Tuesday, 4. March 2008, 07:17:19
travel, The Hochiminh trail, highlights, tours
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During the Vietnam war, the North Vietnamese Army (NVA) used a network of trails, caves and gravel roads to move ordnance, tanks, trucks, men and provisions to South Vietnam. The trail became known as the Ho Chi Minh Trail and its existence at the time was denied by the NVA. The USA, on the other hand, denied saturation bombing the Trail, within Laos - with 900 sorties per day and over one million tonnes of explosive.
All of the jungle area of the Trail, previously destroyed with defoliants and herbicides has grown back. It is possible to visit parts of the trail - but this must be done with a guide, since there remain tonnes of unexploded ordnance (UXO) in the area. Venturing off by yourself is not recommended!
Khanthebouly's main attractions are its noteworthy temples such as the beautiful Wat Saya Phoum and That Inghang.
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Tuesday, 4. March 2008, 07:13:33
travel, highlights, tours, laos
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Savannakhet town is situated on the banks of the Mekong river opposite Mukdahan in Thailand. The province bridges the country between Thailand and Vietnam and the town is a very active junction for trade between the two countries. The town itself can be easily explored by foot and has a number of interesting temples, including Vietnamese temple and school and a large Catholic church. Much of the town's architecture is French Colonial. Numerous examples of French architecture tell of the town's importance during the colonial era.
Getting there
Lao Aviation flies to and from Vientiane. Lao Aviation's domestic timetable.
You can reach
Savannakhet by boat from the north (Vientiane, Tha Khek) or the south (Pakse), although these services change regularly.Buses run several times a day from Vientiane, Tha Kek and Pakse. The journey takes up to nine hours from Vientiane.
From Thailand: Savannakhet is a designated international border checkpoint, although visas are not available on entry. You will need a visa in advance or you will have to make arrangements with a tour company. The ferry from Mukdahan, in Thailand runs all day between 0830 and 1700 on weekdays, with some restrictions at weekends.
From Vietnam: The Vietnamese border town of Lao Bao can be reached 180km west of
Savannakhet on Route 9. Tourists can freely pass between Laos and Vietnam, but note that visas are required in advance by both countries.
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