Vientiane

« 🇹🇭 Traveling to Laos, especially for those living in Thailand, is often a border run for visa extensions. Last time we went to Savannakhet, and now we've chosen to visit the capital - Vientiane.

For the first time, I saw that at the KP border, you need to pay 50 baht for a plastic card, just like in the metro! What a way to milk tourists for cash! However, if you're traveling by bus on a longer route, like we did, the fare is just 5 baht.

Entering the capital... the city is filled with three main tourist attractions and boasts some impressive buildings - towering structures!!! 🌇 And you can't hide from the blazing sun in the shadows of these buildings! It’s really tough to get around in this heat! 🥵 Here’s the Triumph Arch, a monumental landmark you can't miss. If anyone is curious, I can share our experience of how to get to the top for free! 😄 The view from up there is stunning and definitely worth it... »

« The Mekong River is a natural border between Laos and Thailand. The Friendship Bridge, which allows crossing the border, is quite famous. Laos can be a bit grim, but you really feel the difference between the wealthy and the impoverished. You’ll see luxury cars like Lamborghinis and Maseratis, but at the same time, a lot of people struggling – it’s a stark contrast.

Returning to Thailand, especially Koh Kood, is something we really enjoyed. Also, a friend of mine, who spends his winters there with his family, often shares stories about underwater encounters with marlins, something you really have to see for yourself!!! »

« Surprisingly, even though Vientiane is the capital of Laos, the city doesn't particularly stand out or impress compared to other ordinary towns. It's unclear if there is public transport at all; it seems to be just open-bed trucks, and even locals have a hard time figuring out their schedules. The streets and roads are quite dusty, and during the day, the sun is so intense that staying outside becomes almost unbearable.

It's probably no coincidence that many newcomers working here are fundamentally dissatisfied with the city and wish to leave as soon as possible.

However, there's one pleasant spot: the Vientiane promenade in the center along the Mekong River. In the evening, as the coolness arrives, hundreds of people gather here, the night market opens up, and for a brief moment, the city comes alive with movement.

Additionally, in Vientiane, as well as throughout Laos, there are no real addresses. When something needs to be delivered, the postal service calls you and asks you to come by. If you request delivery, it's going to be quite expensive. You pay for parking, you pay for a copy of your passport, and then you pay for the letter. Basically, you're charged for everything that crosses the minds of the locals.

There are no railways in Laos either. Previously, the Mekong was the main transportation artery. Now, people prefer to travel overland. There's one road that runs through the country, but it's only partially paved… »

« Vientiane (the capital of Laos) is a unique city that I've visited for the second time (the first was in spring 2012). There are quite pleasant spots, like the Mekong riverside with a small park nearby, interesting architecture and buildings scattered about (though often mixed in with old, abandoned, simple houses or unfinished constructions). There are lots of big trees along the main roads, creating a special atmosphere, and the mornings and evenings are quite refreshing.

However, on the flip side, it's almost everywhere dusty and there's quite a bit of litter, even near the main attractions (which aren’t that many to begin with). There aren't many good cafes, restaurants, or shops, and the sidewalks aren’t very user-friendly either – cars are often parked on them, making it tough to walk. Laos isn’t a wealthy country, but all this seems a bit strange for a capital. We walked around all day in different places – it was interesting overall, but for some reason, I don't feel like staying here for too long. »

« We left Vientiane, and it was quite nice, even though Laos didn't capture my heart the second time around. Maybe it’s because starting in the capital isn’t the best way to get to know a country. Several friends have told me that Vientiane isn’t really Laos. But we had a great time nonetheless; I have plenty of funny stories to share with friends and I wouldn’t mind sharing my visa experience too. The hotel was pleasing—not top-notch, but definitely better than all the guesthouses scattered everywhere. I love when the place where I stay is visually appealing, and the management pays attention to the details; there were even two vintage Mercedes parked outside. Just beautiful! »

« In Vientiane, there are countless temples. All of them are well-maintained and pleasing to the eye, but to me, they all look quite similar.)) »

« Yellow beetle. Beetles seem to be the favorite vintage cars in Vientiane. They are always well-maintained and in good shape. »