Luang Probang, Laos

Laos is quite refreshing after the chaos of Hanoi. I especially liked Luang Prabang, with it's slow pace, little traffic and abundance of wats (Buddhist temples). My hostel was well placed, across from one of the large temples, near the city & night market and good food. It was pretty hot while I was here (upper 90's by midday) so I tried to head out early and then have a siesta (and shower) in the afternoon before heading out again.

Mount Phou Si is a high hill in the centre of the old town. It is in the heart of the old town peninsula and is bordered on one side by the Mekong River and on the other side by the Nam Khan River. At the top and along the path up/down there are numerous Buddhist temples and statues.

Coconut ice cream with mango was a hit on a hot afternoon!

Morning and night markets

The night market is geared towards tourists but the morning market is definitely for the locals. Lots of freshly picked vegetables and fruit, as well as some interesting protein choices like frog, rat and buffalo.

The Royal Palace, which is now also the National museum.

The beautiful Kuang Si Waterfall. (You can swim in it!)

Another Anthony Bourdain pick for khao soi (not to be confused with the Thai version).

I was across from Wat Sensoukharam, one of the spots where the monks do their morning alms round, collecting food donated by the lay people (and tourists) which will be the bulk of their food for their breakfast and lunch, being their only two meals of the day.

The drumming to wake the monks at 4am was mesmerizing. This video was taken out the window of my room.