wander2nowhere
A modern nomad's wanderlust
Caught by Vietnamese
Feb 5th
It was an adventure in itself to get to Hanoi, Vietnam from Phonsavan, Laos. The crossing was the least used by travelers and tourists. When I boarded the only bus at 6.30am, I realised that I was the only foreigner, but being an Asian myself, I blended in nicely. I relished my anonymity and solitude as…
Postcards 4U: Rice girls
Oct 31st
Dear U, Riding my rented motorbike through the countryside of Laos is one of the pleasure of travelling in this country. On my 2nd to last day I was coming back from visiting the Plain of Jars as I passed by this rice field I suddenly saw these 2 girls walking in the middle of it on their way…
Jarring past
Oct 30th
After spending our last day together with a traditional sauna and massage in a temple in Vientiane I said goodbye to my friend and headed to a small town in the north east of Laos. Phonsavan is a dusty town which struggle to hold tourists and travellers interest longer than a day. Initially I planned to stay…
Chat with a Khmu youth
Sep 17th
Laos is one of those unassuming countries that nobody knows a lot about. So I set out to know the country not only through my camera lens but I wanted to know the country through its people. Unfortunately most Laotians are shy and reserved besides I don’t speak their language, it became almost impossible. However,…
Postcards 4U: Rain-bowed
Sep 14th
Dear U, Although Luang Prabang isn’t the capital of Laos, its attractions far exceed that of Vientiane. People from away come to be awed by the many shinning temples that stand majestically and quietly at this serene colonial town by the Mekong river; they also come to shop at the kaleidoscopic and vibrant night market.…
LOCALmotive boat ride
Aug 30th
(The Phonxali-Muang Khua-Muang Ngoi boat ride) Sitting in a 6m x 1m wooden boat with 20 odd people and their luggage wasn’t a fun experience. My knees were squashed up to my chin, the water level was inches from my face and there were as many rapids to navigate through as there are villages along…
Leech off: how to avoid leeches when trekking in tropical rainforest
Aug 10th
Phonxali in northern Laos is slowly becoming a hot-spot for trekkers and travelers looking for hill-tribe homestay experience. So, when I went to Phonxali I was persuaded by my travel partner and other travelers we met to join them on a trek to one of the hill-tribe villages in the area. I honestly don’t enjoy…
Postcards 4U: Innocence
Jul 20th
Dear U, At the start of our jungle trek near Phonxali, Laos. Our guide brought us to a small wooden house where he bought some lao-lao (Laotian rice whisky), there was a group of boys playing at the back of a beat-up truck; the youngest of them have this very easy disposition and a beautiful smile.…
Scorching Heaven Idyllic Hell
Jul 18th
A lot of travelers bypass Chiang Rai in their mad rush between Thailand and Laos. Indeed Chiang Rai doesn’t have any spectacular sights to offer but its charm lies in it being a relaxed and workaday place that doesn’t rely on tourism to survive. So it’s the best place to meet locals and unwind from…
Limbo doesn’t rock
Jul 2nd
Getting to Mae Hong Son was an adventure in itself: a 10-hour windy and bumpy ride that snakes up and down the numerous mountains and valleys on a beat-up bus. Mae Hong Son is an unassuming little town; The lack of pancakers probably helps to keep the relaxed atmosphere. Walking the streets at night –…
