Embarking on my next adventure, I bid farewell to my cousins and set my sights on the enchanting land of Laos, the lone land-locked gem in South-East Asia.
Flying in with a mix of anticipation and uncertainty, I entered this communist country without an onward ticket, a stranger to both its people and its secrets.
My First Night in Vientiane
My first night unfolded at the Mali Namphu hotel, a modest yet charming haven with a picturesque courtyard.
Breakfasts were a delight in this quaint retreat, and a secluded pool provided solace from the heat, fostering connections with fellow travelers.
Venturing out on the following day, I stumbled upon a quaint café/bar, locking eyes with a woman who would become a significant part of my Laos journey.
To my surprise, she was the owner, and we instantly hit it off with her command of English.
From Traveler to Local
Being a foodie, and travelling adventurer, and meeting a restaurant owner in a country like this, was a dream!
I was able to practically live in the restaurant and choose to make Vientiane my long-term home.
I transitioned from staying in an apartment above the restaurant, and various hotels, to a premium condo replete with a pool, security, fitness center, sauna, and parking.
The purchase of a motorbike and bicycle added a touch of local flavor to my settling-in process along the Mekong River.
Life in the Restaurant
My newfound routine included exploring night food markets, where I became a regular connoisseur of local veggies and the delectable array of Laos street foods.
Working at the restaurant where my adventure began, I contributed to a menu redesign, tended the bar, and assisted wherever needed.
In return, I enjoyed home cooked food every day, anything I wanted from the bar, and met many wonderful locals and sojourners like myself from all corners of the world.
Seeing Laos From Behind the Scenes
Experiencing this third-world country through the eyes of a restauranteur offered a unique perspective.
Delving into specific markets dedicated to meats, vegetables, seasonings, rice varieties, and various specialty shops, I discovered the intricacies of running a full-scale restaurant.
Midnight market visits became an adventure, avoiding the heat and traffic, especially before grand festivals.
Life Along the Mekong
Life along the Mekong River was a tapestry woven with the threads of amazing people.
The locals, respectful and kind, became friends, and spending each night at the restaurant opened doors to interactions with people from all corners of the world.
A Culinary Journey Through Laos
The culinary journey was as rich as the cultural one.
From Pad Thai and Tom Yum to Papaya Salad and Khao Jee, I indulged in the flavors of Laos.
Time spent in the restaurant’s kitchen allowed me to savor the skills of Thai and Laos chefs, treating my palate to a variety of mouthwatering traditional dishes with flavors found only in this region.
A Life I Never Expected
My Vientiane journey was an incredible lifetime experience, with a many historic sites waiting to be explored, and where I met many friends and had many adventures along the way.
What began as an uncertain arrival in a country where I knew virtually no one became something much more meaningful—a chance to experience Vientiane not simply as a traveler, but as someone who had found a place within the local community.
Where I Stayed:
Mali Namphu Hotel
The Mali Namphu Hotel was my introduction to accommodations in Vientiane, and I remember it for its modest charm and picturesque courtyard. The property provided a secluded pool that was particularly welcome in the heat of Laos. It was here that I began meeting other travelers and getting a feel for life in Vientiane. More importantly, this was the starting point for the unexpected experiences that would eventually lead me to spend far more time in Laos than I had originally planned.
Le Charme Vientiane Hotel
The Le Charme Vientiane Hotel was ideally located in the heart of old Vientiane, just a one-minute walk from the Mekong River. That location made it easy to wander out in the evening and explore the restaurants, shops, and attractions nearby. The hotel also offered an outdoor pool and fitness center, which were welcome amenities in the Laotian heat. It was a comfortable base from which to experience the slower pace and charm of Vientiane.