• About Us

    Audrey Scott and Daniel Noll serve up a scatter plot of observations from rapidly changing countries on their journey around the world. Tune into Uncornered Market for human stories, engaging travel photography, street food reportage, and insights into personal growth. Read more…

  • The Very Latest...

    • Strolling the streets of our old home town of Prague, Czech Republic and enjoying a cold frothy pivo (beer) to celebrate 4th of July.
      Posted: 2 days ago
    • More Twitter updates...
  • Ease of Use

  • Where We've Been

  • Where We're Going

    • China (southern)
    • South Africa
    • Madagascar
    • Botswana
    • Namibia
    • Zambia
    • Mozambique
    • Tanzania
    • Uganda

      Full itinerary here...

  • Check These Out

  • Subscribe to Our Newsletter

    E-mail:
  • Reading

    Buy From Amazon and Support Us The Art of Worldly Wisdom

    The Art of Worldly Wisdom
    Author: Baltasar Gracian
    Beautifully translated, this collection of timeless, universal chunks of insight into human nature easily transcends run-of-the-mill personal and professional management wisdom.

    Shantaram: A Novel

    Shantaram: A Novel
    Author: Gregory David Roberts
    Administering first aid in a Bombay slum, selling fake passports and running guns to the Mujahideen in Afghanistan. Technically a novel, but closely linked to the Author's own experiences. Fantastic read.

    Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies, New Edition

    Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies, New Edition
    Author: Jared Diamond
    An admirable crack at explaining why the world is the way it is by way of an anthropological macro-history. This book probably comes up the most in conversation as we travel.

Road to Vientiane

 Filed Under:  Laos, Southeast Asia, Videos

Broken Down - Luang Prabang to Vang ViengOur trusty Lonely Planet guide gave a detailed explanation of every type of transport from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng and Vientiane, but it failed to mention that if there was ever a time to take your motion sickness medicine, this was it. The 3.5 hours of switchbacks felt like an eternity as the road took on the contours of our intestines and vice versa. Our bus was motion sickness quiet for much of the ride and most passengers were visibly green and panting in synchronization with the turns of the road.

In addition to being one of the windiest roads in the region (in the world?), it was also one of the most beautiful - fully forested mountains gave way to dwarfed valleys, where small villages took hold on mighty rivers that had helped cut a dramatic landscape.

We had the opportunity to become intimate with one of the villages along the way when our minivan blew a clutch and we waited for a replacement. In this village, life proceeded glacially; the poinsetta bushes moved faster than the cows crossing the highway.

Our minivan’s clutch was eventually replaced and our stomachs eventually straightened out, just in time for arrival in Vang Vieng. If backpackers, water sports, beer, and “magic pizzas” with illicit substances are your thing, then drop in.

Kayaking on the Nam LikWe hit the road the following morning on a kayak trip to Vientiane. In reality, you only kayak part of the way and then a truck takes you the remaining 90 minutes. But as an alternative route to get some exercise and enjoy a beautiful setting, it works. And although we paddled our kayak twice as much as everyone else and nearly capsized onto a giant water buffalo dropping, we highly recommend it.

Watch Our Video

 

Practical Details

Green Discovery Tours Vang Vieng - one of the many tour companies in Vang Vieng offering kayaking trips along the Nam Lik river in the direction of Vientiane. Their tour cost a few dollars more than the competitors, but we chose them for the newer equipment and safety credentials. Nice kayaks, great lunch, and friendly guides - recommended. About $25-$30 per person.

More photos…

Related Articles:


Leave a Reply

Home | About Us | Contact Us

© 2006-2008, Uncornered Market. All rights reserved.