The trip from Chiang Rai to the Laos border was quick and easy. Crossing the border, including a two minute ride across the Mekong river, was one of the most painless border crossings I have ever made, fun even. But getting from the small border town of Huay Xai to Luang Prabang was anything but quick and painless.
We arrived in Huay Xai mid morning, and rather than pay a huge commission to one of the travel agents near the border, we made our own way to the bus station to purchase an onward ticket. The bus station was localed 8kms out of the city, almost in the middle of nowhere. It was a small, muddy patch. In the centre a rundown, old building attached to a big tin shelter. VERY basic. It was before noon so we had to option of two buses leaving that day. A local bus at 2pm, and a VIP bus leaving at 5pm. Both did not seem like inviting options, the local bus arriving at around 2am, and the VIP at around 4am. (You would think a morning bus arriving in the evening, and an late evening bus arriving the following morning would be better options? Welcome to Laos). We decided on the local bus as it meant not waiting around for 3 more hours, and saved ourselves a few bucks.
Just personal opinion, but Vientaine is more of a pit stop than a tourist destination. While it is a nice city, there is just not many reasons to stick around. So we didn't, only staying one night. Excuse me if this post is a little short.
Julia and I spent some time wandering around the city, and it is really... ummm, pleasant. Nice enough, but nothing exceptional. The best part is the riverfront overlooking Thailand. We caught an amazing sunset over the river which was kinda the highlight of our stay in the city.
