I begin my visit to Laos with the capital Vientiane.
This surprising city gives me the impression of being abandoned. In the old city centre, we see everywhere houses, buildings, land for sale. Many abandoned houses. Many construction sites started but which do not seem to be active at the moment. And the city is frankly dirty.
In addition, the city is almost too quiet, little animation, restaurants that close very early in the evening. I went to the maul, thinking I would find many shops there. It was 5 p.m. All the merchants were closing. Restaurants no longer served from 8 p.m.
https://youtu.be/80hiGqdziV4?si=KylO1kWOPPHrFGgu
This rather bad overall impression is a little tempered by the animation of the Nightmarket which is very large and in which of course passing tourists but also many Laotians walk.
Strangely, there is almost nothing to eat in this Night Market, mainly stands of high-tech clothing and accessories.
This old centre is very compact, the few monuments and temples to visit are in a reduced radius which allows me to see them all in half a day.
The only truly remarkable property, the gigantic and luxurious French Embassy in a garden that seems lush.
On the outskirts of this old centre, a very large brand new shopping centre is being created. He is just starting his activity. The aisles are quite empty and many shops are still to be opened.