Word from Bangkok says that the KSR is getting fucked for developing, even the area nearby. The Hole in the Wall (my favourite bar in the world) is done in a couple weeks and Dongdaemun the Korean bar on the parallel street over is fit for the axe too as Mr. Kim (its not Kim but I forget) sold it recently which is a shame as it was cheap, had wicked DJs (good friends too) and an amazing second floor open air bar which rocked and the restauraunt downstairs made good Korean food too.

Instead a place like the Sham-rock (my hyphenation) or fucking Gullivers or the abysmal Khao San Central (even the Grand sucks now) will no doubt be taking these places of character and friendliness over while the crowd of clean polished flashpackers continue their rape of SE Asia.

Think thats bad, most of these people are hitting Laos too judging by the amount of Beer Lao shirts you see everybody wearing. If you want my opinion, go as soon as you can, its gonna get worse, and Im afraid I wont make it before its really devoid of character where you cant walk without overhearing some fat English girl talking to her "Motha deary" on her goddamn mobile.

Still, Bangkok is adaptabole and near the KSR some really cool places are popping up, DDM (an affiliate of Dondaemun) is great and my friends say there is a scene on the up and up with the young Thai set that has the potential to be even greater than anything the KSR has ever featured.

We can only hope. Guess these days you got to know people (be nice to your tattoo artists) to make the most of it.

True I discussed bars in 99% of this post, but it is a symptom of the over development that is happening all over SEA.

Go now!

Ok the story is Laos is AWESOME!

I loved the place. I went about 2 years ago so I’m sure the amount of tourists has increased, but its a really cool place. If you go into Laos from N.Thailand you will catch the ferry in the morning. The only time it leaves. You will likely go down to luang praband (which is a wicked town). Have a look at the place in a guide book and you will see why.

A really cool place in the north east is Ponsivan (sp). The plain of jars and just the area is so so cool. Not too many tourists around which increases the experience. Luang Prabang is not like the KSR. Its much better. There are many many outdoor cool activities you can do such as rafting and trecking. definately worth checking out. Vientiene was not the coolest place, but still interesting.

Laos was an awesome time. Be sure to try the snake alcohol.

let me know if you have any questions.

Dan
bjmc1977@hotmail.co.uk”>dbjmc1977@hotmail.co.uk

Hi Sailor-

Laos really is wonderful. We did a similar route: Chaing Mai, mini bus to the border at Huay Xai for an overnight, caught the slow boat and had and overnight at Pak Beng (the midway point) and then on to LP.

LP is a really great place to lay back. It’s not real crazy but you will find other back packers. It not at all like KSR but you will see evidence of backpackers (travel shops, internet, etc). There is a great day trip to see a waterfall nearby…good for a short jungle hike and a swim in the pools below. The night maket is so much fun. The locals are so wonderful.

Vang Vieng was really great even though there are lots of BPers. The inner-tube float down the river with the topography can’t be beat. It’s worth the trip just for that.

The bus ride in between LP and VV is also interesting…the villages you go through and foothills are really beautiful. You just have to ignore the vomiting locals on the bus with you (they aren’t used to the curves!).

Vientiane was just a REAL big city after traveling the smaller towns. We were there all of a day and that was enough. The HUGE market there is interesting too…not a BPer in sight.

I heard from another traveler that the north is really nice…quiet and very few travelers. That could have changed in the last 2 years but I think most still stay on the LP to Vientiane route. When we go back it will be oof the beaten track.

Check here if you want more info (our blog entry from Laos)http://www.amazingtravels.com/archives.php?id=A2003121

You’ll have to scroll down to Dec 21st. Let me know if you have any more questions. Amy

PS! – I found this site a few months ago…I really want to go there. It’s just ouside of Chaing Rai if you have time: http://www.akhahill….

Thanks!

Sailor-
From the other tread I learned that you went to Laos! Did you have a good time? I would love to read a recap when you have some time. Welcome back, ~Amy

Yep, just returned. As soon as I get over jetlag, I’ll post.