Lovely Luang Prabang

Our journey to Luang Prabang marked our return to the Mekong. As we climbed off the second of our long boat rides we were struck by the beautiful tranquility of the town which has some of the most interesting history in Laos. The historical city is protected from development, so is full of low rise wooden shuttered buildings that look like they've stepped straight out of the history books.

We were firmly back on the tourist trail, and the prices here rocketed as a result. However, the city is beautiful and definitely a must see for anyone visiting Laos.

We spent a day exploring the city, visiting the ancient temples, cultural museum, narrow streets and climbing up to the stupa overlooking the city. Our walking tour conveniently ended at the aptly named Utopia, a backpacker hangout over looking the river with Thai style loungers and very large glasses of red wine. This is a city which knows how to treat travelers to some creature comforts. Later we found a couple of good bars and some fellow backpackers to enjoy them with.

As a result, our second full day in Luang Prabang didn't really get going until midday. We spent the afternoon exploring the Royal Palace, now the national history museum, which was home to Laos' kings until the last one abdicated from the throne in the 1970s. Whilst it's a beautiful building, it was no where near the plush luxury which we've been used to seeing in South East Asia. The gifts of moon rock from the US president in the 1960s were a telling gesture of the politics at the time.

We also did a bit of shopping in Luang Prabang... it has the best night market that we've seen on our trip so far.  Beautiful handicrafts made by the tribes in Laos. I may have brought a bed spread covered in scenes of Laos rural life...

We finished our stay in Luang Prabang with a traditional BBQ. Delicious!