While in Vang Vieng, we interpreted some information wrong about where the largest waterfall in Asia is located. We thought it was right near Pakse, Laos so we hopped on a bus and reserved a hotel. Turns out, the waterfall is a couple hours further south in the 4000 Islands region. The bus to Pakse was not typical because it was actually a “sleeping” bus. I’m not sure who invented this concept but it is a terrible idea especially in Laos where most roads are unpaved dirt tracks. Simply put, there was a mattress instead of seat. You shared this mattress with whoever was next to you so if you weren’t traveling with a companion you would be sleeping with a stranger. On top of that, all night long you are being bounced around so no matter how you sleep you are bound to be rolling around. And there are no seatbelts.

Pakse was an interesting city. Continue reading →