Playing petanque in Vientiane

I had the opportunity to play petanque with a few Laotians.  Laos is strong in petanque in this region, having won several gold medals at the Southeast Asia (SEA) Games.

The petanque game area is slightly off the city centre.  When we arrived, the area was pretty packed.

Had a quick instructions and briefing on the rules of the games and we were in competition. The players are divided into 2 teams and each team has 6 chances to throw the balls.  For example, if your team has 3 members, you would have 2 chances to place the ball near the rubber ball target. 

The team that reach 11 or 15 points would winn the game.  For us, it would be the best of 3 games.

Each player would stand in a small circle made of aluminium or zinc to throw the petanque ball.

The aim is to get the ball closed to the small rubber ball.

Getting assistance from group members.

And in all activities, there will be drinking.  There will be a staff serving drinks throughout the game and you are obliged to drink a small glass of Laos beer.

It is a good night out with friends. 


For more pages on Laos: http://clumsycompass.blogspot.sg/p/laos-travels_22.html