TALAT SAO | Vientiane's Morning Market

Just like any of our capital cities, Vientiane has its own “central market” -- Markets that serves as a “landmark” aside from the usual “local-style” shopping. The most important "gift" that these markets can offer us is the opportunity to have a glimpse of the local life on grassroot level.

Bangkok has the world-famous Chatuchak, KL has the touristy Central Market, Manila has the pleasingly “air-conditioned” Divisoria, Phnom Penh has the magnificent Phsar Thmei, and Singapore has…uhm…Orchard Road? LOL

Compared to the central markets mentioned above, Talat Sao of Vientiane isn’t like any of it. It is simple, modest, uncrowded and curiously quiet. This is how Vientiane used to be 5-10 years ago. Not very “market-like” you say? Think again…

Talat Sao has many things on sale that are NOT displayed.

Aside from the permanent stalls inside the building that sells the usual local stuffs like Lao silk, silver, gold, clothes, electronics, textiles, local crafts…AND watch out for peddlers and hawkers around the building.

They sell bottles of rice wines with cobras & critters in it! I was particularly interested with the guy that sells baby parrots…

…my friends had to practically remove me from the guy’s face because I was pissing him off!

I kept giving a mean look to anyone who shows interest of buying those poor baby parrots! I wanted to smack the guy’s face but I can’t do that – I’m allergic to policemen nowadays.

Don’t let the name confuse you – the Morning Market isn’t open in the morning. Well, not officially. Other stalls are open but not “entirely” (depending on sections). Everything will start to swing just after lunch and would stop swinging just before 5pm.

It is quite easy to find the Morning Market -- Practically everybody knows where it is. It is the city’s “Meeting and Drop Off Point”; the center of it all. Vintage Mercedes Benz taxis are just outside the grounds and Tuktuks would be eager to show you around.

Don’t forget to explore this place on your visit to Vientiane. You’ll never know what you’ll find…highly recommended. And I almost forgot to say – please do not confuse this place to the modern mall next-door.

Happy shopping! Enjoy exploring!

-- Pisanu in Vientiane
27 Jun 2008

OUR ICONS: The Patuxai | Laos' Middle Finger

Some say it looks curiously similar to the one in Paris. Well, maybe because the one in France is famous all over and it is the only point of comparison for description.

Patuxai is very Laotian, that’s for sure. It is Southeast Asia’s only structure of its kind and no other country in our region has actually imitated it because Vientiane had it first.

Believe it or not, Patuxai is one of the highest points of Vientiane. You can climb the top and have a 360 degree view of the city. This makes Patuxai a tourist-must-see. Very daunting, very majestic.

Notice the intricate designs of the structure. Kinnari figures all over! Very Laotian, very Southeast Asian!

The Kinnari (half-woman, half-bird mythical creature), by the way, is the only iconic figure that connects almost all of Southeast Asia – from Siam to LanXang (Laos), from Khmer Empire (Cambodia) to Surigao (Philippines), from Java to Burma. Our ancient people have Kinnaris in their cultures one way or another.

Patuxai means “Gate of Victory” in Laotian. It was built in 1968 and was first called the Anousavari Monument dedicated to those who fought in the struggle for independence from France.

This is a good place to meet local yuppies and youngsters on weekends and practice your Laotian (or practice THEIR English!).

To those calling Patuxai the “Vertical Runway” in an attempt to be sarcastic – piss off! In reference to America giving the funds to Laos to build an airport but built a monument instead…shut your faces!

Do you even know how much bombs America dropped on Laos in the Vietnam War? Laos wasn’t even in that war! Even if America pays $10 Billion a month to Laos for 20 years, it won’t be enough payment for the damage America cost the Laotians. There, take that!

The Patuxai is one big middle finger aimed at America.

The Patuxai – Pride of Laos, Treasure of Southeast Asia.

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--Pisanu in Vientiane
27 Jun 2008

Note: Patuxai is pronounced as /Pa-‘too-‘sai/

PRELUDE TO 2008 LAOS ADVENTURE

SABAI DEE! When I and my friends wanted some peace and quiet without the sands in our Speedos, we head to Laos. If we feel a little nostalgic and wanted to live a simple life, this is the place to go to.

I have seen Laos evolved in 3 stages: From the “unfamiliar” country to the “newest” Southeast Asian destination to the “most-sought-after” exotic paradise. And they did it within 5 years!

Laos would still remain the most exclusive travel destination in our region. Although there was a "backpacker's invasion" in recent years, still not too many people come or have the balls to visit. Even though most of the people I know travel extensively, I never fail to amaze them with my Laotian adventures.

Morgan, Sofia, Tommy and I flew from Hanoi to Vientiane on Vietnam Airlines flight 825 yesterday. Arrived at Wattay International Airport around 5pm. Only 7 airlines serve flights to the capital – Bangkok, Thai, EVA, Vietnam, China Southern, China Eastern and of course, Lao Airlines.

We’re going to meet some more BISEANers from Malaysia (Farah & Rhys), Indonesia (Xtian) and the Philippines (Francine & Michael) here in Vientiane, stay a couple of days; shake some money in Dan Savanh Casino, head to Luang Phrabang and the World’s Largest Waterfalls – all in 10 days.

I can’t wait to get out of my hotel room onto my bicycle! Woohoo!

Watch out for my posts!

--Pisanu in Vientiane
21 Jul 2008

OUR HIDDEN TREASURES: Vientiane, Laos

I spent almost a year and a half living in Vientiane; the capital and the largest city of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. Yes, it is still a communist country and yes, communism is still alive and kicking! Take that!

Around 4 years ago, I remember myself searching the Internet with all information I can get about Laos – the enigma of Southeast Asia. How many people have actually been to Laos? -- Not too many.

There wasn’t much info about it on the net around that time. All they say is it’s a commie country and what’s all on the Internet are some typical tourist-come-on articles.

So, I packed my bag with a couple of shirts and jeans. Bought a plane ticket to fly from Bangkok to Vientiane and I was on my way. That was one of the most memorable adventure I ever took...

I immediately fell in love with the city. The people are genuine, the smiles are real. The atmosphere is down-to-earth. There were European restaurants, wine shops, delis and everything a westernized visitor would ever need with the exception of McDonald’s, gigantic shopping malls and alike. Everything’s perfect!

The pace of life in Laos is veeeery slow. But I never got bored at all. The city itself doesn't have much touristy-places to offer but you know what is Laos' best to offer? -- the people. I have made a lot of friends and acquaintances. Some speaks French fluently!


This is the land that the world has turned it's back upon... The country that the world has forgotten (or chose to forget). The Americans dropped more bombs here than Vietnam itself during the Vietnam War. Because the Americans thought the insurgents have taken refuge there. This is the most bombed country on the face of the earth! Laos still bears the scars up to now. You can see it on some of their buildings.

This is getting a bit dramatic for me now. LOL. But I really felt for the Lao people...honestly.

And here's the kicker... I was a multi-millionaire in Vientiane!



This is how much "kip" (Lao money) you can get for your $100! More than 1 million kip! Take that! (with a really huge wallet)

The street signs are also written in French! Take that!



There were only 2 places in Vientiane I eat out in my almost 2 years stay there. One of them is STICKY FINGERS. That groovy little restobar along Francois Nginn Rd. (just across Tai Pan Hotel) that serves heavenly food. I always had that baked chicken-breast with basil leaves sauce. Oh yeah, I can still taste it now! *eyes closed, biting lips*

That tangy and tasty baked chicken breast....






...the Fish&Chips will give you an orgasm. Guaranteed!


Sticky Fingers is owned and managed by 2 super-friendly young Aussie babes (and they're both hot too! Wooohoo!), I have to have a regression course done on me by a psychologist to remember their names…I’m really bad in remembering names but I never forget a…uh…Wait!...memories kicking in! …it’s Angela and the other that rhymes with Barney…Marney!!! Take that! Ha! Lovely babes!

Anyway, the resto is really relaxing, dim light, cozy chairs and spacious tables. I remember them putting some 2 or 3 tables outside on Friday & Saturday nights. The feel of those outdoor dining…huh….really cool! Good spot to do dudes and babes watching. Sticky Fingers is just a few steps away from the river quay road.

If ever anyone of you is in Vientiane, try this cool little restaurant. One of Vientiane’s highlight in city dining…worthy to be mentioned as SE Asia’s little treasures.

Although Laos is called the 'Land of a Million Elephants' -- NOT ONCE in my entire stay there have I seen just even a fingertip of one single elephant! None! **smirk*

COME TO LAOS: The Enigma of Southeast Asia.
So you can impress your friends by going to places they can't.

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http://www.visit-laos.com/

http://www.laoembassy.com/

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