Things are a little gentler, slower and more casual than Thailand.
The people also seem to smile less and do not seem as eager to engage.
Laos - a communist country since 1975 is made up of 132 different ethnic groups and Buddhism, once suppressed by communism is again the major religion with most young men spending a term of 1 month to 3 years at a temple before they are considered fully mature.
How can you rush with a load like this?
Luang Prabang is bordered by the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers.
It is filled with gleaming wats and crumbling French villas which makes for amazing architecture.
In the old quarter, most hotels and restaurants have outdoor seating along one of the rivers which
creates delightful ambience and charm especially at night as each place has different outdoor patio lighting swinging from large trees lining the street.. Simply delightful and the perfect place for morning coffee or evening cocktails.
Streets reminiscent from old movies.
Time was easily spent taking bikes and exploring the side streets of this beguiling somnolent city, enjoying the French influence of delicious pastries and coffee, crossing bamboo bridges to outlying communities and learning about the local skill of silk weaving which is an authentic part of Laos culture.
Preparing for the night market and found a side alley where for $1 you can fill up your plate with carbs and veggies. A back alley covered in a greasy film and patch work of metal and tarps. Kelowna's worst back street multiplied by 10 and a food safe nightmare..
But hey, we didn't get sick!
Travel pictures all show the famous Kuang Si Waterfall and it was even more beautiful than I imagined. Multi tiered cascades tumbling over limestone formations into menthol green pools.
Stunning!
Refreshing!
Anna and Brad had fun jumping off the tree branch and the falls ledge.
I was good with just swimming in the very refreshing waters!
Wow.....I think I'd love this place!
ReplyDelete