I begin my visit of Laos by the capital Vientiane.
This surprising city gives me the impression of being abandoned. In the old city center, you can see houses, buildings, lots for sale everywhere. Many abandoned houses. Many construction sites started but which do not seem to be active at the moment. And the city is frankly dirty.
Moreover, the city is almost too quiet, little animation, restaurants that close very early in the evening. I went to the maul, thinking to find many stores. It was 5 pm. All the shops were closing. Restaurants were not serving anymore from 8 pm.
This rather bad overall impression is tempered a little by the animation of the Nightmarket which is very large and in which walk of course the tourists of passage but also many Laotians.
Strangely enough, there is almost nothing to eat in this Night Market, mainly stands of clothes and high-tech accessories.
This old center is very compact, the few monuments and temples to visit are in a small radius which allows me to see them all in half a day.
The only truly remarkable property is the gigantic and luxurious French embassy in the midst of a seemingly lush garden.
On the outskirts of this old center, a very large, brand new shopping center is being created. It is just starting its activity. The alleys are quite empty and many stores are still to be opened.
