Louang Prabang- Laos

From Siem Reap (Cambodia), we took a flight to Louang Prabang in the northern part of Laos. Initially we were supposed to cross the boarder by land and visit the south and center of Laos, too, but 8 months is just not enough... so we decided to concentrate our visit to the north and take the time it takes to visit this part well. We landed just in time for sunset! Flying over Louang Prabang, the first impression was how mountainous the region seemed. The second impression came when we stepped off the plane. Up until now we have been exposed to temperatures of over 30 degrees... and now it felt soo cold!! Ok, so the temperature after verification was 24 degrees, but it took us a few days to adjust and to stop wearing our coats!

The next day, as we walked around town, it felt so different! The streets were quiet with hardly anyone walking around.

My parents kept saying how much it looked like the villages in Switzerland. The streets were clean and the houses made of wood reminded them of the architecture of those in Switzerland. It was really beautiful and now I can't wait to visit Switzerland too!

I also noticed that the Tuk Tuks were really different. They looked more like minivans. The passenger space was able to accomodate up to 10-12 people (as opposed to 2-4 in Cambodia).

We saw seberal boudist pagodas and there were many monks walking in the streets.

 We learned a bit  about the life of monks. For example. monks can only eat after the sunrise and until noon. They fast the rest of the time but they can drink water at any time. It is incouraged for all boudist men to become monks at least once in their lifetime for an undertermined duration of their choice.

To get food, they collect alms just before sunrise. This means they walk around town with a basket and villagers give them donations of food.

When someone becomes a monk, they give up all material possessions including money so they rely on donations for living. They also give up anything that represents beauty in order to concentrate on things that really matter. This is why 4 times a month, they shave their hair and eyebrows. They spend their days taking care of their pagoda and doing alot of mediation and praying, individually and in groups. This includes chanting which we had a chance to witness. It was a beautiful moment, I suggest you close your eyes and listen :)

The atmosphere in Louang Prabang was very serene. Just walking around and seeing their way of life was intriguing and peaceful. For example, here  are corn paddies and hot chilies set out to dry in an alley. Also, have a look at the bamboo bridge. Every year they have to rebuild this bridge because during the rainy season it gets washed out!

The other thing that was great about Lounag Prabang was the discovery of a roadside pancake and smoothy shop. Since my dad was able to negociate with the kind lady, a price that felt like a prize, we went back every morning! Hey… 1$ goes a long way here so we, the children, were not about to argu, besides why would we not enjoy fresh fruit smoothies (passion fruit, mango, pineapple, etc) and delicious nutella and fresh fruit (banana, pineapple) pancakes!!

Also, the money in the different counrties is different. Here in Laos they use Kips... and we are millionnaires!!

​We had a good time exploring the night market. One t-shirt we saw made us all laugh.. it read « same, same… but different »! they say that all the time!! The food at the night market was also really good, we always wanted to go back there. 

Finally, we went to visit some near by falls. They were gorgeous and it was great to jump in for the refreshement after the hike up!