Situated at the confluence of the Mekong and the Nam Khan Rivers it retains a lovely calm river city feel without the hustle and bustle that is so evident in many Asian cities. Antique electric cars, Tuk Tuks, motor bikes, minivans and bicycles predominate the road traffic but quieter and in lesser numbers than in other big cities.
Fine dining tonight at the exotic Manda de Laos restaurant sitting amongst the water lily filled pond (our bill, an exorbitant 1.5 million kip (AUD$100.00) and on the way home we walked past a house with its front fence decorated with bomb shells.
A highlight of Luang Prabang is the night market, selling colourful and ornate tribal artifacts, bomb remnant crafts, the usual hippy tourist wear, jewellery, and of course a feast of Laotian dishes to tempt you for dinner.
The Main Street also has a wonderful selection of restaurants, shops selling rip off brand labels of sports wear and shoes, massage options, and of course the mandatory, gorgeously ornate Buddhist temple or two.
The old part of the town focuses around Phousi hill with a mere 350steps to the summit, and when the weather is kind, captivating sunsets and views of the surrounds. We’ll climb it when we’re back and the weather is cooler. 🤞
The morning market, tucked in the back alley ways, kicks off early and is definitely the real deal, not the tourist show like the night market.
Curry pastes, fresh juice, pastries, serpent liquors, fruit and veggies, and the famous Lao Coffee can be found here.
During the day we bused out to the Tat Sae Falls, unusually busy at this time because of a five day holiday in China bringing the Chinese tourists in droves.
We next jumped aboard electric vehicles which ferried us up to the snack bars and shops and onto the walking trails passing the shy and endangered sun and moon bears.
Despite the crowds the falls were delightful and refreshing.
The local kids and Andrew entertained us jumping and diving into the pools. Only 3 recent deaths.😩
The turquoise waters in the pools reminded us a lot of Plitivice Lakes in Croatia, perhaps because of the high limestone content. Glorious colour, and refreshingly cool.
A wander around the riverine peninsular st sunset revealed another whole water world of activity with sunset cruises and lots of cafes bars and restaurants perched precariously above the river banks to take advantage of the views, the sunset and the busy water traffic and ferry crossing back and forth across the river.
A very vibrant atmosphere and quite different to where we are staying.
Numerous Wats also enhance the streets.
After checking out our pre-booked hotel with no pool we decided to move, so wandered back through the night market once again to view potential hotels…with success.
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