The train pulled in and we jumped off to be approached by the hordes of offers of Tuk Tuk Sir? One minute later and feeling very rightous we walk the 1km from the train station to the boader crossing (everyone else hopped on a tuk tuk) as we needed to stretch our legs. Two hours and much queuing and form filling later we get our visas approved and walk across 'no mans' land and on to a tuk tuk driven by a guy who could have been 90 into Vientiane to our hotel.

Check in then off exploring the City asap - it's so quaint, quiet and small it doesn't deserve the title of 'City' . It has a lot of French influence especially in it's architecture and food; they sell fabulous baguettes, cakes and coffee. It is however really nice and sedate, the complete opposite of Bangkok.

We visit the most important monument in Laos - Pha That Luang which means great stupa. It is the most important building in Laos as it is a symbol of both sovereignty and Buddhist religion;  it is supposed to have been built on the sight where Buddha's breastbone was buried as early as the 3rd century BC. There are lots of other tourists here but they are all Asian, is Laos the Costa Del Sol of Asia? - hope not! Back in town after a spot of tuk tuk negotiations. The atmosphere appears very relaxed for a capital city, is this a true taste of Laos and the slower pace of life that we have heard so much about?

The Stuppa is a Tuk Tu ride back via a coffee break and we finish the day with a walk along the Mekong and a wander through the Rues and Avenues.