Onwards from Laos to Vietnam

Arrive Hanoi - the 'new' capital city of Vietnam.  The previous capital was Saigon aka Ho Chi Minh City.

We stayed in the Old Quarter - it was a bustling city and it felt like we had stepped right back in time.  The people are very friendly here and although the city is a hive of activity, there is always time to sit and watch the world go by at one of the many street side cafes selling local beer!

We actually used Hanoi as a base for exploring Halong Bay.  So many excellent good value restaurants, cafes and the street food was gorgeous too - and very cheap :-)

Susan Reader - The Budget Travel Expert

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Nominee - IBWG 'Business Woman of the Year 2010', Dubai, UAE

Mekong Boulevard, Vientiane, Laos

What a tranquil setting, lunch time in the capital city of Laos.  Very laid back and peaceful.

There were just so many amazing temples - I became a real temple addict - they were all so different and the monks were always happy to tell you about their temple and the history of their country.

These temples were along the boulevard that faces the Mekong River.  We sat and ate baked sweet potatoes on the grass and watched the world go by ...

Great fun!

Susan Reader - The Budget Travel Expert

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Xiengkuane Buddah Park, near Vientiane

We travelled for about 45 minutes from the capital city in Laos to get to the buddah park.

It was a small park on the banks of the Mekong river which contained loads of Buddah statues taking many different forms.

We climbed to the top of a strange 'pumpkin-like' structure for a better view, it was very tricky coming down though - definitely not for the feint hearted!

This is the large 'reclining Buddah'

Susan Reader - The Budget Travel Expert

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Nominee - IBWG 'Business Woman of the Year 2010', Dubai, UAE

Another Day in Vientiane

Wow, this really is a gorgeous city - the capital of Laos - nestled between Vietnam on the East, Cambodia on the west and Thailand to the north.

A relaxing slow pace of life - sitting at cosy cafe bars in the evening and eating the local 'pho' (noodle soup) was just wonderful.

To date, I would say that this is one of my favourite places I have visited.  Nothing is too much trouble for the Laotians :-)

Susan Reader - The Budget Travel Expert

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More about Patuxai, Vientiane

The monument bears a close resemblance to the 'Arc de Triomph' in Paris.  The climb to the top was 7 storeys, was very narrow and the last bit was via a wrought iron spiral staircase.

You could almost imaging them clinbing all those stairs years ago to keep watch over the city.

Here are some more images from the top :-)

Enjoy!

Susan Reader - The Budget Travel Expert

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Nominee - IBWG 'Business Woman of the Year 2010', Dubai, UAE

Patuxai Monument, Vietiane

This was day 2 in Vientiane ...

We climbed to the top to get an amazing 'birds eye view' over the capital city of Laos.

The tuc tucs are a great mode of transport and it's great fun to 'barter' with the drivers.  They will also explain about the history of this beautiful city, which was a real bonus :-)

Enjoy!

Susan Reader - The Budget Travel Expert

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Nominee - IBWG 'Business Woman of the Year 2010', Dubai, UAE

A Few Days in Laos

When I recently visited Laos, I was not sure what to expect.  It was the most beautiful country.   Even though Laos is 'landlocked' and therefore has no coastal region, the fact that Vietiane, the capital sits on the banks of the Mekong River makes it even more beautiful.

Our accommodation was very reasonable and the room was huge by Eurpopean standards.

The people of Vientiane are very friendly and we had a great 2 days exploring there.

Here are some images I took there - the temples were truly amazing!

This is Ing Peng Temple ... isn't it gorgeous?

Susan Reader - The Budget Travel Expert

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Nominee - IBWG 'Business Woman of the Year 2010', Dubai, UAE

Royals Honeymoon cover blown!

Royal newly weds head to the Seychelles for 2 weeks in the sun :-)

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2011/may/10/royal-honeymoon-secret-blown-seychelles

Susan Reader - The Budget Travel Expert

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Nominee - IBWG 'Business Woman of the Year 2010', Dubai, UAE

Singkran - The Water Festival!

Songkran is the festival of water - a celebration of the coming of the New Year in SE Asia.

Whilst I was travelling in Cambodia and Thailand, what I did not realise was tha we were in for a 'soaking' ... not just a small amount of water - take a peek at the images and enjoy being 'dry' - LOL!

Susan Reader - The Budget Travel Expert

http://www.womentravellingonabudget.com

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Nominee - IBWG 'Business Woman of the Year 2010', Dubai, UAE