"Sa-Ba-Dee" Laos by vigi

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

I had bad experience with Lao people, well perhaps te tourism opening too fast, too many tourist there change the way people act. Other than that, scenery along Mekong River is breathtaking, and the food is fabulous!

I took a slow boat to Luang Prabang, have to stay one night in a place called Pabang. At night, a guy came to me selling "stuff". OK, I was buying "tobacoo" from him, he said there's police check there so he lock me in one guesthouse room to process the deal. Inside the room, he said: "I love you, you are beautiful, ..." Then he wrapped me around and tried to kiss me. I pushed and kicked him off. Opened the door and ran away. Later, I met another backpacker, an Australia girl, she had same experience, another guy tried to touch her. When I complaint to my guesthouse staff, they either pretend do not understand English (but I know they do becuse they smile in a funny way), or told me they don't know that guy who is walking around the town. Later, I found out from a Thai tourist that there's actually no police in Pakbang, obviously, this guy was a laier!

OK. When I arrive Luang Prabang, I took a Tuktuk from boat pier to Mixay guesthouse. With 2 mins ride, the tuktuk driver asked for 200 Bhat. I insisted that's not fair, I only paid him 20 Bhat, that's it. He shout on me, pointing his finger to me. I said, ok, let me find my guesthouse, and come to talk to my guesthouse people, I am sure it's not eccessary for 200 Bhat. Then, he took all the kip (Lao money) I had on hand and ran away, I had 15000 kip with me which is about 60 Bhat! OK, so, I was robbed. He's a robber rather than a driver!

Not finished yet, after I walk around 3 streets, couldn't find MiXay guesthouse, asked around, I found that he actually drop me off in another area, the guesthouse I want is located in another direction of the city. As many backpackers already got a room, and some good one already full by that time, I have no choice to just take one nearby, not very clean though.

I always travel alone, and I don't have problem in other places. Only in Lao!!! I don't understand why so many people said Lao people very nice. Well, perhaps the village people are still very nice, not polluted yet. But definately not people working in city and tourist area. They have changed (or did they have this character originally? I don't know...)

I took the Lao airline, it's not as dangerous as I read from book. The aircraft is similar to those dosmetic flight within Malaysia and Thailand. Actually, I was holding my camera, waiting to capture the scene that "people open window to smoke", unfortunately, it's not possible, because the aircraft is all with double-wall window which cannot be opened.

Want to know more about my travel in Laos? Check out my TRAVEL JOURNAL

Last visit to Laos: Jan 2004
Intro Updated Feb 8, 2004
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Reviews (37)

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Comments (26)

balhannah Nov 6, 2008 at 2:03 AM Report Abuse

Glad I didn't visit Laos after what I have just read.
starship Nov 8, 2006 at 6:09 AM Report Abuse

You did a great job on this page. Honestly, after reading it I know I would never have an interest in going there. BTW, I think that poor animal was a cat!
volopolo Oct 14, 2006 at 12:11 PM Report Abuse

lovely page! Nikos
mad4travel Dec 7, 2005 at 5:49 AM Report Abuse

Excellent photos and tips. It looks all so lovely. I'm going there next week so your tips have been most helpful. Greetings from London :-)
chbuchie Nov 18, 2005 at 3:39 AM Report Abuse

great pages !! Travelling by boat seems a nice adventure, but how about security/thefts while u r asleep and your camera or other valuable stuff? And are the boarder controls only extensive or do they try to take advantage of tourists (like in africa)?
icyjo24 Jun 16, 2005 at 6:00 AM Report Abuse

1'm back in sg ..thanks for your advice.. i didnt have any bad encounters though...
bkoon Apr 1, 2005 at 1:00 AM Report Abuse

I must say that the pictures are very nice. Your bad experiences with the Laos people are somehow scary as I will be travelling alone in Laos too. Has been a long while since I backpack alone. Bee :)
chodearm Sep 28, 2004 at 11:07 AM Report Abuse

This is a serously great site. I support buying the wacky tabacky. Hey you wouldn't have the story if it weren't for weed
Yubert Aug 3, 2004 at 1:08 AM Report Abuse

Yeah, Vigi, what are you doing trying to buy drugs?!!
bpacker Jul 23, 2004 at 4:24 AM Report Abuse

Just a note to say that you've incredibly beautiful pictures over here! I also enjoyed reading your food tips, you must be a foodie too, i think..