Luang Prabang, Laos - Dec 10 - 12, 2018

Luang Prabang, Laos - Dec 10 - 12, 2018

Luang Prabang is so idyllic and laid back. It reminded me a little of how Chiang Mai was in the early 1990s, but it is even more laid back than that. Even the markets seemed easier to maneuver even though the aisle ways are so narrow. The markets are crowded with vendors, but not overcrowded with tourists and locals. Oh, but watch out for motorcycles sharing the walkway.

For eating, we decided to try the Tamarind Restaurant on our first night. We selected the Explorer Set menu and really enjoyed the flavors and the care they took to prepare the food. Also, they took time to explain what you were eating. We enjoyed the experience so much that we returned two nights later. The Pun Pa menu was another tasty and enjoyable eating experience.

We experienced a lot of rain the day after we arrived. We did not explore very much on this day and enjoyed staying at our hotel, Villa Meuang Lao. The staff/owners are very nice. The location of the hotel was great. It was an easy walk to the night and morning market as well as the National Museum. On our walks, we took in the architecture that was colonial and Asian? Anyway, we liked it. We enjoyed our walks near the river, to and through the main temple in town and found the foot bridge interesting - but definitely not one I would willingly cross. We also enjoyed watching the kids in the school yard.

It was a very nice, enjoyable and relaxing trip. We might have added a walk up the nearby mountain which is supposed to have a very nice view of the city and possibly take a tour of the waterfalls if the weather was better. . . Next time!

Pictures - Tamarind Restaurant - Some of the dishes from the Explorer Set Menu. The food was delicious. We were taken by surprise when we found we liked the desserts since we normally do not like Asian desserts.

 

Pictures - Main Temple

Pictures - River and around town

Pictures - Morning Market

Recommended:
Hotel - Villa Meuang Lao
Restaurant - Tamarind Restaurant (excellent), Bamboo Tree (good), Noodle shop - come out of Food Street and turn left