In Luang Prabang, Laos.

I needed to leave Thailand to renew my visa so off I went with friend Pauline to my favourite city in Laos, Luang Prabang. It is a UNESCO Heritage listed site. A beautiful place scented with Frangipani trees on the Mekong river. Since my last visits it has become, alas, very crowded and much more expensive. That seems to be happening to so many quiet beautiful little hideaways. They're discovered, lots of hotels and guesthouses are built, hoards decend, the traffic increases and the charm decreases. One needs reservations at good restaurants and there are many wine bars along the main street. It is still lovely but one has to get away from the main roads as we are doing here on the majestic Mekong river, just floating along without a destination looking at the little gardens along the banks, women washing clothes in the river, children playing in it, men fishing. Most of Laos is still really quiet and laid back although the new roads make travel much easier. Next trip here won't be to Luang Prabang and I'm really sorry as I have wonderful memories of this most laid back city, it's temples and monks.


The children taking a boat to and from school.

Previousely the markets were small and people loved to collect the handembroidered products that are so labour intensive and sewn by the skilled hill tribe women. Now the whole main street is a market every night and goods cost much more than in the surrounding countries so there are many sellers with pleading eyes.

We had a good time of course, sitting by the Mekong for real sun downers each night, trying the local restaurants and admiring the gracious people of Laos.

Here's my Laos Photo Album.