Overview of Vientiane, Laos from Patuxai Monument.

The highlights of Laos Diaries – Days 1-6 – Settling into Volunteering

I’m beyond excited to share my Laos Diaries with you! These past six days have been a whirlwind of emotions as I settled into volunteering in this beautiful country. I can’t believe I’m here, surrounded by lush greenery and kind-hearted people.

Flying Thai Airways to Vientiane – Settling into Volunteering

The Laos Diaries begin with a journey that is nothing short of luxurious, thanks to Thai Airways. As someone used to budget airlines, receiving complimentary drinks, meals, and plenty of leg space was a pleasant surprise. It’s a refreshing change from the usual cramped and uncomfortable budget flights.

The journey began in Perth, Australia, and took me straight to Bangkok for a layover before continuing to Vientiane, Laos. Flying with Thai Airways was a highlight and made me wonder if I should consider paying extra for these comforts more often. Nevertheless, the Laos Diaries are about adventure; not even a fancy flight will deter me from experiencing the world.

The Green Lion Volunteering in Laos

I can’t believe I am in Laos! All thanks to The Green Lion volunteering program in Vientiane. Upon hearing about the organization, I knew this was the perfect opportunity to venture out to a destination I had never been to. What’s better than travelling whilst giving back to the community?

I signed up to teach English to kids for two weeks, and my experience has been excellent. The Green Lion offers various disciplines to volunteer in at an affordable cost, which is one of the reasons why I decided to give it a shot.

The first week was dedicated to exploring the local culture and discovering beautiful spots in Vientiane. The cultural immersion has been an eye-opening experience for me so far, and I look forward to seeing what other adventures await me in the coming weeks.

The cosy sleeping arrangement at The Green Lion.

The best bits of Culture Week during week One in Vientiane

Below are some of the best Vientiane Attractions I visited during week one while settling into volunteering in Laos.

Vat Pana Khoun Temple

Visiting Vat Pana Khoun Temple in Vientiane, Laos, was a transformative experience. As someone who isn’t very familiar with Buddhist practices, I was excited to immerse myself in the culture and learn more about the monks who call the temple their home.

The sheer beauty of the temple itself could take your breath away, and the meditations and relaxations I participated in with the monks were nothing short of peaceful and life-affirming. I left the temple with a newfound appreciation and respect for Buddhist monks and their way of life. I highly recommend visiting this incredible place on a Vientiane day tour if you’re ever in the area.

–Exploring a local Laos Village

As I walked up the dusty streets of the local Laos village, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement. The simple wooden houses and gravel roads were far from the bustling city I had left behind. But what caught my eye was the stunning temple at the heart of the village.

As I continued to explore, I couldn’t help but smile at the sight of the cows and bulls wandering freely on the streets. It seemed to radiate a sense of peace and tranquillity that was infectious. But what I loved most of all were the locals themselves, with their friendly gazes and warm smiles. At that moment, I felt truly blessed to be in their company, even briefly.

Hike through the hills outside of Vientiane.

As I made my way up the hills outside of Vientiane, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of peace wash over me. The scrubs were a welcome change from the hustle and bustle of the city. Along the way, I stumbled upon an old broken-down village with a temple that still managed to stand tall.

Finally, reaching the end of the hike, I was met with a beautiful picnic spot. It was perched on top of a large rock with a view that oversees the vast beauty of Laos. The locals had hidden a few statues of Buddhas throughout the bush, where they would come and pray. The journey may have been a hard slog in the heat, but the reward of the stunning view made it all worth it.

I am settling into Volunteering with a Lao cooking class.

The older man and his bull in a Laos Village.

Walking Vientiane City during week one of settling into Volunteering

Walking through the streets of Vientiane was a unique experience that I won’t soon forget. As a capital city, it’s unlike any other with its small size and quiet roads. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the markets weren’t overwhelming or filled with pushy storeowners but instead had a laid-back vibe that made browsing a leisurely activity.

It was a welcome change of pace from the hustle and bustle of other Southeast Asian countries. Exploring Vientiane felt like discovering a hidden gem, and I’m grateful to explore a city with such a refreshingly relaxed nature.

A few early notables of what I did in Vientiane, Laos, during my short time in the capital city. I will get more into Vientiane in a future blog post.

Patuxai Monument

I still remember the first time I saw the Patuxai Monument in Laos. It was a stunning sight that left me mesmerized. They were right, I thought; you haven’t truly experienced this country until you’ve seen this monument. I eagerly began my ascent to the top of the memorial, eager to see the city from above.

The breathtaking view of the city was something else entirely; a panoramic vista of a city filled with life and energy. I couldn’t help but marvel at the sheer beauty of it all. And when I finally reached the top, it was as if I had been transported to another world. It was at that moment that I knew that this was a memory that would stay with me forever.

Golden Palace Vientiane

As soon as I entered the Golden Palace in Vientiane, I knew I was in a sacred place. The beauty of the buildings was breathtaking, with intricate designs and shimmering gold accents. The air was filled with the sweet scent of burning incense, and the sound of chanting monks surrounded me.

I couldn’t help but feel a sense of peace wash over me as I walked through the grounds. It was apparent why this place is so popular with tourists – it is a stunning architectural feat and holds a special significance for the locals who come here to pray. Incredibly, such a serene place can exist amid a bustling city.

The Vientiane Night Markets

I remember the first time I visited the Vientiane Night Markets. The hustle and bustle of the crowds and the smell of grilled meats and spices immediately drew me in. Positioned right on the Mekong River, walking through the stalls and watching the sunset over the water was fascinating.

The variety of handmade crafts, clothing, and souvenirs was incredible, not to mention the food stalls offering delicious local cuisine. It was a true sensory overload and an experience I will never forget. If you find yourself in Vientiane, add the Night Markets to your itinerary – it’s a must-visit destination.

Cope Visitor Centre

Visiting the Cope Visitor Centre in Laos was a truly eye-opening experience for me. As I walked through the exhibits and learned about the tragic history of this beautiful country, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of sadness and disbelief. The damage caused by the cluster bombs on the innocent people of Laos was devastating, and the stories shared by the survivors moved me.

It was truly humbling to see the resilience and strength of the people of Laos as they worked to rebuild their lives after such an unimaginable tragedy. The Cope Visitor Centre is an important reminder of the devastating effects of war and a call to action to work towards a more peaceful world.

Enjoy a full-day tour in Vientiane with Get Your Guide!

The Patuxai Monument, Vientiane, Laos

The Lying Budda at Golden Palace.

The Laos Taxi

When I first saw the tuc tuc in Laos, I admit I was a little intimidated. The idea of squeezing onto the back of the tray with a dozen locals, all perspiring in the heat, didn’t exactly sound like a glamorous mode of transportation. But then I remembered that travel should be about experiencing new things, so I climbed aboard. And you know what? It was a lot of fun!

Sure, it was a bit cramped, but being surrounded by locals made me feel like I was living the authentic Laotian experience. The only downside was the language barrier – my lack of Laotian skills and the drivers’ lack of English made getting to my destinations challenging. But overall, I’d say the tuc tuc ride was well worth it.

The Tuc Tuc (Laos taxi)

Eating Lao Food

As a food lover, I was excited to try Lao cuisine for the first time during my volunteering trip. I knew it would be similar to Thai food based on what I had read and heard. But I didn’t expect the range of flavours and spices that explode in your mouth with every bite.

From the savoury sticky rice to the tangy papaya salad, everything is at a very affordable price. But what caught my eye was the availability of cheap beer to accompany my meals, creating a perfect evening snack time. My experience eating Lao food is one of the highlights of my trip, and I am already looking forward to exploring more dishes.

Wow, what a journey it has been. The first edition of Laos Diaries was a fantastic experience filled with unforgettable memories and incredible adventures. We explored some of the most beautiful parts of in Vientiane in Laos and sure some amazing scenery and city structures. But now that the first edition has ended, it’s time to start a new adventure.

I’m excited to announce that the second edition of Laos Diaries is now available, featuring Days 7-9 A weekend in Vang Vieng. Join me as we continue to explore the magic of this beautiful country, discovering hidden gems and experiencing the local culture. Let’s go!

Related Content to Fair Dinkum Traveller