Luang Prabang

The five of us met up mid-morning and discussed our day’s plans over bowls of muesli, freshly baked baguettes and cups of thick Lao coffee. Our decisions were finalized by the time the bill arrived. Ado, the Israeli, wanted to take in the town by foot while the rest of us agreed to go by rented bicycle.

It could be said that the highlight of Luang Prabang lies not in its sights, but rather, in its people. As the day wore on, the ancient temples, rows of old French colonial buildings, brick paved alleyways, and roads along the Mekong faded from our attentions and became mere backdrops for the townsfolk to play out their daily rituals.

Bringing baskets of fresh produce to the morning market:

Sifting rice:




Of the day’s activities, the one that stuck out the most, at least for me, was our invasion of the local schoolyard. We were welcomed in by a pair of children who ceremoniously pushed the gates open and ushered us in. It wasn’t long thereafter, that a group of youngsters attached themselves to us and remained so until we left.

Their reaction to seeing themselves on our camera’s tiny viewfinders was priceless. I’d imagine it the same way we’d react if we saw ourselves on television (but with more giggling).

You can tell from their work roughened hands and weather worn clothing that these children probably haven’t led easy lives; but you can tell from their broad smiles and hearty laughter that they’ve led good ones.

As the sun inched closer toward the horizon, we climbed the staircase leading to the temple overlooking town on Mt. Phousi. We had hoped to watch the last remnants of daylight pass behind the distant mountains but a slight drizzle and waning attention spans changed our minds on that.

We capped off the day with hour long massages ($3 per person) and a couple of drinks at Mr. Hong’s before packing it in for the night.

It was a good day if I do say so myself.

Other photos from today:

Wat Xieng Thong:


Wat Sirimungkhun:

Something got lost in translation along the way:

Rules for foreigners: