I did not expect to fly on a Cessna Caravan

I knew when I made my trip to the lesser-known Laos during my travels, I had to stop by Phonsavan and visit the Plain of Jars. This made my 7-day trip incredibly challenging. I had to decide whether I include Vientiane in my trip or discard the hopes of ever seeing this weird archeological finding. In the end, my desire got the best of me and a booked a 2-way flight to Phonsavan through Luang Prabang.

Initially, I thought I would be flying on a propeller plane like those used for FireFly in Malaysia. Those are so far the smallest passenger planes I've ever taken. To my surprise as I exited the terminal gates, there it was a small 10 - 12 seater Cessna Caravan (I was not sure of the model at that time). I was ushered to board the plane. My little heart freaked out with excitement! I was in disbelief that I would ever get the chance to experience such an aviation vehicle.

I thought this was usually only available in the United States or some European country. I basically burst into joy, like a kid that had just seen his favorite toy. I took out my camera and started recording the experience. Taking pictures of the plane and some selfies with it. It was an incredible experience.

I was traveling alone. So the good thing is I was able to sit by myself, which was lucky as you could see my excitement overflowing. The plane was cramped but it was comfortable enough, even for a plus-size passenger. Of course, they had to even out the weight to make sure everything is balanced.

There were 2 pilots, the captain and the first officer flying the plane. As we slowly move towards take-off, the euphoria suddenly subsides and I realized what I was putting myself in. I could hear my mum at the back of my head saying all the worst-case scenarios. That made me a bit apprehensive about the take-off. But I was already in deep shit, I mean I was already on the tarmac, ready to take off. I took a deep breath and told myself whatever happens I have no regrets. Life is about adventure, this is a part of it.

The flight was amazing. As it was a small airplane, we did not fly very high, just enough to get over the mountains and maybe taste a bit of the cloud. The landscapes are beautiful, the horizon was mesmerizing. There were little windows where we could stick our hands out and feel the cool breeze. I ever imagined literally touching the clouds. While there were bumps here and there, especially when we passed through clumps of clouds. It was pretty much smooth sailing from there.

I started to think I understood why the forest of Laos was mainly kept untouched. After learning that Laos was the most bombed country in the world, with mot landmines still left undetected, it means there was not much development made to the countryside or vast land that they have. It was a Pro and Con situation when you actually think about it.

The 45 - 55 minutes flight came to an end in a small airport in Phonsavan. After disembarking the plane, I took every opportunity I could get to take a couple more photos with it, proving that I actually did fly on a Cessna before. This airport was small and everything was very informal. My bag was pretty much with me the whole time. Once I got my bag, the driver from the hotel was already there waiting to pick me up.