When Laos is mentioned amongst the backpacking faithful, most people think of getting wasted on buckets and tubing with many-a-beer. I feel absolutely no shame in admitting that I was the Mary Poppins of backpackers when I visited Laos for my Thai visa run, earlier this year. (Although I did try a few cheeky ‘Beer Laos,’ I just didn’t do the ‘when in Laos…’ thing).
I never made it to Vang Vieng (which is a shame because I hear it’s beautiful in parts). I stayed in Vientiane for a couple of days and I rented a bike. And not a big, bad, macho motorbike. I mean an actual bicycle.
I wanted to rent a motorbike, but considering the embassy had my passport for a few days – I couldn’t rent one (food for thought for the educational visa visiting traveller). I didn’t end up being too devastated though because the city is pretty stunning to see by bike. Perfect, in fact.
I frequented a tasty vegan restaurant called ‘Reunion Cafe’ and I ate the abundance of sweet potato street food. Oh yeeeah, shit got wild I tell you!
Danger-Shagging: Optional, But Not Recommended
A little tip for the randy travelling chaps; it’s illegal to have sex with a Laotian girl. So keep it in your pants, lads. I can’t imagine a Laos prison being the most fun cultural experience. 😉
