4,000 Islands in Laos: Relax in Paradise?

 

The 4,000 islands are found along the Mekong River in Southern Laos. A collection of tropical islands and teal blue waters are home to the, Irrawaddy dolphin, the only species known to live in freshwater. 

The dolphin has a blunt nose, resembling the head shape of an orca, and has a traditional body shape of a dolphin. The locals tell us there are only about 20 left in the area, and they can be seen up close on kayak tours.

 

After sweating waterfalls for about two days, we decided to move on to Vietnam, and leave behind this unusual place. Although it has been given raving reviews, there was something very unusual about the islands that I cant quite pinpoint. My mom and I cycled the main island and the smaller to watch the sunset, and we had a chance to inter tube a short ways down the river. 

Maybe now is a better time as any, but often when you hear travel stories, they always seem to leave out the negatives or glorify the bad events they do share. There was something very bizarre about visiting this place... no one ever smiled... never heard laughter... and it was always such a hassle to do anything... I'd be interested to hear other reviews... perhaps it was just bad timing?

I'm excited to be moving onwards, but am very weary about getting onto another bus. Laos drivers are insane!! The tour bus ahead of us rolled, threw the front windshield, and blocked the road sideways. Saw the bus, but everyone had been brought elsewhere before we passed. I can only hope the best. We've heard of SEVERAL incidents of serious bus crashes, people nearly dying in Vang Vieng, motorcycle incidents, and people going to hospitable here that don't even have running water.  I watched a guy in Malaysia give himself stitches with regular needle and thread. 

 I suppose on the bonus side, it's very easy to get over the counter prescriptions... just ask any "pharmacist," but know what you're asking for/ and getting before you take it. One medication they offered my friend had Poison symbols on every side of the box, no instructions in English... but it came HIGHLY recommended! Needless to say, she didn't buy that version. 

Oh... and I've never really been a fan of Lonely Planet, till now. I would definitely recommend getting a travel guide before coming to SE Asia. Doable w/o it, but SOOO much easier with one, considering you probably don't speak their language :)