A Short Stop in Laos
We took advantage of the newly relaxed entry policy to see as much as possible in one week.
A Break from Biking
Due to covid-19 travel restrictions, Laos was not on our original list of countries to visit. During our travel, we learned Laos recently introduced a pilot program to allow tourism again. The only challenge was that Laos’s visa process included a review and approval of our travel itinerary which much be booked with an approved guide company. This also meant 100% of our time in the country would need to be “supervised” on a guided itinerary, which drives up the cost. We selected an assortment of mostly non-biking activities around the northern part of Laos to give us a good sampling of the country.
Vang Vieng
Just a short 1.5 hour drive north of the capital city Vientiane, Vang Vieng’s stunning landscape is characterized by dramatic limestone mountains and winding rivers.
On the Rock
For our first day of adventuring, our local climbing guide brought us to a crag near the river. We spent the day in the cool shade of the limestone rock features.
In the Caves
Exploring the dark depths within the limestone mountains.
Air Thick with Smoke
Unfortunately, the air quality was extremely poor during our visit. Most of the smoke came from farmers who were burning their fields to clear and prepare their land for the growing season. The smoke formed a thick fog due to the dry and stagnant air.
Rain brings Relief
An afternoon rainstorm cleans the air and provides relief from the smog.
Luang Prabang
We spent a day hiking in the mountains near Luang Prabang. At the end of the day, we were rewarded with the incredible site of the Kuang Si Waterfalls.
Views from the Trail
Village Cooking and River Cruise
Getting Supplies at the Market
We went to the local street market first thing in the morning to stock up on meat and vegetables. These supplies would be turned into a meal and offering to the local monks.
Mekong River Cruise
Caitlin enjoying our cruise up the Mekong River to the village where we would be cooking. Because it was the eve of the Buddhist New Year holiday, the river was especially quiet without the typical traffic of boats on the water.
Views from the Village
