Only 200 kilometers from Bangkok in the Gulf of Thailand, the island is well known for its pearl white sandy beaches, its crystal waters and is magnificent coral. Koh Samet unlike several islands of Thailand like Koh Samui has not experienced the influence of barbaric large hotel development and touristic infrastructure. The island hosts lots of good affordable seafood restaurants and small nightclubs on the beach.

By car or taxi
From Bangkok you must first by Sukhumvit Rd (Highway No. 3) pass through Chonburi, Si Racha, Pattaya, Sattahip and Rayong finally

By taxi
You can take a taxi from Bangkok to Ban Phe for about $ 1600 baht (53 $) with the meter, you can also negotiate a flat fee with the driver which will mostly cost higher (around $ 2,000 baht $ 60) it will add 100 additional bath for the costs of highway tolls. You can always negotiate; ask the hotel if they can arrange something. It always pays to have a local contact that provides his knowledge and native tongue. Obviously more people in the same car also means less expensive.

Bus
The trip from the (Ekkamai) Bangkok terminal to Ban Phe takes about 3.5 hours and costs 157 baht ($ 5.25). In fact you should go to Rayong and take a taxi pickup truck to the ferry in Ban Phe for less than $ 1.

Minivans
There are also minivans leaving from the Victory Monument in the District Phahonyothin district. It will cost you 250 baht ($ 8.5) to go directly to the ferry in Ban Phe. It is a good way to travel more comfortably and with fewer people on the back. The trip is supposed to be quicker, but the many stops along the way makes as long as the public bus.

A ferry takes you on Samet Island, in 30 to 45 minutes from the coast for only 50 baht ($ 2.50) each way. Hurry up to arrive before 5:00, because you have to take a private yacht much more expensive to get there at dawn. Koh Samet is part of Khao Laem Ya-Mu Ko Marine National Park and request an admission fee. Foreigners pay 200 baht ($ 7) and Thais just over $ 1 in recognition of their contributions to Thai taxes.

The thing is if your ferry arrives at the main pier and you take a truck cab to the beach, they will stop at the checkpoint. If you arrive on the beaches, an officer will collect you the entrance fee as soon as you touch the sand. There are a lot of foot traffic in and out of the park to the 7 Eleven and ATMs, there’s a good chance that nobody annoy you with your admission ticket, $ 7 to stay on a paradise island is not the end of the world.

The island has only one main road around part of it is paved, but most of it is a muddy jungle road. You can simply walk, the island is not wide and it allows us to burn some calories. If you prefer to take it easy there’s also a taxi truck (songthaew) service, a truck with two large schools seat in the trunk, it cost 200 baht ($ 7) to go somewhere private or between 20 to 60 baht per person when sharing a ride filled to capacity. Expect a shaky ride, because the street is in poor condition. You can also rent a motorbike for about 300 baht ($ 10) per day, negotiate the price, because prices are not fixed and it tends to be inflated. Rent it at an official place and check the bike with your renter before you leave to avoid paying a surcharge. Some carriers like to charge you an exorbitant price for a superficial repair.

On arrive a Rayong l

We arrived at the Rayong the only kind of city in this part of the country and we went to Ban Phe Koh Samet Ferry Terminal. Once arrived on the quayside at noon, we took out our luggage, we contemplate the sea and the island who will be our refuge dream for the next 4 days. The emerald green sea already made us dream. No time to play tourist a private boat from the hotel take us for a 20 minutes ride, wind in our hair, fishing boat, military boat and many eye candy filled our excitation. We alighted directly on the beach. A beautiful white sandy beach with average capacity resort. Koh Samet is the perfect place to enjoy the beach and tranquillity at only 3 hours from Bangkok. The prices are much more affordable than the southern islands like Phuket and Koh Samui. The tourists are mostly “expats” taking a vacation from the noisy Bangkok, Thais who come to enjoy the beach with families and independent travellers who avoid expensive and organize tours.

www.samedvilla.com

Samed Villa a mid-level hotel recently renovated. They have just enough luxurious bungalows and rooms with all facilities. $ 110 a night for a room with three beds is a little expensive for Thailand, but not for America and Europe , we will not complain and enjoy the sun. You can also easily find places with all amenities under $ 20 a night all around the island.

The package included a very nice all -you -can -eat breakfast buffet … for me a kilo of bacon, eggs and fruit to start the day belly full. Items available to us in our room like beer and chips are a bit more expensive than 7-Eleven. But it was nothing compared with the Novotel and its 10 $ beer in the minibar.

No time for fooling around, the day starts directly at the beach. There is a beautiful little bay behind – 2 minute walk from the hotel. It is not in our plan to waste time in front of the hotel with the typical tourists crowd on the not so beautiful beach in front.

Our headquarters, a small restaurant on the beach, we can squat for the fee of some consumption, a big $ 2 for a beercan while we watch the waves dance on the turquoise sea. The next day we went to explore the beach on the other side of the island which is a few kilometers wide. We went to the tiny convenience store to buy some goods; sandals, swimwear and some small purchase helpful to our wellbeing. Prices are low and since I am with my family I don’t even attempt to bargain. For my family recently arrived from America , the low prices bring them smile and joy. And $ 10 for 1 h 30 min massage, why not? In no time a group of masseuse are serving white kings for a day.

I had forgotten how hard to satisfy 10 people at the same time, too expensive, too hot, too far, not good … i will try to take it easy, breath, breath. This time I’m not travelling alone so I need to compromise with the group.

here is a quicklist of the activities that `we had the chance to do

Buy fish from local fishermen, going to the island market to buy food then eat at the restaurant on the beach in exchange of purchase our drink

Swim in the deep blue sea, get a massage and enjoy the sun

Life is hard sometimes!

We took the minivan to go back to Bangkok, we must take the train the same evening to go to Laos in time to celebrate Christmas at my brother’s house.

My sister- in- law who loves shopping managed to stop us in a huge mall to go shopping. For Laotians, Bangkok is a paradise of consumption. Got something interesting to buy everywhere. We left just at the right time to experience Bangkok traffic jams. Motorcycles who Zigzag on the sidewalk, cars sharing the road with hundreds of motorbike and taxi, delivery men with manual cart in the middle of this chaos. We missed the exit for the train station. It took a good half hour to go back to same place.

An exhibition on the King and royal family of Thailand was set up in the heart of the station, it’s not the time to make funny thing about the king and his family under threat of serious consequence

8:45 en route to Nong Khai near the Laos border from Bangkok – 12 hours in a train was not too painful.
A sleeper train with air conditioning that was a little too powerful. Bring warm clothes if you do not want to refrigerate overnight.

We arrived in northern Thailand and crossed the Friendship Bridge and the Customs at lightning speed. Once on the other side we know than we arrived in Laos.

The dusty streets, motorcyclists without helmets with 4 passengers, Yellow Beerlao crates surrounded the streets of the capital, Beerlao yum!,

It will be a first Christmas as a family for a long time and an exotic one ..!

The whole Lao family is proud of my new prosperity, it’s Christmas my bob ,they said to me. They are not Christians of course, but they know about the spirit of giving during Christmas. They have been generous with me during my many trips here … I gave a little money and the whole family and friends want a part of it. Hell no, forget the expense, I will gratify the entire crowd … It’s not bad for $ 60. I spread joy and gain the respect it’s a good common sense …!

Land of contrast, I am sitting in the luxurious house of my brother. I see some nearby houses made of bamboo and of sheet scraps metal piece with goats grazing in the fields quietly. On the other side of the streets a field where the farmers plant rice in the traditional manner from morning to evening under a blazing sun.

I visited my friends who run a small Lao garage, it’s only 11:00 in the morning, they opened Beerlao cans like machine gun. Stop it, calm down I have a girlfriend now. I must say that I used to drink a lot with them … I tried to foot the bill, but nothing will change their mind to treat the guest.

Everyone took the opportunity to tell my shots and my incredible adventures. I was lucky that my girlfriend not understand French .

C’est le party de Noël

It’s the Christmas party with my friends and my extended Lao family, we got food of any kind to die of exploding stomach, grilled duck from the home farm, pho soup, chicken wings and traditional lao meal.

all my friends and family come see the effects of Singapore cheap and nice food .

In just six months, I realized that Vientiane has changed significantly, as did every time I go back since 2007. This time they tore down the crappy houses and small shops on the dusty streets surrounding the most famous temple’s monument in Laos the That Luang. They also surprised me with a nice wide paved street and classy street light.

The sidewalk of the Mekong river has also been revamped, a large park with statues and green park. Laos is still a lovely country where the people really nice and warm and where standards are only one brand of toilet bowl. I hope the government would allow budget carriers like Air Asia to land there very soon, then we can finally visit this jewel of country more often. Perhaps, See you again for the Lao New Year in April, .

[Show as slideshow]

The Betrayal Documentary on Secret War in Laos

THE BETRAYAL (NERAKHOON)

A great documentary about asian immigrant after vietnam war, the secret war commited by american in Laos and indochina not only kill people but generation and legacy. I hate war this movie make me cry and realise than with hate you can only harvest hate. That give a voice to old people to express the drama they lived from the war to the dificulties to raised a family in America.

The Betrayal — Nerakhoon is a 2008 documentary about an immigrant from Laos living in New York. The film centres on the families flight from Laos after the United States Secret War in Laos and the difficulty of assimilating into American life. Cultural obstacles encountered are presented through the medium of the break-up of the narrators’ family

Luang Prabang Charitable Tour – 5 Days / 4 Nights

Return for the future!

Goodbye my love!

Time passed quickly despite the slow and relaxing life in Asia . Six months of travel just went by in the blink of an eye. It’s time for heartbreaking farewells to all the staff, Shampoo, Dima and my new love Pearlyn give me one last kiss or a hug before the big departure. It’s amazing how in one month or even a week , you can become close to people who were total strangers before.

My new friends escorted me to the bus station in a truck. Dima asked to see my passport. He hid it and said, “No, Bobby, Bobby you stay here with us.” Hey! don’t be stupid I don’t want to miss my plane. Tricky, this hairless Russian.

I was going to buy my bus ticket, but unfortunately the VIP bus was full. I had to take the next public bus which stops in several villages and sometimes takes two hours longer. I was going to experience Lao until the very end. Shampoo immediately thought,” We got one hour before your departure. Come drink beer at the Vietnamese bar in front of us.” Lanterns, pig roasting on charcoal on the sidewalk and karaoke confirmed the heritage of its owners.

An hour of relief has split mouth, saw Dima’s frenzied dance and drank my last Beerlao. They left me at the bus station, but it seemed that the public bus would not leave just yet because there is a minimum number of passengers required. My companions wished me good luck with promises to meet again and disappeared into the dark and warm streets of Luang Prabang. I was looking for a solution to my problem when I met a French and his Lao girlfriend in the same shit as I am. I stopped a bus coming from the north. It had empty seats hallelujah we are saved.

- The bus was going at full throttle and it took a little over eight hours much better than the usual 12 hours.

- Arrived in Vientiane, I walked away and took a tuk tuk.

-He picked up other passengers and went around the city. Once at my brother’s great house the driver didn’t want to lower his price.

- The driver  almost dropped a tear. OK 35,000 kip ($ 4.50). I hate tuk tuks in Vientiane; always  trying to bleed us dry. At least two or three times the price of  what a local would have to pay.

- I stayed with my brother, his wife, family and children for a few hours.

- Tired and exhausted from the uncomfortable bus trip ,I tried to sleep but I was too nervous.

- we watched news from Canada on the television , it seemed to be experiencing a heatwave, two days of 30 degrees and it caused general hysteria.

- they gave advice on how to survive in this temperature. Truly a society leveled from the bottom and governed by fear.

- My brother took me to the bus stop near the morning market in Vientiane. All the the tuktuk drivers ,seeing my big backpack,  asked and seeked with enthusiasm.

- I bade goodbye to my brother. I would take the bus, at least I know the price I would pay.

- I bought my ticket to the border for a cheap 15 000 kips, a little less than $ 2.

- I realized once seated in the bus that I was not in the right one. I got off at full speed however my bag was stuck at the bottom of the baggage compartment.

- We arrived at Lao border, waiting for my luggage, but this time it remained there until all people had crossed the border

- I wanted to exchange my kip into baht or USD at Lao bank exchange before leaving the country because I could not do anything with it after, but fellow passengers quickly moved to the customs office. I didn’t want to miss the bus and lose my bag.

- The customs officer looked at my passport and my famous liquid paper, left his cabin to the control office. He came back and finally stamped my visa and let me go … It was freaking hot!

- This is the first and the last time someone applied some liquid paper in my passport because next time they will slap me with a fine or worse, a jail sentence.

- I finally changed my kips to baht quickly.

- The bus crossed the Thai border, this time it went very quickly.

- Is the first time I saw a luggage search in Thailand, but only for the Thais, probably other consequences of red shirts action.

- We waited in the bus, not obvious to gather 90 people after two passport control and two border crossings

- The minutes flew, I lost my patience, I had just over an hour to get to the train station and buy my ticket. I don’t want to miss it or spend the night sitting on a narrow wooden bench.

- Everybody returned to their seats, we set off, but unfortunately it was the peak of rush hour through a road under construction. why all these obstacles?

- I arrived at the station jump in a jumbo. Quickly to the train station please!

- The driver laughed at me: why come all the way to Nong Khai when the station is just beside the border. You’ve come all this way for nothing. Yes, my mistake, I should have requesed a ticket for the friendship bridge and taken a taxi from the Thai border. It’s much quicker and does not expect others to return border posts.

- There are only available seats in air-conditioned sleeping cars for 570 baht or about $ 20 no problem!
Train timetables and tariff of Thailand

- Some nice people are sitting next to me ;an Irish ,who has been teaching English in Bangkok for 7 years, and his Thai girlfriend.

- Drank a few beers which were bought at the station market before our departure.

3rd Class Train Travel, Thailand

- Curiously, this time there are no itinerant vendor who offers us water, Pepsi or even good beer.

- Military patrols constantly move in the car checking the passengers, I noticed that the doors are closed between each car another compliments of the red shirt I guess.

- We went to the dining car where smoking is allowed in contrast to the rest of the train.

- Police and soldiers out of the back of the car and seemed somewhat messed up by alcohol.

- Ask for the bill, oh my buddha the last time I paid about 80 baht ($ 2) a large beer now is 130 baht ($ 4.33) the invoice was ridiculous. I protested a bit, but I ended up paying the bill

- A little later. The Irishman was drunk and he fell to the floor of the car. It was not so easy to help him up.  He told me to pay the bill and he would return the money to me later. I paid, albeit  complaining a little.

- Later last bill arrived and it was a bit expensive, Irish said it’s OK but I said don’t worry. I argued, but they threatened to call the police. I paid and we went into our wagon far away.

- The Irish insisted on finishing his beer. I drop it into the sink and  said, “Not really, you don’t need anymore.Is enough ….”

- I woke up in the morning and the train is now in the eternal suburbs of Bangkok, The Irish was gone quickly without returning my money or inviting me home like he said he was at the restaurant … a bit of a  moron … to be continued

Travel Schedule, Bangkok from Laos, train bus

laos on the river

I’m planing my route to be sure to be on time at the airport in on July 8 in the morning. From here, it’s more than a thousand miles to cover in a short time under uncomfortable conditions. What do you want?! The flight from Laos to other destinations is expensive, so not in my budget for go back home.

I will be in City of Angel(Bangkok)around 7 o’clock in the morning. I’m going to leave my bag at the station exploring the city and get to the airport at 21 pm

I have to finish the Shampoo website and promotional brochure before leaving Luang Prabang. I put all my effort and I get to near finish all the project. i have just little details and glitch to fix. Thank you, to Pearlyn for correcting my English because i’m not perfect. Mr. shampoo and I are really pleased with the printed copy of its new brochure. Much more professional than his previous promotional booklet.

I have no time to lose. I’m going to the bank get my money via Western Union Co. to cover my travel expenses to the airport in Bangkok, Thailand. I leave my computer to the care of a young French man who asked to use it a few minutes earlier.

I arrive at the Western Union office located 10 minutes walk from the hostel. The clerk at the desk tell me to wait because the computer network is down. Time passes, customers line up, nothing seems to work, but everyone remained calm and smileys. The minutes are long and endless. I spot a Lao receive kip (lao money) two bricks of 15 cm. She carefully dispose of his in gigantic handbag. Surely the equivalent of about $ 2,000. imagine if it was like that in America we would need to wallet on wheels. An hour later, I was handed my 1.8 million kip and I can finally go back to the hotel with one of my many step yo go home realise.

I come back, things go wrong my computer crashed and refused to start again. Oh no all my files, I know, time will be long without it. How can I write some news and fix my comeback home? I’ll deal with it….

Stay in laos or go back home

Luang Prabang backpacker hostel

It’s 19 h 30, I’m going with Shampoo in the hotel truck to pick up two customers at the international airport in Luang Prabang. A fonctional small airport, but not ultra modern. We are waiting for thirty minutes and fifteen passengers exit from arrival door. It was a minibus or a plane? Shampoo offer a transport for passengers who don’t know where to sleep. we returns to the hostel with 5 clients instead of two originally planned. Bravo Mr Shampoo your hotel is a proof that with a little effort, good prices, activities and a smile can be successfully attract customers who leave happy.

After my meeting with Tiger Trails that confirming that there was no position open for at least two months. I begin to think of returning home to Canada for a strong come back. My bank account is in the red, my passport is almost full (it only remains two blank pages) and in Canada it’s summer with hot sunny weather. In short, all of this points push me to leave. It’s with a bunch of regret that I resign myself to abandon my plan again to reside permanently in South East Asia. There a job already waiting for me in the country and it will be easier to work with my partner effectively. We will plans our company operation and communication system Better for my next visit in Asia.

Finally some good news, Shampoo proposes to me to work with him on the promotion of his hotel and Southeastasiabackpackers.com at my return from Canada in six months. He can’t offer me a fortune as a salary, but a place to stay, a visa and a work permit that can distresses me to run every months to have a new visa.

Speaking of “overstay” I go to the small outpost of immigration to add 10 days to my visa. Here we need the big visa sticker the first month and we have the right to be stamped 2 times for a period of one month before exiting the country to get a new official visa. The office is tiny and it’s open from 10 to 12 and from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. It’s a police headquarters and immigration center. If you go before its expiry date you pay $ 2 a day instead of $ 10 penalty a day so do not forget to check your visa expiration dates. This will avoid you problems and to throw your money in the trash. A special customs officer is at the desk, because at Luang Prabang the police and military can hold several titles at once. I asked an extension of 10 days. He looks at my passport and he said: “It not remains lot of room in.” He came out some “Liquid Paper“, I said “oh no there are two other pages at the beginning.” It’s all over and changes the dates of my previous visa extension in less than 2 seconds. It makes me see my passport, work is well-done, but I ask: “Are you sure I would have no problem leaving the country.” He assures me not. I tell myself that I have no choice and the customs officer at the border should understand because it is a special visa stamp of Luang Prabang headquarter.

My plane ticket is almost confirmed for early July. My idea is to leave Thailand to avoid an “overstay” in Laos again …maybe visit Chiang Mai, because I’ve never seen this supposes to be mythical city. After I may take the train to Bangkok for $ 413 baht ($ 14) or the plane for a small amount of 1,300 baht ($ 44). I check the local hotels on hostelworld.com. Is a good way to find a cheap hotel, while checking the percentage of appreciation and criticism of travelers who have stayed there.

July 29th, I received an email from my partner confirming my return ticket for $ 1,200 Canadian from Bangkok on July 8th at 5:40 pm to go directly to Quebec. Time passes quickly and I must plan my itinerary and costs to be sure not to miss my plane. Already almost 30 days I expect my new ATM card. It’s officially lost somewhere in the abyss of some post office somewhere.

Trekking and elephant in laos

I woke up still wasted from the BBQ and world cup evening party. i was thirsthy and i pay the price now. I took a chance to ask my new American and Netherlands friends to cut my hair with vulgar office scissors. Happy with the work of my friends and supported by their satisfaction smile, I will go to sleep slowly to be sure to not fall the stairs. I open my eyes, oh no! the Clock project myself out of bed quickly, I barely have time to drink a coffee for going to Tiger Trails office before taxi-truck to leave. I arrived just in time, 8 h 30 for departure. They take other clients at their hotel and were left for 30 minutes on a dusty country road to Ban Xieng Lom. The village where the éléphant Village is established at the edge of Nam Khan River.

The place is simply beautiful, the architecture of buildings is a mixture of modern, exotic wood and Lao traditional. Rest areas located across the river are an invitation to a delicious meal with a superb view over the river and surrounding mountains. Everything is prepared at the restaurant located just asides.

This project helps to preserve the elephants and give jobs to people from poor villages of the area. It offers a home, some healty meal and veterinary care to all its residents. In fact, it’s a good way to discover the elephants, mountains, wildlife and nature of northern Laos while helping a team dedicated to developing sustainable solutions for the elephants and the surrounding communities.

A “briefing” before departure and text panels introduce us to the present reality and tumultuous past of elephants in Laos. The place has nine elephants, including a younger, we can ride after a small basic courses. The people are friendly and passionate about their craft. The place is well kept and elephants evolve in an environment tailored to their well-being. It’s impressive to see such big beasts dress to obey as such small humans.

we awaits the return of the other members of my group from their elephant trekking that takes about an hour through the jungle and ends with a bath in the river with elephant.

We takes some supplies and water bottled. We are now ready for Trekk. 30 min by boat on the river where we met fishermen, kids taking a bath, villages with houses of woven bamboo and water buffalo that refresh. A true journey into the ancient past of our society away from our capitalistic and consommation culture.

We finally arrived at the start of our trek. We pass through the main city in this corner of the jungle, a tiny downtown where straw houses alongside the power lines and satellite TV antennas in a perfect symphony of anachronism.

It runs fine trails not too rugged. We enter the heart of the mountains that can be seen from afar on the winding road between Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng. You can see beautiful mountain scenery, wild rice paddies or women work hard with rudimentary instruments. The trek is a good way to make the big empty, full of culture and stay in shape.

It rises and it rises, it seems to have climbed all the mountains, but not yet another steep slope appears before us. The sun at its zenith makes the climb even more sporty. I come finally to the straw roof shelter. I sit at the table and wait for the other. My jacket was wet as if I had fallen into a river. we had a lunch, is already after noon and I just had a cofee this morning. I just bit into my sandwich and I hear my digestive motor get going. In less than a minute my meal is already gone. Completely burnt up in my digestive system.

We joined a small village, my guide says it has a population of fifty residents. All rudimentary houses with no facilities and services. We see a Hmong takes a shower at the public well and some children said “hello” timidly. We only watch their daily life discreetly from outside their villages to avoid disrupting their activities. We feel a bit guilty to watch them, but as far as we stay respectful everyone wins something.

We continue to the bed of a small river and we encounter water buffalo concealed by a fence in the middle of the jungle. The temperature is stifling. Me and the guide enjoy the large leaves plant to make hats to protect us from sun. What can be more ecological and green?

We stop at a table of traditional wood house on the trail for a snack. A woman runs after his goats in the mountains. A bag of tobacco stand over the table. Sheets of standrad white paper serve as rolling paper. Something tells me that it shouldn’t be healthy. A radio plays in the background. Surely powered by batteries because there is no electricity evidence here. We are walking 30 minutes through the mountain to a Khmu village build at the end of the main trail.

My guide, who is Khmu native give me information on the differences between the Hmong culture and Khmu culture two of the major hill tribe from Laos. He came to study in 1997 in the big city of Luang Prabang. He had to travel five hours in the jungle and two hours car drive before reaching civilization. Approximately 75 families residing in villages. This village is much more organized than the Hmong village we met before. A band council, a residence for guests wanting to stay among them and one general store where can buy get a warm Pepsi and warm beer. People say hello to us timidly while the two couples of my group discuss intensively, the minutes fly and the rain is close to drop on us.

We continue to the river, the rain starts and stops immediately, but the path is now muddy and slippery. My rubber sandals near to project myself directly in the mud. 1 hours of slippery trails through the jungle and burning the rice field to finally reach our boat. Our diver exit from a bamboo house with his guitar and uses it to play us a little song.The boat cross the other side of the river and we’re back at the Elephant Village. The elephants are now in their area for a well deserved rest. Another half hour to go back to my hotel room to shower and sleep tonight will be very appreciated. oh yes! I was going to forget. I was going in the shower I pass in front of a mirror and I perceive that my hairdresser friends do me the worst cancerous haircut. I begin to understand why people looked at me in a funny way to Elephant Village. I owe you one bastards …:)

For more information visit this website:
Tiger Trails
Eléphant Village

[Show as slideshow]

outdoor pleasure, Pik nik, beer and fish in Prabang

Today is BBQ day at LPB backpacker hostel. Shampoo is always finding new ideas to animate the living of its residents. We start by going to the public rmarket to buy the necessary with the hotel truck. The market is typically Lao. At the bottom of a dusty street, there are a lot of food placed on the floor on a mat or on simple tables. The all-purpose products like soap are living near exotic products from the jungle like rats, lizards, a pig cut in two ready to be slaughter to amazing differents fruits and fresh vegetables. You really have to visit the public market of a city and especially in Asia to understand its cultures and its culture. Tell me what you eat and I’ll tell you who you are. The Lao eat healthy and spicy. They also eat everything that living and completely but no dogs and cats dogs and cats. The legs of chicken, beef stomach, grilled BBQ chicken heart, dried squid and a myriad of specialty drinks like sugar cane juice and corn juice served in a bag.We prepare all the meal with the family. Some Lao style kebabs with pork, beef, pineapple, tomatoes and hot pepper in a sour sausage. Cooked on a small metal grill filled with charcoal, which acts as a kitchen oven for most Lao families . This colorful dinner was filled with several languages, including Russian, English, German and Lao. It was a success of diverse culture sharing.

Today shampoo excels again and decided to invite us to a fishing trip and a picnic in the countryside of Luang Prabang. 15 happy travelers go inside the LPB mobile to go shopping at market to buy our ingredients for our future fish. A cheap $ 3 or 25,000 kips is enough for pay the whole meal and some beer. Shampoo not believe in our chances of catching our meals so we buy a dozen fish at market. Here you cannot sell a frozen fish or packed one nobody will buy it. The fish store woman catch the fish in front of us in the pool and stunning all of them. They weigh the scales and empty them at lightning speed. Believing she work with sharp object I realise it was just an Asian Metal soup spoon.

A 35 minutes ride in the green countryside of Luang Prabang and we finally arriving at fishing and tubing site. In fact, it’s the farm of the father of one hotel. A simple house with lime trees, coconut, chili and many other crops used for Lao food. The rain started to fall but shampoo greeting the troops by serving them a nice cold Beerlao. The rain does not stop the enthusiasm of passengers, because the river will be wet anyway and viva the adventure. I find myself confined to the kitchen, because there’s not enough tubes for everyone and I was tubing on several occasions already. I am left with two workers and uncle Lao to watch the beer and cooking I learn to cook the Lao traditional bbq fish. Washed the salad, wash the mint, wash the basil, cut the cucumbers, tomatoes, carambola and various condiments that accompany the fish.

Fish is salted with coarse salt, we inserts branches of fresh lemongrass in the stomach and they are ready for cooking. The adventurers are back from the river the rain stopped and we are ready to eat. the process is simple takes a large lettuce leaf adding anything we want from a condiment tray add some fish and the dip it generously in hot sauce. Tom the happy Australian start a chili eater Competition, I have no choice to participate. All goes well for the first 5 minutes, but the tears running down my cheeks. I could not hide that inside the fire has invaded my stomach.

on the way return to the house, police stop our truck for a control, his friends of Mr. Shampoo. They say there are many Falang (stranger) in your truck. Next time, bring us six beers to pay your passage if you like to pass free again. Corruption is cheap in this country. Russian Dima takes a series of pictures of the scene, but we told him to stop this is not really the time. You never know with these kind of things is better to not try at all.

I found a way to stay here for free for making a website for the future trekking company of my host. The work will not be very lucrative, but at least it does not cost me anything and I also may have a little job on my return in 6 months. http://www.southasiabackpackers.com

I learn a few Russian with Dimitry until Tiger Trail offers me a free trek to visit the countryside. I should wait for a group that I can join to justify my presence. Finally, they confirmed a trek for tomorrow … it’s the party and I try to stay calm, but they try to make me drink big glass of Lao whiskey …

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Stay another night in Luang Prabang Laos

I enjoyed my visit to Luang Prabang to visit my friends Simon and Isabelle Quebecers who opened a shop here almost 10 years ago. They have opened since their start here. Bookstore l’Étranger, the Hive Bar and boutique fair products Kop Noi (little frog in Lao). They are always glad to live here and they return their happiness by redistributing some of their wealth to the local community. For example the project Stay another day in Laos, which promotes eco-responsible tourism. Give us idea of activity with its publication, multimedia exhibition and its website has to stay longer to Laos to unique experiences while contributing to economic development and less rich people of this country. By purchasing local handcrafts, or taking part in a trek that you will make you discover the culture of the local people while leaving more than 30% of your expenses in its economy which has need more than enough. You can learn more about the agencies and their activities by visiting this site: www.stayanoterday.org

They are also now producing documentaries including one on the last small-scale production of cotton in the world which is still practiced in Laos. They are also a reference for the government tourism office and association in Laos. I’m really proud to know people with the heart in the right place, with their initiative, change the world in their own way. Act locally to change the world globally is one of the best ways to contribute.
The Stranger library offers an exchange service, sales and loan book at good prices for travelers. Its cozy atmosphere offers a selection of tea, tapas, and tasty lunch tasted to accompany your reading. The second floor is used to heat shelters with air conditioning much appreciated its free wireless internet and its selection of films on the big screen every night at 19 pm

The bar along Hive is a must in Luang Prabang. Since its modest beginnings a few years ago, can now find everything to satisfy his wildest desires. His beautiful tropical terrace and rear stage show are only some of its assets. It presents a varied program: ethnic fashion show, live music, as breakdancing demonstration energizes by Lao and bboys dance to stretch their legs. Please feel free to enjoy a delicious cocktail or a refreshing pizza on wood fires.

Other notable attractions of Luang Prabang are: the night market open from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on the main street closed to traffic (Sisavangvong Street) is located opposite the famous Mount Phousi. It offers the largest collection of handmade products from across the country. Textiles, clothing, basket and several small wonders await you in an environment without pressure. A place not to miss where you can find unique souvenirs at reasonable prices while practicing bargainers skills. One can also eat local and exotic flavors at ridiculous price in the street at the rear. Follow the smell you can not miss it.

The edge of the legendary Mekong: A beautiful river views, several terraces to enjoy the Lao food and international cuisine a reasonable price.

The Royal Palace: One of the must-visits of the city is the museum to better understand the history of Luang Prabang. Built in 1904, around a blend of traditional Lao and French classical style, this residence has housed the royal family until their exile, the date from which it became a museum. A room containing one of the most valuable of Laos, the Pha Bang Buddha in gold, which gave its name to the city.

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