Continue from Laos Memory Lane: Vientiane. We stayed with my aunt in Paksan and she asked one of her son in-laws to be our tour guide. He was from Xieng Khouang and I really wanted to visit the Plain of Jars but Luang Prabang was on my number one list and I didn’t have the heart to ask him to take us to both places. Perhaps on my next visit I will get to visit the Plain of Jars.
Photo source.
- Kyvong-luangprabang
I read so much about Luang Prabang prior to my visit. It is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and the best preserved city in the south-east Asia. In 1995 it was added to UNESCO’s World Heritage list. I think I would be happy living here, the only problem would be my Lao Southern accent which doesn’t have that melodic chime of the Luang Prabang accent. As for Bo, his accent is beyond the Lao Southern accent, he certainly would not fit in. I posted some random photos and the Old Charming Town of Luang Prabang from my trip.
We only had 1 day for sightseeing and I wanted to visit Pak Ou Cave. My dad and cousin didn’t think it was a good idea since the only way to get to the caves was by boat and they didn’t want anything bad to happen on this trip. Since we only had one day, I didn’t mind so much, there is always the next time.
According to wikipedia, the caves are noted for their impressive Lao style Buddha sculptures assembled over the centuries by local people and pilgrims. Hundreds of mostly wooden Buddhist figures are laid out over the floors and wall shelves. They take many different positions, including meditation, teaching, peace, rain, and reclining (nirvana). Tham Ting contains approximately 2,500 Buddhas, while Tham Theung contains approximately 1,500 Buddhas.
Photo source.
Before we headed to Luang Prabang, my little cousin told me that the most beautiful temple in Luang Prabang is Wat Xieng Thong and she showed me the picture from her cell phone. I do have to agree with her, I believe no other temple can compare to this mystical looking temple, a post from my trip.
We drove from Paksan to Luang Prabang and got there around 6 PM. The road was treacherous (my post: What Lies Behind This Curvy Road?) and I got motion sickness from so many twists and turns. But that didn’t stop me from visiting the night market.
