Day 1
We are in Laos. It’s 32 degrees Celsius and humid at 7 PM. I have no idea how we’ll be climbing mountains and stairs tomorrow. For now, here’s an evening view of Vientiane. A triumphal arch inspired by the French one and an ancient black stupa. Also, magnolias are blooming here. At times, the sweet scent of magnolia mixes with the smell of the septic system. Such are the local realities.
Day 2
Today has been a day of surprises and discoveries! In the best way possible. ))
Swam to exhaustion in the beautiful Blue Lagoon near Vang Vieng, surrounded by magical karst hills—pure visual ecstasy.
Climbed up a ridiculously high viewpoint to capture all the beauty! First, I nearly died. Second, I still have some fight in me. Third, I apparently know how to swear (when no one hears me—there’s no other way to climb that). Fourth, I probably didn’t need to climb because afterward…
WE FLEW IN A HOT AIR BALLOON!!! For the first time ever! And not just anywhere—at sunset, over all these karst mountains, the river, rice fields, tiny toy-like houses, and surrounded by other colorful balloons and paragliders.
From our balloon, we could see 12 more hot air balloons!
The Lao people know how to put on a show! We were screaming with joy, waving at boats below, and they waved back. What an amazing first day in Laos!
Day 3
To be honest, my number one goal in Laos was to see the Plain of Jars. A unique, one-of-a-kind place on Earth. Kind of like Stonehenge, but still undiscovered by mass tourism. It holds mysteries waiting to be solved!
Basically, across the plateau near the city of Phonsavan, thousands of jars are scattered, ranging from 0.5 to 3 meters in height and weighing up to 6 tons. Most of these giant stone vessels are cylindrical, but some are oval or rectangular. There are also stone discs that were presumably used as lids. However, only around 16 of these “lids” have been found.
Around 2,500–3,000 years ago (?), these vessels were made from granite, sandstone, rock formations, and calcified coral. However, such rock is not found anywhere nearby. That means they were carved (or molded?) somewhere else and then transported here. But why? No one knows for sure. There are many theories, but no definitive answers.
My theory? A roadside picnic. Some ancient race of giants threw a massive party here—for some reason, exactly here and nowhere else! Now, we just have to live with this mystery.
There’s also a cave where bones and some clay pottery were found. Based on these findings, the estimated age of the jars was determined. However, scientists are far from certain that the people from the cave had anything to do with the jars.
P.S. During the “Secret War” with the U.S., this area became a battleground. Some of the jars were destroyed by bombings. Even today, much of the land remains uncleared of explosives, so the ancient jars can only be safely visited in seven designated locations on the plateau. Elsewhere, it’s genuinely dangerous.
I can already predict what you’re thinking: No, we didn’t go beyond the barbed wire, we only explored where it was safe. But the experience was absolutely unforgettable! For a lifetime!
Day 4
Luang Prabang – walking around the city is a pure delight!
Here’s what we planned to do in Luang Prabang in just 12 hours:
Visit Kuang Si Waterfalls (Kuang Si Waterfalls, 30 km from Luang Prabang) – the main natural highlight of the area;
Stop by the Tat Kuang Si Bear Rescue Center on the way (specializing in the conservation of the Asiatic black bear population);
Climb to the top of the highest waterfall and swim in its upper pool;
Visit an eco-farm with civets (small animals that eat coffee berries, excrete the beans, which are then processed into the famous Kopi Luwak coffee), and try it;
Visit the National Museum – the Royal Palace;
Climb Phou Si Mountain with Wat Chom temple – the best viewpoint, 340 steps;
These are cages. Each contains a pair of small birds. You buy them to set them free. A dirty business. But when you release them, your heart skips a beat – they are so joyful, and you immediately feel like you’ve done a good deed.
Take a two-hour sunset cruise along the Mekong River;
Visit the night market
Done! Buddhist temples and monasteries were left for tomorrow.
