It's our last day in Vang Vieng and we are up early to visit the “must see” Morning Market. Our first thought is to take a tuk tuk there but even this early in the morning the prices are ridiculous. Although not much in dollars, 30,000 kip is too much for this journey and it motivates us to get hoofing.

Pass temples and street vendors selling fresh raw rice we cover the distance to the market relatively quick and feel good about holding onto our kip.

The Morning Market sort of turns out the way I expected it to be except for the fresh fish heads and meats sprawled out on long tables. The meats seemed like they belonged at a butcher's shop instead of a morning market.

A one stop, I am interested in various types of meats, ones that are being or have already been grilled. Strips on a bamboo ring have peaked my interest and after an almost comical inquiry, I decide to give it a try.

I am still not sure what I ate but it had a “jerky” texture, tasted good and was sprinkled with sesame seeds.

With a five hour or so bus ride ahead of us, some fresh fruits and breads for the road does not seem to be a bad thing. I pick out a childhood favorite, tamarind then make some more exotic choices.

For less than US$2, I have enough fruit to last me a day or two including a new taste to my palate, manho.

Video:http://youtu.be/JjuxXx634mo