Pronounced “Boh pen yan” –

One of my favorite Lao words, and probably every other foreigner’s favorite. The saying’s literal translation means “No problem” or “You’re Welcome”, however it’s typically used in more of a Hakuna Matata sense. No worries! Which is probably why someone thought it was a good name for a bar right here in Vientiane.

It has since become the most popular bar in Vientiane as it has an amazing balcony view that overlooks the Mekong River and the banks of Thailand from the 4th floor. The drinks are great but are relatively more expensive than anything else I have come across in Laos. (Key word being relatively!) There are two pool tables in the back, loser has to pay 5,000 Kip (approx. $0.60), and there are expats and backpackers everywhere you turn.

The view from Bor Pen Nyang’s 4th floor balcony.

For dinner, we decided to follow Mags’ lead and go to a street vendor who made egg noodle soup with red barbecue pork. A lot of people have continuously advised us not to eat street food… but it’s such a large part of the culture here that we sometimes choose not to heed that warning. Bor pen nyang, right? Anyways, the food was absolutely phenomenal. Spicy, barbecue, asian, noodles, mouthwatering, amazingness.

The AMAZING street pork soup!

Bellies content and full, we decided to go have a drink at Bor Pen Nyang. Being a Monday, of course it wasn’t very busy, but we all get along so well that one drink easily turned into three and before we knew it, it was 11 o’clock! We were exhausted. Probably because we’re all getting so old, ya know?

And of course, because it’s the rainy season here in Laos, it was raining when we left the bar. Nevertheless, we pranced home in the rain, tipsy, laughing, and in love with this beautiful country.

Bor Pen Nyang, my friends.

ດ້ວຍ​ຮັກ (With love),

Claire