Thursday, March 25, 2010

Seeing Laos on Foot or on 2 Wheels

Luang Prabang along the Mekong River

I thought Thais in northern Thailand was a relax bunch until I visited Laos.

You will naturally slow to a pace where you can actually lounge on a cup of coffee for 2-3 hours without feeling the rush to go anywhere, even in the capital city of Vientiane. I know one can do this anywhere but in Laos, you don’t even have to make an effort to relax.

What does this sign mean?

There are no cycling lanes in Vientiane but the traffic is relatively light even during the day. Combined with the less frantic pace of life in Laos, one has plenty of opportunity and routes to wonder around with minimal effort.

Vientiane street 

Luang Prabang prohibits large vehicles within the town vicinity under the UNESCO guidelines which makes the walking or cycling experience even more appealing.

Luang Prabang street 

Moreover, this is a good way to promote environment-friendly tourism and to stay healthy at the same time.

You can easily rent one for 25,000 Kip (about US$3/RM10.) Some guest houses or hotels provide complimentary bicycles for their guests.

Bicycle for rental

Sure, the rental is more expensive than places like Chiang Mai or Siem Reap which is US$1-1.50. However, the air quality, road surface condition, and traffic flow are much better in Vientiane and Luang Prabang.

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