Amateur Adventures #12: A Few Days in Luang Prabang: Laos Part 4
Hello once again my lovely Steemians,
Over the past week we've traveled all over the place - up to the gorgeous north coast of NSW to Byron, a sail around the beautiful turquoise waters of Turkey's Lycian Coast, out to see the spectacular Three Sisters, in the Blue Mountains for a quick weekend getaway for m the city. We've even had a look at a few cryptocards so you can pay for yur travels with Bitcoin.
Today I thought we might return to see what was going on on our trip through Laos - now that we reached Luang Prabang.
Let's pick up from and early morning trip to the Alms Giving..or as hubby so unceremoniously, but excitedly, put it "We're going to feed the monks!"
The morning started early with a walk into the main part of town at 5.30am to watch the alms giving ceremony Monks walk through the town in single file from oldest to youngest, carrying their alms bowls so that the local people may offer alms to gain merit. Offerings are usually comprised of sticky rice, fruit or traditional Lao snacks. Offerings must be prepared especially for the alms giving, they cannot be left overs.
Once we had "fed the monks" it was time to feed ourselves and then head off for our orientation walk with Molly and Tui, the local guide who had stayed with us since Huay Xai. At each location Molly took us on a walk to show us the main sites and point out places we might like to visit in our spare time. There were so many places worth visiting in and around Luang Prabang but there were three that really stood out for us.
The Museum of Traditional Arts and Ethnology
This new and permanent exhibition features 7 different ethnic groups: Akha, Hmong, Khmu, Lanten, Mien Yao, Tai Lue, and Tai Dam.
Information and photographs accompany displays of traditional clothing, handicraft tools, and religious artefacts. The museum gives an insight into the way the Hill Tribes live and some of the challenges facing their changing society.
Mount Phousi
In the center of the town sits Mount Phousi (which means Hermit Mountain), with the golden stupa of Wat Chom Si at the top of another long flight of steps. 328 to be exact but who's counting. (We have discovered on our travels that everything worth seeing is always up the top of a really really long set of steps!)
Despite the arduous climb, it really is worth paying the 20,000 kip entrance fee (about $2.40 Aud) and getting to the top for sunset. The 360 degree views of Luang Prabang are spectacular, we thought better than those we got from Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai. Along the climb are several Buddha statues to view and a foot shaped imprint in the rock which the Monks call the Footprint of Buddha.
We came across a group of young monks (about 13 years of age) who seemed to get into a state of excitement and a fit of giggles when Scott said "G'day" to them! They were curious to find out where we had come from. Going back down the stairs towards Phousi Rd we came across another small temple Wat Tham Phou Si, with a small natural grotto that contains the temples primary Buddha statue. A small, unappealing tunnel ran to one side and I, as most tourists seem to, almost dismissed it. However, Scott being Scott, decided we needed to check it out and we followed the tunnel to a second grotto inside the mountain that contained more beautifully lit statues. It was hard work, but Mt Phousi was worth every one of the 328 steps.
Kuang Si Waterfalls
About 1/2 an hour drive from Luang Prabang are Kuang Si Waterfalls. The impressive three tier waterfalls are popular with both tourists and locals, and most of the pools are available for swimming, some with rope swings for the more adventurous.
The boys took the opportunity to cool off while I wandered further down stream for some quiet meditation time. This went well - till I opened my eyes to find a group of Korean tourists taking photos of me!
The Bear Rescue Center is located not far from the entrance and we got to see the rare Asiatic Black Bears, that had been rescued from poachers. Naturally this caused all sorts of excitement with Tiger Ted... being a bear and all, even if he was a stuffed toy!
The evening was a free night, and as there was apparently a very important soccer (sorry - football) game on - Liverpool vs Everton - Dave and Paul headed off to find a pub with a TV and the rest of us headed out for dinner at Coconut Gardens, and once again we were not disappointed.
During the day Scott and I had wandered down some wonderful little streets full of guesthouses, bars, a Belgian Beerhaus and some cafes. We decided to take a walk to see if we could find the boys, and sure enough they were drowning their sorrows in Lao Lao Beer Garden as Liverpool were being trounced! Nothing better than a cold Beer Lao before bed to pick you up.
On our next Laotian adventure. we are headed overland.. to see what the backpacker haven of Vang Vieng holds in store...
Til then
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great post and amazing travels! I also write articles about cryptocurrencies, my personal life, (upcoming) travels, food and much more. You might be interested and curious to take a look. Have a good one! <3
That looks like an amazing adventure! I love the steps picture! Thanks for the great share!!!
Thank you for sharing this. Brings back memories of my travels in Laos. For me I think Lao is the most chill and laidback place in south east asia. Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia is always packed with tourists!