The essence of life

[theessenceoflife14]

No more words needed

[theessenceoflife14]

Hello and thank you for following us. We're glad to have you on our dashboard. I've read some of your posts and I find them entertaining and interesting. Our main group of travelers haven't visited much of Asia, mostly China, but we're eager to go over new lands soon. Feel free to ask us whatever, whenever. Plus, if you ever want another pal in your journeys, let us know, I'm sure we can do some plan. Anyway. Happy travels.

Hello

I am glad to hear that you like my blog. I have only just began writing so it is nice to get some feedback of someone with more expierence. I will come to you with my all my questions if needed, thank you for the offer. 

Greetings

[theessenceoflife14]

You can wander around forever in the enchanting souks of Marrakech. 

[theessenceoflife14]

Ayutthaya in Thailand was destroyed in 1767 by the Burmese army. This city will take you on a journey back in time! 

[theessenceoflife14]

Enjoying the beautiful scenery of Vang Vieng

Early in the morning, we took the bus to Vang Vieng. The way down there was truly breathtaking. The road coils up to the heavily overcast mountaintops. Our first somewhat hazardous driver suddenly had to change his pace to make it back down. It did not bother us though as we were enjoying the unique views this ride had to offer.

When we arrived, we began our search for a place to stay. Afterwards we went out to get a first glimpse of this small city. The atmosphere in Vang Vieng is very different. It used to be the city to go to if you wanted to party and try some ‘happy pizzas’ or ‘magic mushroom shakes’. Unfortunately this meant that for many young tourists it was their very last destination ever. Knowing this, it’s not surprising that  the government decided to undertake action. Now, drugs and attractions such as dangerous slides on the banks of the Mekong river are forbidden. Despite the actions of the government, the traces of the party life are still noticeable and it is still a popular destination to visit. And if you’re really dead set on a happy pizza, we highly doubt it’ll be hard to find in Vang Vieng.

We decided to book a trip to fill our first day in Vang Vieng: a full day of kayaking and tubing, including a barbecue for only €8! To reach the caves where we went tubing, we had to walk through a small traditional village of which the houses were made of wood and bamboo. It was amazing to see the children play with old tyres and sticks instead of tablets and iPhones. When I took a picture of one of them and showed it, they just couldn’t believe their eyes. During our trek, we passed many rice fields where we got a chance to meet the Lao farmers.

When we reached the caves, we all got a tube and flashlights. The cave was pitch black so I was somewhat scared of what could be in the water. Still, I entered to follow the group. When I finally stopped worrying about what could be lurking in the water, it was actually a really nice experience. Inside, the cave was quiet and with the flashlight, I marvelled at the beautiful sight of the different formations.

Back in front of the cave, we had the chance to swim in the emerald blue water before heading back to our bungalow to enjoy the barbecue.

With our bellies full of chicken and rice, we took the boat back to the car where our kayaks were awaiting us. I must say that the Mekong in Vang Vieng is very different. The open plains and fishing villages gave way to karst green mountains that made the scenery even more magnificent.

Halfway our tour, we stopped at a little riverside bar where the traces of the many parties years ago were still very visible. The rules of beer pong were still displayed on a large sign in the trees with as their last rule ‘Get drunk or get naked bitches’. No more words needed, I guess?  

[theessenceoflife14]

Wandering around Luang Prabang

Our first impression of Laos was amazing and even though Thailand and Laos are next to each other, both countries have a very different vibe. Laos is much more traditional, green, laidback and still quite undiscovered. During our stay here, we often had the feeling that we were in a place secluded from the rest of the world.

So our first stop was Luang Prabang which is full of history, religion and World Heritage sites! The frangipani trees, street vendors and artists adorn the riverside of this amazing and colourful city.

Some of the highlights included a climb of Mount Phousi which is quite hard on a hot and sunny day but undoubtedly worth the energy and sweat! Having reached the top, it is a must to just sit down, relax and enjoy the stunning view: the contrast of a busy city combined with the laidback riverside life.

While in Luang Prabang, it is highly recommended to go see some of the most ancient temples of Laos and the monks’ alms procession as it gives a glimpse of the day-to-day life of the Lao Buddhists. Make sure to respect their traditions and religion!

Just outside Luang Prabang are the Pak ou caves which you reach by boat. This silent sanctuary is very special to the people living in laung prabang. These shallow caves house thousands of budha statues that the locals bring every year to pray and celebrate the new year.

But, by far, the highlight of this journey was the refreshing, mesmerizing waterfall of Kuang Si. This astonishing site is every backpacker’s haven. If you look around really well, you can find the path to the beautiful blue lagoon. It’s a great way to escape the many tourists, relax and swim under the water that pours down. So make sure to put this on your bucket list!

On our way to the waterfall, we visited the Whisky village where we tasted the traditional whisky (which was more like wodka), based on rice. The whisky wasn't that good, but buying a bottle is a great way to support the locals and help preserve their culture!

To get a last sight in the nice and easy city life of Luang Prabang, we visited the picturesque night market and went to an all-you-can-eat-buffet for only €1!

Luang Prabang was truly amazing. 

[theessenceoflife14]

Journey along the Mekong

Because we had read such bad reviews, we decided not to take the dangerous and deafening speedboat but instead took the slowboat to Luang Prabang. The trip was very relaxing and we would absolutely recommend it as it gives a first glimpse of the amazing green scenery of Laos.

Fishing villages made out of bamboo and wood adorned the riverside of the Mekong. Along the journey we saw fishermen in their longtail boats, children playing in the banks of the river and various farms on the steep mountains.

After a 7 hour trip, we arrived at Pak Beng, a one-street village with little to no tourism. We were only 5 minutes outside, when we were offered drugs, which is not uncommon in Laos. After spending the night in this picturesque town, we continued our journey along the Mekong.

The trip on the second day, lasted 8 hours. So that makes a total of 15 hours which may seem a lot, but is actually worth it. Not one minute went by that we were bored and it was a welcome moment to relax after the hectic first days.  

[theessenceoflife14]

Exploring the mountains of Chiang Rai

As Chiang Rai is a quiet town, we decided to visit the famous White Temple and the secluded Chinese village Doi Mae Salong.

We rented a motorcycle for 200 baht (€5) and drove to the White Temple. The eye-blinding white exterior immediately catches your attention and the closer you are, the more details become apparent of this magnificent temple. White statues of dragons and Buddhas adorn this temple and make it a unique sight to behold.

After our visit to Wat Ron Khung, we drove to Doi Mae Salong, the Chinese village of the endless tea plantations. The village was established by Chinese fugitives who had to flee Myanmar after the Chinese revolution. The village is now mostly known for its tea plantations and trade in opium. After a 2,5 hour drive, we finally got there. The village itself didn’t amount to much. The daily market for example, was closed, probably due to it being the low season (we were the only tourists there). But the trip to get there was an amazing and unique experience. Doi Mae Salong is up in the mountains so we saw breathtaking views giving a glimpse in the life of the traditional farmers. Also the valleys full of rice fields and tea plantations were absolutely worth the drive.

After a while, we decided to leave the karst mountains and headed back to Chiang Rai to catch the last bus to Chiang Khong to finally cross the border to the laid-back lifestyle of Laos.

Arriving in Chiang Khong after a 2 hour bus drive with the locals, we received our exit stamp and crossed the Friendship bridge only to find out that we hadn’t brought enough money to pay for our visas. The ATM was out of order and the currency exchange office already closed (5pm). To be honest, we were both kind of stressed out at this point but fortunately, there was another ATM just around the corner.

So we left the Friendship bridge and Thailand with one more stamp on our passports and another adventure ahead of us, because tomorrow, we will be taking the slowboat to Luang Prabang! 

[theessenceoflife14]

From Bangkok to Chiang Rai

Our long anticipated journey to Thailand and Laos has finally begun! As we both aren’t too fond of Bangkok, we decided to go to Chiang Rai as soon as possible. So after one night in Bangkok, we took the morning train to Don Muang airport. If you ever have the same idea, be sure to leave early as our train was one hour late!

The train itself was an amazing experience, and we urge you to take it if you want to meet the locals and see another side of Bangkok along the way.

Chiang Rai was a nice change of pace, especially after the chaotic and crowded atmosphere in Bangkok. As we arrived, later than expected, we decided to take a stroll in the famous Night Bazar which showed another, more relaxed side of the Thai people.