When having to change travel plans suddenly The journey of the 3 of us began from Bangkok. Go to Vientiane. It's a trip to make merit, pay homage to Buddha, ask for blessings... a chill trip, chic accommodations, cute charm. Language that is not difficult to understand Because of the closeness of the local language But how? There are still quite a few exciting things on this journey... 2 days 1 night, Sabaidee... Vientiane...

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Sabaidee...Vientiane

Time for us to travel somewhere There must be a travel plan. No matter what kind of travel By private car Buses, tour buses, trains, planes... This trip is a tentative decision. Should I go or not? Because the mission of every traveler is uncertain...

It's true that the three of us had already talked about it months in advance. Seriously, who knows if we'll go or not? Does this depend on your luck during the trip or not?

As the travel date approached, the three of us talked again. Is it a good idea to go? What is the budget? How will we travel? Will we drive, take a tour bus, plane, or will we go our separate ways and meet at our destination, which is Vientiane Capital? Lao People's Democratic Republic

This allows us to start calculating costs. With a limited budget and near the end of the month (The end of the month is like dying. A sentence that everyone likes to say) Who knew that traveling like this could be fun and exciting in a different way? Travel information updated in 2013 is travel information we obtained. We collect that information first.

We also have Lao friends who provide support information.

The trip for the three of us started when we got Thai Lions Air tickets for a round trip for 3,030 baht (including service fees paid through convenience stores). We got the earliest flight.

SL618 Boarding Time

At 4:00 a.m. we checked in almost 4 hours in advance and printed.

Boarding Pass  

and left home at almost 4 a.m. to go to Don Mueang Airport by taxi. along with a total cost of calling a car of about 155 baht. When we arrived at the airport, the first thing we thought we had to do was turn on roaming. But when the mobile network counter has not yet activated the service So we thought we had to find a backup method.

So I asked a friend in Laos for information on buying a SIM card to use when connecting to the internet. The information we received is Buy a SIM and top up Our house is called

pre-paid

Packing our suitcases includes one backpack each. and another handbag Our baggage does not have to be checked on the plane. So we don't have to waste time waiting for our bags when we reach our destination. Once we have scanned the bag The officer will ask to check.

Power Bank

said to be more than 20,000

mAH

Or not for those

Carry-On

But it is not allowed to be loaded with checked baggage.

Our destination station is Udon Thani Province. We arrived around six in the morning. When walking out

Arrival Hall

Looking for a way to travel to the border checkpoint in Nong Khai Province to cross the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge? What caught our eye was Van service from the airport to the checkpoint With a service fee of 200 baht per person, it took almost an hour to arrive. We asked the van driver about the last service from the checkpoint to return to Udon Thani airport again. It is approximately 5:15 p.m.

We take the passport and fill out the departure card or

Departure Card

Walk in line and pass the immigration officer. Then we put our backpacks through the scanner with the customs officials. Before buying a bus ticket to cross the bridge to the Lao side of the immigration checkpoint With a service fee of 20 baht per person, if anyone uses a passport, don't forget to check it.

Is our passport valid for more than 6 months? In order to avoid problems in crossing the border. We spent about 15 minutes at Nong Khai checkpoint because it was still early in the morning. There are not many tourists, travelers or people who want to cross the border. When we boarded the air-conditioned bus It took less than 10.

Minutes to cross the Mekong River to the Lao People's Democratic Republic

Our excitement began... We have arrived abroad. We fill out

Arrival Card

or Lao arrival card Then we walked to line up to get our stamps with the immigration officials. After passing that point What we see is Scanning your pass to enter the country We looked at each other. "Then where do we get the pass?" Then went to ask the officer. So we know

before passing through the immigration officer We also had to buy a border pass. It's not like we can buy it at all. You must show your passport as well... At first, I only carried one book. You have to run back and forth. To complete the book When he found out the price, he ran back to get another round of petty cash. (Have fun and be excited.

Because the exchange value is calculated with fast math), you will receive a similar card. With the time we use BTS service... When you get the card, each person comes. Then insert the card into the machine. Then we can come out. Before we look for a bus into the city There will be officials checking passports again.

This time we were looking for where to buy a phone SIM card for communication over the internet. But damn it... The service shop in front of the checkpoint is not open yet. Maybe it was because it was still early at that time. So we were unable to contact our Laotian friends at all. Our excitement began...

Traveling without a phone signal... There is no internet... There is no communication through technology. In addition to information about friends' shops The subject of quick math occurred again. When the driver of a Songtaew or Skylab comes close to calling customers. Negotiate the price and then ask if the price is worth it...

If compared with planning If we charter a van from the Thai side, the cost of gas is included. Traveling within Vientiane costs 1,000 baht per day (if you think about the queue, it's similar to our country from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.) Walking around important tourist spots in the city.

While we were riding the Skylab into the city, There weren't only the three of us in the car. There are also foreign backpacker couples. And along the way, there were also female students around the age of Lao high school riding the bus along the way. Because we still can't contact anyone. We glanced over and saw him chatting with his friends.

So I asked for information about which network's SIM card. How much does it cost? He answered our questions with a smile and was friendly. At first, there was some hesitation about whether to ask for information from us or not. Then he asked us about traveling from Vientiane to Udon or Khon Kaen because she is a female soccer player.

and received an invitation from Thailand to compete in a friendly football match in Udon Thani or Khon Kaen province as well. We give you brief information. As far as we know for the younger (It's like exchanging knowledge and creating good friendships. in a short period of time) when reaching the destination He got off the bus before us. We all said goodbye and wished each other good wishes.

Our plans for the first day didn't work out very well. It's not specified where you have to go... But the first thing we have to go is meet our Laotian friends and go to our hotel. to keep the bag Before going out to see the city But when I got to my friend's shop What we saw was that the store was still closed. Everyone therefore concluded that

The first thing we need to do is buy a phone SIM card. Because we can't contact anyone at all. We walked to find a minimart about two blocks from where we got off. There are two types of SIM cards here: SIMs for making calls. and SIM for playing on the internet Whether it's monthly or prepaid. So we bought both types. is the type that can make calls

and playing on the internet along with a prepaid card as well

When I walked back to my friend's shop. The shop is now open. So we went in to ask for friends. and receive coordination assistance from store employees Contact and arrange for a hired bus to take you to the hotel that your friend has reserved for you. When we got out of the car What the receptionist told us was that the accommodation was full...

This accommodation was reserved by a friend for 700 baht and can fit three people. When I heard that the room was no longer available. Everyone looked at each other, even Brother Ole who drove the car. Due to the kindness of Brother Ole, he took us to drive to find a place to stay. While Brother Ole took us to drive to look for a place to stay.

We found a room through the website.

agoda (

Not promoted at all But we've gotten to this point and we have to. The point where we have to find rooms and good promotions) Brother Ole still takes us to find a few more places to stay. The price you can find is around 1,200-1,500 baht per room, but the rooms are often unavailable.

During that time we still had problems with paying via card. (Let me tell you that Kasikorn Bank debit cards can also be used. Normally, there will never be a problem with paying the system.

iBanking

But this time the three of us had problems with the system.

iBanking

Really) So we contacted friends in Thailand. And please make a reservation within 10 minutes with a promotion that is cute and easy on the wallet for a trip that was not prepared and had to face exciting things like this. We got our accommodation around 10:00 a.m. at the Vientiane Star Hotel (

www.vientianestar.com)

With a price of 765 baht including tax and breakfast... When divided together, it's about 255 baht per person per night... Monks!!! It's perfect for putting your bag away and going for a walk around town. Hotel close to the black market (similar to Walking Street, but the products are imported from Thailand), Wat Sisaket, not far from Patusai, morning market.

Shopping area for tourists There is also an Amazon coffee shop nearby.

Once the accommodation has been dealt with, So we left our bags behind. Because the housekeeper still hasn't cleaned the room properly. While we check in The receptionist who serves us He gave us very good information and Mr. Sam, the manager of the hotel, helped to top up the money for us until it was complete (

Top up with calling SIM What is very difficult? It is easy.

complicated

For us, really) As for our room, there was a king size bed and a normal size bed, shared bathroom, clean bedroom (just like staying at home with Grandpa. Because the room that we got is on the side of a wooden house. And in the past, grandfathers, grandmothers, grandfathers, grandmothers often taught us not to hit our heels when walking. must walk gently)

The wall separating the room is similar to Shera wood paneling. The walls are light, so we will be careful about using sound. Internet

WIFI

It's like oxygen here. If people lack it, it's like they're missing their breath. But the only slight disadvantage in that room is that there are only 2 power outlets, which we have quite a few vital signs equipment... For example, a mobile phone (different device), a tablet to insert a SIM card for signal transmission.

Hot Spot

And that is indispensable.

Power Bank (

Next time, we must definitely not forget the power strip.)

When depositing luggage We've got the information we need. So we let Brother Ole take us out to eat.

Brunch (

An abbreviation for the word

Breakfast + Lunch

or the first meal that starts at noon) the restaurant that Ole took us to It's beyond the black market, on the corner of the street. It is a gathering place for teenagers. or people with middle-class incomes There are a la carte meals, steaks, and drinks including fruit smoothies. Or even an alcoholic beverage We chose food for a long time.

But in the end, we got the menu that was desperation. Stir-fried pork and chicken with basil There are no fried eggs... but served with soup But the ingredients are made from beef (2 out of 3 people on the trip don't eat beef). The drinks are blended fruit juices. Avocado smoothie and coffee when the food is served. We were really shocked.

One dish can be shared by up to 2 people... (for those who eat small amounts of some dishes) We paid 540 baht for the meal.

Our journey continues. Today we have Ole take us on a tour around Vientiane. Take a Sky Lab to see the city Stop to take photos at Patuxai, or Patuxai, which is a memorial to those who sacrificed their lives in the war before the Communist Revolution. The architecture is similar to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. France

But it still has a national identity. This can be seen from the Lao Buddha statues decorated as well.

After admiring the beauty of the city We also saw the phenomenon of teenagers waiting in line to visit the "2016" event.

Feel Korea In Laos"

This event is an event to exchange and promote the cultures of the two nations. between the Lao People's Democratic Republic and Republic of Korea which is organized by various Korean government agencies There were 4 Korean artists joining the event, including:

BTOB (

B2B)

CLC (

CLC)

KNK (

Kee Nakeun : KNK) and the band

HALO (

Halo) teenagers: Lao youths are interested and line up to see the event. This work is free. We ourselves did not think that we would be able to go see this event. But a friend brought an entrance ticket for us to join in the fun. (Come abroad We came to see the trend.

K-Pop

Some things here)

flow

K-Pop

In Vientiane, it is no different from our home. cute fan club Be friendly Before the show begins Korean Ambassador to the Lao People's Democratic Republic gave the opening speech And the performance began with a beautiful dance show. and delicacy (similar to the dance of our northeastern region

The music is similar to the song "Seng Yae Khai Mot Daeng". Then there was a taekwondo performance that drew screams and cheers from Lao youths. Because of the cuteness of all the oppas who conveyed strong fighting postures when the first cultural performance passed. It was a performance from the youngsters. who loves to dance or cover dance

famous group there Until the host of the opening ceremony That is 3 Korean artists from

BTOB, CLC, HALO

And started the performance with the band.

KNK

before switching to the next group

CLC, HALO

and

BTOB

There will also be special performances from Korean artists. Whether it's dancing with the coverdance team Sing famous drama theme songs like

You are my everything

From the drama

Descendent of the Sun

which has been popular throughout the city both in the country and abroad. There were also popular Lao songs sung to please the fans there.

It's about 10:00 p.m. here. Some areas are starting to become quiet. As for the black market, they started collecting their items around 10 p.m. We call him Ole. (Anyone interested in using Ole's service can 8562056417291 /Call in Laos 56417291) Come pick me up and take me back to the hotel again. Stop by the minimart. buy late night food

Which is not beyond cup noodles. and drinks Go back to sit and talk about conch shells at the hotel until midnight. Until each one of them fell into a state of stillness. Because we wake up early at 3:00 a.m. Today we paid Ole 800 baht in damages (from the price of two hundred thousand kip or about a thousand)

Which we think is very worthwhile because this price already includes the cost of gas. (Sometimes we need to distribute income to the community Fusion of locality)

The next morning, we woke up early, around 7:00 a.m., showered and dressed, packed our bags, and then went down to eat breakfast at the hotel. The hotel had 4 menus to choose from, so we chose different ones, but they were all similar, served with bread and bananas. As for tea and coffee, there's also salad service...

When finished eating We went up to get our bags and get ready.

Check-Out

And it's time to make an appointment with a Laotian friend. Today, he came to volunteer as a tour guide to take us to worship...

The first temple we went to was Wat Saen or Wat Sisaket. Created by Chao Maha Chivit His Majesty King Anuwong His Majesty held ceremonies at this temple for 9 days and 9 nights. This temple is located in the heart of Vientiane, next to the walls of the Royal Palace in the past. Nowadays it is called "Hor Kham". The architecture inside this temple shows the ancient Lao Buddhist art.

Whether it is the patterns that decorate both the interior and exterior of the temple. Within the surrounding area That temple There is another interesting thing. There will be a pair of small Buddha images in the pose of shock, located within the walls.

After that, we traveled to pay homage to Phra That Luang. Which has been built for thousands of years similar to with Phra That Phanom of our home Which according to history was built by the first ruler of Vientiane. We went to pay homage to Phra That Luang. When we go to various temples in Thailand, we will see signs with words of worship. There is one here too. But it's in Lao.

When we light incense sticks and candles So we can only say Namo 3 times and then pray for blessings. (We will not make any vows except to ask for blessings.) If there is a chance, we will go back and pay homage again. Then pray while walking around the relics with limited time. So we could only do one round. Usually that

Will walk and pray around the relics 3 times. Entrance fee is 25 baht per person per place, whether it is Wat Sisaket. and Phra That Luang (It's like joining in making merit)

When we left the relics, we stopped to take photos at Patusai on the other side again. Before stopping to say hello to another Laotian friend and admire the beauty of Lao silk at a friend's shop (If anyone is interested, stop by and see at the Pum Pum Lao Silk shop, opposite Phongsavan Bank or the shop

Black Canyon,

store

Dao High Tea)

When hunger asks So we agreed to try the Khao Soi here. At Saeng Kaew shop The auntie at the shop is very kind. Let us try the sauce in the khao soi as well. And we also informed Auntie that we don't eat beef. So Auntie gave us pork meatballs instead. Normally in Thailand we order special cups.

Coming here, the small size is equal to the special size of Thailand. Today our damages ended up being 400 baht (four cups of khao soi and pho and two cans of soft drinks, along with four cups of water cubes).

When leaving the store We then traveled to pay respects to the City Pillar Shrine of Vientiane. Come pay homage to the City Pillar and the City Mae Si, which are not too far away. At Wat Si Muang If anyone comes to ask for blessings from Mae Si of that city. You can make any wish. But unable to ask for blessings regarding the love of a spouse According to that history

When the city pillar was built, there must have been people who dedicated their lives to the pit to guard the city pillar. If no one dedicates his life The abbot must be the one who dedicates it. When Mae Si Muang's husband died in the war So he dedicated his life to jumping into a hole with his unborn child and a horse. As we reached the front of the church, before walking in to worship, we suddenly

One of us got goosebumps as if he felt something. We looked at each other. Then he went to pay homage and ask for blessings at the city pillar. Then we walked out to take a risk. (At that time, the three of us still didn't know the history of the temple and Mae Si Muang. Aside from hearing that you have to come here to make a wish.)

As we walked out of the church, we thought we would definitely come back here again. Then we went back out to the car, thinking we would go sit and drink tea and coffee. before returning to Thailand But there was also a message from the elders we respected that they would come to pay respects and ask for blessings at Wat Si Muang as well. So we went back and waited for him there again. (It takes less than 10 minutes to leave the temple.

Had to turn the car back again. Even though I haven't gone back to Thailand yet) This time we walked to the back of the church. Saw the remains of an old stupa And there is an grandparents' shrine. And the figure of the city's main color is there. So I pay homage to him. Then we went to wait for the elders in front of the church. When you arrive We entered the church together again.

and walked towards the back of the city pillar You will see a figure of Mae Si Muang there as well. Then he was taken to the back of the church where we had walked before. Another elder who came with him said:

“Just now, two grandmothers were sitting collecting trays for offerings. Said that the one in the glass cabinet You will be more disciplined and fierce. Don't forget to come and make a wish here."

At first we looked through the window from outside the church. Can't see your figure So decided to walk in again. We saw a mannequin in that glass case. The image of the city's main color puppets still remains in my eyes. The appearance that you saw was really the same as what Grandma had described. We therefore bow down and ask for your blessing once again.

In total, we walked into the church 3 times.

After we bid farewell to the elders So we stopped to sip tea and coffee at

Sinouk Coffee

It's another brand of Lao coffee. It's similar to a coffee star. The taste is similar to our local tea. The total price is 395 baht. The shop's interior is simply decorated. Use coffee beans to decorate the table. The chairs are both sofa-style. and chairs like a normal coffee shop Arranged so that it doesn't look uncomfortable. There are inside and outside stores for customers who smoke.

WIFI

Service: Play soft music and sit and admire the view along the Mekong River in the late afternoon.

When it was time for us to drive back to the checkpoint at a speed of 80 km/hr because we had to arrive at the checkpoint before 5 p.m., the city and the checkpoint were about 20 km apart and the last van trip was around 5:15 p.m. And another thing, we don't know the situation of the people who will pass that checkpoint.

Traveling within the capital of Vientiane today, we have to thank Nong Gus. who gave us advice and made us laugh throughout this trip. When we reached the checkpoint they almost kicked us out of the van (actually I was afraid we wouldn't make it in time for the van), so we said our goodbyes in our own style. along with a new word "missed" means

We made the mistake of getting to know each other. It shouldn't have happened. Things like that.

It's time to

Say Goodbye

Vientiane capital We passed through immigration. The officer looked at him suspiciously. Came yesterday, returned today. (The mood is about coming quickly, claiming quickly like that) before stamping the checkpoint. Then go buy a checkpoint pass, 50 baht per person. Once the card is inserted through the machine We had to buy a bus ticket to cross the bridge for another 20 baht each.

But when we first got into the car, we lined up nicely, but only when the driver got into position. Everyone broke into ranks and ran to the car. Whoever gets on quickly gets a seat. It's harder than running a marathon. It's like "Whoever gets there first wins" when crossing the bridge. We stood in line and waited to pass through the Thai immigration checkpoint.

Then the bag was scanned by customs officials as always. When it comes out We were looking for a passenger van. which was parked almost 30 meters away but met with Mr. Top Express bus service with a 4-door pickup truck costs 200 baht per person (no need to wait for the car to be full to leave). Khun Top picked us up from the checkpoint and dropped us off at Udon Thani airport.

Along the way, they also stopped for us to use the bathroom at a gas station. This trip I met only good friends. Always helping and giving advice. It was always an exciting trip. Information that was not planned in advance In addition to the words of those who met along the way A journey that involved some running, some walking, some fun, and some tiring on the way from the checkpoint to the airport.

We still had fun with each other along the way. until arriving at Udon Thani Airport So we asked for Mr. Top's contact number. If interested in using the service, contact 090-8398650/ 0944744176 24 hours a day. We have already checked in in advance. Sitting and waiting at the airport for almost two hours. While waiting to be called to board Thai Lions Air flight no.

SL617

At 9:55 p.m. we arrived in Bangkok. It took only 40 minutes (the captain was probably in a hurry) and then went to queue up to take a taxi home. With a service fee of 165 baht, including an additional service fee of 50 baht.

There is no need to exchange money for this trip. You can use baht without worry. Some stores will automatically calculate into Thai currency. Some shops require fast math as well. (It's a practice of math skills that you've learned.) As for the phone SIM card, it costs about twenty thousand kip (20,000 kip or about 100 baht). Buy a prepaid card one time for only ten thousand kip (10,000 kip or 50 baht).

Put it in an Android phone and it can't broadcast the signal.

Hot Spot

As good as putting it on a tablet But I haven't tried putting it in yet.

Pocket WIFI

that were carried from Thailand In conclusion, that's it. The three of us spent about 2,808 baht each on this trip.

Vientiane is a city that has the perfect charm. It's a cute, chic, laid-back city, not in a hurry or chaos. The weather is cool and comfortable, the people are lovely, friendly, generous and hospitable. If we have the opportunity, we will have to go back and visit again... With this place, say goodbye... Vientiane

Written by

Nazarya