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Laos - Luang Prubang

This city has been granted World Heritage status. It has retained its charm over the centuries with its French-era architecture mixed with tradional Lao-style villas. Despite all the tourists, it has a relaxed attitude, which I noticed right away when I arrived. It's not a party town, probably due to the 11:30 pm curfew (and I really appreciated that). There are 34 temples and several hundred orange-robed monks that help contribute to that peaceful feeling.

Luang Prubang was originally established in 1353, and was the royal capital of Laos. The capital moved to Vientiane in 1545.

I loved the gardens, trees, riverside cafes and brick-paved pedestrian lanes... as well as the nightly street market and tasty food (French-Lao fusion).

And the people were friendly and calm. What a great place for Dave's last four days in SE Asia. As for me, I decided to stay in Laos awhile longer...

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Photos

Long boat on the Mekong River
Taken from the shoreline at Luang Prubang. It's dry season, so the water level is low.

Nam Khan River
This river feeds into the Mekong and forms a peninsula, where the Old Quarter of Luang Prubang is located, behind me.

328 steps up to the top of Phousi Hill
At the top there is a temple and a 360 degree view.

View over Luang Prubang from the top of Phousi Hill
Nam Khan River on the left.

Buddhist monks in the Old Quarter of Luang Prubang
Every morning at 6 AM the monks receive alms from the residents. The rice and food they receive are their nourishment for the day. They eat only 2 meals per day - breakfast and lunch.

Night Market in the Old Quarter of Luang Prubang
The locals set up their handmade crafts, art and textiles for sale each afternoon at 4PM and take them down again at 10 PM. The street is closed off to traffic during that time.

Drying "riverweed" from the Mekong
Riverweed is dried and then fried with oil and topped with sesame seeds. It makes a great snack!

Boy playing in a pan of water
All kids love water!

Sunset on the Mekong
Taken from the long boat

Motorbikes are the main mode of transportation for the locals
It amazed me to see young children, and even babies, riding on the motorbikes with their parents. It wasn't out of the ordinary to see a family of four on one motorbike.

My taxi to the airport
The driver was taking care of his daughter for the day, so she went along with us!