Credits: Papers by Sahlin Studio’s Sweet Story Telling papers, Creativity by Crystal’s Room Collection Solids; Elements by Sahlin Studio Sweet Story Telling Kit.
It was a beautiful ordinary day. No agenda, we just played it by ear, went with the flow. The plan was to leisurely walk the streets and see where it takes us.
The serene atmosphere of this enchanting city begs for nothing more. Having strolled down these streets before, it was interesting to see new ventures turning up while many stayed the same.
Luang Prabang lies in the heart of the mountainous region of North Laos. Also known as the jewel of Indochina, the ancient royal city sits between the junction of the Mekong and the Nam Kahn Rivers.
And our nice little boutique hotel, Villa Deux Rivieres is situated somewhere near the junction in Kingkitsareth Rd.
Monks with their signature umbrellas in Sakkarine St. — a quieter part of town.
Great location as it really is just a short walk away from many places of interest and the main street, Sakkarine,
The busier street of Sisavangvong has more tuk-tuks and motobikes lining the streets.
which turns into Sisavangvong St. if you walk further. We spent a lot of time in Sakkarine St. browsing, sometimes buying from the many little shops or relaxing in several of the cafes lining the stretch.
Café Ban Vat Sene across the charming Wat Sene and Le Banneton with its wonderfully crusted breads are our favorites hang-outs. We sat outdoors and enjoyed the cool air and the easy going vibe of the town.
Those breads lured us to Le Banneton
Caruso Lao never fails to lure me in each time we walk pass it. Beautiful stuff on display, a bit pricey but well worth the workmanship, me think.
And look what I have displayed at home. There could have been more, if freight wasn’t so ridiculously high.
Comprising this enchanting little city are ancient structures, a Royal Palace, a National Museum,
Wat Sene along Sakkarine Rd.
and a concentration of golden temples they call Wats, all thirty-four of which have been listed for preservation.
Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995, is undoubtedly rich in cultural heritage and has both historical and natural sites to boast.
Traditional wooden dwellings and old colonial style houses fused into a distinct cultural tradition with beautiful landscapes that surrounds. Mount Phousi perched in the middle of town showcases stunning views of the surrounding temples and hills.
It is a city where time seemed to have stood still. The old town (their historical district) in particular has an old world charm,
reminiscent of the 1940’s where bicycles dominate and colonial style interspersed with traditional houses line the streets with some vintage cars even.
Small enough to explore by foot, we started our stroll at our hotel in Kingkitsarath to the bank where Khan and Mekong meet. The street, as in many in Luang Prabang, becomes Khem Khong or Mekong Rd at some point.
At the confluence, a path led to the river below where a wooden bridge stands. Across is a handicraft and weaving village that one can explore but we didn’t venture out there anymore.
Instead, we continued on Khem Khong to get to Wat Xieng Thong – perhaps the most magnificent but definitely the most important and impressive of Lao temples. There is a cluster of ancient buildings dating back to the mid 16th century.
At the back of Wat Xieng Thong is a tree of life mosaic in colored glass. Anyone with a keen interest in Lao history should not miss the religious artworks and artifacts housed here.
When it was time for lunch, we went for L’Elephant, an institution in its own right in Luang Prabang. Menu was mostly French.
For starters we had a refreshing Carrot and Orange Salad and a superb Escargot baked in Garlic and Parsley Butter – cooked the way we like it. For main, I had the Mekong Perch in Coriander Sauce and A had Stuffed Roasted Boneless Quail. I say fine dining at its best in Luang Prabang.
The laid back, open-air atmosphere with high ceiling fans half expects you to see Rick Blaine come out and entertain.
In between lunch and a traditional lao massage, we explored more of Khem Kong, definitely a very quiet street where many upscale hotels are located.
Khem Kong facing the Mekong
One of many roadside restaurants with a view of the Mekong or the Nam Khan
We then visited the Haw Kham, which is now known as the National Museum.
Once the Royal Palace, the building is a fusion of Traditional Lao and French design. It houses an impressive collection of royal memorabilia and religious artifacts.
Every night, Hmong people come dowm from their villages in the mountains to sell their hand-made products,
typical Lao arts and crafts that include appliquéd blankets, silver jewelries, embroidered bags and a lot more.
A short walk-through here is more than adequate if a bargain hunter you are not. They have interesting and tasteful designs at a bargain, the quality is another thing though. But I guess you get what you pay for. 🙂
Many of the stalls here sell Lao street foods but we had our eyes set on Mango Tree in a quieter part of Sakkarine St.
Suffice it to say that dinner was fabulous. Superb Lao dishes plated beautifully and served in a casual garden setting.
An extraordinary meal to cap an ordinary day, I must say.
So tell me, how can you not fall in love with Mekong’s jewel, its beautiful people,
its heritage and its shabby chic French fused Lao architecture that is so uniquely Luang Prabang?
Useful Info:
Villa Deux Rivieres
Kingkitsarath Rd., Ban Khily
Luang Prabang, Laos
+856 207737 8575
Cafe Ban Vat Sene
Sakkarine Rd.,
Luang Prabang, Laos
+856 71 252 482
Le Banneton
46 Sakkarine Rd., (opposite Wat Sop)
Luang Prabang, Laos
+856 21 217 321
L’Elephant Restaurant
Ban Vat Nong
Luang Prabang, Laos
+856 71 252 482
Mango Tree
Sakkarine Rd.,
Luang Prabang, Laos
+856 71 253 750
Wat Xieng Thong
Khem Khong Rd.,
Luang Prabang, Laos
Admission: 20,000 kip
National Museum
Sisavangvong, Luang Prabang
+856 71 212 122
Admission: 10,000 kip
14.676041
121.043700
It’s a town about 300 meters above sea level so it is comfortably cooler than the rest of the island. The main reason Ubud appeals so much to me is because it feed my needs. In Ubud, I get to relax, be artistically inspired by its art and culture, enjoy the good (but not necessarily expensive) food and be in the midst of nature.
This town in the middle of Bali has been known for over a century as an artist village, a cultural center that draws those who seek crafted treasures and/or architectural inspiration. The cultural and traditional art in Ubud were preserved because when it became a Dutch Protectorate in the 1900s, the colonialists didn’t interfere much.
It was only in the 1930s when the Royal family encouraged foreign artists to Ubud did the modern era began in Ubud, eventually creating a dynamic art scene. Consequently, a treasure trove of museums and galleries now call Ubud home.
Ubud is a haven for shoppers, truth to tell. Monkey Forest Road, Jalan Raya and Hanoman Streets are strips of retail therapy treats – from beautiful arts and crafts, local designer clothes and jewelry to unique housewares and antiques.
It is also home to restaurants, cafes and warungs (local eateries), and a foodie’s haven. The whole island, in fact, has an exciting culinary scene and Ubud is right up there.
At first glance, Ubud seemingly may consist of local eateries but it has its fair share of creative restaurants featuring a fusion of different cuisines. Every visit, I discover new jaunts but try to revisit one or two favourites. More on Ubud Eats here.
Nature lovers will love the countryside feel of Ubud. Cafes and lodgings surrounded by rice fields abound.
The view of the rice field from our resort, Munari Resort and Spa.
These herons, thousands of them, have inhabited the trees of Putulu since 1965.
They return to rest at around 6 pm every night so it is best to go an hour or so earlier, find yourself a warung and enjoy a few drinks of cold beer while you wait.
Getting a daily massage is a norm in an area swarming with spas – a traditional Balinese massage one day, a Javanese Lulur Scrub another and what about a four-hand massage or coffee scrub for that special treat before going home?
my adventure odyssey 