bus journeys in Laos

Travelling by bus in Phongsali has taught me;

1. Having plenty of time is essential, the buses usually arrive at some point on the said day but who knows when. And one 120 mile journey took 12 hours, the mountain roads are windy, single track with several landslides, and old buses breakdown.

2. The bus drivers do try hard, they provide everyone with a plastic sick bag in case of travel sickness and when our bus broke down he tried for hours to repair the engine which looked pretty knack weed to me. In the end we all had to hitch a lift, very generous of the cars to stop but I was charged! and no refund from the bus!

3. When steam comes from the engine be prepared for a stampede, there was sheer panic as parents whisked up their children into their arms and escaped the bus.

4. Women are the champion gobbers, they're the loudest, most frequent and I just hope they're not spreading TB - such a doctor comment! But the full sick bags being flung from the bus were slightly alarming too.

5. It's good to share, the people around me loved my biscuits. I didn't realise I'd be in the bus for so long I was starving after the big give away!

6. Don't panic about toilet and cigarette breaks, they are a frequent occurrence and a great chance to make friends and check the vistas. 

7. The scenery in Phongsali is gorgeous and it's lovely to have time to observe Laotian people being, as ever, very gentle and also having lots of fun.

8. There good and bad things about the dams being build on all the Laotian rivers. I'd planned to travel to Phongsali by boat but this is no longer possible, boo but on a good note the dams are making electricity.

9. I'm old, it's official, I couldn't put up with the bus drivers thai music which boomed from his gigantic, base vibrating speakers or hours. Good grief.

10. It's perfectly acceptable to travel in fluffy slippers complete with rabbit ears, next time I'll know.

11. Don't be alarmed when the bus driver stops for a beer after driving for 12 hours, and there's still another 12 for him to go.

12. There a door to door service, not bad for the fare and my favourite feature.