This week has been a little bit of a disaster, possibly the worst since I have been away. However the actual places I have visited have been some of the best so i’ll try and show you what I can from the shots I have shot and processed between my horrible batch of food poisoning.
On Monday I left Chiang Mai to head towards Luang Prabang. For anybody taking this route there are usually two options a slow boat from Huay Xai which takes 2 days or a speed boat which takes 6 hours (and is reportedly extremely dangerous). As I only have 2.5 weeks in Laos I didn’t want to lose two days sat on a boat and on the other hand I didn’t want to die prematurely on the Mekong. Therefore I managed to grab a night bus from Huay Xai which leaves at 5pm and arrives in Luang Prabang at 5.30am. I would recommend this option with two points to consider 1) The journey is on windy mountain roads 2) The bus is definitely not a VIP bus. This means the ride is uncomfortable but if like me you can sleep in most situations you will be fine!
Upon arrival to Luang Prabang I hopped into a Tuk-Tuk with some other travelers and headed into the center of Luang Prabang. Luang Prabang is quite a small, slow paced town (like most of Laos) so navigating is fairly simple. I headed for Manichan Guesthouse which is in an ideal location on a tiny small street between the morning market and the Mekong river. They also do the greatest breakfast I have come across so far, muelsi, yogurt, fruit salad, eggs, tomatoes, orange juice, coffee and more!
Luang Prabang is a beautiful town, UNESCO world heritage status means that it is carefully monitored so that everything fits in with the amazing temples and french colonial architecture. The pace of life is also slow so just wondering the streets is an enjoyable experience. Unlike most SE Asian cities there are virtually no taxis or moto taxis and transport relies on Tuk-Tuks. This makes for a wonderful place where even the market stall holders don’t bother you when you walk past.
Photographically Luang Prabang is bursting with photo opportunities…that is if you are not tucked up in bed ill like I was. Below are two shot I took whilst there, unfortunately I didn’t get many more but when I have processed them I will update this post.
Wat Xieng Thong
Wat Mai
So sorry to hear you got ill in LP! :( and that you lost your phone as well. Haven't read that post yet to discover if all the backtracking on your route paid off. At least you stayed at Manichan which I really love to stay at. I hope your stay there was well. Will continue to follow your adventures! be well and be safe!