Vang Vieng to Vientiane, Laos

Karst Limestone - Vang Vieng, Laos

There's a reason why Vang Vieng became a backpacker haven...the scenery here is beautiful and kayaking and tubing offers are in long supply. Read more about the journey from Luang Prabang to Vientiane in Laos.

Cute Kids - Vang Vieng, Laos

Would you trust these kids to cut your hair? Read more about the journey from Luang Prabang to Vientiane in Laos.

Sitting by the Road - Luang Prabang, Laos

Our minivan's clutch broke about 45 minutes outside Luang Prabang. Luckily, he had a mobile phone and could call for back-up. About 90 minutes later, another minivan showed up and we were on our way again. For anyone going from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng, you'll be treated to beautiful views...and four hours of switchbacks, so bring your motion sickness pills. Read more about the journey from Luang Prabang to Vientiane in Laos.

Cow and Pointsettia - Luang Prabang, Laos

What to do when you're broken down on the side of the road? Find the nearest village and take some photos. We think of poinsettias as winter or Christmas flowers, but they grow in bushes during the dry season in Thailand, Vietnam and Laos. Read more about the journey from Luang Prabang to Vientiane in Laos.

Kayaking on the Nam Lik - Vang Vieng, Laos

Kayaking trips from Vang Vieng to Vientiane are available as an alternative to a trip by road. Read more about the journey from Luang Prabang to Vientiane in Laos.

Kayaking on the Rapids - Vang Vieng, Laos

Apparently, river covers most of these rocks during the wet season. Then, the real rapids begin! Read more about the journey from Luang Prabang to Vientiane in Laos.

Grilled Prawns - Vientiane, Laos

Our first night in Vientiane takes us to one of the many restaurants set up along the Mekong River. They all serve the same type of food at similar prices, so we opted for the place with the freshest looking seafood. After a brief negotiation, we ended up with fIve of the meatiest giant grilled prawns we've had in our lives for $4. Paired with a lemongrass-stuffed whole fish, this made for a simple, yet transcendental culinary experience. Read about our first impressions of Vientiane, Laos.

Man Holding a Butterfly and Mobile Phone - Vang Vieng, Laos

Our kayaking guide was also interested in the butterfly we'd found. Read more about the journey from Luang Prabang to Vientiane in Laos.

Kayaking Dan and Audrey - Vang Vieng, Laos

In reality, they had some problems keeping the kayak going straight...but they had fun and lots of laughs along the way. Read more about the journey from Luang Prabang to Vientiane in Laos.

Giant Prawn - Vientiane, Laos

An example of one of the giant prawns we ate along the Mekong River in Vientiane. Read about our first impressions of Vientiane, Laos.

Tiger Butterfly - Vang Vieng, Laos

While taking a riverside lunch break on our kayak trip, Dan spotted this delicate butterfly on a life vest. Read more about the journey from Luang Prabang to Vientiane in Laos.

Big and Small Buddhas - Vientiane, Laos

The courtyard at Wat Si Saket was filled with small crevices, each stuffed with two Buddha statues. Large statues stood in front, many adorned with colorful sashes. Read about our first impressions of Vientiane, Laos.

Dragons and Temple Rooftops - Vientiane, Laos

Rooftops doing battle at Wat Si Saket. Read about our first impressions of Vientiane, Laos.

Woman Carrying Her Mobile Restaurant - Vientiane, Laos

This woman is on the move to find her next spot. She has all she needs to set up a restaurant anywhere she wants - bowls, soup pot, silverware, and fixings. Read about our first impressions of Vientiane, Laos.

Broken Buddha Statues - Vientiane, Laos

Wat Si Saket had several storage areas that served as graveyards for broken Buddha statues sacked by various invaders. Read about our first impressions of Vientiane, Laos.

Natural Medicine Healers - Vientiane, Laos

Natural medicine healers were lined up around the block at the Talat Sao market in Vientiane. Bags full of tree bark, roots, herbs, amulets and mysterious potions in murky bottles stand ready to cure what ails. Read about our first impressions of Vientiane, Laos.

Adorned Buddha - Vientiane, Laos

Read about our first impressions of Vientiane, Laos.