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...

One of the older visitors to the town. A small town with a big reputation. A town for younger people, a town for all people, a town for fun and relaxation. One of the guest houses in town. Vang is a popular, tourist town maybe four hours and 120 kilometres north of the Laos capital of Vientiane. What sets Vang apart from all the other small towns along the way is its new found importance as a backpacker hangout. Many young folk from all over the world head here for a few days or a few weeks (along with a smattering of older visitors) to kickback and relax, drink, eat, socialise, and swim or paddle in the River—and Vang is dedicated to helping this happen. The town consists of a dozen or so streets, in a square kilometre or so, filled with low cost guest houses, cheap restaurants, dozens of tour companies. All this in a square kilometre, and a dozen streets, all stretching along the Nam Song River. Your bus from Vientiane to Vang Vieng. Map of the town. Two re...

A busy and vibrant city, the sound of motorbikes, the constant 'Sir! Would you like ...', 'Sir, bike you', and streets crowded with active people, make this a place to visit and remember. For those older folk, such as myself, Ho Chi Minh/Saigon evokes images of the 'Vietnam War', which saw Indochina invaded by the west. In this war three million people were killed, and the region devastated. It has taken the Vietnamese people a generation to rebuild their country, but they are on the way and doing an excellent job.  motorbike taxi guys. Your humble narrator and a local tour lady (V ladies do not normally dress like this) This war had its origins in the anti-colonial independence movements that began in the early 20th century. These were suppressed for several decades, but emerged again, stronger, after WW2. First the French were confronted, and, in 1954, following their ignominious defeat at Dien Bien Phu, they withdrew. Then the USA milit...