Asia Step 11 - Laos Enjoying "western life" in Vientiane after the jungle

After Si Phan Don and two loops in the middle of forests, going back to a "real" town is more than appreciated. Our plan there can not be clearer : eat and chill.

Our first sight of the capital is from the tuk tuk who brings us in the Guesthouses street, in the night. The town seems big, modern, with a true charm. It remembers us our beloved Siem Reap, and we're also released that it looks completely different than the Cambodian capital, Phnom Penh.

We basically don't do so much in Vientiane and, as expected, the vibe there is perfect for it.

The few we've done in Vientiane and advise you to do :

1. Eat good ! (Goal : regain the weight lost in the jungle)

PIZZZAAA

Yes that's a bleu burger

French Restaurant

PIZZZAAA

Vientiane is full of restaurants, pubs, bars, cafes... to suit all tastes ! Laotian, Thai, Vietnamese, Chinese, French (a lot !), Italian, American, Mexican, ... Even German.

Me, who basically doesn't appreciate Asian food so much and who after such a long time is tired of it, I'm in Heaven.

I especially recommend Douang Deuane Restaurant & Wine Bar (French owner, Laotian staff) where everyone is polite and friendly, the food "est à tomber par terre".

2. Night Market

Between two of the busiest streets of the capital and the promenade along the river, stands a big night market. The stalls sell mostly clothes and few souvenirs, for really cheap.

Waking (... and buying) through it, is the perfect mean to digest your copious and excellent dinner !

3. Learn about Laos History at COPE visitors center

A bit hidden (it was hard for us to find) this organisation's ''museum'' is about helping people who need prosthesis (artificial arm, hand, leg...).

Visiting the site, you learn about Laos past and about the present consequences of what happened.

Story I've never heard before : the Secret War in Laos.

To know more about it, click here : Secret War

4. Be romantic, ride a tandem

As Tobias and me are lucky to still have our both legs, born in countries where no bomb could explode at our feet, we rent a tandem to ride through the calm streets of Vientiane.

It is the first time for both of us and it's pretty funny.

I advise you to be on the back seat, where not so many efforts are required.

After one resting week, we take the road again on a bus to Vang Vieng.