Journey 

So to get from Hanoi to Vientiane we embarked on a bus ride which took us 27 hours....no joke. There  are a lot of people that complain about the bus from Vietnam to Laos however since we had not come across any issues from our previous heavily complained about buses. Plus when you put it in to perspective its $15 vs $100 minimum. It's a no brainer. 

We were 'picked up' from our hostel. I use the term loosely because a man turned up shouted Laos and we had to follow him on his scooter to a minivan. The mini van was cramped to say the least. We were dropped off down the road from the bus station and divided in to our various destinations. From here we then had to wait for our 'leader' to buy the tickets for us. 

Despite confirming that the bus would have a toilet with the travel agency we bought our tickets with...it did not. However, apart from at- no complaints. We then began to travel with a few pit stops and a food stop along the way. 

I was awoken by the driver/staff shouting passport at us and I figured we were at passport control. Although, they did make us get out earlier than necessary. It is also very muddy around passport control so dress accordingly. 

Like so many land crossings there were additional charges. The first of which was a $1 exit stamp from Vietnam. Something you need to cross into the Laos border. There is no way around it...unless your Vietnamese. This robbery happens at the Laos border, which is a bit of a walk away. At this border the price of visa increases for the weekend, again there is not a lot you can do. Be sure to check you have a Visa card and a stamp in your passport because if you don't, when you go to leave you will have alot of difficulties/you won't be leaving unless you pay a hefty price.

After this debarkle, we finally got back on the bus for the rest of the journey. When we arrived finally in Vientiane, we were first dropped at some random carpal before getting a free tuk tuk to the bus station courtesy of the bus company. From here, we got another tuk tuk to our hostel for 20kip.

Dream Home Hostel Facilities

We wanted to take some time to relax, especially after that whopper of a journey so we took advantage of the hostel facilities. 

Swimming Pool 

The newly built swimming pool was perfect for the day when temperatures were reaching 40 degrees!! The pool is just round the corner from the hostel. As swimming pools go it was actually quite a decent size. They do sell drinks here but they are cheaper from the shops. As there isn't any staff around, I don't know if they have an issue with you bringing your own but we never had any difficulty. 

Restaurant 

Within the hostel, they have a restaurant which sells a few Asian dishes but also burgers.it is bad but after 2months nearly of noodles and rice- I was over the moon for a burger. I had the chicken one and it was amazing. Thoroughly enjoyed it and if you are missing western food I would recommend you trying it especially because so many horror stories of eating western food whilst away and it ending badly shall we say...

Love Imogen xoxo

Vientiane Hostel Review

DREAM HOME HOSTEL AND SWIMMING POOL

Facilities 

Despite there being several wifi points, the strength and signal is not great. 

To enter the initial part of the hostel is very easy. However, to enter the rooms you do need a swipe card.  The lockers here are odd... They are basically sheets of metal with a make shift lock device-not the safest, to say the least!

The swimming pool is around the corner from the hostel. Although nice, you can tell that the outer parts i.e the bar were still in construction. It was nice at the time but no doubt by now it will really add to the atmosphere in the hostel. I think without a swimming pool, Vientiane would be unbearable because it is just so so hot!

Showers and Toilets 

All facilities are downstairs which is okay but annoying if you need the toilet in the middle of the night! The actual showers themselves are good with decent pressure plus because there are so many you are never left waiting to shower. 

Staff 

The staff here are very friendly and are helpful. Their English abilities differ but all in all it is never difficult to communicate when booking transport or asking for directions. 

Breakfast

Breakfast here was included and was really good there was a selection of what you could have including pancakes- I urge you to try these as I personally thought it was the best way to start the day! You also have the option of eating Al fresco- what more could you want ay!?

Dorms

Despite the rooms being basic they did the job. I did like that each bed had a mini light- a feature I missed when I returned back to hostel living in Australia! The air con is strong here so make sure you have some warm clothing for night time! 

Value for Money

I was impressed with his much you got for your money here. It made the perfect first stop in our penultimate Asian country! 

Location 

Location wise it is good. Although it's not in the main part of the city not many of the good hostels in the area are. It was close to amenities and fit its purpose perfectly! 

OVERALL, I would definitely recommend giving this place ago whilst staying in Vientiane.

Love Imogen xoxo