Hi Ellis,Don’t pull yourself down regarding the language barrier,at least you give it a go more than myself!we have just spent our first night in the thanon phaya Thai area in Bangkok,went to a famous pad Thai restaurant that only cooks pad Thai had shrimp (80b)only seen 1 westerner in the neighbourhood that’s how we like it!
We were in Nong Khiaw in Feb. 2024 and never found the unfriendly locals you speak of. It is a beautiful town as was Muang Ngoy a wee bit further up the river. You speak Lao really well!
Everyone has their own experience I guess! We found the odd nice person but when we were there in 2021, everyone just tried to get money out of us which we don't enjoy. Thanks Shawn we're glad you enjoyed it, the place is bloody beautiful.
Thank you for sharing your experiences. I was there back in Lao on my second trip in 1997, it was my worst experience ever. It was even worse when the people you know were the ones that stab you in the back. Since then, each time I saw this person and his family, I made sure never to use his family service again. Although I made it a point to tell him off back then, I generally avoided such confrontations when on vacation. That time, my aunt wanted to leave Ban Hoi Hin Lap, a small village, to Kilometer 52, which is south of Phon Hong. I had agreed on the price and other details, and we set off in the dark. However, he stopped at Phon Hong, instead of taking us all the way to Kilometer 52 as agreed. He demanded more money, almost double the initial amount, saying that was the furthest he would go unless we paid him more. I told him, 'This is how you treat your customers...'. I understand what you mean. Each time I return to Lao, there seems to be this jealousy between the local Laotians and those of us who live overseas, who comes to visit. When it comes to the language barrier, I love how interactive you are with the locals. It's amazing. I admire how you immerse yourself in the local culture, and that's what makes your experience so meaningful.
That sounds terrible we only experienced stuff like that in this town and luang Prabang really. Where there were no falang people were kind and honest. I appreciate your comment my friend
I found you as I'm heading there tomorrow but subbed because I love your honesty. BTW I looked at that hotel beforehand and WOW you should read all of the bad reviews about the owner. I had already decided not to go because of it, he pulls tons of scams and half the people show up and there's no room!
Hey Ayngelina! We've watched your videos before top stuff! We booked with no plans of dealing with the man so thought we would be fine! I'll be honest he was a bad person, like from the second you spoke to him you could feel it. Every opportunity he got he tried to rip you off or sell you something, then when you weren't interested he wanted nothing to do with you, shame because the hotel was very beautiful we just relaxed and enjoyed the view. Do hike some of the higher viewpoints if you have the energy! The views are quite special. Hope you have a wonderful time in Laos 🙏
Bloodcake is only 1 step from black pudding anyway? What’s up with these people😂 Bummer the hotel vulture tried to fleece you, kinda sours the whole thing, dunnit? Loving how everyone is fully jackets & fleeces. The bad news is that Thailand is choking with smoky season. Cheers Guys x
Hahah Ive no idea Chris mate, a proper Bury black pudding is the thing I miss most about home :( the town is so beautiful we just happened to have a bad run in with too many people just trying to fleece us, oh wow is the smoky season bad this early?!
wish there was an lao app, that you point your phone camera to and it auto translates the written language, so you can read and understand wtf it's saying..... would be amazing if some company do this real time a.i language translation via photos, videos.
Thanks for sharing your experiences, I like your attempts to interact with the locals. I'm bringing my 76 year-old Dad to Asia. Do you think Nong Khiaw is alright to go with my dad and six-year-od son or is it more of a backpacker vibe?
It's a beautiful place. You can pretty much sit on the river for days and do nothing that's what we did mostly aha. There are lots of backpackers and the people take advantage of that but the natural beauty is definitely outstanding. Not really a party area though it's definitely quiet and relaxing!
Nong (Lake) Khiaw (Green) does looks peaceful, Ellis. Yes, when you are in Asian Countries, you need to learn how to haggle or bargain, otherwise they will think you are dumb. If the price is not what you would like to pay, walk away by politely tell the vendors you want to look around first, most will work out deal with you, especially produce vendors who would rather make less profit than let the produce goes to rot. Within reasonable offer, like 10-15% off the price, not asking for 50% off, you know? This rule does not apply to noodles soup though. I've never seen it done.
Hey Panna! We have never had to haggle really yet as everyone has been honest, this has been the first time people try to rip us off in tourist areas, we just laugh and tell them it's expensive and walk away usually!
@@EllisWR If you ever go to Sri Lanka, as Craig Black has mentioned in his clip, he was nearly a victim to the scam, but he was on to them so, it was not a success by the scammers. The thing was they were offering a "free ride" to the old temple site, a distant away from town. Once the unsuspecting tourists took the offer, they would be dropped off so far and left there, unless they agree to pay the exorbitant price for a ride back to town. yes, a few bad people ruin it for the rest of honest people, happens everywhere, I'm afraid. Enjoy your day. I see your subs had gone up a bit, It's hard to get more subs in Laos, most people don't have access to the internet or own the phone. Looking forward for you both to come back to explore more of Thailand's less beaten path. 😃 I'm off to work now. Bye!
if you go to the amazon jungles in venezuela, the orinoco rivers, you will see native indian tribes there and wooden boats, then you look up and see HUGE nightclub speakers on floats, it's crazy scenary...... the venezuelan government sends utility boats that allows them to plug their electronics into mobile power grid, kind of ruins the authentic adventures, but it is needed for locals, the power stations.
ppl can often feel your vibes.... so like we all know there's going to be some percentage 20% or so, tourists who are acting arrogant, 'superior' pricks....... some of these ppl will go around town rudely throwing cash in their face........ imagine the body language, the lao ppl are reading off these rude tourists, i told you asian people have deep memories and got problems holding a grudge........ no one can stop tourism, no one knows who's good people and who's nasty rude people....... we inevitably change the culture, change the people, the locals their perception of us visitors......... let's just hope there are MORE good tourists are respectful and good ppl visit the country. as my old boss always told me, "ppl will always remember how you made them feel, remembering negative memories more so than the good memories.".
Yeah exactly, the Lao people in places that have no tourists are absolutely amazing so warm, I've seen the way people treat the locals in this town its so condescending I understand why they dislike us even though we be as kind as possible
Hi Ellis,Don’t pull yourself down regarding the language barrier,at least you give it a go more than myself!we have just spent our first night in the thanon phaya Thai area in Bangkok,went to a famous pad Thai restaurant that only cooks pad Thai had shrimp
(80b)only seen 1 westerner in the neighbourhood that’s how we like it!
Sounds amazing John how was it? The best way to do things have an amazing trip
i have been to Thailand 2 times before and have done lots of traveling but this place is now on my list for this years trip.
You'll have a cracking time mate it's extremely beautiful place
I love the river view on the bridge ,it's beautiful.
Take care of yourself guys ! I can’t wait you guys in Thailand 🧡🧡
Thanks Daranee!! Were back soon don't worry!
You handled it so well Ellis, if I were you I’d be paranoid for days.
Amazing views,
kids and animals are great healer 😇
Keep exploring, take care.
Thankyou Sorawis 🙏 have an amazing day
Shit happens sometimes but it was a cool looking town. Some gorgeous scenery
The hotel view so beautiful and peaceful
It was so nice!
Very beautiful scenery, you guys made it so far north in Laos not that far from Vietnam. Stay safe guys best of luck ❤️😊
Thanks so much Patrick 🙏
We were in Nong Khiaw in Feb. 2024 and never found the unfriendly locals you speak of. It is a beautiful town as was Muang Ngoy a wee bit further up the river.
You speak Lao really well!
Everyone has their own experience I guess! We found the odd nice person but when we were there in 2021, everyone just tried to get money out of us which we don't enjoy.
Thanks Shawn we're glad you enjoyed it, the place is bloody beautiful.
I hope all going well for you I love all your trip is amazing enjoy and have a great time !! Thai FC
Thanks so much!! 🙏 See you soon back in Thailand!
Thank you for sharing your experiences. I was there back in Lao on my second trip in 1997, it was my worst experience ever. It was even worse when the people you know were the ones that stab you in the back. Since then, each time I saw this person and his family, I made sure never to use his family service again. Although I made it a point to tell him off back then, I generally avoided such confrontations when on vacation.
That time, my aunt wanted to leave Ban Hoi Hin Lap, a small village, to Kilometer 52, which is south of Phon Hong. I had agreed on the price and other details, and we set off in the dark. However, he stopped at Phon Hong, instead of taking us all the way to Kilometer 52 as agreed. He demanded more money, almost double the initial amount, saying that was the furthest he would go unless we paid him more.
I told him, 'This is how you treat your customers...'. I understand what you mean. Each time I return to Lao, there seems to be this jealousy between the local Laotians and those of us who live overseas, who comes to visit.
When it comes to the language barrier, I love how interactive you are with the locals. It's amazing. I admire how you immerse yourself in the local culture, and that's what makes your experience so meaningful.
That sounds terrible we only experienced stuff like that in this town and luang Prabang really. Where there were no falang people were kind and honest.
I appreciate your comment my friend
Hey Lance. I got ripped off too, many times by the locals. I don't want to visit Laos anymore just thinking that they will rip us ( Laonork) off.
It such a nice vibe.
So relaxing!
I found you as I'm heading there tomorrow but subbed because I love your honesty. BTW I looked at that hotel beforehand and WOW you should read all of the bad reviews about the owner. I had already decided not to go because of it, he pulls tons of scams and half the people show up and there's no room!
Hey Ayngelina! We've watched your videos before top stuff! We booked with no plans of dealing with the man so thought we would be fine! I'll be honest he was a bad person, like from the second you spoke to him you could feel it. Every opportunity he got he tried to rip you off or sell you something, then when you weren't interested he wanted nothing to do with you, shame because the hotel was very beautiful we just relaxed and enjoyed the view. Do hike some of the higher viewpoints if you have the energy! The views are quite special.
Hope you have a wonderful time in Laos 🙏
กับข้าวเวียงจันทน์อร่อยไหม
Yes so delicious!
ที่พักบรรยากาศดีมาก ดื่มเบียร์ลาวดูธรรมชาติ มีความสุข
Thanks for watching may!
Bloodcake is only 1 step from black pudding anyway? What’s up with these people😂
Bummer the hotel vulture tried to fleece you, kinda sours the whole thing, dunnit?
Loving how everyone is fully jackets & fleeces.
The bad news is that Thailand is choking with smoky season.
Cheers Guys x
Hahah Ive no idea Chris mate, a proper Bury black pudding is the thing I miss most about home :( the town is so beautiful we just happened to have a bad run in with too many people just trying to fleece us, oh wow is the smoky season bad this early?!
wish there was an lao app, that you point your phone camera to and it auto translates the written language, so you can read and understand wtf it's saying..... would be amazing if some company do this real time a.i language translation via photos, videos.
You can actually do this Kaleey with Thai language and quite a few others on Google translates app! Works wonders for reading menus!!
Thanks for sharing. I guess i am not going there, it's too isolated and rural for me and i am from Laos. You can speak Lao, i am impressed.
It's beautiful but people's attitudes are terrible towards outsiders :(
Thanks for sharing your experiences, I like your attempts to interact with the locals. I'm bringing my 76 year-old Dad to Asia. Do you think Nong Khiaw is alright to go with my dad and six-year-od son or is it more of a backpacker vibe?
It's a beautiful place. You can pretty much sit on the river for days and do nothing that's what we did mostly aha.
There are lots of backpackers and the people take advantage of that but the natural beauty is definitely outstanding. Not really a party area though it's definitely quiet and relaxing!
Thanks for the reply and your great videos!
Nong (Lake) Khiaw (Green) does looks peaceful, Ellis. Yes, when you are in Asian Countries, you need to learn how to haggle or bargain, otherwise they will think you are dumb. If the price is not what you would like to pay, walk away by politely tell the vendors you want to look around first, most will work out deal with you, especially produce vendors who would rather make less profit than let the produce goes to rot. Within reasonable offer, like 10-15% off the price, not asking for 50% off, you know? This rule does not apply to noodles soup though. I've never seen it done.
Hey Panna! We have never had to haggle really yet as everyone has been honest, this has been the first time people try to rip us off in tourist areas, we just laugh and tell them it's expensive and walk away usually!
@@EllisWR If you ever go to Sri Lanka, as Craig Black has mentioned in his clip, he was nearly a victim to the scam, but he was on to them so, it was not a success by the scammers. The thing was they were offering a "free ride" to the old temple site, a distant away from town. Once the unsuspecting tourists took the offer, they would be dropped off so far and left there, unless they agree to pay the exorbitant price for a ride back to town. yes, a few bad people ruin it for the rest of honest people, happens everywhere, I'm afraid. Enjoy your day. I see your subs had gone up a bit, It's hard to get more subs in Laos, most people don't have access to the internet or own the phone. Looking forward for you both to come back to explore more of Thailand's less beaten path. 😃 I'm off to work now. Bye!
if you go to the amazon jungles in venezuela, the orinoco rivers, you will see native indian tribes there and wooden boats, then you look up and see HUGE nightclub speakers on floats, it's crazy scenary...... the venezuelan government sends utility boats that allows them to plug their electronics into mobile power grid, kind of ruins the authentic adventures, but it is needed for locals, the power stations.
Sounds crazy hahah classic venezuela they love there music
That's classic u handled it well, bro. Well open-minded.
Cheers 🙏
👍👍👍😄😄😄😄จากไทยแลนด์
Thanks for watching!!
Need that khao soi fam
Crazy Cheap stuff mate
Laos and Thailand are goddess lands
🇹🇭🇱🇦❤️
👍👍👍🙏🙏😎👍👍👍
Cheers for watching!!
ppl can often feel your vibes.... so like we all know there's going to be some percentage 20% or so, tourists who are acting arrogant, 'superior' pricks....... some of these ppl will go around town rudely throwing cash in their face........ imagine the body language, the lao ppl are reading off these rude tourists, i told you asian people have deep memories and got problems holding a grudge........ no one can stop tourism, no one knows who's good people and who's nasty rude people....... we inevitably change the culture, change the people, the locals their perception of us visitors......... let's just hope there are MORE good tourists are respectful and good ppl visit the country. as my old boss always told me, "ppl will always remember how you made them feel, remembering negative memories more so than the good memories.".
Yeah exactly, the Lao people in places that have no tourists are absolutely amazing so warm, I've seen the way people treat the locals in this town its so condescending I understand why they dislike us even though we be as kind as possible
That's not nice.. being dishonest people in my Country. Sorry to hear that 😕😕😕
99.9 percent of people amazing! Just some people on tourist area only want money :(
I am Lao, but an American Citizen, they ripped me off too. They can tell I'm not from around there. I know how to bargain tho..
♥️🇱🇦👍
🙏🙏🙏
Nong kiaw has nothing... But the hill with the view.. The best place is Muang Ngoi...
We found it a tourist trap, really beautiful but locals attitudes were awful probably due to all the awful tourists passing through. Shame really.
💡🎥🕶🎄🏆
Cheers mate
Befriend a local. They will take care of you.
Good idea
Always pro and con before the civilization.