Hello, Travel Hivers!

It's my first time to post here in TravelFeed. I hope to get some support 🤗
I'll share my first ever solo-backpacking. I'm so proud of this event that I managed to do everything on my own.

I know at this time, we won't be able to go anywhere, but I look forward to inspiring y'all to travel again when the right time comes.

So here you go:

I promised myself that every year on my birthday, I will go somewhere I’ve never been to.

Laos has always been on my list to visit with my boyfriend. We both love adventures! However, that year (2019) I decided to do solo backpacking. He was not able to join due to work reasons. It just so happen that everything was perfect — cheap flight tickets, early October is also the soft start to the peak season (not much tourist influx as compared to mid-October onwards), nice weather, and I didn’t want to delay … so why not?

Changi Airport

I usually design my own itinerary… lots of research and lists until I can stitch them all up!
Here’s what I did for Laos:

Day 1

• Departure to Luang Prabang via Scoot
• Check-in at Ancient Luang Prabang Hotel (7/10)
• Wat Xieng Thong: Buddhist temple

• Stroll in the night market where you can find tons of cheap and locally produced items, including bamboo straws (talk about environmental sustainability!), souvenirs, and what else but FOOD!
  One can find the cheapest buffet ever – if you’re vegetarian or vegan. A plate of everything you want in one take for 15,000 Kip (~S$2) — think of Wendy’s salad bar (Only Pinoys can relate).

Day 2

5 am Alms-giving ceremony
Failed because rain + cozy hotel = snoozed!

• Kuang Si Falls: arguably the best spot in Laos with its turquoise blue waterfall layers!
  Tip: Visit early! I left the hotel at 8 am. It took about an hour from my hotel in town to reach the entrance to Kuang Si Falls.
  Entrance fee is 20,000 Kip (~S$3 or US$2).
  

I arrived by 9 am when almost no one was there and just took my time to explore the area.

Bird’s eye view
Photo credits to Google.

Bonus tip: Hike the falls! It’s about 60mins easy-peasy trek from bottom to top and back for an unbelievably gorgeous sight!

Oh, the thrills of hiking -- hidden gems!

• Time to relax in the falls after the trek

• Lunch and back to the hotel to prepare for my transport from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng.
• Minibus transfer to Vang Vieng (4hrs-5hrs)
• Check-in at my most favorite hotel ever: LiSha Grand Hotel (10/10 rating!)
• Stay the night

Day 3

• Early wake-up call for Nam Xay Viewpoint: one of the most picturesque views overlooking the lush Laos landscape will leave you speechless.

Did I mention I love trekking, despite not being physically fit for it and continuously feeling like a person gasping for air after being drowned?

But Nam Xay is the shortest one I did — the climb isn’t too hard with a lot of bamboo fences to hold onto, although it can get very steep and slippery.

Entrance fee is 20,000 Kip.
Tip: Visit early to have the place to yourself and reward yourself with a refreshing next stop.

Lovin’ every bit of Laos 🇱🇦

• Blue Lagoon 3

There are 6 blue lagoons in Laos but this one is the less popular due to its location and bumpy road to travel which means lesser people to share the entire place. The water runs fresh and very cold from the mountains.

Tip: Don’t skip the swing and the zip line drop!

• Quick visit to Nam Song River Bridge.

Yes, I changed outfit for this photo!

• Back to the hotel for some R&R.

Day 4

• Highlight of this trip: HOT AIR BALLOON RIDE!
  This is the cheapest hot air balloon ride in the world, so if you happen to visit Laos – take this opportunity!

Sad fact: Myanmar broke my heart in 2017 when it decided to rain on the day we were supposed to take the flight.
Crazy surreal experience – one of a kind experience floating in thin air with the incredible scenery of Vang Vieng town.

• Back to the hotel to prep for my next stop: Vientiane!

LiSha Grand Hotel — thank you for the amazing stay!

• Transfer from Vang Vieng to Vientiane – sad to go!

I met a very interesting Chilean guy. I might save this story for some other time and post.

• Arrival and check-in at Pacific Vientiane Hotel (2/10) 😒👎
  The only good thing about this place is its location which is very close to town and airport, and the friendly staff who I think did not rest – saw her during check-in and check-out (Oh hotel life – didn’t miss you even for a bit HAHA).

• Stay the night.

Day 5

(Failed) Buddha Park
One thing I loved the most during this experience is that I get to just lie down until forever. I just waited for my flight back to Singapore. Tee hee!

Overall, it was a nice and unusual experience for me.

I got to get out of my comfort zone and did the things I never imagined I can do alone — met new acquaintances who I genuinely think that I can be friends with, trekked (and dragged myself without the bf who usually the one who drags me up), and eat by myself in a café/restaurant (Rachel Green feels), and most importantly had a me time that I truly enjoyed. YAY ME!

_{Original post from: paulajogalix.wordpress.com.}

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