We were a little apprehensive when we first arrived in Lao. The flight we took from Vietnam was on Lao Aviation which is one of the only airlines not sanctioned by the FAA but also the only way to enter Lao at the time we went. We had also checked some travel sites and were warned that entering into Lao was at your own risk. Although the country is growing in tourism giving the wrong look to immigration or to the wrong person can get you incarcerated for life and the US government has little or no say in what the government does. Needless to say we had a wonderful trip but did seem to keep up our guard.
Journal: This was completely different from Vietnam. The capital Vientiane was quiet and relaxed with tons of Buddhist monasteries. The pictures from Lao probably speak for themselves. We did meet a Canadian/Mexican couple on New Years Eve and they were staying in Lao with a friend who worked for the UN. We were invited to her house one day and watched movies and just relaxed. It was cool to see since Lao is still a country plagued with tremendous political problems. The girl’s house came with a private guard and cook and included a private radio incase the country suddenly goes to pot and she needs to get air-lifted out. The Mekong was also more beautiful than I imagined and it was amazing to sit along the side of a river that I have only dreamt about. |
- Lao Photos 