Blog 6: Luang Prabang - Laos

Another whole day on the boat with a hangover was not a good start however all changed once we arrived at Luang Prabang. This town is beautiful. We decided to look for a hotel together as it is usually cheaper when numbers are higher so the five of us cram ourselves and all of our stuff into a TukTuk and give a random address in the Lonely Planet (otherwise known as the bible). We find somewhere relatively easily, unpack and head off into town.

We are all hungry so decide to try the local delicacies. It turns out that it is absolutely delicious. There is a night market that has a long food alley. After wanting to try everything, we finally settle on an all you can fit on your plate stall for the equivalent of £1 which was then thrown into a wok and heated with chilli. By far the most delicious thing we have eaten in ages. We then have a walk around the night market and head back to the hotel as everyone is shattered.

The following few days involve sitting in beautiful beer gardens and eating great food. We were not planning on staying in Luang Prabang for more than a couple of days but ended up there for 5!

One day we ventured just out of town to a waterfall but Simon was sick this day so stayed in bed to get better. The waterfall was great, cold but great. It was also a natural fish spa so the fish started to eat our skin if we stood still for too long. Check out the photos in the Luang Prabang album.

When Simon was feeling better we went for a walk just outside of the main town where we stumbled upon a Buddhist temple where the monks where in residence. Simon was speaking to one of them about the local area and told the monk we were off to p**** Wat next to which the monk replied Wat p**** Me, Lena and Iris all broke out in fits of laughter but not sure if the monk knew what we were laughing at.

We did eventually end up going to Wat Phu Si to see the sun set which was beautiful. The climb up 350 steps to the top was exhausting but if the grandma next to us could make it up, so could we.

We also had to make a quick trip to the hospital which was an experience as Lena was sick. It was a quick trip as they basically said that the hospital was closed for the holidays and to go to the capital and see a doctor there.

Finally we get our act together and decide to go to Vang Vieng where we will be tubing down the river. This is another 7 hour bus journey but seems like the biggest party in Laos will be there.