tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-376548882011-11-21T19:48:33.536+08:00straycatnoreply@blogger.comBlogger2881100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37654888.post-90526420823109476042011-11-21T19:46:00.001+08:002011-11-21T19:48:33.592+08:00

27 Nov - SIN > KUL 28 Nov - KUL > VTE (Talat Khua Din, Wat Hay Sok) 29 Nov - VTE 30 Nov - VTE 01 Dec - VTE 02 Dec - VTE  03 Dec - VTE > Bor Nam Oun 04 Dec - Bor Nam Oun > Luang Prabang 05 Dec - Luang Prabang 06 Dec - Luang Prabang 07 Dec - Luang Prabang 08 Dec - Luang Prabang > Oudomxay 09 Dec - Oudomxay > Boun Neua 10 Dec - Boun Neua > Ou Tai 11 Dec - Ou Tai > Ou Neua > Ou Tai 12 Dec - Ou

straycatnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37654888.post-61664606733151238302011-10-11T01:36:00.000+08:002011-10-11T01:36:47.264+08:00

- errors, suggestions & contributions - kindly email: laomeow at gmail dot com - last modified on 11 October 2011 - old version (23 November 2009) here LUANG PRABANG TOWN Luang Prabang northern bus station Located at IU224 on this map. May 2011 - photos by snowinjanuary Timetable (June 2011) (hobomaps): To Bokeo - 5:30PM, 7:00PM (VIP) - 120,000kip / 145,000kip (VIP) To Luang Namtha -

straycatnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37654888.post-79202365845304414112011-10-03T16:50:00.000+08:002011-10-03T16:54:10.822+08:00

Compiled from various sources. Please let the cat know of any errors - drop an email to: laomeow at gmail dot com. Contributions & updates (photographed, handwritten, or links to info on other websites, etc) most welcome & much appreciated. Created: 05 July 2008. Last modified: 03 October 2011. DOMESTIC FLIGHTS Lao Airlines (official site) Lao Air - Vientiane-Sam Neua (Houa Phanh) &

straycatnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37654888.post-21646570063808217502011-10-03T16:40:00.000+08:002011-10-06T09:27:31.798+08:00

- errors, suggestions & contributions - kindly email: laomeow at gmail dot com - created on 03 October 2011 Phonsavanh bus station  Located at JZ218 on this map. Tel.: 030-5170148, 020-22340828 Timetable (May 2011) (hobomaps): Ordinary bus = black font AC bus = red font VIP bus = blue font To Vientiane - 7:00AM, 8:00AM, 10:30AM, 4:30PM, 6:40PM, 8:00PM - 110,000kip / 130,000kip To

straycatnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37654888.post-30796869011181401572011-10-03T02:11:00.000+08:002011-10-03T14:58:46.657+08:00

- errors, suggestions & contributions - kindly contact: laomeow at gmail dot com - last updated on 03 October 2011 LUANG NAMTHA TOWN Maps by hobomaps.com & ecotourismlaos.com Luang Namtha new bus station (photo, September 2008) ~10km out of town, at KB198 on this map. ~10,000kip songthaew ride into town centre. Timetable (January 2011) (hobomaps): Click on image for larger version Notes

straycatnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37654888.post-66500304095228702962011-09-20T22:27:00.000+08:002011-09-20T22:29:09.786+08:00

- errors, suggestions & contributions, kindly email: laomeow at gmail dot com - created 15 February 2011 - last updated 20 September 2011 HUAY XAI Huay Xai bus station (photo) Located at DP120 on this map. Timetable (September 2011) (hobomaps): Click on image for larger version Old info for reference: Timetable (January 2011) (hobomaps) Timetable 1 (14 March 2010) (Ian Taylor)Timetable 2

straycatnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37654888.post-29217345326143617982011-09-18T22:14:00.000+08:002011-09-18T22:15:34.709+08:00

Once upon a time, the cat played with kites made from plastic bags, garbage bags & newspapers too :)

straycatnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37654888.post-34218399051980135352011-09-18T22:11:00.000+08:002011-09-18T22:13:22.415+08:00

All photos in this post by K-san  King Setthathilath, the guy who built That Luang: In the shadow of the King: Who are these blue shirts? Blue shirts buying offerings of marigolds from blue shirts - interesting how the boy at right is wearing a cross:

straycatnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37654888.post-30616485559505644332011-09-18T16:57:00.000+08:002011-09-18T16:58:22.529+08:00

straycatnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37654888.post-74471759427778694812011-09-18T16:55:00.000+08:002011-09-18T16:56:30.729+08:00

straycatnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37654888.post-6141614879906772052011-09-18T16:53:00.000+08:002011-09-18T16:54:24.251+08:00

Naga diet - sticky rice... & chocolate wafers garnished with marigold flowers... & banana leaves, jasmine flower buds & plain water (they do drink from cups): Phansa candles: BIG FAT candle meets tiny thin counterparts: Hanging mobile made by tying coloured thread on an asterisk-shaped bamboo frame - they are usually diamond-shaped & this is the first hexagon-shaped piece the cat

straycatnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37654888.post-45186518506164086332011-09-18T16:50:00.000+08:002011-09-18T16:53:24.782+08:00

Photos from 300707: At the back/eastern side of the stupa: A little stupa: Think it is the That Si Thamma Hay Sok:

straycatnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37654888.post-53215155088532166042011-09-10T22:07:00.000+08:002011-09-10T22:09:13.100+08:00

There are 30 of these 'spires' surrounding the actual stupa: Each one represents a parami (บารมี barami - Thai, 波罗蜜 bo1 luo2 mi4 - Chinese), the perfection of a virtue that is part of the path to enlightenment: 10 parami - dana (ทาน taan 布施, generosity - from which the practice of giving alms stems), sila (ศีล siin 持戒, virtue - observing the precepts), nekkhamma (เนกขัมมะ renunciation)

straycatnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37654888.post-76793106260038474462011-09-08T14:59:00.000+08:002011-09-08T14:58:00.766+08:00

- errors, suggestions & contributions, kindly email: laomeow at gmail dot com - last modified on 08 September 2011 HONGSA Hongsa songthaew station In front of the market. Photo & info - 22 & 23 December 2009: Click here for full size version. Second photo is the only instance of 'double pricing' for songthaew/truck transport ever encountered in Laos so far, not sure if actually

straycatnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37654888.post-91026652262406822202011-09-07T21:49:00.000+08:002011-09-07T21:50:29.009+08:00

A lot more of That Luang - photos from 280707, 300707 & 010807: Does look a bit like Vientiane's secret stash of nuclear warheads :P

straycatnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37654888.post-60097902110017217952011-09-07T21:46:00.000+08:002011-09-07T21:48:18.063+08:00

Google map satellite view of Pha That Luang - Laos is where lines are not always perfectly straight, pillars & stupas not always perfectly vertical, doorways & arches not always perfectly symmetrical, & squares not always perfectly square: Main/front door at left (west) faces the back of King Setthathilath's statue, shadow of stupa points towards Wat That Luang Neua, & the red roof at the

straycatnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37654888.post-58980930123730163222011-09-04T05:23:00.000+08:002011-09-04T20:25:36.685+08:00

The symbol of Laos in what might be the cleanest outdoor public space in Laos: If only the rest of Laos was just as litter-free :P Where's the Lonely Planet logo at the upper left of the real thing? :P (Warning: if that is how you use guidebooks to find the right place, the cover of the 6th edition is going to lead you to nowhere & the 7th edition to Wat Xieng Thong in Luang Prabang.) The

straycatnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37654888.post-28816239710629565362011-09-04T01:35:00.000+08:002011-09-04T16:38:26.788+08:00

Across the road from Wat Nong Bone:   Photo by K-san Arrived after closing time: So that's all for today - nice doors! What stands behind... ...has to wait for another day:

straycatnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37654888.post-53655079624149329812011-08-21T16:53:00.000+08:002011-08-21T16:54:29.205+08:00

The place where cremations were held, as mentioned here: Photo by K-san The coconuts must be good, for 'rungs' to be nailed on the trunk for easy access? A peaceful respite in central Vientiane - this section has the feel of a 'wat pa' (forest temple): Remains of a stupa? Perimeter wall:

straycatnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37654888.post-67355005457250876592011-08-21T16:51:00.000+08:002011-08-21T16:52:21.267+08:00

Paintings on two of the buildings at the back of the temple compound: Green monkey flanked by two mermaids: In front of the other stairs: With discus & trident in hand, against a backdrop of what looks like the top half of the Singapore flag, albeit missing one star: Lao meow in Lao wat:

straycatnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37654888.post-15920908384979031312011-08-21T15:49:00.000+08:002011-08-21T15:51:02.101+08:00

Not sure if this is a new building or the complete makeover of an old one. For some reason it faces the perimeter wall (towards Pha That Luang) - away from all other buildings in the temple - & with just a few metres between its front entrance & the wall. In July 2007 it was all bare concrete, in December 2009 some progress had been made: Emaciated Buddha on the rear gable: At one point

straycatnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37654888.post-76113415776887202632011-08-21T15:47:00.000+08:002011-08-21T15:48:53.423+08:00

Pavilion: Monks' quarters: Temples in Vientiane & Huay Xai have huge multi-storey drum towers, unlike the small little single-storey ones in the temples of Luang Prabang: Photo by K-san It was 4:00PM: Photo by K-san While hunting for the sim (main chapel) we found these bits & pieces lying around & signs of construction work in progress:

straycatnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37654888.post-38672747401637269002011-07-30T11:11:00.001+08:002011-07-30T11:17:41.006+08:00

- please let the cat know of any errors: laomeow at gmail dot com- contributions & updates (photographed, handwritten, or links to info on other websites, etc) most welcome & much appreciated- page created 30 July 2011Located at KM 9 along Route 13 highway, at FR237 on this map.Timetable (19 July 2011) (Laoko):Express bus = red fontVIP bus = blue fontTo Lak 20- 5:00AM, 6:00AM, 7:00AM, 6:00PM-

straycatnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37654888.post-12512152909297634322011-07-07T21:28:00.002+08:002011-08-10T22:47:27.510+08:00

Located roughly west of Pha That Luang, across the road from That Luang 'square'. Unlike most temples in Luang Prabang, those in Vientiane & northeast Thailand tend to have rather large & elaborate arches at the entrance(s) to their compounds. Looking out of the main entrance from within the compound - July 2007: A tiny 3-headed white elephant (Erawan aka. Airavata) that was the symbol of

straycatnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37654888.post-54376419650433808802011-07-02T12:35:00.001+08:002011-07-02T12:37:47.754+08:00

- errors, suggestions & contributions, kindly email: laomeow at gmail dot com- created 02 July 2011SAM NEUAPhou Tanou bus stationLocated at HK166 on this map, at KM90 along HWY6, up on a hill southwest of the town centre. Tel: +856-30-5160974/064-314-270Timetable (photo taken in June 2011, info dated 12 April 2011) (hobomaps):Destination - departure times & fares / approximate journey timeTo

straycatnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37654888.post-53919998071930227322011-06-08T17:25:00.000+08:002011-06-08T17:24:48.965+08:00

- errors, suggestions & updates, kindly contact: laomeow at gmail dot com- last updated on 08 June 2011- thank you to gopeace for the photos & timetable info, & snowinjanuary- thank you to hobomaps.com for confirming exact location- older versions of this page here (28 February 2009) & here (02 October 2010)Vientiane (VTE) northern bus station aka. 'khiew loht saai neua':Has relocated to Sithong

straycatnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37654888.post-58715701372030986382011-04-10T22:45:00.000+08:002011-04-10T22:47:35.502+08:00

All photos in this post by K-san.Title of this post comes from this.Struck by the silence & emptiness of the southern end of Lane Xang Ave, a major road within the city centre, & the widest road the cat had seen in Laos...we could stand in the middle of the lanes to take photos.Presidential Palace:Patuxay in the distance:Can't imagine the stretch of Orchard Road outside the Istana in Singapore or

straycatnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37654888.post-58089542121719605602011-04-10T22:42:00.000+08:002011-04-10T22:44:22.999+08:00

Compared to elsewhere in Laos + Thailand, Vientiane isn't replete with good clean accommodation options within the cat's budget. Stayed here more for the convenience - central but relatively quiet location + space for meeting with Lao friends + familiarity with staff + used to be one of the few (if not only) cheap places that could be booked online. Reviews on Travelfish here.July 2007:October

straycatnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37654888.post-15790032734436666522011-03-27T21:51:00.000+08:002011-03-27T21:54:02.322+08:00

Some photos from 030807 included in this post.Conical hats = heavily laden vendors making their endless rounds of waiting passengers:Can be hard to come across anything infrastructure-related in Laos that wasn't donated by some foreign government/NGO:Photos by K-sanTyre reincarnated as garbage receptacle:Photo by K-sanTagging cargo for the Lao-Thai international bus:There were quite a few red

straycatnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37654888.post-8246559316665216512011-03-27T20:21:00.001+08:002011-03-27T20:24:02.180+08:00

Interruption to normal programming over. Back to the Vientiane 2007 trip.Instead of animals like the lion (Singapore, Netherlands, UK, etc), tiger (Singapore & Malaysia), unicorn (UK), pelican (Barbados), leopard (Somalia), swordfish (Seychelles), parrot (St Lucia), antelope (Namibia), flamingo (Bahamas), elephant (Swaziland) & kangaroo & emu (Australia) as supporters on the national coat of arms

straycatnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37654888.post-56990420568477535332011-02-01T12:27:00.000+08:002011-02-01T12:27:33.829+08:00

- errors, suggestions & contributions, kindly email: laomeow at gmail dot com- Pak Nam Noi-Phongsaly road to be paved starting end of 2010 - expect delays due to roadworks- last updated on 01 February 2011BOUN NEUABoun Neua bus stationPhotos taken on 12 & 13 December 2009, info from 9-10 & 12-13 December 2009:To 乌德 Ou Tai (25,000kip) - 0830 dailyTo Ngay Neua - 0830 (not sure if daily) Buses

straycatnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37654888.post-23598372922624554662011-01-16T22:16:00.001+08:002011-01-16T22:18:16.529+08:00

An interruption to normal programming - a 'special feature' series of posts on Wat Had Siaw in Chomphet district of Luang Prabang. Please see part 1 of this series for background info on this place & the reason for this 'special feature'.Facing the viharn is the long narrow building for the practice of walking meditation:Apparently only 4 temples in Luang Prabang have such a structure, & 3 of

straycatnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37654888.post-31842994566142325152011-01-16T22:02:00.001+08:002011-01-16T22:05:43.198+08:00

An interruption to normal programming - a 'special feature' series of posts on Wat Had Siaw in Chomphet district of Luang Prabang. Please see part 1 of this series for background info on this place & the reason for this 'special feature'.Apologise for poor quality of images - they are all cropped from the photos shown in the previous post i.e. not close-up shots. Hopefully someone with a better

straycatnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37654888.post-2642561340926820292011-01-16T20:52:00.001+08:002011-01-16T20:54:15.922+08:00

An interruption to normal programming - a 'special feature' series of posts on Wat Had Siaw in Chomphet district of Luang Prabang. Please see part 1 of this series for background info on this place & the reason for this 'special feature'.Despite their poor condition, the mural paintings within the viharn of Wat Had Siaw were a pleasant surprise :)The altar - the largest of the cracks on the walls

straycatnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37654888.post-73940939072793983952011-01-16T20:36:00.001+08:002011-01-16T20:39:10.693+08:00

An interruption to normal programming - a 'special feature' series of posts on Wat Had Siaw in Chomphet district of Luang Prabang. Please see part 1 of this series for background info on this place & the reason for this 'special feature'.Above main entrance door of viharn - scenes from Buddha's life story:The Earth Mother/Goddess deity แม่ธรณี Mae Thoranii wrings water from her hair (left half)

straycatnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37654888.post-2986947479114339072011-01-16T20:32:00.001+08:002011-01-16T20:34:52.052+08:00

An interruption to normal programming - a 'special feature' series of posts on Wat Had Siaw in Chomphet district of Luang Prabang. Please see part 1 of this series for background info on this place & the reason for this 'special feature'.The humble little viharn of Wat Had Siaw:Just as the cat arrived, novice monks were scurrying around to locate their stock of fuel for the boat & to get dressed

straycatnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37654888.post-13298854790046941792011-01-16T17:00:00.002+08:002011-01-16T22:20:31.370+08:00

An interruption to normal programming - a 'special feature' series of posts on Wat Had Siaw in Chomphet district of Luang Prabang.This little temple is hidden on the forested banks of the Mekong. Within the viharn (main building housing the altar + main Buddha image) are some beautiful mural paintings, depicting some story(ies) that the cat has not come across before in the many other temples it

straycatnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37654888.post-78354417643085373332011-01-09T22:02:00.001+08:002011-01-10T05:50:16.281+08:00

'Airing the butt' of a ชัยภูมิ Chaiyaphum-หนองคาย Nong Khai bus to cool its insides - common sight in bus stations across Thailand:Long overdue gratuitous public transport vehicle photo for the author of the Thai Mass Transport blog who has been a help to the cat :)All the cat knows about Chaiyaphum is that the guy who runs Thai Noodle House along Coronation Rd in Singapore comes from that

straycatnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37654888.post-52675946829653841932011-01-09T21:40:00.001+08:002011-03-27T19:00:08.521+08:00

First time in Changi's Budget Terminal:Photo by K-sanLet's just say the cat thinks it a wise move by AirAsia to stick to Terminal 1. & the cat shall stick to AirAsia.First time to Udon Thani by Tiger Airway's short-lived SIN-UTH route:Photos by K-sanUTH became an international airport while this route lasted:Photo by K-sanFellow passengers were overwhelmingly male - many Isaan guys working in

straycatnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37654888.post-23686127258224462282010-12-12T20:30:00.000+08:002010-12-12T20:31:49.536+08:00

ABOUT...Akha Ama Coffee is a little organic coffee enterprise started by a young Akha friend (Lee), to support the farmers in his village & neighbouring communities in the Mae Suai area of Chiangrai province. It aims to foster & support sustainable farming practices & help the farmers gain access to both local & international markets for their crop. It is also seeking to obtain fairtrade

straycatnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37654888.post-61855821808925209192010-11-02T21:19:00.000+08:002010-11-02T21:18:51.689+08:00

- errors, suggestions & contributions, kindly contact: laomeow at gmail dot com- last updated 11 September 2010- old version of this page (info from August 2007) here- thank you to gopeace for 09 August 2010 infoLocated next to Khua Din market, across from the Morning market/Talat Sao shopping mall (at ID202 on this map). Hence often referred to as 'morning market bus station' in travel guides: (

straycatnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37654888.post-14269881668274986252010-10-24T16:15:00.004+08:002011-02-18T22:46:39.574+08:00

This bus station has moved. Please see here for info on the new Vientiane northern bus station (18 January 2011). This page is no longer updated.- last updated on 02 Oct 2010- thank you to gopeace for 05 August 2010 timetable info- older version (28 February 2009) hereVientiane (VTE) northern bus station aka. 'khiew loht saai neua':(Click here for full size; photo from 03 December 2009) (Photos

straycatnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37654888.post-51171908606950347662010-06-06T19:46:00.001+08:002010-06-06T22:36:01.552+08:00

A 'crash post' whipped up for the benefit of those who intend to spend time in Muang Ngeun, & also those who do not intend to but get stuck there after missing transport connections while crossing the border :PMuang Ngeun (romanised as Muang Ngoen in Thailand) is a series of mostly Tai Lue villages spread out along 2 perpendicular roads:Click here for full size mapPlace names in Lao script (&

straycatnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37654888.post-52629307290557741262010-03-21T22:45:00.000+08:002010-03-21T22:48:15.475+08:00

Hopelessly lost cat finally found its way back to Thaveesinh Hotel at ~10AM, long after its companions from the Pak Beng-Huay Xai boat had checked out & left for Chiang Khong.Based on reports from other travellers it was expecting to have to pay an 'overtime fee' for crossing the border on a public holiday, but the two Lao immigration officers on duty just waved the cat through after collecting

straycatnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37654888.post-14245825171716907502010-03-07T23:06:00.000+08:002010-03-07T23:08:25.094+08:00

Also at Wat Chom Khao to welcome first sunrise of 2007 - Mr Japanese Businessman...Mr Japanese Businessman: ▓ ▓ ▓ ▓ ▓ ▓ ▓ ▓ (rattles off excitedly in Japanese)Big fat question mark balloons above clueless cat's head...Mr Japanese Businessman: ▓ ▓ ▓ ▓ ▓ ▓ ▓ ▓ ▓ ▓ ▓ ▓Cat rummages through memory archives - where da hell is dat magic incantation when i need it??Mr Japanese Businessman: ▓ ▓ ▓ ▓ ▓ ▓ ▓

straycatnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37654888.post-28914878381346459602010-02-28T20:18:00.000+08:002010-02-28T20:20:13.421+08:00

Singha on guard duty at the top of the stairs:Before:After:They never knew what hit them.One could literally roll all the way down the stairs from Wat Chom Khao & the slope past the Lao immigration & splash into the Mekong:Thai immigration at Chiang Khong across the Mekong:Yellow + red shelter marks the cross-river boat waiting point, vehicle ferry to the left. Watching boatloads of backpackers

straycatnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37654888.post-37074165215539661982010-02-28T20:17:00.000+08:002010-02-28T20:21:33.959+08:00

To heaven & beyond - banner offering for deceased:Education for monks - Buddha & his first 5 disciples:Education for monks 2500++ years later - secondary school:Office:

straycatnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37654888.post-15314080022491074602010-02-28T19:46:00.000+08:002010-02-28T19:47:35.950+08:00

That (stupa):3 years later in Muang Ngeun the cat learnt that laymen pay in the range of ~300 baht per 'angel' statue to raise funds for the temple - white writing on blue base of each is the name of the donor:2-in-1 bell + drum tower - unlike Chinese & Japanese temples that usually have the bell & drum in separate towers:

straycatnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37654888.post-76881473461731521752010-02-28T18:24:00.000+08:002010-02-28T18:26:10.960+08:00

Click here for larger versionStencilled paintings beneath the roof:Bokeo - the name of this province - literally means gem (keo) mine (bo hae), & there are sapphire mines in the area:Under the roof of the front 'porch' of the sim are paintings of famous landmarks in Laos. Hor Pha Keo (Vientiane, upper left), the main Buddha image in Wat Ong Teu (Vientiane, upper right), Plain of Jars (Xieng

straycatnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37654888.post-40693792517532643532010-02-28T18:01:00.000+08:002010-02-28T18:26:29.597+08:00

In most temples the rear wall of the sim is plainly decorated or simply left blank, but not in this case:On the left, Mara on elephant back attacks Buddha:Mae Thorani in action:Lotus flowers instead of olive branch:Owl that looks like a koala:Pretty little stupa:

straycatnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37654888.post-33280971906316741882010-02-27T18:42:00.000+08:002010-02-27T18:44:18.045+08:00

Main door of sim:Four-arms steps on three-heads:Ticklish:Pillar:Bai sema - indicating the position of one of the nine buried stone spheres marking the sim as a consecrated place within which monk ordinations ceremonies may be held:

straycatnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37654888.post-29448572555901309762010-02-27T18:33:00.001+08:002010-02-27T18:35:14.128+08:00

First (hazy) sunrise of 2007:Way up to sunrise viewpoint:Wat Chom Khao Manilath:

straycatnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37654888.post-41674614631535120192010-02-27T16:30:00.001+08:002010-02-27T16:32:05.349+08:00

Not going to reach Huay Xai before the Lao-Thai border crossing closes:Sun sinks behind distant mountains.Takes along with it plans of fellow passengers to cross border to somewhere more happening for New Year countdown.Not sure if anyone's on last day of his/her Lao visa?~15 more days of visa-free entry left for the cat, no worries :)Last bit of journey in pitch black darkness - save for

straycatnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37654888.post-64839112519292163152010-02-21T03:06:00.000+08:002010-02-21T03:07:57.715+08:00

Today's route in blue, past 13 days' route in grey:Instead of backpacks...sacks that can easily fit the cat:Mr German's Nelles map showing the exact location of Monk TYF & Co.'s village:To keep himself occupied, Mr German busied himself 'reading' the contours & noting confluences with streams to track the rough location of our boat throughout the journey + taking close-up photos of the cat

straycatnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37654888.post-59386557452233961202010-02-20T14:12:00.000+08:002010-02-20T14:15:02.835+08:00

Loading onto the downriver boat:A guy with a suitcase slipped + fell + slid but fortunately not all the way down into the Mekong. Also a bit of confusion as a few tourists intending to head upriver ended up on the Luang Prabang-bound boat instead.Today's upriver boat to Huay Xai + a few who boarded it by mistake (thinking it was a second, much emptier boat to Luang Prabang):Bicycles on the roof

straycatnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37654888.post-84411050097636059342010-02-17T01:45:00.000+08:002010-02-17T01:47:14.913+08:00

Kids at upper right playing the throw-flip-flop game:小巫见大巫 (xiao1 wu1 jian4 da4 wu1) - little witch meets big witch, slowboat meets BIG FAT cargo boat:Complete with satellite dish:

straycatnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37654888.post-36352420700167455662010-02-17T00:24:00.000+08:002010-02-17T00:27:23.077+08:00

To feed the hungry neighbour upriver?

straycatnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37654888.post-60584436097732527802010-02-17T00:22:00.000+08:002010-02-17T00:24:31.316+08:00

Downriver view, from above speedboat landing:Slowboat queue - waiting for their turn:

straycatnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37654888.post-78393196500190539622010-02-16T23:51:00.000+08:002010-02-16T23:53:17.492+08:00

First impression of Pak Beng town for those who arrive by boat, after braving the backpack-nappers & Pak Beng guesthouse tout welcome committee:Beyond the river end of the main road & the greatest concentration of guesthouses in Oudomxay province lies Pak Beng the typical northern Lao town. At 6:00AM, Mr Kiwi & the cat set off for the market:For the first time both got to see Pak Beng filled with

straycatnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37654888.post-59794637344135623162010-02-16T15:44:00.000+08:002010-02-16T15:46:17.675+08:00

All guesthouse rooms in Laos have one of various versions of such a notice in Lao-glish pasted on the wall:Click here for larger versionEndorsed by the village headman (in this case a Mr Saengkham Thamphavong of Ban Pak Beng, according to the red official stamp), it lists prohibitions such as:'Don't bring any...weapon in to Guesthouse''Don't use the guest house as the place for playing ang

straycatnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37654888.post-86205314604695141582010-02-15T17:33:00.000+08:002010-02-15T17:35:10.530+08:00

Travel guidebooks, websites & fellow tourists all warned about the unique baggage retrieval system that Pak Beng ground handling services imposes on arriving passengers. On arrival, baggage is grabbed unloaded from boats at a speed that puts 'first bag on belt within 12 minutes' Singapore Airport Terminal Services at Changi to shame. Service is delivered with an efficiency rather uncharacteristic

straycatnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37654888.post-36831491437039027952010-01-18T00:47:00.001+08:002010-01-18T00:49:16.513+08:00

Resupply of Beer Lao for somewhere in northern Hongsa district, about an hour downriver from Tha Souang:Girl at right (above) is a carbon copy of the cat's university hostel hockey team captain.Tha Souang - the jumping off point for the road inland to Hongsa:[R-L] Mr. Manivanh Teacher + student's brother + student alighting:Mr. Manivanh student is carrying 2 sets of Big Brother Mouse books + a

straycatnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37654888.post-60513516515408256972010-01-17T22:17:00.000+08:002010-01-17T22:19:01.878+08:00

Not sure if it still is the only place between Luang Prabang & Pak Beng that has a boat landing with concrete stairs:About 5 hours upriver from Luang Prabang, this is where locals (including 7 consultants, plus various relatives & village-mates of theirs whom the cat has encountered over the years) get off to access the eastern part of Nga district by foot/tractor. It is far easier for them to

straycatnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37654888.post-51472281175856958272010-01-17T21:44:00.000+08:002010-01-17T21:46:29.740+08:00

261206 route in grey, today's route in blue:Up the Nam Khong from Luang Prabang to Pak Beng, with stops at Ban Hat Teu & Tha Souang. View for the rest of the daylight hours:The overwhelming majority of foreigners travel downriver from Huay Xai to Luang Prabang, with reports of up to 100 or so packed onto a single boat. This leaves boats doing the return journey upriver rather empty. There were

straycatnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37654888.post-72244724595478446052010-01-17T21:07:00.000+08:002010-01-17T21:09:07.607+08:00

aka. the slowboat landing behind the Royal Palace Museum:Ms. Brown Sinh & Mr. Blue Stripe are part of the family running this morning's Pak Beng-bound boat:Long wait for the motorbikes to be loaded + even longer wait for the toilet bowls to be unloaded - this is how falangs get to enjoy Western-style toilets in the hotels & guesthouses of Luang Prabang:Boat ticket office:Like on all land-based

straycatnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37654888.post-53528954901356479532010-01-17T19:44:00.001+08:002010-01-17T19:46:38.462+08:00

Big fat rush in the cat's last afternoon + evening in Luang Prabang...Meeting the most un-Hmong Hmong at the Big Brother Mouse office, who would become the most articulate & outspoken of all the cat's Lao friends.A 'request' to try & hunt down a cousin of Reebok Cap & 3-day-old monk when the cat arrives in Chiangrai city, with the barest of details - monosyllabic nickname probably shared by

straycatnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37654888.post-68411495036839948252010-01-17T18:31:00.001+08:002010-02-15T17:36:18.481+08:00

Every morning & evening, at Buddhist monasteries across the world, members of the sangha gather to chant. Traditions (1), schools (2) & 'sects' (3) may vary, the suttas (sutras) chanted may differ, & even the same suttas may be chanted in different languages (4), but everyone is linked by the same Buddha, Triple Gem & Four Noble Truths.Theravada temples in Thailand & Laos, as well as Thai (not

straycatnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37654888.post-74912272028558891892009-11-27T15:31:00.002+08:002009-11-27T15:35:46.435+08:00

*miao* in laos: 28/11 - 24/12 :)As per title, planning to travel downriver along the Nam Ou, from Hat Sa to Muang Khua, Muang Khua to Nong Khiaw, & Nong Khiaw to Luang Prabang. Starting from 15/12 (market day in Hat Sa). Anyone interested in sharing a boat, drop a note to laomeow at gmail dot com before 7/12!

straycatnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37654888.post-16253623753402367772009-11-23T21:42:00.004+08:002011-02-18T22:45:26.583+08:00

** Please refer to the latest version here. This page is no longer updated. **Compiled from various sources. Please let the cat know of any errors - drop an email to: laomeow at gmail dot com. Contributions & updates (photographed, handwritten, or links to info on other websites, etc) most welcome & much appreciated. Created: 05 July 2008. Last modified: 23 November 2009.LUANG PRABANG TOWNLuang

straycatnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37654888.post-40651405605884519222009-11-23T02:10:00.003+08:002009-11-23T02:36:33.933+08:00

In Laos, celebrations last for about 2 weeks.Phonsavan area:started on 17th November 2009.Photos + description of 2008 celebrations here, here & here.Luang Prabang area:16th - 30th December 2009.Lak 52 (Phonhong district, Vientiane province):16th - 30th December 2009.

straycatnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37654888.post-72423264695224045772009-08-15T11:01:00.000+08:002010-02-15T17:37:19.540+08:00

05. khit theung baanThose left behind: A new identity: Concrete feels so different from rice straw:Most of the teachers left home to ordain around the age of 13-15, in order to further their education beyond primary school. Some like Monk TYF & 3-day old monk stepped into school for the first time only at age 9-11. While Monk TYF's parents were supportive, packing him off to a larger village in

straycatnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37654888.post-89567156599743335552009-07-02T12:19:00.002+08:002009-07-02T12:27:39.494+08:00

the cat is once again up to the tips of its ears & whiskers in work, & preparing for what will hopefully be the last step towards becoming a Professional hater (of) Dogs...

straycatnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37654888.post-86813662151774439752009-04-20T00:53:00.000+08:002010-02-15T17:37:19.543+08:00

04. monk fashion vs. novice fashionDuring this trip & subsequent trips to Laos, the cat encountered many questions about monks' robes. On discovering that it was Buddhist, Western tourists usually quizzed it about the Theravada tradition - stuff like why Burmese monks wear maroon but Lao monks wear orange & some Thai monks wear ขนุน (khanun aka. jackfruit - dull brown dye from the wood of the

straycatnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37654888.post-7230530734497823102009-03-09T01:58:00.001+08:002010-02-15T17:37:19.546+08:00

03. clot, clots & clottingThe teachers started pointing at all sorts of stuff & quizzing the cat on the English terms for each object. When it came to the naga carvings...Monk TYF: This?cat: Naga (as pronounced in Lao/Thai)Monk TYF: Naga? You sure? N-A-G-A?cat: YesMonk TYF: Have tourist tell me that correct way for N-A-G-A is pronounced 'na-jar'cat: ...For the record, the 'G' in 'naga' is

straycatnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37654888.post-76155017452502164782009-03-01T20:55:00.007+08:002009-04-25T20:38:12.015+08:00

01. motorbikeBack at 'Lao language school', the cat found some teachers busy examining a layman friend's motorbike parked outside Monk A's kuti. They took turns to sit on it & fiddle with various parts, dreaming of the day they would get to ride one of their own after they had returned to laylife. From time to time during the cat's last afternoon in Luang Prabang, we would all turn to look &

straycatnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37654888.post-49513932636164718762009-02-28T01:49:00.002+08:002011-02-18T22:47:24.727+08:00

This bus station has moved. Please see here for info on the new Vientiane northern bus station (18 January 2011). This page is no longer updated.- photos of schedules taken on 25 December 2008 by laobumpkin & 11 February 2009 by Dan (thank you!), unless otherwise specified- page created on 25 October 2008, last updated on 28 February 2009Vientiane (VTE) northern bus station aka. 'khiew loht saai

straycatnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37654888.post-78596249093630875822009-02-18T01:40:00.000+08:002009-02-18T01:40:28.577+08:00

Located ~1km south of Post Office & market area. All photos taken by laobumpkin on 15-16 January 2009.Bus timetable & fare info from Sam Neua tourism office:Click here for larger versionFare info displayed at Sam Neua southern bus station...Sam Neua to Vientiane:N.B. fares displayed for this route at Vientiane northern bus station are higher, no idea why...Sam Neua to other main towns (served by

straycatnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37654888.post-75241151747039574822009-02-01T15:43:00.001+08:002010-02-15T17:38:38.151+08:00

On the reverse side of the exhibition pamphlet:Click here for larger versionAt first glance the cat thought that both lines of characters in red were Pali words written using Tham script. Later it realised that the writing in the second line looked a lot more like the modern Lao alphabet than the Lanna alphabet...When the cat's Lao teachers saw the leaflet among the cat's belongings, they pounced

straycatnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37654888.post-77983834172316561742009-02-01T01:38:00.002+08:002010-02-15T17:38:38.154+08:00

Back to the Royal Palace Museum to finish up the rest of The Quiet in the Land, the exhibition that the cat had stumbled upon the previous day...Two of the works touched upon the practice of vipassana meditation - Hans Georg Berger's The Floating Buddha, & Ann Hamilton's The Story of the Meditation Boat. The former is a photographic documentation of the first two vipassana meditation training

straycatnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37654888.post-25860858220846742252009-01-17T22:16:00.000+08:002009-01-17T22:21:37.619+08:00

That Chom Si, that is...*CRUNCH* *MUNCH* *MUNCH* *BURRRRP*

straycatnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37654888.post-63738951373363321492009-01-17T22:13:00.000+08:002009-01-17T22:15:39.826+08:00

ໃບລານ bai laan (palm leaf) manuscript library:Sticky rice offerings plastered everywhere: Anywhere will do...

straycatnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37654888.post-20647570751339863922009-01-17T21:38:00.001+08:002009-01-17T21:48:01.496+08:00

After covering the whole ceiling with stencils of scenes from the life story of Gautama Buddha, & filling the entire front wall with gilded stucco depicting the Vessantara jataka, the artists who decorated the front verandah still managed to squeeze in the epic tale of Pha Lak Pha Ram (aka. Ramakien or Ramayana) - onto the horizontal beams above... ...with every available bit of surface area so

straycatnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37654888.post-76189840987260439172009-01-13T22:22:00.000+08:002009-01-13T22:23:22.287+08:00

มหาเวสสันดรชาดก aka. Vessantara jataka, the story of the penultimate life of Buddha (before his rebirth as Prince Siddartha), covers the front wall of the viharn:This story of the charitable Prince Vessantara who gave away every single thing he had, including his wife & two children, is recounted in a marathon recitation by monks & reenacted by laymen during the Boun Pha Wet festival in Laos &

straycatnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37654888.post-18438992128937562812009-01-11T19:40:00.002+08:002009-01-12T13:07:13.540+08:00

First posted on 30 March 2007.Revised on 11 January 2009.Notes in square brackets added by the cat.The guys & girls who have been educating the cat on all things Lao & providing you readers with all the bits & pieces on Lao language, culture, society, village life & education system, Theravada Buddhism & more, & who are referred to in this travelog as the 'consultants'...Among them are Tai Lue,

straycatnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37654888.post-5853504210714064392009-01-08T23:41:00.000+08:002009-01-08T23:44:29.056+08:00

On the east side: The gable shows the birth of Gautama Buddha:Not sure what story the west gable depicts, but Buddha is holding an alms bowl in his left hand:Stencilled in gold on the ceiling of the porch are pictures from the life story of Gautama Buddha......including his birth (upper left), the night when he was disgusted by the sight of the dancers, singers & musicians of the royal court

straycatnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37654888.post-43431605954554145842009-01-08T23:11:00.001+08:002009-01-10T23:42:35.305+08:00

aka. Wat Si Suvannaphoumaham, the town's royal temple. Suvannaphoum is the Lao romanisation of Suvarnabhumi, better known as the name of Bangkok International Airport. View of Wat Mai from Phou Si:There used to be one scripture library each on the left & right sides of the viharn, but both no longer exist.The front porch (below, left) of the viharn was added on later in 1891 to the viharn that

straycatnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37654888.post-35320316885131832982009-01-04T16:13:00.001+08:002009-01-08T22:40:29.075+08:00

As seen from the grounds of neighbouring Wat Xieng Mouane:Chinese dragon on the gable:The wat where everything seemed crooked & out of alignment - left & right doors of the viharn: Cracks in the plaster (above left) make the cat wonder if the viharn structure is sinking to one side?Another attempt to keep a fish out of the cat's reach - at the top of the banner pole:The apex of the stupa beside

straycatnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37654888.post-56946472612105111452009-01-04T15:47:00.000+08:002009-01-04T15:51:01.274+08:00

Click here for larger versionFor anyone who might be interested, books on such patterns can be found in the bookstores of places like Silpakorn University (directly opposite Grand Palace & Temple of Emerald Buddha in Bangkok).Click here for larger versionClassroom where drawing skills are taught:On the left is a room where some of the paintings are on display (fourth photo from top in link) for

straycatnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37654888.post-11675300687390743672009-01-04T15:45:00.000+08:002009-01-04T15:47:38.875+08:00

Photos from December 2006 & October 2008 visitsUNESCO centre for training monks & novices in Lao traditional decorative arts and building crafts, on the grounds of Wat Xieng Mouane:Such traditional skills used to be passed on from master to pupil within the Lao sangha, but were lost due to upheaval & political change in the 1970s, which saw the closure of two temples dedicated to such training.

straycatnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37654888.post-58225853331363320112009-01-04T15:44:00.000+08:002009-01-04T15:45:08.650+08:00

Going...Going...Gone...

straycatnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37654888.post-260317797093250292009-01-04T15:33:00.001+08:002009-01-31T23:03:54.822+08:00

Leftover rice from the alms round spread on the enamel tray for birds & ants to help themselves:Battle of the buffalo - a side plot in the Pha Lak Pha Ram tale where the monkeys Phalichan (Vali) & Sangkhip (Sugriva) battle the buffalo demon Thoraphi (Dundubhi):Ultimate balancing act - standing on one foot on the back of a snake-like naga that swims in water:

straycatnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37654888.post-68446830388135940262009-01-04T15:31:00.000+08:002009-01-04T15:32:57.227+08:00

[41] Buddha descends from Tavatimsa heaven to earth, accompanied by Pha Phom & Pha In.Click here for larger version[42] On a full moon day nine months after Buddha's enlightenment, 1250 disciples whom he had personally ordained gathered spontaneously at Veluvana bamboo grove, an event now marked by Maha Puja day.Click here for larger version[43] No idea![44] Is this the preparation of Buddha's

straycatnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37654888.post-3727287263217805962009-01-04T15:21:00.000+08:002009-01-04T15:27:24.181+08:00

Click here for larger version[18] Sujata preparing milk & rice pudding as an offering of thanks to a tree spirit that had granted her wish.[19] Sujata offering milk & rice pudding in a golden bowl to Sakyamuni, who breaks his fast.[20] Sakyamuni throws the bowl into the river, & it floats upstream instead of downstream, indicating that he will become enlightened; the bowl is saved by a naga king.

straycatnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37654888.post-54859966384172388942009-01-03T16:18:00.000+08:002009-01-03T16:19:36.722+08:00

The various events in the life story of Gautama Buddha have been a major source of inspiration for Buddhist painting, woodcarving & sculpture. Key events are still celebrated as major Buddhist festivals to this day. For those who read Lao, click here for a Lao version of Gautama Buddha's life story.Click here for larger version[1] 3X zoom can't reveal to a short cat what's going on up there in

straycatnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37654888.post-11454338780986847942009-01-03T13:48:00.000+08:002009-01-03T13:49:22.686+08:00

Viharn:The front wall of the viharn is covered with paintings depicting the life story of Gautama Buddha:Not even a square inch is spared:Design of 'archway' (ซุ้มประตู soom bpratuu) above the left & right side doors:

straycatnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37654888.post-74315911373810600002009-01-01T20:55:00.001+08:002009-01-01T20:56:48.297+08:00

From a short cat's point of view:Perimeter walls:Something the cat has not seen elsewhere in Laos so far - Buddha in the 'Western' or 'European' style sitting pose, with both legs hanging down straight instead of crossed in a lotus or half-lotus position:

straycatnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37654888.post-36045590013211191372009-01-01T20:45:00.000+08:002009-01-01T20:46:37.586+08:00

straycatnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37654888.post-37303089021327555872009-01-01T20:38:00.000+08:002009-01-01T20:42:57.422+08:00

Main gate:Almost all photos of this temple were taken from this side......to get away from the whistling from the novice monks hanging around on this side:Viharn:The seven-headed naga king Muchalinda coiling its body to raise Buddha above the rising floodwaters & using its hood to shelter him from the storm caused by the evil Mara:Hongsa + Chinese dragon + naga at upper corners of the main

straycatnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37654888.post-18253469674953796612009-01-01T20:10:00.000+08:002009-01-01T20:12:36.740+08:00

Le Calao Inn:Along Khounsoua Rd:L'Elephant restaurant:Wat Nong neighbours #1:Wat Nong neighbours #2 - pediment/gable of the roof of the taller house (partially hidden) is divided into rectangular panels like in Lanna style architecture:Luang Prabang, kingdom of a million guesthouses - think this is Lao Wooden House under construction:Big Brother Mouse:

straycatnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37654888.post-88903357501178043582009-01-01T19:39:00.000+08:002009-01-01T19:40:38.898+08:00

Outside the Spa Garden along Khounsoua Rd:Toasting butts in morning chill:Practising the cat art of sunning oneself:Sakkhaline Rd honeysuckle:Wat Mai flowers:Ban Wat Nong ex-flowers:

straycatnoreply@blogger.com0