Laos
Laos is a small landlocked nation between Thailand and Vietnam, governed by the Communist Party, although there is much individual freedom.
This small, unspoiled and beautiful country has close cultural and linguistic ties with Thailand but is fiercely independent. Laos suffered heavily during the US-Vietnam conflict, and still has economic problems, but is seeing increased foreign investment. While Laotians are among the most friendly and welcoming people in Asia, they are a little more reserved than Thais. The country is relatively unspoiled and retains much of its elegant old architecture, along with much equally elegant modern architecture.
Laos was formerly a French possession, although French influence has faded in the attractive but small capital of Vientiane (Viengchun). The main attraction for visitors is the ancient Royal capital of Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Laos can be easily reached from Thailand and is only a little over 300km from Bangkok. From Nong Khai in Thailand’s north-east, it is a short bus or taxi ride (25km) over the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge to Vientiane. There are daily direct flights from Bangkok to Vientiane, and to Luang Prabang, plus daily trains from Bangkok to Nong Khai.
| VIENTIANE |
Bor Pen Nyang Pub
Fa Ngum Road
Right on the Mekong river. Four floors with something happening on every floor. Later at night, the gay crowd hangs out on the fourth floor overlooking the river. Good food and drinks. A fun place.
CCC Bar
Souphanouvong Road
Small bar with show at weekends
GQ Bar & Massage
Chao Anou Road
1/2 block up from the river. Gay owned and managed bar. Very busy on the weekends, with a lot of cute guys, all speaking english. Ask Lay for where to go in Vientiane. If you are lucky there will be a show on the weekend you go. Outside seating too.
Heng Heng Massage
Asean 10 Road
Open from 9 am until about midnight, withup to 20 masseurs. Full service treatment, well trained staff. Some very handsome guys, and reasonable prices.
Jai Dee Restaurant
Manthaturiat Road
Near the Namphou Fountain, great Lao food, and nice bar, ask Art about the scene. The staff are very friendly.
Le Central Brasserie
Setthatirath Road
Ask for Yves and he will tell you about the local gay scene. Great French cuisine.
Syri 2 Guest House
Setthatirath Road
Email: syri2@hotmail.com
Mostly backpackers. one block from the Mekong River and walking distance to the center of town.
| LUANG PRABANG |
Ban Vat Nong
Phone/Fax: +856 71 253373; Email: reservation@packluck.com
Lovely little guest house close to the river, and opposite the Le Elephant Restaurant. Six nice rooms, and breakfast served downstairs every morning.
Blue Ice Bar
Kingkitsarath Road
Great gay bar, gay owned and managed by same management as Villa Deux Rivieres. Great drinks, a pleasant way to spend an evening.
Sakkarine Road
Tél. 856 71 252 482; Email: cafebanvatsene@elephant-restau.com
Very cute and friendly waiters, fantastic breads, a great place for breakfast or lunch and for people watching.
Sakkarine Road
Near the the night market, a quick walk up the road from Ban Pack Luck Guest House. They have some great wines.
Ban Choumkhong
Email: tsp_villa@yahoo.com
Gay owned and managed guesthouse on a small side street from the main street. Very rustic surrounding. Opposite is a heritage building where they have regular shows.The guesthouse has 10 rooms in two price classes. Five rooms downstairs and five upstairs. All rooms have aircon, flat panel tv’s, hot and cold water, decorated in the old Lao style. Free internet.
Kingkisarath Street
Wines, Cocktails, Ice Cream, Snacks and great Tapas, If you enjoy French food, don’t miss it.
Phousi Road
Tel: +856 (0)71.255.021; Email: thehouselaos@gmail.com
A wonderful Lao house converted to a fine restaurant. A great Belgian chef that offers Lao, Belgian food, and fantastic pastas.
Villa Deux Rivières
Kingkitsalath Road, Ban Khily
Tel: +856 207737 8575; E-mail: info@villadeuxrivieres.com
| OTHER AREAS |
Don Dhet Island (Si Pan Don), Champasak Province
Tel: +856 20 770 1860; info@rivergardenlaos.com
Neat little guesthouse, right on the Mekong river. Clean rooms, some with shared facilities. A restaurant on site featuring Lao and International food. Khun Aek the owner speaks very good English and can make sure your holiday is enjoyable.
Main Road, Vang Vieng
Tel: 856 207 921 202; email: info@babylonvangvieng.com
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