Hi everyone, I'm Mark, your friendly neighborhood backpacker from the USA. I'm passionate about exploring Asia, and recently completed an epic motorbike journey through Laos and Vietnam. This blog post is a detailed account of my experiences, with a special focus on budget travel and cultural insights. I'll share practical tips and tricks learned along the way, to help you plan your own unforgettable Southeast Asian adventure.
Laos: Land of a Thousand Elephants (and Surprisingly Delicious Chicken Butts!)
Our Laos-Vietnam motorbike trip was incredible, although Laos surprised me. While known for its laid-back vibe, it also presented some unique challenges. The first thing I noticed was the internet – significantly weaker than in Vietnam. Vietnamese restaurants and accommodations generally had much better Wi-Fi access.
While in Laos, I sampled some traditional Lao cuisine, usually served in bamboo baskets with incredibly chewy rice (almost like sticky rice, they told me). It was delicious. However, finding traditional Lao food was challenging, as many restaurants offered Western or fast-food options instead. But I found one restaurant that was amazing—great atmosphere, friendly staff, and, most importantly, generous portions of vegetables!
Culinary Delights and Unexpected Discoveries
Vietnam offered a different culinary adventure entirely. In Ha Long Bay, we stumbled upon a dish that became an instant favorite. I highly recommend trying it if you visit.
And speaking of unexpected culinary favorites, Luang Prabang's night market is a must-visit for its incredibly cheap and delicious grilled chicken butts! I’m not kidding; I saw people eating 20-30 a day!
Lao desserts also deserve a mention. One particular drink, featuring coconut milk and soft, almost jelly-like, ingredients (green and pink), was a personal favorite, though the texture was a bit mushy for my taste. If you have a sensitive stomach, you might want to skip this one.
Finally, the Lao iced coffee was outstanding. I must have consumed a dozen cups in two days!
Practical Tips for Laos Travel
Here's a summary of the practical information I wish I'd known before my trip:
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Weather | Laos can get surprisingly cold (below 10°C in some areas, especially in the north during winter months. Pack layers! |
| Safety | Be aware of unexploded ordnance (UXO) remnants from the Secret War, especially in southern Laos. Avoid unmarked trails. Motorbike theft is a concern; be vigilant. |
| Language | Learn basic Lao phrases: "Sabaidee" (hello), "Khop chai" (thank you), "Khop chai lai lai" (thank you very much), "La gong" (goodbye). Thai is also helpful in many areas. |
| Currency | Lao Kip (LAK). Use a calculator when dealing with vendors. Bringing USD and exchanging in tourist areas offers the best exchange rates. Avoid using ATMs. |
| Cost of Living | Generally more expensive than Vietnam, particularly food (expect to pay 20-25K LAK for a basic meal). Accommodation ranges from 60-100K LAK for budget-friendly options. Water is expensive (5K LAK for a large bottle). |
Navigating Laos: A Motorbike Adventure
Laos and Vietnam have very different driving cultures. Vietnamese drivers honk frequently, while Laotian drivers are remarkably quiet, even during rush hour in Vientiane. Laotian drivers are also far more courteous, readily giving way to others.
The countryside in northern Laos is stunning, with friendly villagers waving and even high-fiving us as we rode along. But the narrow, often single-lane roads can be challenging. The lack of horns adds an element of unexpected danger. We were surprised on more than a few occasions.
In most of Laos, outside of Vientiane, we hardly saw any police.
Souvenirs and Shopping
Laotian souvenirs are relatively limited. Bamboo straws are a good option (I got a pack of 10 for ridiculously cheap). Avoid dubious "UXO jewelry" – much of it is fake. Night markets are good for clothing, and you'll find the locals to be very friendly and accommodating, even if you're just browsing.
Communication and Internet Access
Internet access is patchy in Laos. Downloading a Thai offline dictionary is highly recommended, as many Lao people are familiar with Thai language and media. Surprisingly, many road signs in Laos have English translations, unlike Vietnam.
Lao Culture and Customs
Lao culture is fascinating. We observed a unique phenomenon in rural areas: communal bathing at designated water taps. Women bathe fully clothed.
Buddhism is prominent, with a significant number of men spending time as monks, often to improve their family's economic prospects. The monastic rules seem less strict than in some other Buddhist countries.
Finally, be prepared for the annual practice of fire-clearing during the dry season (March-April), which can cause significant smoke pollution and unpleasant smells.
Final Thoughts
I highly recommend exchanging currency in tourist areas for the best rates. Remember, Laos is a country for slow travelers, allowing you to embrace the unique culture and experiences that can't be found elsewhere. It’s a country that deserves to be explored.
