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Published: July 12th 2013
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I visited Luang Prabang back in March 2012 with my friends, and at that time, there was no direct flight from Singapore (Lao Airlines now fly from Singapore to Luang Prabang). We had to stay over night at Bangkok and took another flight to Luang Prabang the next day. Just like my other trips, this was a short trip done over a long weekend. As I went with the group, this time, I didn't have to make any arrangement. I simply had to book my ticket and join them. Thankfully, Indonesians can enter the country with visa on arrival (the new airport was newly opened this year).
We arrived at Luang Prabang without hassle and reached the hotel easily (www.kiridara.com) and thanked our friend who had chosen the right accommodation for all of us. It was strategically located, well managed with excellent facilities (the hotel Tuk Tuk is available to send you anywhere in town and pick you up again. We were even allowed to check in early and had our lunch before we headed to town. The first stop for us was afternoon tea at Amantaka Hotel, owned by the Aman Group before we headed towards Wat Xiet Thong
temple, built in 1560 located in the old town. I didn't realize how charming Luang Prabang was until I was physically there. Perhaps, it was not as densely populated, combined with the French influenced buildings that gave the city a pleasant and cozy feel.
We spent a lot of time in this temple and had a chance to take a look at the entire compound. It was not hectic and clean (we didn't see many vehicles as bicycles or Tuk Tuk are main mode of transport). From here, we headed towards Phu Si Hill and had to climb some 400 stairs to reach the top. The place was popular for sunset viewing, and I was not surprised to see so many photographers waiting for the sunset. On our way up, we saw a few young monks cleaning up the reclining Buddha statue. The night market of Luang Prabang was located near the exit of Phu Si Hill and I must say that it sells wider variety of goods compared to that of in Chiang Mai or Phuket. I just wished I had more time to explore the night market and didn't intend to shop either hoping that I'd be
back again any time soon (which has not happened).
We had our dinner at the 3 Nagas restaurant with French colonial look. The food was delicious and ambience was great as well. I didn't mind staying at this cozy hotel during my next visit.
Early in the morning, we got ready for our alms giving and went to a place near the market where monks would walk around and collect alms. The hotel had given each of us a sticky rice in a bowl. I didn't know that I was supposed to give each a little and in no time, mine finished first. It was amazing to see the dedication of the people who took care of the monks in exchange for their blessings. They were literally doing this every morning in their life! After we got back at the hotel and had our breakfast, we got ready for our excursion to Kuang Si Waterfall which took approximately 1.5 hours drive from Luang Prabang, spent an afternoon here and had our lunch as well. The waterfall located at the lower level is called Tad Sae. This was a must go place while you are in the area.
By the time we're back at the hotel it was close to 3pm, and some decided to go shopping and explore the old town (there are a few unique looking boutiques and cafes) but I decided to go for my spa and didn't regret with my decision. Feeling freshed and rejuvenated, I decided to head to town after my spa to have a look at the old town, night market and Palace Museum. One thing I like about this town was that it was so safe that you can walk around by yourself. I had coffee at Couleur restaurant overlooking the river before heading back to the hotel. Last day dinner was at L'elephant restaurant at old town, which was equally good.
We had the second round of alms giving the next day. Only then we realised that the monks gave some rice back to the poor children lining up on the street! This time, we had chosen a different location, near the main road which turned out to be more touristy and crowded. The alm giving ritual had become too much of a tourist attraction unfortunately.
After breakfast, I even managed to borrow a bicycle from the
There are two waterfalls
near each other - Kuang Si and Taed Sae hotel and went for a ride to old town, which was not very far, and visited an old temple, Wat Aham and Wat Visounarat.
My story would not be complete without a drama. Upon check in at the airport, I learned that I had booked at a later flight -- at different time than the rest of the group. Had I taken this flight, I would have missed my connecting flight to Bangkok and Singapore. Thankfully, the plane still had available seat for me and I was able to change my flight at a fee. Phew!
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