Sabaidee From Vang Vieng, Laos! Where Is My Happy Meals? (18/30 Indochina Backpack Trip)

#AD: We have Malaysian joining London Olympic, his name is Azizul and hopes he makes us Malaysian proud!

Current location: Vang Vieng, Laos.

(Backpacks and luggage on top of mini-van)

We arrived Vang Vieng around 4pm, after 7 hours bus ride from Luang Prabang. After close to 3 weeks of constant moving and traveling, we have to admit that we are not as excited as we started our trip. Maybe we are feeling burn out.

We are not as excited to see cheap beers anymore. Uh oh.

However, I think the main reason is – Laos, is lacking fascinating stuff.

Or maybe, diarrhea makes me feel weak and “defeated” in a way. Whatever it may be, I have to admit I starting to miss home a bit – and I absolutely miss my working life.

Or maybe #2, this is maybe what we call, play til sian dy –_-

Never thought I have chance to say this sentence. OHhhhh I have to admit I am feeling old.

(7 hours of mini van trip to Vang Vieng, amazing scenary)

During our stay at Laos, we felt ZEN. I have plenty of time to think about personal things – career, projects, relationship, family etc. Now my mind is clearer and able to prioritise matters. I felt re-energized.

Anyway, back to daily journal.

* * *

Vang Vieng surrounded by amazing mountains. This photo does not justify the beauty!

Welcome to Vang Vieng

4:32pm.

When we arrived at Vang Vieng bus station. A Caucasian walked up and offered me a map of Vang Vieng. “Free map for you, buddy”.

“If you need a place to stay, I’d recommend these few guest house”, he says, with slight British accent. I quietly listen.

I thanked him. And I told him I’d like to stay at the place he recommended because the price is fair, location is nice too. He turned around, and speak Lao language to tuk-tuk driver.

I was like, is he local?!

A great sign

Later then only I learned that he is owns one restaurant owner in Vang Vieng – and he is definitely STONED while he was talking to me.

“DUDE!” I called Shannon, “that guy is definitely stoned man… that’s a great sign! awesome!”

#highfive

In Vang Vieng, it is famous for their “happy meals”, where they add marijuana/magic mushroom / opium into their dishes, either pizza or shakes. That is the main reason we come Vang Vieng in first place, lol.

Is it legal here?

You must be crazy if you think these shits are legal here. There are many cases of death past few months due to these drugs and police are strict… if you get caught, expect to pay at least USD$500.

Do not expect a receipt.

However you are safe to consume within restaurant as long as you don’t hold possession of it while you are walking on street. Weird but it’s just the way it is here.

(Crags of beers – definitely a good sign)

5:25pm.

We walked around the city (well, the city no more than 10 blocks of shops lol), and decided to have a quick meal at Aussie bar.. because they wrote “we serve coldest beer in town”.

I am sold.

Since I am still having a weak stomach from diarrhea, I decided to go full-time healthy meals… and no beer. /surprise!

Hahahha… I walked into a bar that served cold beer but I’m not drinking any beer #ownage

My vegetables.

Not feeling full, so I ordered a chicken steak.

We  both not feeling full, so we ordered Lao Salad.

… and also beer. HEHEEHHEHEHE. There goes my short-lived determination. I was too thirsty, and beer is cheapest. Cannot help it ^^;

I have beer while having antibiotics! Kids do not try this at home.

My first impression of Vang Vieng

• This is a PARTY TOWN FOR TOURISTS– drugs, alcohol and parties, that is why I dislike.
• 99 tourists : 1 local. Even the Caucasians owns the pub.
• Famous with tubing
• This place only recently pop-up… some map don’t even have this place.
• There is nothing like Laos. More like a town purely for partying
• Gets very rowdy and 乱水 at evening, after everyone return from tubing

What is tubing in Vang Vieng?

I’ll explain in short..

1. Wear your swim suit/pants
2. Sit on tube, flow along river
3. 10+ pubs along the river, you go drink and party
4. Go another pub again, by tube, along river
5. More drinks
6. More pubs
7. More drinks
8. Reach end the point, return tubes, ride tuk tuk back city
9. Continue party

Conclusion – you see many half naked teenagers tourists shouting/singing at street causing lots of troubles.

That is why I dislike Vang Vieng. It’s not “Laos” at all but I’ll take it as a part of travel experience.

Tomorrow, we go search for our first “happy” meal. Hmph!

Where am I now?

Vang Vieng, Laos

This is part of 30 days Indochina backpack trip. Click here to read the rests.

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