Laos - Brief Travel Guide & Summary of My 8D7N Travelogue

As I got responses from my friends saying that planning a trip to Laos is not as easy as comparing to Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam due to limited of information, hence I would like to share not comprehensive one but brief and basic travel guide based my own first hand experience. 

Flying In Laos

From Malaysia, AirAsia is the only carriers flying directly from Kuala Lumpur to Vientiane, the capital city of Laos three times a week - Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. From Kuala Lumpur, the flight to Vientiane took 1 hour and 45 minutes. Time difference wise, Laos is 1 hour behind Malaysia.

For Malaysian citizens, visa is not required when entering Laos and allow to stay up to 30 days.

Best Time To Visit Laos
This one tend to be very subjective cause as we know, weather is always unpredictable one. November to February is the peak season with cooler temperature. Accommodations tend to be fully book and charge slightly higher compare to off season. We went in end of July and early of August and caught up in the heavy rain throughout the first few days but then, we were rewarded with clear and beautiful blue sky at the end of our trip. Accommodations were incredibly cheaper too. 

Travel Around Laos

Generally, Laos is divided into three distinctive regions and I listed down those popular cities:

• Northern Laos -  the most popular one is Luang Prabang
• Central Laos - Vientiane, Vang Vieng, Phonsavan, Plain of Jars
• Southern Laos - Pakse and Champasak

[Source]

Throughout my 8 days visit in Laos, I only managed to cover Northern and Central regions and frankly speaking, it was kinda rush trip. Hence, it is advisable to spend at least two weeks if you plan to cover all three regions.  

For your information, there are no trains in Laos eventually. So in order to travel from one city to another, the most economical and safest way is by taking minivans and VIP buses.  Minivans are quicker but small leg room which make a long journey less comfortable whereas typical VIP buses have extra leg room but slower compare to minivans. VIP buses also include a bottle of water and a stop for lunch or dinner but one thing I noticed about these VIP buses are often break down. Both types are usually air conditioned. 

Reminder: As most of the journey are extremely one stomach-churning bus ride and if you have susceptible motion sickness, remember to take motion sickness medication before embarking on the long bus ride. Trust me, you don't want keep throwing up throughout the expedition.

Language

Official language of Laos is Lao, which I found out it is closely related to Thai language somehow. However no worry about language barrier as nowadays, most younger Lao generally know some basic English as they have the eager to practice and learn English. I still remember vividly when both Jeff and I climbed up Phu Si in Luang Prabang, we were approached by a group of young monks and after they found out I wasn't Thai (not again), we have conversation for almost an hour. Never knew these young monks can speak English so well. Pretty interesting, right?

Currency Exchange

Lao currency is known as kip. I'm not pretty sure whether they accept Ringgit Malaysia or not but it's advisable be prepared with US dollar or Thai baht before going to Laos as these two foreign currencies are widely acceptable there. You can change Lao kip in airport upon arrival. Besides airport, both Jeff and I did perform currency exchange in main touristy area of Vientiane and Luang Prabang.

US$1 (Approx. to RM3.50) = 7,760 kip

There you go! My brief and basic travel guide about Laos and I hope the above information could literally help you in planning your trip to Laos. 

And the following is my simple travel guides of the cities I've been in Laos - Vientiane, Vang Vieng, Phonsavan, Plain of Jars and Luang Prabang which I include essential info such as accommodation, how to travel from one city to antoher, the ideal way of getting around, things to do and see and etc. Not forgetting too, as usual I do share the details of my travel expenses of what I spent throughout my 8D7N trip in Laos at the end of this post.

Vientiane & Surrounding Area 
 

Vang Vieng, A Laid Back Riverside Town


Phonsavan & Mysterious Plain of Jars


The Ancient City of Luang Prabang


Travel Expenses for 8D7N in Laos

1. Thanks to Jeff Chuah, a humble and friendly travel blogger for helping me to buy the airticket cause I was in Hong Kong at that particular moment.
2. Stayed for a night before depart to Vang Vieng. A three stars hotel which includes breakfast as well.
3. Stayed for a night. A twin bed room attached with private bathroom but without air-conditioned and breakfast.
4. Stayed for two nights. A twin bed room attached with private bathroom but without air-conditioned and breakfast.
5. Stayed for a night. An air-conditioned twin bed room attached with private bathroom. 
6. Stayed for a night. A fan twin room only. Shared bathroom. Not recommended.
7. Including English speaking tour guide, entrance fees and pick-up and drop-off from where we stayed. Lunch is not included.
8. Prepaid data sim card but then, it was only worked on the first day. 
9. Souvenirs such as T-shirt, fridge magnets, photo frame, two pairs of cushion covers and local handmade Tote bag.

And that's concludes my Laos travelogues.

The Ancient City of Luang Prabang

Date Visited: 31st July - 1st August 2013

Landed in the capital city of Vientiane, stopby at a laid back riverside town by the named of Vang Vieng, then to Phonsavan for Plain of Jars, the most mysterious prehistoric place and finally Luang Prabang, a city which formerly was the capital of a kingdom. I totally lost count of how many hours bus ride I took but this is absolutely fun-filled adventures. 

Luang Prabang is a city situated in north central of Laos. It was once a formal capital of Laos and now, this old town centre is the first city in Laos to be listed as UNESCO World Heritage city. When I arrived this enchanting town, I have to admit that I was instantly fall in love with it - it's like love at the first sight. The fusion of colonial European architecture and ancient Lao structure combination is what I admired of. According to Jeff, this city is similar to Hoi An but unfortunately I haven't been there yet. Hopefully someday. 

Travel to Luang Prabang

As we were from Phonsavan, we took minivan cost 120,000 kip (approx. to US$15 or RM54) and the ride took nearly 8 hours. Once again, it's another stomach-churning bus ride. 

From Vientiane wise, the VIP bus ride cost 110,000 kip for minivan, 130,000 kip for VIP buses and 150,000 kip for VIP sleeping bus and the journey takes 11-12 hours. It is indeed one long distance ride.

Upon arrival at the bus station of Luang Prabang, we realised it was little bit out of the city. Of course, we were approached by tuk-tuks and we negotiated until he agreed to accept 10,000 kip per person.

Stay in Luang Prabang
There is wide selection of accommodation to choose from in Luang Prabang, ranging from budget to splurge type. A handful of decent guesthouses can be found nearby the handicraft night market surrounding with restaurants, cafe, bars, travel agencies and temples. 

Things To Do in Luang Prabang
There are so many things to do in this ancient city and honestly to say, two days is totally absolutely insufficient.

1) Wat Xieng Thong



Visiting temples which locally known as Wats is one thing must do when one in Luang Prabang as there are more than 30 stunning temples. Among all of them, Wat Xieng Thong is the most outstanding comparing the rest. Also known as Temple of the Golden City, Wat Xieng Thong is the oldest monastery in the city and arguably to be the most beautiful temples in Asia. The chapel represents classic Luang Prabang temple architecture, with roofs sweeping low to the ground. 

Opening Hours: 8am - 5pm everyday
Admission Fee: 20,000 kip 

2) Royal Palace Museum 

Known to the locals as Haw Kham (Golden Hall), it is the former royal palace and now a national museum. Various royal religious objects are being displayed in the large entry hall and it's quite fascinating visit. However, no photography is permitted inside the museum and one must leave bags with the attendants. For respect purpose, footwear is not allowed to be worn inside the museum. 

Opening Hours: 8.30am - 10.30 am and 2pm-4pm. Closed on Tuesday
Admission Fee: 30,000 kip

3) Handicraft Night Market

Come sundown a visit to the central market is magical. A seemingly endless ribbon of colourful textiles, paper lanterns, T-shirts and weavings adorn the cadlle-lit street. Open daily as early as 5pm until 10pm. 

4) Alms Ceremony 

Known as Tak bat by the local, it's a morning alms ceremony whereby the local and tourists gave foods, mostly rice to the Buddhist monks at dawn. As this is a religious ceremony, the alms-givers are advised to dress respectfully whereby shoulder, chest and legs should be fully covered. Respect the monks by no flash photography and stand 3 metres away from the procession. Alms ceremony normally started as early as 5.30 am local time.

5) Phu Si & That Chomsi



Tucked in the city center, this 100 metre high main hill is one hotspot for a great and serene view of the near-panoramic view of the whole town. There are 2 entrances from the ground and we went up from the one nearby the Royal Palace. It has about 130 steps up to the ticket counter, then another 190 steps to the stop. It might seem hard but not actually. Just I took few minutes stop to catch my breath. That Chomsi, which situated at the submit is backed by a small cave-shrine and sometimes, it known as Wat Tham Phu Si.

Admission Fee: 20,000 kip

6) Vegetarian buffet for 10,000 kip



Grab as much as you can for these wide selection of vegetarian dishes which cost 10,000 kip only. Of course, this kind of buffet is not like the typical buffet we had where you can go back to the buffet table for more but we're given a big plate and fill it until there's no more place cause there is no return for more. 

Other things to do in Luang Prabang such as attend cooking class to learn about Lao culinary and traditional foods, elephant trekking, mountain biking, kayaking and more. If you have more spare time, make a visit to popular Kuang Si waterfalls but we couldn't made it as it located out of the town.

Spending for 2 days and one night here which was kinda short period, the next thing we know it's time to travel back to Vientiane to catch our flight home. This time around, instead of minivan, VIP buses were arranged to travel from Luang Prabang to Vientiane and it cost 155,000 kip per way, which include tuk-tuk pick up and a meal. Initially we plan to book the sleeping type but unfortunately it was sold out, hence we took the normal seat. It's one #butthurt night bus ride as the journey took nearly 12 hours ride. 

Special VIP bus

And that's conclude my final travelogue of this charming country. 

[Credit To: Tourism Luang Prabang, Wikipedia, Wikitravel, Lonely Planet Southeast Asia On A Shoestring Guide Book]

Previous Posts on Laos:

• Vientiane & Surrounding Area 
• Vang Vieng, A Laid Back Riverside Town
• Phonsavan & Mysterious Plain of Jars

Laos: Phonsavan & Mysterious Plain of Jars

Date Visited: 29th - 31st July 2013 

After stayed for a day in Vang Vieng, we then packed our bag and proceed to the next destination, Phonsavan, the capital of Xieng Khouang province in Central Laos. The bus ride took almost 7 hours with one toilet break and trust me, sometimes you wish you will never have ride on it. Although the road are paved perfectly with amazing scenery but it was one extremely stomach-churning bus ride. Except for both Jeff and I, all the passengers inside the bus were local and almost all of them vomited non-stop throughout the ride. Luckily I got the seat nearby the window, opened it and got instant fresh air or else, I will non-stop vomiting too.

Air-con minivans from Vang Vieng leave to Phonsavan at 9:00am with the cost of 110,000 kip (approx. to US$14 or RM50). We reserved and booked directly from the guesthouse we stayed in Vang Vieng.

#1: Phonsavan, the capital of Xieng Khouang province in Central Laos

Generally, Phonsavan is well-known for two reasons; claimed to be one of the most heavily bombed places in the world and secondly, for its mysterious Plain of Jars, which believed to be funeral urns dating back to the Stone Age. Phonsavan is a very small, quiet and dusty little old town with somekind of unfinished feel. Phonsavan is less popular among Vang Vieng and Pakse, hence there are only few visitors here.

Accommodations in Phonsavan
Options for accommodations is handful especially on budget guesthouses. Try to look around these budget guesthouses centered in the main street and travel guidebooks like Lonely Plane normally recommend Nice Guest House, White Orchid Guesthouse or Kong Keo Guesthouse. As we went during the off season, hence we got a room as low as 60,000 kip (approx. to US$8 or RM27) without air-con. Majority of these guesthouses come with WiFi, as I believe this is one of essential things looking forward by most travellers. 

#2: Nice Guesthouse - A room attached with private bathroom for only 80,000 kip without air-con

Although Phonsavan is just a small town, a post office, banks and internet cafes can be found along the main street. There is also a local fresh food market not far away from the main street selling not just daily groceries, but something strange and unpleasant were sold here too. 

#3: Not just deaad squirrels and bats (top right) sold in the market but can anyone tell me what's on the left photo?  

Travel Around Phonsavan

#4: Tuk-tuk around Phonsavan 

There are plenty tuk-tuks around Phonsavan but in order to travel to Jar sites, tuk-tuks are not allowed to bring tourists for safety purposes. Only certified tour guides are allowed to do so. We booked the Plain of Jars tour recommended by the guesthouse we stayed with the cost of 200,000 kip (approx. to US$25 or RM90).

Tours Around Plain of Jars

Our tour started around 9am local time where the tour guide picked us up directly from our hotel. The tour guide himself was very young, like in his early 20's or maybe not. Along with us were a mother and daughter from Switzerland joining this unsolved mystery tour. 

#5: Decommissioned unexploded ordnance (UXO) in MAG Office - UXO Visitor Information Centre

#6: Impressive 30-m tall That Foun is an ancient stupa located in the heart of Muang Khoun

#7: The Buddha statue in Wat Piawat

I'm not sure how many Jar sites there are but tourists were only allowed to visit Jar Site 1, 2 and 3 only as the these three main Plain of Jars sites are considered reasonably free of UXOs. Jar Site 1 is the most easiest and impressive to get into. There is a nice and easy hike between the Jar sites 2 and 3, and is suitable for families. The path was cleared of unexploded ordnance in 2007, however visitors are strongly advised to follow the red and white markers. By the way, the white markers indicates that MAG have cleared surface and deep ordinance as for the red zone, it indicates that only surface ordinance has been cleared.

#8: Plain of Jars Site: 1

#9: These huge and massive jars were used as funerary urns or catch rain water. 

#9: Plain of Jars in Site 1

Honestly, there isn't a much thing to do in Phonsavan, except for Plain of Jars, which is famed for. I would advise to spend at least two days one night here as each Jars site is quite distance away. By the time our tour ended, it almost 5pm local time. 

[Credit To: Travelfish.org,Wikitravel, Wikipedia]

Previous Posts on Laos:

• Vientiane & Surrounding Area 
• Vang Vieng, A Laid Back Riverside Town

#aabc Penang Takeover

Thanks to AirAsia and Penang Global Tourism, I was in Penang last weekend for an adventure to experience and explore Penang cuisine, heritage, culture and more. 

#1: Welcome To Pearl of the Orient! 

My last visit to Penang was like two years ago for my very best friend's wedding and I'm barely remember whether this is my 4th or 5th trip to this food paradise city but then, I still love to return again for more.
For this particular event, total of 16 #aabc members were exclusively invited - 10 from Kuala Lumpur, 2 from Kuching and 3 from Kota Kinabalu. All those from Kuala Lumpur and Kuching were arrived earlier whereas for us three from Kota Kinabalu, we arrived pretty late due to flight delayed for almost two hours. Upon arrived, we immediately check-in into Olive Tree Hotel, threw our luggages and get ready for seafood dinner.

#2: A very new hotel in the island - Olive Tree Hotel 

Restoran Bali Hai

#3: Restoran Bali Hai

For our first night dinner, we were brought to this Restoran Bali Hai located along of popular Gurney Drive Seafood. Stepped right into the restaurant, we were greeted with vast of fresh live seafood aquarium tanks consists of lobsters, prawns, crabs, fishes and lots more, which I can relate that is looks alike to most of the seafood restaurants in Kota Kinabalu. 

#4: What we had? Chilli crabs, salted egg crabs, butter prawns, fresh fish, petai and more. 

#5: Group photos of #aabc. [Photo Credit To: Amir Nawawi]

Address:

90, 90A, 90B, 90C, 90D,

Persiaran Gurney Georgetown 10250,

Penang, Malaysia

Open daily

Here comes our real adventures on the second day. Besides 16 of us, we were joined by another 10 amazing Penang bloggers. Divided into 5 different groups, each group being assigned to finish 5 challenges - the best breakfast in Penang,  heritage trail, eat Penang style, guide for tourists visiting Penang and what resemble Penang.

Being in Group 1, teamed up by Calista Liew, Ana Jonessy and Jian Goh and not forgetting yours truly, we were joined by a Penang food blogger, Ken and he led us all the way in order to complete the assigned challenges.

#6: When most the other group went for either roti canai or toast, Ken brought us to Sin Seow Fong Lye Cafe for chee cheong fun and char koay kak for best breakfast in Penang. 

#7: To travel around Penang, ride on their free shuttle bus

#8: We even ride the unique heritage mode of transportation, ferry from George Town Island to Butterworth and back and we got to see clearly of their famous iconic, Penang Bridge.

#9: That's us with the local! [Photo Credit To: Ana Jonessy]

After more than 10 years later, I can't believe I will be back again for another sae ferry ride. My virgin ride when I was still in secondary school having vacation with my family.


#10: Eat like Penang in Moh Teng Pheow Nyonya Kuih where dipped fried popiah (spring roll) in Asam Laksa soup.

All the 5 groups managed to finish the assigned tasks on time. And before they decide to announce the winner, we were brought to Queensbay Mall for AirAsia's Battle of The Year 2015.

#11: AirAsia's Battle of The Year - The biggest street dance competition in the country 

Then, it's time for dinner at Yeng Keng Cafe in the bustling Chulia Street along together with the rest of the Penang bloggers. Yeng Keng Cafe is well-known for its delicious and scrumptious Hainanese cuisine and coincidentally, the chef who prepared all of our dishes is from Kota Kinabalu. Known as Chef Tan, he is claimed to be the oldest chef in Penang.

#12: Hainanese dinner at Yeng Keng Cafe

Thats's explain why I can't be a proper food blogger cause overall for me, the food taste pretty fine and good for me but for the rest, they said either the food were so-so only or kinda disappointed.

Ended our night by lucky draw to the 10 amazing Penang bloggers who have been working so hard with us to finish the 5 challenges and the three lucky winners got themselves flight ticket to Medan, Bangkok and Kota Kinabalu. As for the team who won the challenges, the prize is flight tickets to Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Super envy with them!

Although my group didn't win anything, but we have one the most amazing time having fun travel and eating around Penang. Not forgetting, I would like to extend my gratitude to Ken for his passion to bring us around Penang without involvement of his car.

#13: Thanks to AirAsia and Penang Global Tourism once again for the goodies

Planning To Travel To Penang?
AirAsia is flying directly from Kota Kinabalu to Penang with two flights daily.

So what are you waiting for? Hurry up book your ticket for another food, heritage trails and street art adventures.

P/S: I'm using my new toy, Sony DSC WX-500 (a compact camera eventually) and honestly, I found out my mirrorless camera, Sony NEX 5N which I have use for more than three years perform better than the compact one. What do you think?

My Posts on Penang:

• Penang's Art Street, Wall Paintings & Steel Sculptures 
• Old Penang Guesthouse

Vang Vieng, A Laid Back Riverside Town of Laos

Date Visited: 28th July 2013

Vang Vieng is a small tourist-oriented town in Laos which is about four hours bus ride north of the Vientiane city. It is a riverside town in Central Laos offering stunning scenery of river and rock formations. After staying for a night in Vientiane, the capital city of Laos, we packed our bag and moved on to Vang Vieng.

Travel To Vang Vieng From Vientiane

For budget traveller like us, we prefer to take the cheapest option such as taking buses. Tickets for tourist buses and minivans can be purchased at almost every guesthouse, hostels and hotels and this include pick-up services from your lodge to the bus station. But I personally would recommend to buy directly from local tour company along Rue Setthathirat or Rue Samsenthai as it would be slightly cheaper than buying from your lodge. 

#1: Price list for buses/minivans from Vientiane

Minivans with air conditioning leave Vientiane all day and it cost about 35,000 kip (approx. to US$5 or RM16) for four hours journey. A minivan which I think can fit up to 10 people at least might be slightly uncomfortable for those who is tall with long leg as the seat is kinda cramped and wondering where they placed our baggage, it's on the top of the minivans by the way. The road from Vientiane to Vang Vieng is fairly in good condition with few bumps and there is one stop for the passengers for toilet break and grab quick bites. 

#2: Minivans 

Reach Vang Vieng and Accommodation

#3: Welcome to Vang Vieng 

The minivans stop at Northern Vang Vieng Bus Terminal which is 2km away from the city centre. Upon reaching, all the passengers including us were approached by tuk-tuk which can take us to the town for 10,000 kip each (approx. to US$1.50 or RM5) but both Jeff and I decided to walk instead. Vang Vieng is an average small town that everything is easily reachable by foot. From there, we searched for accommodation as we didn't book in advanced. Luckily it was low season in July and majority of the guest houses allowed us to have a look at their rooms before we agreed to book and stay. 

 

#4: There were 120 guesthouses in Vang Vieng Town!

#5: The double room we booked cost 60,000 kip per night (approx. to US$8 or RM27) without air-conditioning

Things To Do & See in Vang Vieng

Generally, Vang Vieng is well known for wealth of outdoor-oriented activities such as kayaking, rock climbing, trekking, caving, mountain biking, zipline and more but the most popular would be river tubing on the Nam Song River, an activity that long-dominated the town and its visitors. Initially, Jeff and I decided to try do the tubing but unfortunately it's been raining cats and dogs all day long when we were in Vang Vieng and for safety purposes, we have to forgone about this activity. 

#6: Some tourists still proceed with the tubing activity despite the heavy rain

#7: Kayaking the river 

 

#8: Or like what we did during the raining day - Watching US popular TV series Friends in most restaurants and cafes

Eating in Vang Vieng

As this small little town is getting more popular among tourists, there are numerous of restaurants, cafe and bars can be found in the town center. Most of these eateries offering a selection of local Lao and Thai cuisines as well as American and Italian dishes such as pizza, burger and so on.

 

#9: Enjoy our meal which watching Friends 

#10: For quick eats and late night snacks, numerous pancake and sandwich stalls lined up the streets. 

Although Vang Vieng seems to be a small and quiet little town but I don't regret for coming here as I was truly enjoy its peaceful and serene atmosphere. The town itself is so laid back with pretty simple and easy lifestyle - no worry, no stress, no tension. How I wish I could have this kind of life every single day? However, it's just a short stay in Vang Vieng cause on the next day, we proceeded to another town by the name of "Phonsavan".

#11: Nam Song river 

[Credit To: Wikitravel, Wikipedia]