Yesterday we got a flight from Hanoi to Luang Prabang which took just one hour. The flight was find but getting a visa on arrival was a bit of a nightmare. Not being very efficient we didn't get dollars in advance and planned to get some at Hanoi airport only to find out they didn't have a Bureau de change. Unable to do anything about it we got our flight, filled out the visa forms on arrival and were first in the queue. They didn't accept card for the $70 we owed but we were told there was a cashpoint outide. Mark went to get cash and Rach waited at immigration. Unfortunately the cashpoint wasn't working but there was a Bureau de change. Mark tried to get some money from there but they wouldn't give him any without seeing his passport which was with immigration! We had to wait for everyone to go through immigration and then join the back of a very long queue for the Bureau de change with a member of the immigration staff before being issued our visa. What should have taken just 10 minutes took us over an hour. A bit annoyed at our lack of planning and organisation we finally got a tuk tuk to a guest house. It was all worth the hassel as Luang Prabang is beautiful and a huge change from the noisy cities of Vietnam. We walked around Luang Prabang and were amazed by the laid back attitude of the Laos people. You don't get hasseled at all and they say that if you want a tuk tuk you have to wake the driver up and then convince him to do some work - a world away from anywhere else we've been!
In the evening we went to the night market which was incredible. A vast array of stalls selling a range of handicrafts. It was a real challenge for Rach not to spend spend spend with so many lovely textile items! Dad P don't bring Mum here, she'd spend the pension!
We went for dinner overlooking the Mekong river and had an excellent meal. We weren't overwhelmed by the food in Vietnam and were looking forward to the Laos food. We had to wait a while but weren't dissapointed with delicious Thai influenced curries.
We have booked a trek for tomorrow to visit some waterfalls and can't wait to see some of the stunning countryside!
Hope all is well at home.
Great to chat to Dad T last night.
Lots of love
Rach & Mark. xxx
In the evening we went to the night market which was incredible. A vast array of stalls selling a range of handicrafts. It was a real challenge for Rach not to spend spend spend with so many lovely textile items! Dad P don't bring Mum here, she'd spend the pension!
We went for dinner overlooking the Mekong river and had an excellent meal. We weren't overwhelmed by the food in Vietnam and were looking forward to the Laos food. We had to wait a while but weren't dissapointed with delicious Thai influenced curries.
We have booked a trek for tomorrow to visit some waterfalls and can't wait to see some of the stunning countryside!
Hope all is well at home.
Great to chat to Dad T last night.
Lots of love
Rach & Mark. xxx
Too late - I already booked the flights.....only kidding!!! Sounds brilliant - and how refreshing to be able to please yourselves.
ReplyDeleteWhat is it about waterfalls - they are each so individual and fascinating? Have a great time,
Loads of love x
Oh dear, the lack of organisation came back to get you, although I do think that a laid back attitude is the way to go.
ReplyDeleteSounds as though Laos is going to be a different experience to other places you’ve been, nice and laid back and hopefully there will be lots to see. Am looking forward to seeing the pictures!As if you have to wake up the tuk tuk drivers, that’s hilarious!
Market sounds very good – have you seen any scary waving cats, hehe!
Take care, and enjoy laos
Love you lots
xxxx
Just got back from our hols so have lots of blog to catch up on!!!! Sure you are still having an amazing time. Lots of love from Fav. xxx
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