Luang Prabang is still fresh in my mind even if it has been almost two months now since we went there. When I reminisce about our trip, what comes to mind other than its beautiful Buddhist temples is the dramatic sunset view of the Mekong River. We stayed in Luang Prabang for four days at the Thongbay Guesthouse.
During the day, we would borrow their bicycles to cycle around the city, and before sunset we would hop on their shuttle service to the city center where D and I would look for a spot to watch the sunset. The captivating view of the sunset at Mekong River never gets old. And as we were on vacation, it wouldn’t be complete without a glass of Lao Beer on hand.
After sunset, D and I would stroll through the night market. I liked how the vendors did not do any hard selling, and the atmosphere in the market calm and respectful. The items were mostly repetitive, however we were able to get ourselves some cool souvenirs like handmade notebooks and postcards, shirts, a painting and keychains made from aluminum bomb casings.
D and I visited two museums in Luang Prabang. The first one was the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre. This small museum gave us a good introduction to Laos’ people, culture, crafts, clothing, instruments and music. It has a souvenir shop and a cafe, and I read they also provide workshops at a schedule.
The second museum we went to was the UXO Lao Visitor Center. I learned that Laos was heavily bombed between 1964-1973. Our visit here gave awareness about the UXO challenge and efforts to date.
What I think was the best memory from that trip was our daytour to Kuang Si Waterfall. I learned about the waterfalls in Laos from folks I met at a hostel in Cairns in 2011. I asked them what they liked best from their backpacking tour and unanimously they raved about Laos and its waterfalls. So for years while I pined about going to Laos, I listed this as a must do when we get the chance to go. It was the manager of the hotel we stayed at who recommended we go to the Kuang Si Waterfall. He helped us get a tuktuk so that D and I could hopefully get there early before the big groups arrive. Our tuktuk driver picked us up at nine o’clock and we drove for about forty minutes onto the falls. I enjoyed looking at the lush green forests and mountains, and some carabaos that caused a bit of ‘traffic’ for us along the way.
Before getting to the falls we passed through a small town with food stalls and souvenir shops near the entrance. There was also a bear sanctuary a few hundred meters from the falls, the Tat Kuang Si Bear Rescue Center. We saw a few bears lazing around and a couple playing by a pond.
We walked under a canopy of trees, and because it was December the temperature at the time was cooler. I got excited as soon as I had a glimpse of the blue waters. It looked so clear and enticing! The view kept getting better and better as we neared the highest peak of the falls – the grand finale, I’d say. As soon as I saw it, I was just mesmerized and speechless.
Writing this I wish I have a time machine to bring me back to Luang Prabang. I hope we can go there again in the future.
Living Free and Making a Difference 
Just had dinner with an uncle who just flew back from Luang Prabang – he had a very good trip too. Happy to see another account through your eyes & reflections.
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Hi Ju-Lyn! It’s great hearing Luang Prabang getting good reviews. It is truly a gem and I enjoy exchanging stories about it.
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Stunning scenery! I have followed your blog for a few years now and always love your photos and succinct descriptions. There is one thing I would like to ask and it is would you please consider inserting a small map of the region/country you visit? Then I can see what part of the world it is located. Of course, I can look up Google but that’s no fun 🙂 Gretchen.
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Hi Gretchen, thank you for reading my blogs, your comments mean a lot. Including a map is a good idea! I sure will look into inserting a map in my future posts.
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Happy blogging!
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loved Luang Prabang and Kuang Si – Pure paradise!
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It truly is!
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Luang Prabang is such a great city. I understand why it’s still so fresh in your memories, it’s still in mine after more than 3 years! Maggie
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In the hotel we stayed at there were 2 couples who have visited Luang Prabang several times already and they say it’s their favorite holiday destination. I can understand why.
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The skies are breathtaking in their blue brilliance. These are my favorite photos.
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Thank you!
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We visited Luang Prabang, and Kuang Si, in 2020 just as COVID was closing in. It’s a great little town, loved the mix of Asia and French influences, and of course the confluence of the rivers.
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It’s such a lovely place, everything was scenic.
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Thank you for sharing your memories of a beautiful place. Regards, Lakshmi
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Thank you for your visit. All the best to you Lakshmi.
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Wonderful that you went to Laos; another international trip of 2022, but more-feasible from the Philippines, I presume? Your accommodation certainly looks like paradise, with good food, good views, and a convenient location to other sites of the area…and wow, those sunsets are absolutely killer. ❤ Glad you had a lovely time in such a beautiful country!
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It’s closer to home though no direct flight so there was a bit of effort but absolutely worth it. The relaxing vibe and the fantatic views of the river and sunset are still fresh on my mind and I go back to it every now and then (especially when work gets hectic these days).
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Great Images , five of them together are like post cards 🙂
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Thank you for reading 🥰
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I was there many years ago and was charmed by the city and landscape. Wish I could have spent more time there. Loved seeing your photos and reading.
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Thank you for your kind words! Luang Prabang’s charm does have a lasting effect. I wish I can go back.
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