The Journey(s) of Ian

This cluster of numerous islands is found at the far southern border of Laos in the middle of the Mekong River. Cambo is just a hike away. At this point the Mekong River widens to over a kilometre and reveals many islands (four thousand? I don’t know) above the waterline. In the dry season many of these tiny and low islands are revealed. In the wet season many of these temporary islands disappear under the flooding waters while the main islands suffer from aquatic inundation. So—why go there? In short, relaxation. The 4,000 is the most laid back environment in Southeast Asia. Just what is it? There are two islands that bear the main brunt of tourism. These islands are named Don Det and Don Khon. Each is only a few square kilometres. Most of the land area is given over to rice and agriculture. On Don Det there is a road encircling the island with several roads criss-crossing the island. Next to the jetty is the tourist strip, 100m of small restaura...

The short answer—so so. It is a comfortable and fun locale with sufficient resources to get work done, but not more than that. No expansive infrastructure, no community, and a town not oriented towards productive work. Score (5 stars) accommodation: * * * * * living: * * * * internet: * * 2.5 nomadic community: * Tourist todo: * * * * OVERALL score: * * * 3.5 stars. NOMAD score: * * 2 stars. Tell me more about this town! You may have heard of Vang Vieng, as a town of tubing, as a backpacker hangout, and significant destination on the “Banana Pancake Trail”. All correct. It is a town where you can relax, live easy, watch the world go by, or indulge in an orgy of nature adventure. It is a small, northern Laos town surrounded by green hills and lush rice paddies, and lots of nature. Small—a few main streets—an hour of walking will show you everything there is to see. You will quickly see that it is a tourist town. The centre is filled with restaura...

Luang Prabang, Laos — A Good Spot for Digital Nomads? To answer this question quickly—good even fine, but not great. Let me explain. Luang Prabang has sufficient resources for a wandering digital nomad in search of a place to rest a weary head, but there is no community of nomads and the IT infrastructure, while adequate, is not oriented to online work. Score (5 stars) accommodation: * * * * * living: * * * * internet: * * * nomadic community: * Tourist todo: * * * * OVERALL score: * * * 3.5 stars. NOMAD score: * * 2 stars. Tell me more about this town! Luang Prabang is a small town (like all Laos towns) in northern Laos. It has a colourful history and it is now a UN World Heritage Site, a tourist destination, a locale on the ‘Bamboo Circuit’ of southeast Asia, and a peaceful spot in which to hang. It is not too far from China (and there are flights and buses to). About 8 bus hours ($20) or 1 flight hour ($100) from the Laos capital, Vi...