My recent trip to Vientiane, Laos, was a whirlwind of unexpected discoveries, from stumbling upon a haven of Korean cuisine in Vang Vieng to navigating the vibrant chaos of the capital city. This journey, filled with delicious food, cultural immersion, and a touch of adventure, is one I highly recommend to fellow travelers seeking an authentic Southeast Asian experience.
A Surprising Korean Culinary Oasis in Vang Vieng
Vang Vieng, known for its stunning natural beauty, surprised me with its abundance of Korean restaurants. Intrigued by the prevalence of Korean signage alongside Chinese, I ventured into Koki, a charmingly decorated establishment, for a taste of home away from home.
The portions were incredibly generous. I ordered the jjajangmyeon (black bean noodles), a mountain of noodles topped with a perfectly cooked egg, a spicy dubu jjigae (soft tofu stew), and a side of purple rice. The complimentary banchan (side dishes) were a delightful addition, fresh and flavorful.
| Dish | Description |
|---|---|
| Jjajangmyeon | Black bean noodles with egg |
| Dubu Jjigae | Spicy soft tofu stew |
| Purple Rice | Steamed purple rice |
| Banchan | Assortment of Korean side dishes |
My meal at Koki was easily the best Korean food I had in Vang Vieng. The sweet jjajangmyeon, flavorful (and not overly spicy) kimchi jjigae, and crispy kimchi pancake were all top-notch. The generous portions and refillable banchan added to the overall value.
A Smooth Exit from Vang Vieng
After a satisfying breakfast, I arranged a taxi to the Vang Vieng high-speed rail station through the hotel's front desk. The cost, 100,000 Kip (approximately $5 USD), was significantly cheaper than the previous day's ride, validating my trust in the honest hotel staff. Finding reliable local contacts is key to a hassle-free travel experience, especially in unfamiliar territories.
The high-speed train journey to Vientiane, the capital of Laos, was a smooth and comfortable one, taking approximately an hour. Arriving at the grand Vientiane station, I was immediately struck by the sheer number of people. This bustling hub had a distinctly metropolitan feel, a stark contrast to the laid-back atmosphere of Vang Vieng.
Exploring Vientiane: First Impressions
From the station, a short but pricey taxi ride brought me to my hotel near the Patuxai Victory Gate. The imposing monument, a testament to Laos' French colonial past, stood proudly amidst the city's bustling streets.
I decided to explore the city in a songthaew (a converted pickup truck with benches in the back), a common mode of transport in Laos. My first impressions of Vientiane were somewhat underwhelming. The route to the city center was rather desolate, with few businesses and a lot of unpaved roads. The high-speed rail station, like in many cities, seemed to be located far from the main urban area.
The Majesty of That Luang and the Serenity of Temples
My spirits lifted as I approached the Patuxai and my hotel area. The area was vibrant and full of life. One of Vientiane's must-see landmarks is Pha That Luang, the Great Sacred Stupa. This golden monument, a symbol of Laos, is a breathtaking sight. The surrounding temple grounds exuded a sense of peace and tranquility, a welcome respite from the city's hustle and bustle.
Inside the temple complex, I found myself captivated by the intricate artwork adorning the walls, depicting scenes from Lao history and culture. The quiet atmosphere of the temples fostered a sense of inner peace, a stark contrast to the fast-paced urban life I was accustomed to. It was a reminder of the powerful influence of religion and spirituality in everyday life.
Outside, local vendors sold flowers and traditional handicrafts, adding to the vibrant atmosphere. Observing the locals’ devoutness during their temple visits was a truly humbling experience.
Navigating Vientiane's Urban Landscape
After the temple visit, I embarked on a mission to find an ATM. Vientiane's streets presented a new challenge: heavy traffic and a noticeable lack of pedestrian crossings. Crossing the road became a game of careful observation and strategic dashes between vehicles. It's a far cry from the pedestrian-friendly streets back home!
My search for a working ATM proved more difficult than expected. Three machines failed me before I finally found one that accepted my VISA card. This underscored the importance of arriving in Laos with sufficient US dollars or Chinese Yuan to exchange. While the transaction fee of 30,000 Kip (around $1.50 USD) wasn't exorbitant, the uncertainty and inconvenience emphasized the need for preparedness.
A brief exploration of a local shopping mall revealed a curious observation: many shop signs prominently featured Chinese characters, with Lao script taking a secondary role. This subtle detail hinted at the growing Chinese influence in the country.
Vientiane's Night Market: A Sensory Feast
My final stop was the Vientiane night market, a vibrant hub of activity located along the Mekong River. The air was filled with the pulsating rhythms of Southeast Asian music, punctuated by the delighted shrieks of children enjoying the amusement park rides. The market offered a mix of clothing stalls, restaurants, and bars.
After navigating through the crowds, I finally found the food stalls. Unlike other night markets I've visited in Southeast Asia, the food selection here was limited, primarily featuring barbequed meats and noodles. I opted for a refreshing watermelon smoothie and a simple meal of green curry, fried chicken, papaya salad, and pho (noodle soup). The food was decent, but the experience was more about soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.
My time in Vientiane was a fascinating blend of cultural immersion and urban exploration. From the unexpected Korean culinary delights in Vang Vieng to the bustling streets and serene temples of Vientiane, Laos offered a unique travel experience I won’t soon forget. It's a destination I highly recommend, particularly for those seeking an authentic and less-traveled path in Southeast Asia.
