The Slow Boat To Laos

by Brenna Holeman

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The Slow Boat Down the Mekong, From Thailand to Laos

Despite some of the horror stories I had heard before undertaking this latest adventure, a two-day boat ride down the Mekong, it was actually a very relaxing and beautiful journey. The scenery, the reading, the socializing, the napping, the eating – it was all quite lovely, actually.

And now I’m in Luang Prabang, that most romantic of South East Asian cities. I’ve only been here for 12 hours but already I’ve fallen in love with its charming people, its cheap beer Lao, its incredible night market, its quiet, temple-lined streets, its general atmosphere, personality, vibe. Because I spent so long in Chiang Mai and Pai before arriving in Laos, my time here is a bit limited, but I’m going to try to make every single day count, down to the last drop of delicious Lao coffee.

I’m off to Wat Xiang Thong now, and then another night eating street food and shopping in the night market before heading out for an evening on the town. And in Luang Prabang, a night out on the town means only one thing… the bowling alley. Everything else closes by midnight. Ah, Laos…

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7 comments

Oneika May 4, 2011 - 2:58 pm

Haven’t made it to Laos unfortunately, but here that it’s awesome. Have fun!

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Christine May 4, 2011 - 3:06 pm

Sounds amazing! Have a great time!

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Ekua May 5, 2011 - 6:22 am

The bowling alley! I was skeptical about it at first, but I had sooo much fun there. And it was there that I found out that I am a much better bowler after a few Beer Laos 😉

I miss Luang Prabang… met some of the best travelers ever there. We sat on the sidewalk drinking Lao coffee by day and of course Lao-Lao at night!

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This Battered Suitcase May 5, 2011 - 7:28 am

Oneika – I really recommend Laos! Luang Prabang is SO beautiful…

Christine – Thank you!

Ekua – I am totally loving Luang Prabang as well! I am hitting up the bowling alley tonight (it is my birthday) so I’ll let you know my drunken score…

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kls May 6, 2011 - 4:25 am

laos looks like a slice of paradise, looks like a calm place for you to spend your birthday. xoxo

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The SoleSisters May 6, 2011 - 8:57 am

I fell in love with Laos too! I stayed for 5 wonderful days in this charming city. While I was in Vientienne, I as tempted to ditch my travel plans and just head straight back north, into the arms of Luang Prabang. I would love to swin and swing into Kuang Si waterfalls again.

You must go to Utopia before heading to the bowling alley, it’s the perfect chill-out place! Watch out for those cheap whiskey at the bowling ally, had a bad hangover the next day ;(

-Chichi

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This Battered Suitcase May 6, 2011 - 10:33 am

Kerrilyn – It is indeed a slice of paradise, I wish so badly that you were here with me!

Chichi – I know I will have a difficult time leaving tomorrow! I’ve been to Utopia twice already and am heading back tonight…what a great place to relax. I went to the waterfalls today and thought it was so beautiful! Perhaps I’ll just skip everything else I had planned and move here forever…

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