There are places that linger in the imagination after you visit them—Laung Prabang, Laos—is one such place. Nestled between the Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers, this Southeast Asian marvel is the pearl of the Orient.
Slow, leisurely and laid back—that’s Laos (pronounced Lao). Life here moves at a snail’s pace. It’s a pleasant surprise after an intense ride through Cambodia where the city speed is always in high gear.
I think Luang Prabang is the best-kept secret in Southeast Asia, although I’m told it’s no longer a secret! The city is full of mystical temples, tasty cuisine, whimsical wine bars and Indochinese architecture. Monks saunter around town drenched in their tangerine colored robes.
If you visit Luang Prabang here a list of must do’s:
-Visit the Kuang Si Water Fall and go swimming (pictures below—what a blast!)
-Eat Sindad (BBQ Lao style)
-Rent a bike and explore every nook and cranny of LP
-Enjoy a $0.75 cent fresh fruit smoothie (banana is my favorite)
-Have a $3 dollar massage at one of the LP’s many spas.
-Take a boat ride down the Mekong River
Getting sick sucks!
It’s true. Traveling the developing world means you take the chance of getting sick. It’s one of the things you sign up for when you book the trip. When I traveled to India I got sick. When I traveled to Kenya I got sick. But this time I was hoping to escape the evil illness!
I wouldn’t be so lucky. The night we arrived in Luang Prabang I ate the delicious lemon cookie bar pictured below and it turned my system upside down. I’ve really tried to fight through and enjoy LP—but truth be told I’ve had some long nights with the porcelain God. This is why I travel with well-stocked medical kit full of antibiotics.
Farewell Luang Prabang—I love your people, personality and timeless persona.
The adventure moves on! Up next: Thailand!
Till next time…Carpe Diem
Hello Kara,
I love your pictures and information! I will be traveling to Cambodia and Laos in June. Your friend Chad Ellison is my neighbor and he gave me your name to check out your blog.
I hope that your trip is going well and you are staying away from the porcelain goddess!!!!
Happy and safe travels!
Lara Preston.
Hi Lara!
Thanks so much for checking out the blog!
If you need any recommendations or insight on traveling in SE Asia, please email me at: kara -AT- karakostanich.com
You’ll love Cambodia and Laos.
Smiles,
Kara
Kara,
Thanks for sharing about Laos! In all my travels LP is on the top of my list of places to return to, I was afraid it might have changed but it sounds like it is still just as charming! Did they still have the silk night market? I also took an amazing kayak trip in LP, it was a remarkable place. I could go on and on.
Take care and be safe!
-Ben
Great to hear from you, Ben! Hope all is great for you guys
It’s funny, everyone I know who’s been to LP shares our same sentiment. It’s such a jewel! There was a night market, but not a night silk market–I wish!
How many countries did you guys do on your trip?
Kara