Luang Prabang

---

Even though we live on a beautiful island, we still have jobs to do and need a break now and then. After working hard days and long hours for eight months we decided to take a well deserved holiday in Luang Prabang, Laos. We had been there before, maybe nine years ago, and remembered how nice it was and wanted to visit again. On our last trip we did many of the touristy things there are to do. Waterfalls, river tubing, temples, elephant rides and trekking were what we enjoyed then. This time our goal was to RELAX and eat!

What we remembered the most about our last trip in Luang Prabang was our guesthouse near the river and across the street from a temple. We could hear the monks chanting in the evening just outside our window and saw the monks again in the early morning collecting alms as they walked through the city streets. We had a unique experience at a homestay cooking class. Preparing dinner with this family and staying overnight in the guest room was a highlight of the stay. The lazy streets at night, dining by candlelight on the river and the warm hospitality of all the people we encountered were the reasons we wanted to return.

Our stay took us through three different neighborhoods. Our first place was Indigo House, overlooking the night market on the main street. This was a great central location for us to explore the night market, food stalls, restaurants by the river, boutique shopping and french bakeries. Our most favorite find was Cafe de Laos. We loved the coffee, brunch, charming atmosphere and the staff so much we returned several times.

We moved on to Le Sen, a boutique resort just fifteen minutes walk away. This was a great find in the middle of a neighborhood. Just inside the gate was a beautiful garden and the swimming pool was steps from our door. We found an amazing Vietnamese restaurant that was so good we had to go back again.

In the third neighborhood we found My Dream Boutique, across the river from town but connected by the bamboo bridge. The best dinner experience was cooking our own Laos Fondue at Dyen Sabai, a restaurant next to the bamboo bridge. We were also surprised to find Pizza Phan, a wood fired pizza restaurant tucked down an alley behind the school.

In a way nothing has changed in this quiet town. The night market is the same, but bigger. There are guesthouses everywhere, so many more than we remembered before. The tours have not changed but the number of tour shops have. The food is better now, more dining options and perhaps a bigger budget for us this time. People are still friendly and that hasn't changed. We are happy that we decided to return to Luang Prabang. It was everything we hoped it would be.

---

Photos

Between classes

Overlooking the night market from Indigo Hotel

Night Market food stalls. You can find these on the main street and down small alleys.

When translated into English "pot of red stuff".

Bar-B-Que

French bakeries are everywhere in Luang Prabang

Cafe de Laos

Our favourite barista

Best coffee in Luang Prabang

Brunch with Eggs Benedict and delicious coffee

You won't see this at home, riding a moto and holding umbrella for rain or sun here.

Angry Birds playing in the trees

The Bamboo Bridge to cross the river is rebuilt every year after the rain season. We paid a fee to cross and the money is supposed to go for rebuilding each year.

Lao Fondue with Buffalo and vegetables. We cooked our own dinner on a hot pot over bucket of charcoal which fit into the table. Meat sizzling on the top and veggies cooking in the broth.

Comments

[Gary Mintier]

Trevor
Wondering if Trevor has thought about visiting you two. Right now he is climbing up Mt. Kilimanjaro.