"dusty dusty dusty laos" Laos by utttz

Laos Travel Guide: 4,110 reviews and 8,536 photos

children on the road to luang prabang - Laos

probably because I went there during the dry season... Having been there during the wet one I would probably have said muddy muddy muddy laos....
Laos is definitely a strange place: Laos has shared the recent vietnam history, maybe with less media coverage if not secret, laos governement is strictly tied with vietnamese governement... I was expecting a similar way of life and I found a completely different country.
in vietnam, the traffic is really noisy, people is horning comtinuosly, while in laos the only noisy thing are roosters (I finally got why they eat so many chickens: they're trying to get rid of them). In vietnam people always cheers you with an international "hallo" while in laos the local sabaidee is the standard. refusing a "cyclo" in vietnam is a long task... hallo wherare you from? italy? look at this book... italiani amici... one hour fivethousands... I can show you... you have to repeat hundreds of times you prefere to walk... in laos is different they don't have cyclos, they have tuktuks, loads of tuktuks.... but they don't go on asking for ages: they simply looks at you and " tuktuk? "... no thanks and you're free!
I confess that after vietnam this nearly shy way to "promote" going around facilities is like a paradise :-)

Hmmm laos... I'm definitely in love with this country.

Pros and Cons

Pros:quiet, sincere, not yet turistic
Cons:I'm afraid it won't last long
In a nutshell:hurry up!

Last visit to Laos: Jan 2002
Intro Updated Jun 6, 2005
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Reviews (10)

paper and fabric Shopping (1)

I guess paper and fabric is the thing to buy here. Some time decoration has an astonishing similarity to the peruvian... more travel advice

TUK TUK Transportation (2)

more travel advice

VV is not that bad... a... Things to Do (2)

VV is not that bad... a strange touristic place were the overload of tourists is not that annoying.. I really don't know... more travel advice

Luang Prabang Luang Prabang... Things to Do (2)

Luang Prabang Luang Prabang Luang Prabang Luang Prabang Luang Prabang Luang Prabang Luang Prabang Luang Prabang Luang... more travel advice

Travelogues (2)

1 - 2 of 2

Comments (71)

Robmj Jan 6, 2009 at 11:34 PM Report Abuse

The good news is, in that 2007 the calm Tuk Tuk approach still exists
matcrazy1 Aug 3, 2005 at 10:58 AM Report Abuse

Ciao Paolo. Many great pictures in travelogues, interesting comparison of Vietnam and Laos in intro. I do hope to see the both countries.
richiecdisc Dec 11, 2004 at 6:22 AM Report Abuse

Still no tasting notes from you on Beer Lao? Tune in for my impressions though I found it prettier than it tasted. ;)
micas_pt Sep 17, 2004 at 4:42 PM Report Abuse

Ciao Paolo. Wonderful travelogues about Laos.
canadiantravelgirl Jun 7, 2004 at 6:49 AM Report Abuse

Interesting page!!!
arbeid74 Dec 11, 2003 at 3:16 PM Report Abuse

will visit laos in febr 04 and due to your photo's looking forward even more. will compare with vietnam of 6 years ago
laughingsun69 Dec 10, 2003 at 3:51 AM Report Abuse

Great page looks intersting and relaxing ,i like the idea of laughing when establishing prices :)))
shrimp56 Nov 22, 2003 at 6:59 AM Report Abuse

Great page -- sorry to miss Laos -- I can't believe I leave in a week!!!
craic Nov 11, 2003 at 4:57 AM Report Abuse

I gather you quite liked Luang Prabang. Super page! BTW Happy bday.
alza Oct 30, 2003 at 5:15 PM Report Abuse

Your pics give a great idea of Laos today. Everything seems quiet... Nice to get out of history books and see people, the river, the long boats. Love it!