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April 1, 2007
Laos (Katy)
Despite our first experiences in the country, Laos is a really nice place. We're staying in VienTien, the capital city, although it's really hard to believe it is the capital, it's so quiet and laid back. The people are friendly and don't to hassle visitors which is a relief.
The currency in Laos is the KIP and there are about 18000 to 20000 kip to the pound. All the notes seem to be in quite small denominations so you have to carry around a massive wad of cash. The cost of living seems pretty cheap here, similar to Vietnam. A good meal and drinks cost no more than a few pounds.
Like everywhere else in South East Asia, people are happy to accept US dollars pretty much anywhere and there is only one cash machine in the whole country.
So far the people and the feel of the country remind me more of Cambodia but the structure (roads, rubbish being taken away etc) seems a lot more like Thailand. We are very close to the border here (Friendship Bridge) so I guess there will be influences.
Posted by admins at April 1, 2007 8:48 AM