Sabaidee Lao!

I have been wanting to visit Laos for a long time and last week, I made a trip there myself.

Laos - aka the Kingdom of Million Elephants - is a gorgeous, graceful and ravishing country. Though less developed than Vietnam, it and its people show the caring open heart of buddhists. On the first day, we drove through Lao Bao Int. Border Gate from Hue, VN to the Central of Laos on Route 9 to Savannakhet city. We stayed at hotel that laid on one side of the Mekong Delta with the view of Udonthani of Thailand on the otherside. I was lucky to see fireworks while riding a bike along the river that night because it was the Queen of Thailand's birthday.

The next day we started off early to visit That In Hang - the beautiful temple that was known as the Land of Buddism in Indochina. I entered the Wat wearing a sarong, praying and taking pictures. Inside the open house, the old monk sat with a bowl of threaded bracelet in front. He ties the bracelet on our wrist to give luck. If you wish, rubbing the big until it make sound is also good.

We walked out of the temple and enjoyed "Cơm Lam" from an old lady (sticky rice cooked in Bamboo). The rest of the day were spent on the bus heading towards the capital city Vientiane and stopped at Patuxay - the symbol of Laos. At night, we sat to eat some traditional Laos' food while watching the Lamvong dance. My sister and I got out afterwards to explore the city at night. We walked around the night market, bought some paintings and a few other handicrafts (ate a parata too!). Many Laotian we have met knew Vietnamese and were very good at it that it suprised me! There is one girl who is studying her fourth year at Hanoi University. Oh my! Her Vietnamese was excellent! I really do admire people who can speak my language!

On day 3, we visited Phat That Luong - the symbol of Laos, Patuxai, Si Muong Wat, Sisaket Museum and the Buddha park. After a nice lunch with the view of the Mekong River we crossed over the Friendship bridge to Nongkhai of Thailand. On the way to Udonthani city, we got down to see the Salakeokhu Buddha park. It was a magnificent land of around fifties buddha statues. We arrived later that night. I went out for a city tour with our Laotian guide and enjoyed good fruits.

The last day of the trip was spent driving back to Savan Vegas Hotel (casino eh!?) where I had my first Thai Massage. Man! It was so damn good! I fell asleep because I was so relaxed thanks to the lovely Laotian masseuse. Early next morning, we headed back to Vietnam and had a delicious dinner in Hue city. I bought a pocket frame made from recycled materials by a group of deaf young people. They were very skilled, creative and warm-hearted. I felt good supporting their cause before flying back to HCM city and finally, ended the awesome trip.

I have learnt so much about Laotian's culture, its beautiful sites and heart-warming people. It is a very religious country. For Laotian, their lives basically interact and devote to Buddhism (also known as the "small wheel" buddhism because unlike the "big wheel" in China and Vietnam where buddha is welcome for everyone; the "small wheel" is only for those who believe in buddhism and follow the rules of the Buddha house). Definitely wanting to explore more of Laos!

La koon and Khop chai lai lai Laos!