Laos: Luang Prabang

From Oudom Xay, we took a local bus to the royal capital of Lao, Luang Prabang. It was, I think, the most beautiful ride I’ve ever taken. Winding along the narrow roads on the mountain edge, we passed through countless villages with children playing, women cooking, pigs running their noses on the ground. All this with a backdrop of a blue sky, puffy white clouds, luscious green mountains and valleys, and snaking rivers speckled with fishermen in their long boats.

In this region, it is common for people
to carry bags with the strap on their heads.

Home on the mountain.

Along the river.

"What do you think this is? Let's try it."

We figured out how to open it.

It's glutinous sticky rice.
An easy snack for the road.

I’ve heard Luang Prabang called the most charming city in southeast Asia and I’m inclined to agree. Filled with temples and French colonial architecture, the old quarter sits at the intersection of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers. We had done the touristy activities on our visit 2 years ago, so this time around we enjoyed being familiar with the place, riding our bikes and indulging in the delicious baguettes so readily available and made to order.

Main road in Luang Prabang.

Temple time.

Luang Prabang baguette.

We spent one full day riding around on our bikes and got to watch the sunset on the Mekong while I beat Sam at gin rummy. Luang Prabang is a lovely town, easily navigable for tourists and I highly recommend it to anyone venturing to the region.

Sunset on the Mekong.