Today we arose after a restful night’s sleep at the Seng Aroun hotel in Pakse. The next time you’re in Pakse (ha ha), we would recommend that you stay here. For the USD $23, you get the equivalent of about $100 room in the US. It’s great! We’ve also decided that between the “big cities” of Pakse and Vientienne, Pakse is the nicest. Less pollution, less traffic, more water in the Mekong, downtown is a little less junky, widespread internet cafes, good coffee, etc. Also there is plenty to do in just a very short drive. Our one day was not nearly enough. So for those of you who have looked at your retirement account lately and are thinking about moving to Laos to live like a billionaire on virtually nothing, Pakse is a good choice.
The highlight of our day today was touring the ruins of Wat Phu Champasak, named a World Heritage Sight in 2001. This is an ancient, 3 level religious complex that stretches from ground level on up a mountain range to 1400m. The steps were ridiculously steep and original ( not level at all) so we got our cardio in today, for sure. Inscriptions in the ruins apparently verify that worshipping has been occurring here since at least the 5th century! This is sort of the Angor Wat of Laos although not as big. This complex is surprisingly well preserved for how unprotected it is. Also, the scenery from bottom to top and top to bottom is absolutely stunning and the symmetry is amazing! Awesome time and highly recommend this outing! We were sorry that we didn’t have time to tour the Bolavan Plateau while we were here but we’ll be sure to bring back what is supposed to be some of the best coffee in the world that is grown there!
Afterwards we did some driving around to find significant landmarks from Seng’s family’s past such as the re-education camp that Ted was held prisoner in and also the bamboo hut Seng was born in. Both spots were found, however, semi anticlimactic for all as nothing was left in either spot but trees and grass, or a rice paddie!!!! We later spent a bit watching the sunset over the Mekong and then had dinner at Seng’s uncle Vong’s house. Couldn’t help thinking while we were watching the sunset that the same sun that is disappearing on the horizon before our eyes is appearing before yours back in the eastern US! Weird, huh?
Well, this our last night in Laos. Tomorrow, we will cross the border at Chong Mek, Thailand…move on to the city of Ubon Ratchathani, and catch a flight to Chiang Mai, Thailand!!! We’ll try to keep you posted! Oh yeah….enjoy the picture of the cooked cecadas on a stick! Lol.
Roger and Seng
