Broken Down - Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng

Our minivan's clutch broke about 45 minutes outside Luang Prabang. Luckily, he had a mobile phone and could call for back-up. About 90 minutes later, another minivan showed up and we were on our way again. For anyone going from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng, you'll be treated to beautiful views...and four hours of switchbacks, so bring your motion sickness pills.Read more about the journey from Luang Prabang to Vientiane in Laos.  

Cow and Pointsettia

Karst Limestone - Vang Vieng

There's a reason why Vang Vieng became a backpacker haven...the scenery here is beautiful and kayaking and tubing offers are in long supply.Read more about the journey from Luang Prabang to Vientiane in Laos.  

Cheap Cuts - Vang Vieng

Would you trust these kids to cut your hair? Read more about the journey from Luang Prabang to Vientiane in Laos.  

Kayaking on the Nam Lik

Kayaking trips from Vang Vieng to Vientiane are available as an alternative to a trip by road. Read more about the journey from Luang Prabang to Vientiane in Laos.  

On the Rapids - Vang Vieng to Vientiane

Apparently, river covers most of these rocks during the wet season. Then, the real rapids begin!Read more about the journey from Luang Prabang to Vientiane in Laos.  

Tiger Butterfly - Vang Vieng to Vientiane

While taking a riverside lunch break on our kayak trip, Dan spotted this delicate butterfly on a life vest.Read more about the journey from Luang Prabang to Vientiane in Laos.  

Nokia is Everywhere

Our kayaking guide was also interested in the butterfly we'd found.Read more about the journey from Luang Prabang to Vientiane in Laos.  

The Mighty Kayakers - Vang Vieng to Vientiane

In reality, they had some problems keeping the kayak going straight...but they had fun and lots of laughs along the way.Read more about the journey from Luang Prabang to Vientiane in Laos.  

Grilled Prawns on the Mekong - Vientiane

Our first night in Vientiane takes us to one of the many restaurants set up along the Mekong River. They all serve the same type of food at similar prices, so we opted for the place with the freshest looking seafood. After a brief negotiation, we ended up with fIve of the meatiest giant grilled prawns we've had in our lives for $4. Paired with a lemongrass-stuffed whole fish, this made for a simple, yet transcendental culinary experience.Read about our first impressions of Vientiane, Laos.  

The Giant Prawn - Vientiane

An example of one of the giant prawns we ate along the Mekong River in Vientiane. Read about our first impressions of Vientiane, Laos.  

Big Buddhas and Small - Wat Si Saket, Vientiane

The courtyard at Wat Si Saket was filled with small crevices, each stuffed with two Buddha statues. Large statues stood in front, many adorned with colorful sashes. Read about our first impressions of Vientiane, Laos.  

Where Broken Buddha Statues Go

Wat Si Saket had several storage areas that served as graveyards for broken Buddha statues sacked by various invaders.Read about our first impressions of Vientiane, Laos.  

Adorned Buddha - Wat Si Saket, Vientiane

Read about our first impressions of Vientiane, Laos.  

Dragons and Temple Rooftops - Wat Si Saket, Vientiane

Rooftops doing battle at Wat Si Saket.Read about our first impressions of Vientiane, Laos.  

Natural Medicine Healers - Vientiane

Natural medicine healers were lined up around the block at the Talat Sao market in Vientiane. Bags full of tree bark, roots, herbs, amulets and mysterious potions in murky bottles stand ready to cure what ails.Read about our first impressions of Vientiane, Laos.  

Mobile Restaurant - Vientiane

This woman is on the move to find her next spot. She has all she needs to set up a restaurant anywhere she wants - bowls, soup pot, silverware, and fixings.Read about our first impressions of Vientiane, Laos.