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RE: Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR .... Quirks and Contradictions
Great post. I first visited in 2005, and I note how much it had changed for the worse since then. Progress I guess. In 2004 you barely saw a car, never mind a Bentley but this will be in part to the relaxation of the business owning rules somewhat that have begun to create personal wealth...as well as the rampant corruption. As to things closing early, Law says all clubs and bars must be closed by 12. Anyway, if you fancy reading my take on Vientiene back in 2005 and comparing the changes to today...
https://steemit.com/travel/@nathen007/laos-my-first-trip-t0-asia-2005
Great piece mate, best wishes
I really enjoyed your post from your visit here in 2005. What a contrast for anybody visiting Vientiane for the first time today. My first time here was 2009, but the changes have been dramatic. Then, they were beginning work along the banks of the Mekong, but with dozens of pop-up food stalls with chairs and tables, you could dine there at sunset. Today, well, joggers and aerobics classes get the best views across the Mekong to Nong Khai and a cute tented night market takes the lower ground.
I suspect that within a few years, the last remaining French Colonial buildings will have vanished and been replaced by anonymously square concrete and glass structures. Unless it’s a Temple, it feels like nothing in Vientiane will be preserved, but perhaps given their history, that’s somewhat understandable. I honestly don’t know, but from an outsider’s point of view, the soul of Vientiane is vanishing rapidly.
yesss thats one thing that really saddened me was the road and parks along the banks where the food stall used to be...I now go to Savannakhet to renew my marriage visa once a year. They still have many french colonial style buildings there. I know a lot of foreigners hate going there for their visa but I love the quietness and simplicity.
by the way, I got robbed sorry 'fined' by immigrationor police for walking in the new park at 10pm as there are allegedly signs saying it closes at 8, be careful..cost me the $50usd i had in my wallet.