Luang Prabang

We had an adventuress trip up to the north – to Luang Prabang. The bus wasn’t in best condition and fully booked. So sitting in the back of the bus we bounced with every little dip.

The mountainous landscape was stunning and the villages became smaller and dustier. This is the area of Laos where you can see the poverty of the country but also the beauty. The bus drove slowly up the hills and I was thinking of my childhood. Being in the alps, visiting my uncle. I love the mountains.

Lost in my daydreams we arrived at Luang Prabang. As a city of world heritage it has beautiful small alleys with little shops and galleries. Big villas and houses marked from the colonial era of the French.

Every evening the long main road changed into a huge colorful bazaar with beautiful handicraft. Micha and me were sure, our mothers would have bought like crazy. We ourselves had to watch out not to buy anything.

The Royal Palace Museum was built in 1904 when Luang Prabang was still a kingdom. After the revolution in 1975 the kings family went into exile to the north of Laos. After this you never heard from them again. They changed the Palace into a museum and left all the furniture at his place.

The Stupa Phu Si is on top of a 100m hill. Up there you have a splendid few over the city, the Mekong and the mountains. Near the river was the Wat Xieng Thong, one of the most important Wats in Luang Prabang. It was built in 1560 and has beautiful mosaics made of Japanese glass.

Walking through the small alleys we found a Spa Garden. After checking the prices we decided to have one hour sauna and one hour massage treatment (15 Euro). It was a small sauna only for us. It was a perfect relaxed ending for Laos. The next day we flew back to Bangkok.

We wanted to end our three month trip chilling a little bit in the south of Thailand before heading back to our little island. Out of the airplane the view of the mountain tips covered in clouds was amazing. Bye Laos!

Accommodation: Somkhounmuong Guest House

Price: US$ 11,50

Comment: in a quiet alley, really clean double-room with bathroom and TV. Nice owner.