Trip Reports - Laos adventure

We just did a mini trip through Laos. We took the dangerous bus [Amex would not book this trip because it was considered dangerous, and it was] The tires had no thread left on all 10 of them, the roads through the mountains had sheer drops with no guard rails, speed was a factor, they also loved the other side of the road rather than their side.

The only rest stops was when you asked for one and it was on the side of the road with all exposed. I felt sorry for a young Australian woman who had to drop her pants in front of everyone, she must have been busting. The local women dropped their pants with no difficulty.

Word of warning, forget drinking water, beer, soft drinks when on this 6 hour trip.

The scenery was breath taking, beautiful mountains, valleys and water ways.

Luang Prabang was a pleasure, cheap, warm, no humidity, and beautiful. Lots of French culture and influence. Not to mention lots of French tourist.

All in all Laos was very nice.

What was your route? Was this the public bus? There are good alternatives that are only slightly more expensive.

I'm surprised that women didn't go behind the bushes to go to the toilet. That was my experience going from Vientiane-Luang Prabang on the bus. It helps when you're a local wearing a phaa sin (skirt), of course.
Rich