July 7, 2017

The Unexpected Trip: From Vang Vieng to Udon Thani

This trip was originally planned as a wild adventure to Vang Vieng, but fate had other plans. Due to a sudden change of travel companions, the destination shifted to Udon Thani.

My initial travel buddy, who had requested a backpacking trip, unexpectedly backed out just as everything was booked for Vang Vieng. Feeling stranded and determined not to waste the pre-arranged travel plans, I extended an invitation to a colleague.

We had booked roundtrip flights from Chiang Mai to Udon Thani for around 3,000 baht back in March. Additionally, we secured a reservation at a stunning riverside accommodation. Despite initially canceling the accommodation due to the change in plans, we were fortunate to rebook it just three weeks before the trip. It seemed as if the room was destined for us, as it remained unoccupied during the time we had canceled.

This unexpected turn of events serves as a reminder that sometimes, even when plans change, things have a way of falling into place. What was initially a disappointment transformed into an exciting new adventure.

Vang Vieng: A Tourist Destination in Laos

Vang Vieng is a popular tourist destination located in Vientiane Province, Laos. Situated approximately 160 kilometers from Vientiane, the city boasts a unique landscape characterized by a flat plain nestled amidst limestone mountains. Its lush forests have earned it the nickname "the Guilin of Laos," drawing comparisons to the renowned scenic region in China.

Source: Wikipedia (link provided in the original text)

Vang Vieng: A Paradise Threatened

Vang Vieng, a charming town nestled amidst breathtaking landscapes, offers a tranquil escape where time seems to slow down, much like the gentle flow of the Song River. The local community lives in harmony with nature, drawing sustenance and inspiration from its beauty. Majestic mountains, pristine rivers, and ethereal mist paint a picture of idyllic serenity.

However, the journey to this paradise is not without its challenges. While not entirely arduous, it lacks the ease and comfort of readily accessible destinations. Yet, the effort is well worth the reward, for Vang Vieng's allure lies in its unspoiled charm.

This way of life, deeply rooted in nature's embrace, deserves to be preserved for generations to come. Sadly, the influx of tourists and visitors poses a significant threat to its delicate balance. The once pristine Song River now carries the burden of discarded waste, a stark reminder of human impact. Resorts and accommodations encroach upon the verdant landscape, jeopardizing the natural beauty that once thrived.

The rich cultural heritage, nurtured over centuries, faces the daunting task of resisting the relentless tide of globalization. The desire to preserve Vang Vieng's authenticity echoes in the words of mariabamboo: "May this place remain as it is for a long time."

Vang Vieng stands as a poignant reminder of the delicate balance between human progress and environmental preservation. As we seek solace in its tranquil embrace, let us also strive to protect its fragile beauty, ensuring that future generations can experience its magic.

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Vang Vieng

On July 7th, a workday, I rushed home after work, changing into my work clothes with the intention of looking good later. I was worried about missing my flight. The small propeller plane took me to Udon Thani. It was my first time flying on a small propeller plane in Thailand. I was proud that even though it was small, the plane performed well. It was much smoother than the small plane I flew on in New York. Perhaps it was because the weather conditions on the day I flew were not as bad as in New York.

Two flights per day, our flight is scheduled for around 3 pm.

We used online check-in because it seemed unlikely we would make it on time.

The flight takes about 1 hour to reach Udon Thani International Airport.

We had to race against time because, as I mentioned, we had put off planning our trip to Vang Vieng until 3 or 4 weeks before our departure.

We then decided to go just a few days before our trip.

This caused the booking of a direct car from Udon Thani to Vang Vieng to be delayed.

The delay was so significant that we called to book online tickets just three days before our trip.

We were hopeful that we would still make it, but we didn't. This caused our travel plans after arriving in Udon Thani to change.

A Chaotic Journey: From Udon Thani to Vientiane

The originally planned trip was thrown into disarray. Instead of sleeping in Udon Thani and taking an 8:30 AM bus to Vang Vieng the next day, the new plan involved taking a van from the airport to the Nong Khai border, adding an extra hour to the journey. The plane landed in Udon Thani at 4:30 PM, nearly 5:00 PM. The van, which cost 200 baht per person, took them to the Nong Khai border.

At the border, they completed the Thai exit procedures. Then, they took a 20 baht bus across the bridge to the Laotian border - Vientiane. There, they paid another 55 baht to complete the Laotian entry procedures.

Despite the significant time wasted, I am grateful for the kindness of two Thai men I met on the crowded bus. Although we were strangers, they offered their assistance and guidance, even without knowing my name. Due to time constraints, we did not exchange names. Their generosity extended to helping me through the Laotian border and onto a local bus bound for Vientiane's morning market. This was my third bus ride, and the journey was far from over!

Thailand and Laos are separated only by the Mekong River.

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Note: Nong Khai checkpoint closes at 9:30 PM.

Due to the itchy upper lip on the local bus, I met a Laotian sister. She is a Thai-Laotian from Vientiane, but she speaks Thai very clearly. She asked where I was going, and I replied Vang Vieng, but I would probably stay in Vientiane for one night first. She suggested why not take a bus to Vang Vieng directly, as there were still buses available. She said it was around 6 pm at that time. I was a little confused because I had done my research and most Thai people would stay in Vientiane for one night near the morning market before continuing to Vang Vieng the next day.

Following his advice, I pondered after parking the car at the morning market. We asked the locals, "Where is the queue for the bus to Vang Vieng tomorrow?" They replied that the bus to Vang Vieng no longer departs from here. The departure location has changed for three or four months now. They separated the southern and northern routes some time ago, they said.

Okay, let's find a place to stay before it gets dark. We don't want to be unsafe with our good looks. We crossed the confusing crosswalk at several intersections, unsure whether to turn left or right. We chose to turn right because we saw a tuk-tuk parked there. We asked the tuk-tuk driver for a place to stay and where the Vang Vieng bus queue was. He explained everything in detail. The driver's name was Khamla, and he was in his 50s. We decided to take his car. He asked for 400 Thai baht, but we bargained him down to 300. We got in the car and told him to stop for food and a SIM card. He did everything we asked.

The wind was relentless, whipping against my face the entire way.

Parked near the night market, looking for food but couldn't find a working SIM card. Feeling suffocated, unable to breathe, and unable to access the internet...

The food that makes me feel like I'm still in Thailand... The characters that confirm I'm in Laos now.

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Vang Vieng

The journey began with a ride on Uncle Khamla's three-wheeled motorbike to the Northern Bus Station, where the plan was to find accommodation and catch a connecting bus to Vang Vieng the next morning. However, a wrong turn led them to the ticket counter instead of the guesthouse entrance. There, they inquired with the staff, "Is it still possible to reach Vang Vieng today?" The staff member replied, "There are plenty of buses available, but they are sleeper buses heading to Xieng Khouang and Luang Prabang, which pass through Vang Vieng. Would you be interested?"

Surprised by this unexpected option, they readily agreed, eager to reach their destination sooner. Their initial naivety, assuming a direct bus to Vang Vieng, was pleasantly surprised by this alternative route. The prospect of a faster journey outweighed any initial confusion, leading them to embrace the unexpected opportunity.

Around 8 pm on the sleeper bus,

He charged us 250 baht, which we paid in Thai currency

because we hadn't had time to exchange money.

He said to wake him up when we arrived in Vang Vieng, as it would take 4 hours.

On the sleeper bus... It was our 5th connecting bus. We had time to catch our breath and eat dinner, which we didn't eat much of because we were worried about the bathroom. When we first got on the sleeper bus, the staff handed us yellow plastic bags and told us to take off our shoes and put them in the bag to carry with us. Each bed was assigned to a specific person. The author and her sister decided to sleep together on the second floor because the first floor was already full. On the sleeper bus, we met Nong Jun Maniwat, who was grinning from ear to ear because he had brought Lao beer and clear water. His eyes were sparkling... So we gained another travel companion. Jun asked the author's brother to insert the M phone SIM card that he had bought along the way and register it for him. He was very kind and helpful, and he even registered the Lao SIM card for us. If it weren't for Jun, we would have been in trouble.

"Thank you very much."

Due to excessive drinking, I couldn't sleep because I had to pee. I didn't eat but I drank a lot of rice wine, which led to this situation. I remember holding my pee for several mountains. I couldn't sleep, so I got up and talked to the driver. He said he had been driving for more than 10 years. Most of the songs he listened to were Thai songs, like Arisman and Takkatan. I listened to them and begged him to stop the car. He stopped the car halfway through the journey, but I don't know where because it was very dark and raining heavily. The rain in Laos must be as big as chicken eggs, very heavy! When the car stopped halfway, I saw a toilet like I saw heaven. I was willing to pay 2,000 kip.

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. Vang Vieng

After nearly five hours, around midnight, the driver woke us up and said, "Vang Vieng!" We quickly woke up and packed our things before getting off the bus. We said goodbye and thanked the driver.

They looked at each other... because of the heavy rain, there was nowhere to shelter... Where will I find accommodation? How do I start from here? And where am I in Vang Vieng? It's so dark... I covered my backpack with a tarpaulin... I started looking for the umbrella I brought because I forgot my raincoat...

A nearby tuk-tuk driver pulled up and offered to take us to Champasak Lao, where Thai people stay. We went, but Champasak Lao was already closed. It was 1:00 AM. We paid the driver 120 Thai baht for the six of us, which reminded us of the car back home.

Amidst the pouring rain, we embarked on a quest for accommodation in the vicinity. We stumbled upon Mountain View Resort, which had a single vacancy for that night only. It seemed as if fate had reserved it for us. We agreed on a price of 1000 baht, including breakfast. Exhausted, we made no further inquiries. After a refreshing shower and hair wash, we succumbed to slumber.

July 8, 2017: The Rung Rang Vang Vieng mission begins on Day 1.

Five o'clock in the morning... I woke up because of the cycle of life

Salaryman

Because of the temple's loudspeaker...

The day of Lent, the Lao people

Wake up to make merit even though it's raining heavily.

The city that is asleep also wakes up to go to the temple...

As for the author, I woke up with him...

I woke up because of the view... and I couldn't go back to sleep.

This is... what I've been waiting for all along...

Mountains, mist, only the water is missing.

At that time, I still couldn't see it with my own eyes.

My body is stuck in the accommodation.

But my heart has been running outside for a long time, you know?

Unable to sleep, I spent the entire night counting the remaining change before coming to watch. Are we really this rich...? I'm still confused about the kip payment even now. How can it be so enormous? The amount, haha.

Muttering to myself that... the rain will fall so much... I want to tour the city... But that line looks like the rain won't stop for us... I can only comfort myself that... I'd better go eat. The best way out 555

A hearty breakfast after a night of hunger... The rain wouldn't stop all morning, no matter what.
No, it's not me who's going to be stuck at the accommodation...
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July 8, 2017

After a night of rain, the next morning dawned bright and lively. It was the beginning of the Buddhist Lent, and the atmosphere was buzzing with excitement, especially among Thai and Korean tourists. The influx of Thai visitors was particularly noticeable, likely due to the long holiday weekend. In fact, the area around Vang Vieng seemed to be populated mainly by Thais, creating a distinctly Thai atmosphere. Even at the Mountain View Boutique Resort, the breakfast room was filled with Thai guests, many of whom turned out to be from Chiang Mai, just like me. It was a pleasant surprise to connect with fellow travelers from my hometown. Through Instagram, I also made new friends who shared my passion for photography. We met on the rooftop of the hotel, where we were both capturing the stunning views of the misty mountain peaks. After exchanging greetings, we discovered each other on Instagram through the #VangVieng hashtag. It's amazing how friendships can blossom in the most unexpected ways.

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Vang Vieng

The rain wouldn't stop, even after breakfast, selfies, and chasing the mist on the mountaintops. But hey, we were eager to explore! Vang Vieng beckoned, and we couldn't resist its call. Despite the downpour, we headed to the counter to ask for a city map. The staff, however, only suggested taking a tuk-tuk to see the sights. That wasn't what we wanted. We yearned to immerse ourselves in the local way of life and the city's atmosphere, not just glance at it through a window like on the internet. Finally, we got a map and borrowed raincoats. How kind! They even joked that we should explore the entire city and find our booked hotel. Haha!

Let's go then... As usual, turn left. Why turn left? Because there's water on the left side.

Strolling along, guess what we encountered? We shrieked with excitement upon discovering it.

Bridge - Mountain - River

And ducks

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I saw a beautiful woman walking to the temple under an umbrella. I couldn't help but follow her and ask for a photo. Here I am in Vang Vieng.

Walking past numerous shops has made me hungry…

Not yet time to stuff new things in the stomach, huh? Okay, let's try again tomorrow.

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Three, four, nine, then we get seven, nine. Ah, no, no, the point is that we kept walking and then we found another bridge...

Elated and cheerful, like a duck encountering the rain. Hehe.

She didn't do the beautiful poses with the others... Notice her left arm... There's a canvas bag in it, which is just unbelievable. She had to change it, of course... Another 10,000 kip (80 Thai baht) for a pair of flip-flops, and they're even foreign shoes (made in Thailand).

The torrential downpour and the erratic behavior of the madman clashed with the peaceful rhythm of the old woman's fishing routine. Fortunately, she refrained from chasing him away, as his presence had scattered her fish.

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Vang Vieng

The Song River and the bridge, which I saw with my own eyes, were a sight to behold. Although the water was a bit murky due to the flood season, it was still acceptable.

Following the directions of the hotel receptionist, we continued walking, keeping the left side to find the Villa Nam Song Hotel. We followed the path as instructed, encountering numerous money exchange shops along the way. We exchanged 1,000 baht for over 200,000 Lao kip, an astonishing amount that still amazes us today.

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As we walked, we broke branches along the way to prevent getting lost. In case we did get lost, we could return the same way. We didn't try to memorize the path. It's possible that we might get lost because we are experts at getting lost. Wherever we go, we get lost. If we don't get lost, we don't arrive. Or so we say.

I met someone cool. Are they drunk already? They don't care about the rain, the sky, or my gaze. I took a picture.

And not caring any further, he came up close and started talking. I don't know his name, but he shook my hand according to Puerto Rican custom. After introducing himself, he saw me going into the mart and grabbed another Beerlao. Cool, huh? Hehehe. Chill mode, dude. There are people who have reached Vang Vieng before me. Here you go, this is it.

Keep walking, keep going, don't stop. But you have to stop when you encounter such a cool, rusty vintage moment. You can't help but stop.

Translation:

A perfect match! The zinc roof is old, and so am I. Haha!

While walking, I thought about the popular "a-co-jor" places at night. So I did some homework and surveyed where it was. It's somewhere, I'll come back tonight, lol. Sakura Bar, finding the coordinates won't hurt, right?

It feels just like being in Thailand.

Translation:

We've found a hospital. That's good. In case of an emergency, we know where to go. We'll be fine.

Are you hungry? I am. I'm hungry from all the walking. My first lunch was delicious Laotian fermented fish.

We chose the papaya salad restaurant because, apart from roti and hotdogs, we didn't see anything else except for the papaya salad restaurant. We also chose this restaurant because there were a lot of big bikes with Udon Thani and Bangkok license plates parked there, so we just blended in. 555

Translation:

The total cost of the damage was a shocking 65,000 kip. My mother gasped and held her hand to her chest. She pulled out her calculator and converted it to Thai baht. It was only a few hundred baht. She breathed a sigh of relief. 555, she was stunned.

Vang Vieng

After a long walk, it's time to check in. We'll enjoy the mountaintop mist for a bit longer before heading back to recharge our phones and ourselves. We'll rest up and then move to a different hotel.

Translated: Farewell with the "Mist" collection behind the rain curtain at Vang Vieng.

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The afternoon of July 8, 2017

July 8, 2017


After the aunties rested and recharged their tired bodies, cameras, and cell phones, we took paracetamol for a cold because we were afraid of getting sick from walking in the rain all over Vang Vieng in the early morning... We left the accommodation in the afternoon to find a tour and tickets for the bus back to Udon Thani in two days because we were afraid of missing the bus and the plane...

Our rough plan was... to buy a day tour for tomorrow and focus on walking today... walk, walk, walk... because after we checked in, relaxed at the accommodation, counted our kip money, and tried to understand it... at that moment, it was after 2 pm. Judging from the time, it wouldn't be suitable to rent a bicycle or a motorbike to ride around. So we walked until we found a shop that sold tours and tickets for the bus back to Udon Thani. Actually, after leaving the accommodation and turning left, we found several companies and shops, but we chose to go at our own pace until we found a shop with a friendly guy... who sold tours and bus tickets, all in one. In the end, we didn't buy a tour, but we got a lot of information, but we did get bus tickets, which was the most reassuring thing... that is, no matter what happens, I'm going back to Thailand... P.S. I'm going back on a direct flight, not 5 or 6 connections like on the way here. 55555 I'm speechless.

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Vang Vieng

Armed with information from a kind stranger (whose name and shop I've unfortunately forgotten), I felt confident enough to embark on a self-guided tour from the papaya salad restaurant.

Translation:

The OP inquired about the Orange Bridge and Jang Cave beforehand, and the information received was as follows: From Villa Nam Song, the walk to the Orange Bridge is not far (if you don't get lost), about a kilometer or two, which is not a problem for adventurous people like us, especially since it's not raining and the weather is good for walking.

Lost in Translation: A Journey of Unexpected Encounters

The allure of travel lies in the embrace of the unknown, in the serendipitous detours that lead us off the beaten path. We find ourselves lost, not in a literal sense, but in the enchanting labyrinth of new experiences.

Our journey took an unexpected turn at the bridge leading to Phu Kham. Drawn by the sight of a multitude turning right, we followed suit, only to find ourselves on a one-way bridge, burdened with an unexpected toll of ten thousand kip.

This detour, though unplanned, became a testament to the beauty of getting lost. It was a reminder that the most enriching discoveries often lie beyond the charted course, in the unanticipated encounters that color our travels with a unique and unforgettable hue.

Translation:

After inquiring, we discovered that the path we were on was not the way to Tham Chang. We turned back, slightly embarrassed (Is there more?). We walked back and then asked every 50 meters. The Lao villagers were kind and, while eating their lunch, explained the way to the orange bridge in great detail. As we walked, we were afraid of the Lao dogs biting our calves. Je told us not to make eye contact with the dogs, as they would bite. Really? That's not what I was taught at home.

Translation:

Strolling along, I inquired at the circles of drinkers lining the roadside. "My, how thirsty they are!" I thought to myself. "It seems the people of this town drink instead of water. Even during Buddhist Lent, they gather in groups to drink. How curious!"

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While walking, the rain was no longer an obstacle for us. However, our real enemy was the car. The car splashed water on my beautiful legs, and I almost fell into the ditch.

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While walking... I felt
Taking pictures of wild grass anywhere is not as satisfying as taking pictures in Vang Vieng. It's beautiful, rustic, and truly the grass of Vang Vieng. (You're crazy, Merin)
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Orange Bridge

Located within the grounds of Vang Vieng Resort, the Orange Bridge is a popular attraction in Vang Vieng. Visitors pay an entrance fee of 2,000 kip each to access the bridge and surrounding area. The bridge offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, making it a worthwhile destination for those seeking a scenic experience.

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Going ahead, auntie will enjoy the riverside view for a bit.

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A Heavy Suspension Bridge Sways in the Wind

The massive suspension bridge swayed back and forth like a giant swing, causing screams from the people on it. We, however, were thrilled, as you can see from our faces. Life is good, isn't it? (sarcastically)

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No matter what, the bridge is not available. Let's give up and go to the cave together.
The picture below is not tilted, but the bridge is tilted by the wind.

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Vang Vieng
Crossing the bridge, we encountered a large group of mascots of Vang Vieng, munching on grass and mooing.
It was the first time I had encountered them, and I was surprised by their loud mooing. There were so many of them, and they seemed to be trained. We would see many more of them later, until we became accustomed to them. They were everywhere we went.

Along the right side of the path to the cave, there were stalls selling things. I didn't buy anything, but I took some pictures.

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This time we visited Tham Jang Cave, but we didn't see the clear water we expected. We understand that it's the rainy season, so the water level is high. If we had come during the hot season, we might have been able to play in the water like everyone else. Even just dipping our feet in the cool water would have been nice. We passed through a garden and a small stream before seeing the path leading up to the cave. I wondered if I could still back out, but we had already come this far. So, we decided to go for it. We paid 15,000 kip for the entrance fee, not including the cost of climbing the 147 steps, which were very steep.

After paying, I want a Doraemon door.
I'm tired.

"Hello, Vang Vieng" mariabamboo

The view is worth the effort.

Translation:

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Our worm cameras are not ideal for use in caves. It is too wet, with water dripping like a leaky roof. There is a lot of water and it is also dark. No mode can help with this, but a mobile phone can.

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Translated:

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Soaked head, soaked hands, feet soaked in water at times. Did I enter a cave or take a bath?

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At the end of the cave, there are beautiful views waiting for you - there are monks waiting for you to pay your respects.

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Circle

Around four in the afternoon, almost five, I dragged myself back to my accommodation. I passed by a mart and bought some Thai instant noodles for 5,000 kip to cook and eat in my room. I couldn't be bothered to deal with any restaurants. I was tired, sticky, and just wanted to shower and relax.

Exhausted, I wanted to try the Sakura Bar, which many people had reviewed. Well, I went there to see if the free drinks were real... And they were. The free bar was packed for an hour, mostly with Thai people, but also some foreigners and Koreans. I wondered if I was still in Thailand. I realized I was in Laos when the song "Phu Sao Kha Lao" came on. Ah, a Lao bar.

Note: The photos were taken with a mobile phone as I left my camera in the hotel room.

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Come and see for yourself.

Made friends at Sakura Bar and the first time I dragged my feet into the bar, I was so drunk I died.
Anything goes in Vang Vieng.

The elderly women, inebriated on Buddhist Lent Day in Vang Vieng, are encouraged to go to sleep.

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July 9, 2017

That morning... after a night of heavy drinking that didn't quite live up to expectations, things were already off to a bad start. The travel companions had made a mistake from the outset, and everything went wrong. They ended up on the wrong day, missed their transportation from Udon Thani to Vang Vieng, and had to take four or five connecting rides, finally arriving in Vang Vieng after midnight, almost one in the morning. They had trouble finding a place to stay in the pouring rain, and things were generally chaotic. After a day and night of turmoil, they hoped that the next morning would bring a change of fortune. (Taking a deep breath)

Early that morning, we were all dolled up, with makeup on, eyebrows drawn, sunscreen applied, and so on. But wait, no sun? Only rain, and more rain. We had breakfast, took pictures around the accommodation, and the rain stopped for a while. But it looked like it was going to rain again, and even harder than yesterday. My premonition about getting soaked was back, clearer than ever.

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Vang Vieng

Translation:

The heavy rain that fell throughout the night of the Buddhist Lent period cast a heavy feeling over the morning. We couldn't help but wonder, "Will we survive this trip?" However, there was no turning back. We had no choice but to continue, or we wouldn't reach Vang Vieng. We really wouldn't.

I captured photos of the accommodation and the morning atmosphere after waking up. It was quite a sight, even though the floodwaters were a bit frightening. It was a different kind of beauty.

Vieng Tara sank into the water for half a day... At that time, I didn't know that the opposite side was Vieng Tara, where I wanted to stay.

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Translated:

Thank you, rain... for stopping so I could bring my camera out to take some pictures and finally satisfy my craving.

The mist teases the mountain.

The morning flood has submerged half of the walkway to the accommodation.

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Breakfast is ready. The rain hasn't stopped yet, but it's time to go to Vang Vieng again in the rain. What's the matter? Today's goal... nature is waiting there, waiting for us to find it. Let's go find our van. From the accommodation... turn left and walk about a hundred meters in the rain. We got a motorcycle for 75,000 kip, which is more than 200 Thai baht (I think-I'm starting to have some). Fill up the gas tank with another 19,000 kip. I started to hold my head again, which is, I'm confused about kip money.

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After paying for the damage at the gas station, we drove back to the city to visit the famous Blue Lagoon. If you remember the bridge where we got lost the other day...

Yes, we are heading to that bridge. It costs 10,000 kip to cross.

Exciting, isn't it? A one-way suspension bridge.

If the car plunges into the water, no one will be able to help. The current is too strong.

The bridge we crossed to reach the village, whose name I can't recall, is located opposite the Villa Nam Song where we stayed. This is the current state of the flood in Wiang Tha Ra. The bridge on the mountain has disappeared.

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Let's go! Let's go!

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Nature and beautiful views beckon devotees to visit. ^^

Crossing the bridge, passing through villages, passing through rice fields, and being stunned by the paradise on earth beside the road.
Pinch yourself, slap yourself.
The mist that I fell in love with is full of Vang Vieng.

Free Paranormal
With a cool Korean guy, come on, let's try this one next time.

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"Go ahead and take pictures, don't hold back! Crunch, crunch, crunch! 555"

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The first 7 km of the road were good, but then it became very bad. The road was so bad that it made me feel sick.

The song "How Far Is Close" played as we drove. The road was rough in some places, with water cutting across it and potholes that almost stalled the car. Thank goodness it didn't stall, or we wouldn't know what to do. Thanks to the fearless driver, who really went for it.

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And then the protest songs started, haha!
At this point, if I had breasts, I would have hit my chest 100 times already. Oh, it was a brutal 7 km.

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But, but, but

But !! I agree.

The way of life that captivated hearts is no longer found in Thai society.
Even if it can be found, it is rare, in my opinion.

The sentence is already in English and does not require translation.

And the mascot of the Vieng, oops, Vang Vieng cow, and Sister Jie, who is considered her archenemy. Moo moo moo.

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Vang Vieng

After passing through this village and herd of cows, you are close to and can see the Blue Lagoon 2 sign. Please note that there is a Blue Lagoon 3, so be careful!

Translation:

"We chose this place because… the day before we bought our tickets back to Udon Thani, the tour seller told us that Blue 1, like Pai, is already gone. It no longer has the beauty and clarity for us to admire. So we came here, which is still considered virgin, for us to appreciate (just kidding)."

The rain stopped just in time. Thank you.

The sentence is empty.

We need to find clean water to wash our legs before we can continue.

I heard a shriek and thought it was a gibbon in the forest. Oh, it's a person.

… captured the moment before she was kicked and left dangling.

Stay like that... for a long time (If I paid to play and you teased me like this)

The sentence is already in English and does not require translation.

The sentence is already in English and does not require translation.

Translation:

The provided text contains only punctuation marks and does not constitute a complete sentence or phrase. Therefore, it cannot be translated. Please provide a complete sentence or phrase for accurate translation.

From the small girl hanging, we turned to find the blue pool, which was not very blue because the water was overflowing. Where is the bank? I can't find it.

The atmosphere is intoxicating.

The original text is empty. Please provide the text you want me to translate.

The children were having a blast, and I wanted to join in, but I was afraid of getting my camera wet. So I decided to find a place to sit and relax.

Heavy rain fell last night, causing widespread flooding.

Translation:

The provided text is empty. There is nothing to translate.

Translated:

Where is the bank?

The sentence is already in English and does not require translation.

The sentence is already in English and does not require translation.

Spring

Fortunately, the weather was good.
Our feet didn't get dry at all on this trip.
Dandruff, eyebrows, gone!!!

The sentence is already in English and does not require translation.

The original text is empty. Please provide the text you want me to translate.

The sentence is already in English and does not require translation.

Legs out... take our two wheels. The music is so loud. "Just single" doesn't sound as good anywhere else as it does here. It's his native language, isn't it? This is so good. It comes from this one, Luang Prabang license plate.

But even if you deceive the stars... I'm willing to (sound of sucking in air).

The original text is empty. Please provide the text you want me to translate.

For me, nature is one answer that resonates deeply. However, what resonates even more is...

A group of young children play naked in the rain, splashing water.

Not hot, he is content and loves his surroundings... "Vang Vieng"

.........

Circle

Leaving Mark at the front desk, I let Xu Jie rest in the room. My mouth itched to ask the receptionist for directions to...

At that time, Wiangthara, who had no idea where she was, asked a question and was met with strange looks, wondering if she was "pretending" or "really didn't know." She honestly replied that she didn't know, and the person laughed and pointed to the opposite side of the river.

"So, it's right across the way… If the water dries up, I'll just walk across."

The difficulty lies in crossing this, so I asked for a map...

Upon arrival, it dawned on me that we had already passed this location earlier in the morning while searching for the Blue Lagoon during the heavy rain. (I'm such a goofball!)

During the late morning hours, the bridge was not visible due to the floodwaters that had risen almost to its full height.

Can walk now ^^

From the entrance, we followed our haphazard path until we found the reception area. At that moment, no one was present. We assumed they were all busy with a major cleaning effort. It was quite a sight. The water came quickly and left just as fast, but what remained... it will take some time to get everything back in order.

And

The first image you see.

And Sijie,
Who asked for beauty.

Photoblog, huh? You need to understand it.

Translation:

"Now that I'm here, I can't stop clicking the shutter… I wish I had brought the camera I left charging in my room. Oh well."

Translation:

Translation:

No text provided for translation.

And so, we are left with nothing but free time.

Translation:

The provided text is empty. There is nothing to translate.

Two brothers returned from fishing in the rice fields.

They greeted me, one of them named Ai Kam.

They had enough fish for dinner, they said.

I was happy to meet these kind and honest people.

It was a pleasure to talk to them.

Their simple way of life and genuine kindness were heartwarming.

A beautiful model

She is a model because she is a shell.

The provided text is empty. Please provide the text you want me to translate.

Translation:

Time is almost up. It's time to say "goodbye."

With the moments that were secretly photographed and many poses that could not be posted on the blog, I would be scolded.

Translation:

Note: The original text is empty, so the translation is also empty.

Turning my back on my dreams... Goodbye, Vang Vieng. I will return.

For my heart fell "here".

Vang Vieng

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Translation:

Note: The original text is empty, so the translation is also empty.

Translation:

July 10, 2017

That morning...

The final morning of our stay in Vang Vieng, with time running out, we had to travel back to Chiang Mai. We no longer had to worry about the cross-border vehicle.

No need to worry about how many more transfers you need to make before you reach Udon Thani.

As I stepped foot in Vang Vieng for the first time...

We have already contacted to buy tickets for the return trip.
Great relief

That morning, heavy rain fell (again) in Vang Vieng.

We had a late breakfast and waited for the 9 am bus back to Udon Thani.

The original text is empty. Please provide the text you want me to translate.

Translation:

The provided text is empty. There is nothing to translate.

The rain fell relentlessly, leaving no opportunity to capture the moment with a camera. The downpour was so heavy that even attempting to take out a camera would risk damaging the lens.

After finishing our meal, we walked in the rain to find a car.
The problem was, why did we walk out in the rain? They had a van waiting to pick us up at the hotel. Oh well!

The van dropped us off at the Vang Vieng transport hub, and chaos ensued...
People were everywhere, including Thai tourists, filling the transport hub.
The frustrating part was that even though we had already purchased tickets, we still had to wait for the next bus. Watching the staff at the transport hub scrambling around, we couldn't help but think about how things could be better organized.
The frustration was starting to set in...

I see my own car in front of me, but I have no right to get in, even though I have a ticket.

Our place, the owner went to argue and got it back. I don't remember the details.

If I had kept my mouth shut, I wouldn't have been able to return to Thailand.

I'm not waiting any longer. No way.

The feeling of finally getting on the bus was like being one step closer to Thailand. But it was a long step that people with short attention spans wouldn't like at all. The person sitting next to me used a shortcut and slept all the way from Vang Vieng to Thailand.

The view on the way here was beautiful, with lush greenery and a countryside vibe.

The sentence is already in English and does not require translation.

Upon reaching the checkpoint in Nong Khai, the driver instructed all passengers to disembark.

This sentence translates to: "To enter the country, this time Thai people don't have to pay to enter Thailand, right?"

They will take turns a little bit. We go to him, we spend money. He comes to us, ...

He paid the money as required.

From Vang Vieng to Nong Khai checkpoint, it takes about 4 hours.

Many people get off at Nong Khai Transport, but we sat all the way to Udon Thani. It sounds very professional, very comfortable.

The journey from Nong Khai to Udon Thani took about an hour and a half. We were worried that we might miss our flight.
We spent the whole day traveling.
When the bus arrived at Udon Thani Bus Terminal, we took a taxi to the airport, which cost another 100 baht. The taxi driver was very efficient, and we arrived at the airport with plenty of time to spare.
We were able to catch our flight back to Chiang Mai without any problems.

The sentence is already in English and does not require translation.

- Some destinations are meant to... leave some things behind and bring back some memories. -

..............

Then I will return. Love you, Vang Vieng.

Thank you for visiting.