What a wonderful place this is. Declared a Unesco World Heritage site in the 1990s, this town is a gem. History, culture, markets! And we'll be here for three nights, so there is even time to unpack a bit.
The day started at 5:00, as we were going to offer alms to the Buddhist monks. Some are just children! We gave them sticky rice, a staple in the diet here. Only about 50 or so today as many were home with their families. Before returning to the hotel for breakfast, we visited the morning market.
- Wat (Buddist temple, called Vat in Laos) That;
- Traditional Arts and Culture Centre;
- climb 328 stairs to Pou Xi Stupa;
- Kuang Xi Falls (an hour's drive each way);
- Royal Ballet Theatre (a traditional dance, presenting a Laotian fable);
- supper at Coconut Gardens.
A very full day!
A free day. So we got to sleep in for the first time (the days have been packed). A few of us visited the National Museum in the morning. Built in 1904 it was the Royal Palace until some time in the 1970s when the last king abdicated. Then walked round the perimeter of the town, which is located between two rivers, the Mekong and the Khan. Stopped for a drink and lunch/sweet at a restaurant overlooking the river Khan.
Had a last visit to the night market and then on to our last supper in Luang Prabang, at the Lao Lao Gardens. Every meal we've had has been great. I felt like I could have been in Mexico! Right down to the music.
A few pictures from the day:
Street in Luang Prabang
Footbridge over the river Khan
Our hotel in LuangPrabang (Legend)
