I’ve learned a lot about backpacking through word of mouth. Though the initial idea for many travelers is to pick up a guidebook and try and plan their trip, word of mouth is the best way for travelers to learn about great places to visit, and the happenings in countries they are hoping to wander in.
One polarizing topic of conversation for many backpackers is the capital city in Laos. Vientiane itself isn’t too loud nor raucous, as well as being clean and having some beautiful architecture. A number of travelers seem to hate it though. This, of course, prompted a stop over for me on my way down south.
As I pulled into the capital via motorbike, I found myself greeted by traffic. Though there was an abundance of cars and motorcycles, the driving itself was much less reckless than the rest of the country (as well as Southeast Asia). People primarily stayed in their lanes and motorcycles weren’t wreaking havoc. This was a false indication of how my trip would ensue.
