 26.000 - and about two streets, it is tranquillity itself. Just strolling down the main street, wondering at the European architecture, enjoying the small cafe's, restaurants, the green surroundings will make even the most stressed person forget about his worries. The French have left their mark on the cuisine. The most delicious baguettes are sold at hawker stalls, onion soup and ...