From Luang Prabang, I took a very bumpy 4 hour minivan to Vang Vieng. Vang Vieng itself has a reputation of being a bit of a party hub, but being low season, it was pretty quiet.

I did do the classic tubing that it is well known for (not necessarily for the best – give it a google) which was fun. There was some spectacular scenery, and a fair amount of drinking (sorry mum) but I am a responsible person, and no unfortunate incident was had.

Unfortunately I must have swallowed a bit too much water while tubing, because after 3 days I got pretty sick, and spent the next two days in bed.

When I recovered, i began making the long way down to Don Det in the 4000 islands, near the Cambodian border.

First I had to get to Vientiane, where I splashed out and booked a hotel as I still felt rough. Then suitably recharged, I was ready to face the overnight bus to Pakse.

Night buses in Lao are… interesting. You get a bed, clean blankets and pillows, and a bottle of water. You also have to share these with a complete stranger. The bed is very much a western single. I didn’t manage to get a picture of the beds in this bus, but I got one of my bus back up to Vientiane from Don Det.

Once you get over the awkwardness of being so close to someone you’ve never met, the experience is actually quite pleasant. The beds are comfy, and the bus ride pretty scenic. I managed to sleep.

From Pakse, I was (eventually, after much confusion) herded into another mini van to take me to Nakasong, where the “ferry” to Don Det island left from.

Once in Don Det, it transpired I’d booked a bungalow 20 minutes walk from the ferry, and thus I endured the worst walk of my life, in 40 degree heat with my backpack.

Once settled in, and after a shower, I tried to find something to do. Luckily, a couple of Quebecois I had met on the minivan rocked up, and suggested going to watch the sunset, which is probably the highlight of Don Det.

We then had a night out, and I managed to prove myself my fathers daughter by falling asleep during conversation at around 11pm. (Clearly still ill).

The next day we rented bicycles and cycled (via bridge) to the neighbouring Don Khong to check out some waterfalls and do a bit of swimming in the Mekong. This is the closest Lao comes to being beachy. I’ve found the best tactic when swimming in the Mekong is to forget it is the Mekong. If you forget it is the Mekong, you can have a lovely time.

On my final day, I splashed out (literally) and booked a kayaking tour of the Mekong. It was a lovely way to spend the day, we went to see the big waterfall you can only see by getting a boat, and also managed to see dolphins off of the Cambodian shoreline. Plus, I got to swing on a swing.

On Friday, I began my 24h journey back up to Vientiane, which is where I am currently.

In about 45 minutes I’m being picked up to go to the bus station to get the 24h (with luck) bus to Hanoi. This journey has been described variously as “hell” “forgettable”, and “to be avoided at all costs”. Nevertheless, my mother insists it will be an experience (all things are) and that if it is awful, then I’ll have something to share on this blog.

Personally, I am unconvinced that that is strong enough reason to endure this journey, but here we are, flights were expensive and my bus is booked.

Hopefully I will update you on the other side in Vietnam. If not, Mum, I told you so.

-El