Solo University Student Travel to Laos Part 2: Sightseeing

🇱🇦 Laos Trip Part 2: Sightseeing

This time, I took a leisurely walking tour of the center of the capital, Vientiane!

👑 Statue of King Fa Ngum

This statue of King Fa Ngum, considered the founding father of Laos, is located along the Mekong River and is a religious spot for locals. It's also accessible to tourists, with a plaza-like area and free admission! Perfect for a leisurely stroll.

There's also a Starbucks nearby, with consistently high quality coffee. ☕️✨
For about 10 days, I spent my mornings writing my thesis at Starbucks and my afternoons sightseeing. The charm of Laos is being able to live at your own pace, even while abroad.

🍚 Food and Socializing

Dinner was within walking distance. The fried rice-style rice dish was particularly delicious, and I ate it almost every day during my stay! Along the way, I made friends with European travelers and enjoyed drinking beer with them, and I also encountered Japanese travelers and Japanese-run shops, enjoying some unexpected interactions. 🍺✨

⛩ Wat Chan

This prestigious temple sits along the Mekong River. Its majestic atmosphere makes it a place of worship for locals. Laos is home to so many temples, and even the admission fees are only a few hundred yen, making it easy to explore! Being able to experience religious culture is a major draw.

💡 Travel Tips
〇 Prices in Laos are quite low, making dining and accommodation both affordable.
〇 The currency is the Lao kip, but many stores also accept Thai baht.
〇 The bills I exchanged were so new that people in the street questioned them for being counterfeit—a funny memory!
〇 English isn't always understood. But pointing and gestures are enough!
〇 Store clerks and locals are generally friendly, and the laid-back atmosphere is comfortable.

Next time, we will continue with ③ Summary of my stay in Laos! 🇱🇦✨