Good Morning, Luang Prabang: Part 2: A New Day in Luang Prabang

December 7, 2016

: Morning Light by the Mekong River Luang Prabang:

This morning, we woke up early to take a walk and enjoy the sunrise by the Mekong River. Luang Prabang in the early morning is very peaceful, with only a few shops open. We were looking for a trendy coffee shop by the Mekong River to watch the sunrise, but it seems we woke up too early.

The right bank of the river is the Khan River bank, but it is also a residential and commercial area.

Some local shops have already opened, but most cafes are still closed.

We continued walking along the path, following the Khan River as it flowed towards the Mekong. The morning mist hung heavy, creating a cool and refreshing atmosphere. We were hopeful that we would see the sunrise, even though the thick fog seemed to suggest otherwise.

The distant bend of the river flows to meet the Mekong River.

Lifestyle: Sun-drying rice on a zinc roof.

The Mekong River bank is bustling with tourists and shops, in stark contrast to the quieter Khan River zone. Unlike the lively Mekong side, the Khan River offers a relaxed and peaceful atmosphere, perfect for a leisurely stroll. This side also provides a glimpse into the daily lives of Luang Prabang residents, with resorts and laid-back bars dotting the landscape.

Buddhist monks in Luang Prabang go on their alms rounds early in the morning.

After walking for a while, I met a kind old man whose house was a shop on the banks of the Mekong River. He had a small grocery store. I was going to ask him about the SIM card, why I couldn't use the Lao network, and what settings I needed to change (I'm dumber than a buffalo, lol). It turned out that the old man didn't know either. Haha. So I thanked him and was about to walk away to continue taking pictures, but he was so kind that he wouldn't let me go. He was very talkative and told me stories about Luang Prabang, its history, and many other things. He was like a good host, an honorary guide who told stories from his childhood to his present age. If it were a regular guide, they might have told stories based on their academic knowledge or in the style of a professional guide. As I listened, I found it quite enjoyable.

Uncle's Kind Grocery Store

After a brief conversation, the uncle asked us where we were headed next. We told him that we planned to walk around and take pictures until we reached "Wat Xieng Thong", and then we would enter the temple. He kindly offered to take us there, and as we walked, he shared the history of Luang Prabang. The conversation then shifted to the history of Wat Xieng Thong, and the uncle seemed genuinely happy to share his knowledge. We walked slowly, enjoying the cool air and the company of this kind stranger. It was a truly special moment, one that we will cherish forever.

The journey will soon end, and we will reach Wat Xieng Thong.

According to the local, most of the resorts along the Mekong River belong to wealthy Thai investors from Chiang Mai. He seemed to disapprove of this fact. (Note: The original text suggests a tone of disapproval from the speaker.)

Beautiful light along the Mekong River on the way to Wat Chiang Thong

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: Wat Xieng Thong, the epitome of Luang Prabang's beauty :

"Ultimate Dharma-Socialism"

Many travelers have praised Luang Prabang, the capital of the Lao People's Democratic Republic. Despite being a socialist country, the people of Luang Prabang live in accordance with Buddhist principles.

Wat Xieng Thong was constructed between 1559 and 1560 AD during the reign of King Sai Setthathirath. It is considered a prime example of the exquisite and intricate Lan Xang art style. Notably, it is the only significant temple that remained unscathed during the Haw Pa rebellion in 1885, when the Black Flag Army ransacked the capital city of Luang Prabang.

After our uncle brought us to Wat Xieng Thong, he went to talk to his acquaintances of the same age near the temple gate. We thanked him several times, and he smiled kindly at us.

Continue to admire the authentic Luang Prabang architecture and art of Wat Xieng Thong...

The "horng" or gable apex ornament in Thai architecture is often shaped like the head of a naga, a mythical serpent, with its neck gracefully curved upwards.

The interior of Wat Xieng Thong features unique structures, including the **Sim**, or **Ubosot** in Thai. The Sim of this temple houses the **Phra Ong Luang**, or **principal Buddha image**, which is a magnificent golden statue enshrined within the Sim.

The ubosot of this temple has a principal Buddha image that the Lao people

Called

"His Majesty"

The Lao term "sim" refers to the ubosot, the main ordination hall in a Buddhist temple.

The graceful curves of the sim, with its three-tiered, low-pitched roof, are characteristic of the Lan Xang style.

A stained glass pattern depicting a golden tree adorns the back of the "Sim" at Wat Chiang Thong.

Fun Facts

The Wihan Noi, or the Reclining Buddha Hall, is located next to the ordination hall. The hall's most striking feature is its pink exterior walls, adorned with small pieces of stained glass arranged to form various shapes and scenes from local folklore. Inside the hall lies a reclining Buddha statue, which was once exhibited in Paris, France, in 1931 and displayed in Luang Prabang for several years before being brought to Wat Xieng Thong in 1964.

The small viharn, or the hall of the reclining Buddha.

Interesting facts

The Phra Man Wihan, also known as the Ho Phra Man, is a wihan located behind the Phra Ubosot. The exterior walls of this wihan are similar to those of the Wihan Noi, with pink paint and stained glass decorations depicting scenes of daily life. It was built in 1950 to celebrate the world entering the era of the Half-Buddha Period. Inside the wihan is a Buddha statue named "Phra Man," which is highly revered by the Lao people. During the New Year festival, people come to bathe and pay homage to the statue every year. Laotians also believe that if someone wants to have children, they should make a wish to Phra Man, as it is said to be successful in every case. Behind the Phra Man Wihan is the repository of the ashes of Chao Maha Sri Savangvong, known as the "Phra That Sri Savangvong."

**The Shrine of the Curtain Buddha** or **The Hall of the Curtain Buddha**

"Flower Pattern" or Stained Glass

Floral motifs in Luang Prabang folk tales and local life

Entrance fee for Wat Xieng Thong

• Admission fee: 20,000 kip per person (approximately 80 baht)

• Opening hours: 06:00 - 17:30

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This morning, we had the opportunity to visit and admire Wat Xieng Thong, a temple that remains remarkably well-preserved and embodies the true essence of Luang Prabang-style art from the Lan Xang era. After spending a considerable amount of time exploring Wat Xieng Thong, we began to feel the pangs of hunger and decided to head towards the Mekong River to find a place for breakfast.

: The People's Choice: A Beloved Cafe in Luang Prabang ຫຼລວງພະບາງ:

This morning, I had the same intention as yesterday to have breakfast at the Prachaniyom Restaurant, just like when I arrived in Luang Prabang early in the morning. But today, I came with a bright and cheerful mood, having slept well, walked in the morning light, visited Wat Xieng Thong, and had the opportunity to eat at a popular restaurant among locals, tourists, and various reviewers.

In front of the popular coffee shop

Our most popular menu item is undoubtedly the rice porridge and iced milk tea, best enjoyed with freshly fried Chinese crullers. This small coffee shop exudes charm, serving as a morning meeting spot for the local elderly. Immerse yourself in the atmosphere.

Coffee Shop Parliament
: Motorcyclists visit Tad Kwang Si Waterfall :

Our next destination was Kuang Si Falls. To be honest, I didn't do much research on what to do in Luang Prabang before arriving. I just knew I wanted to relax and unwind, without following a strict itinerary.

After a hearty meal, I took a stroll through the market by the Mekong River, where vendors were selling clothes, electronics, and other goods. It seems like the shops are open now, which is good news because I haven't been able to use the internet on my phone with my Lao SIM card. I have to rely on my friend's mobile hotspot to update anything. Haha!

However, I eventually found a kind person who helped me get online. It was a young employee at a mobile phone store. They adjusted some settings for me, explaining that my sister had set it up incorrectly. In the end, the problem wasn't with the Lao SIM card, but with my own lack of knowledge. (I'm so embarrassed!)

It's time to rent a motorbike and head to Tad Kwang Si Waterfall.

The fun lies in the fact that my friend is not a skilled driver and I don't know how to drive. We also don't know if the uphill route is too steep for our abilities. We are not afraid of getting lost, because if we enjoy traveling, distance and getting lost are not obstacles for us.

Drive slowly and you will eventually reach your destination, even though it is quite far. The road is not too steep, making it easy to drive up and down the hills. Along the way, you will pass villages and temples.

: Kuang Si Falls, the most beautiful waterfall in Luang Prabang. :

The Kuang Si Falls are located approximately 32 kilometers southwest of Luang Prabang. Upon arrival at the entrance, visitors will find shops selling food, souvenirs, and tickets. Admission is 20,000 kip (approximately $8) per person. The falls are open to the public from 6:00 AM to 5:30 PM.

Ticket booth at the entrance to Tat Kuang Si Waterfall.

Upon entering the Tad Kwang Si Waterfall area, visitors encounter two distinct zones. The first zone features the **Bear Conservation Centre**, which houses bears rescued from the illegal wildlife trade across Laos. A portion of the entrance fee directly supports the care and conservation of these bears.

They were just sleeping when I went there. 55 Or maybe they were just tired of seeing people.

Bear Conservation Center

The conservation center houses an exhibition on bears from around the world, as well as several bears that are being cared for and rehabilitated. Signs in front of each bear provide their names, interesting facts about them, and insights into their behavior, allowing visitors to learn more about these fascinating creatures.

Tourists can donate money to support the work of this bear conservation center. There is also a souvenir shop where proceeds go towards a fund to help the bears.

Humans are strange creatures. With an abundance of food available, they choose to shorten their own lives by harming others. From bear paws to pangolin scales, they believe these ingredients possess magical properties, ignoring their inherent cruelty. It's a tragic irony.

The path connecting the Bear Conservation Center to Tad Kwang Si Waterfall is a nature trail with a diverse range of plant species. Small waterfalls cascade down the trail, creating a refreshing atmosphere. The sound of the waterfalls and the humidity make the air inside the trail significantly different from the outside, offering a cool and invigorating experience.

The trail features a series of small waterfalls.

The water is crystal clear and refreshingly cool.

The cascading waterfalls of Tad Kwang Si left me speechless. The sheer scale and beauty of nature were overwhelming. The water flowed majestically, cascading down multiple tiers. I'm not usually a fan of waterfalls, but Tad Kwang Si left me mesmerized. The intricate rock formations, the powerful flow of water, and the mist rising from the falls created a breathtaking spectacle. The bridge connecting the two sides was almost impossible to photograph due to the intense spray. During the rainy season, the water may not be as clear or emerald green as it was during my visit. In reality, the color of the waterfall was far more vibrant than any picture could capture.

Fortunately, the afternoon sun shone through the waterfall, just the right place and time to be rewarded with the beauty of the journey...

The bridge is crowded with tourists.

Looking back from the bridge at the entrance.

Tat Kuang Si Waterfall consists of four tiers, with a total height of approximately 75 meters. The waterfall is formed by limestone, resulting in emerald-green water.

In addition to the magnificent waterfall, there is also a hiking trail leading to its source. The short trail is surprisingly steep, and the muddy ground makes it quite slippery. Despite planning for a leisurely stroll, we ended up sweating profusely by the time we reached the top. 555

How steep is it? Ask your heart. There are some steps to rest your weary legs.

At the summit, you will find the source pool of the waterfall, with both shallow and deep sections. We did not swim here, but instead crossed a woven bamboo bridge over the waterfall pools. This area is a paradise for Western tourists, who are often eager to enjoy the refreshing waterfall.

In addition to the waterfall pool at the top, the path in the picture also points to another point which is a cave and a restaurant, indicating that we should walk another 3 kilometers. Judging from the time, it was probably too late, because it was already getting dark. We were afraid of the danger of driving a motorcycle at night, so we did not continue on foot. Instead, we chose to go down to the bottom to return.

The descent path is located on the opposite side and is well-constructed, unlike the ascent path. However, caution is required when descending as the wooden path can be slippery, even though it feels like walking through a light waterfall mist. In other words, the descent path is likely to be slightly wet.

Descent path from the top of the waterfall

Stepping outside, the heat was immediately oppressive. A cold drink would be most welcome.

On the way back, we rode our motorcycles along the same route, exercising caution as the number of oncoming vehicles increased during the late afternoon. The beautiful sky created a pleasant atmosphere.

On the way back before entering Luang Prabang, we stopped by to cross the bridge over the Khan River. Otherwise, it wouldn't be complete. Haha, but it took us almost half an hour to find our way into the city. When we came to an unfamiliar route, we got lost.

After a day of driving around, our stomachs were rumbling for dinner. However, our hearts were set on Luang Prabang papaya salad. We decided to indulge and sat down for a roadside papaya salad. The flavors were incredibly spicy and delicious, and the price was much more affordable than the restaurant we had visited on our first day.

Don't miss the spicy papaya salad of Luang Prabang, a perfect pick-me-up for an afternoon energy boost.

: Witness the sunset at Wat Phra That Phu Si :

Upon arriving in Luang Prabang, a visit to Phousi Mountain is a must. Tourists flock to this sacred site to witness the breathtaking sunset. Despite our haste in finishing our meal to secure a spot, the mountain was already teeming with visitors. The sheer number of people vying for the perfect vantage point to capture the sun's descent into the Mekong River was astounding.

To reach the top of Phousi Mountain, visitors must climb a total of 328 steps, offering a challenging climb that tests leg strength. Upon reaching the summit, breathtaking panoramic views of Luang Prabang, the Mekong River, and the Khan River await, offering a 360-degree perspective of the city's beauty.

• Entrance fee: 20,000 kip (approximately $8 USD)

Lost in the enjoyment of papaya salad, I arrived at the top of the stupa just as the evening light was fading. I rushed to find a spot to take photos, regretting deeply that I had barely captured the stupa itself. By the time I was ready to photograph, it was already dark, leaving me with only the fading light of dusk...

Excuse me, please let me through. I want to take a picture too. T-T

Unable to squeeze through due to the large crowd of foreigners blocking the view, we could only hold up our cameras and take pictures through the screen. We decided to capture the atmosphere of Luang Prabang from the high vantage point of Phousi Hill. Seeing the crowd, we felt a pang of disappointment, unable to reach our destination. 5555....

The panoramic view encompasses the Mekong River, the Khan River, the bridge over the Khan River, Luang Prabang Airport, the city streets of Luang Prabang, numerous ancient temples, and the daily life of the local people.

I finally managed to squeeze my way to the front row. But no worries, everyone was already exhausted from taking photos and started to leave, so I got this spot all to myself. But it was truly beautiful when the sky turned into a twilight hue...like this.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, darkness enveloped us. We descended the same path, traversing the 328 steps. The descent was effortless, a stark contrast to the arduous climb. At the bottom, we stumbled upon the "black market," a serendipitous encounter.

I am ready to translate your sentences from Thai to English. Please provide the sentences you would like me to translate.

We walked through the night market and accommodation to the other side, where there are restaurants and bakeries. We wanted to see the shops at night, which were especially lively. The restaurant we wanted to sit in was too crowded, so we chose a restaurant on the opposite side. We ordered food, sipped water, and sipped cold beer while watching people walk by.

After sitting for a while, we decided to change restaurants to have dessert. We walked past this restaurant before we arrived and saw that it wasn't very crowded, and it looked like a nice place to sit. When it comes to eating, I'm just as passionate as I am about traveling (I'm a real foodie, haha).

Before returning to my accommodation, I decided to stop by a bakery.

After a tiring day, I had a full stomach and heavy eyelids, knowing I had to wake up early the next morning to offer sticky rice to the monks. This would also be the last time I would see my friend, as they were flying back to Thailand while I continued my journey alone to Muang Ngoi. I didn't know what lay ahead on this solitary path, but I knew I wasn't ready to return to Thailand and work just yet. I craved solitude in a place where no one knew me. ...

Follow us on Alone: Solo Travel in Ngoi City....