The Journey(s) of Ian

Getting from the capital of Laos to any of its outlying towns is not a difficult task, but one that requires a little planning and knowledge, so to be accomplished without trouble or annoyance. In this case let us examine a trip from Vientiane to Savannakhet. First, a sleeper bus. These depart from the Southern Bus Station, with is a dozen kilometres to the north of Vientiane. The VIP bus departs at 20.30, an overnight sojurn. Tickets can be purchased at any tourist place in the tourist area, or at the bus station itself. Just walk into the station and there are the ticket counters. Most signs are in Loas, but there is sufficient English to find your buss. A ticket is 120,000 Kip (400 baht, $13)—not expensive, however… Each ‘bed’ on the sleeping bus is for two people. Fine, if you are a couple, but if not you will be bunking down with a stranger for your overnight recline. Also, the ‘beds’ are not overly large. For an average height westerner, too short for a comfortable trip. My...

My next destination was Jinghong City. Jjinghong is the capital of the southern area of Yunnan Province. Yunnan Province borders Laos (and Myanmar and Vietnam). This southern are a is named Xishuangbanna ('she-shung-ban-ar', nicknamed Banna), and is an autonomous region in the province. Banna culture reflects its Thai history and association. This region was once a Thai kingdom that eventually fell under the sway of China. The city is tiny by Chinese standards “only” half a million people! My first view of the city and the word “delightful” comes to mind. At night neon lights illuminate the streets and eating areas of the city. There is a great stretch of cafes and small restaurants in the city centre. The journey from Luang to Jinghong City (as it is nicknamed) is a 12 hour bus ride (07.00-19.00). Not the worst, but certainly not the most comfortable bus ride you will ever experience. Essentia lly, a long and winding, and bumpy road., but with beautiful and lush,...

650kms, 9 hours, one night. Another trip, another journey. This time from Bangkok to the town of Surat Thani. Surat is one of the larger towns of southern Thailand, capital of the province of the same name, and the province (of the same name) is home to the beach resort island of Koh Samui. Me, the bus guy, and the bus. people people people--the loneliness of the travelling man. It is a burden. Surrounded by people but always a part. my ticket A fine few weeks in bkk. Saw some friends, saw some new places, visited and revisited some nearby provinces, but time to move on. Get your ticket. Sai Tai, at night, main entrance. I departed bkk from the southern bus station, aka Sai Tai, which is to the west of bkk--go figure. Getting there required a taxi ride from nana—there being little public transport to a major transportation nexus—go figure. Taxi = 200 baht, 60 baht tollway, and 100baht tip because the guy did not haggle about using the meter. It's all an ad...

Departing the Rangong terminal at night, in the rain. My life. Bus travel I will confess that I do not like flying, thus I am ready to take a 12 hour bus ride rather than spend an hour in a plane. There are advantages to this other than the avoiding of the flight itself. Have you taken a flight recently? Security! Multiple recursive hassles. Lots of high school educated goons in uniform wasting your time. Carrying a full compliment of gear, as I do, which includes pointy things, even a knife, leads to questions--and if you forget to stow something you should have, it is gone with the wind. The thoughts and advice here are largely based upon my experiences in Thailand, but they do have an universal appicability. My VIP Ranong to Bangkok bus. Late at night, another lonely journey from A to B. Plan Get your ticket. Pick a good seat if seats are allocated. Not too close to the toilet, which will be found at the back of the bus. Not to close to the tv (noisy). The middle ...