Luang Prabang Map and Omellette Snack

So far I have been sharing my experiences in Luang Prabang without giving much descriptions of the location of those places. Therefore, I have tried to sketch out a rudiment map of Luang Prabang town to give a clearer picture (Bottom).
Click to enlarge.

Laos Day 05-06 In and Around Vientianne

Patuxay Vientianne

The last three days of our trip were spent in Vientianne, although I did not consider the last day as a sightseeing day because our flight back to KL was early. When we arrived on Sunday, it was already late afternoon. Unlike Luang Prabang which is further north and closer to nature, the heat in Vientianne is suffocating. The very first thing we did was to check into the hotel. We stayed in Ramayana hotel @ LanXang Avenue, which is a fantastic hotel although initially we did have some hiccups because Airasia did not notify our booking to them. However, they were kind enough to let us check-in before sorting things out. Thumbs up to them there! Besides, not to be biased, the hotel is definitely one of the better hotels in Vientianne.

Laos Day 04 Tree of Life and Watermelon Temple

What has a tree and a watermelon have in common in Luang Prabang?

They are both related to the two most important Wats in Luang Prabang. Wat Xie Thong (1st bottom) which is the grandest and Wat Visoun (2nd bottom) which is the oldest.

Laos Day 03 Pak Ou Caves & French Cuisine Delights

My next journey will be an interesting one. I'll be visiting a place where the infamous giant catfish calls it home. These giants are known to grow to a mammoth size of 2.5m in length, thus earning them the title of the biggest freshwater fish. Coincidentally, they also share this very same place with the world's biggest stingrays, with the heaviest recorded being close to 450kgs, that's equivalent to the weight of 5 adult men! If that is not enough, it is also a place where many other giants roam including the giant river carp and giant Siamese carp, each able to grow to a size of 1.5m and 2m long respectively.

Now, how's that for a portfolio? If you think this is still not good enough, then what about this...

Laos Day 02 Kuangsi Waterfall & Lao Cooking Class



Breakfast at hotel

We woke up late the next morning due to the tiredness from the activities we did the day before. Nevertheless, we helped ourselves to a hearty breakfast and my breakfast comprised of a baguette, scrambled eggs and hams (Left). 

After breakfast, we explored the other parts of town that we have missed earlier. However by noon, we hired a tuk-tuk to bring us to another attraction that is Kuangsi Waterfall which is located 45mins away from town.

Laos Day 01 Sunset at Mt. Phousi & Dinner at Night Market

Luang Prabang is so "photogenic", I'm not even sure where to begin. One fine place to start would be its main attraction, Mt. Phousi. Located at the heart of the city, the peak gives a commanding view of the city and the picturesque surroundings including the Mekong River. However, scaling up the peak is no easy feat and it does not come cheap either at 20,000 kips a person. Nevertheless, the view is well worth it and sunsets will not get any better than up here.

Laos Day 01 Luang Prabang & First Meal

Luang Prabang (LP) is really beautiful and contradictory. The place is a collision of strict Buddhist lifestyle and chic French culture. Where else in the world would you get stalls selling baguettes in front of a Wat? (Wat = Indochinese temple)

Laos Day 01 Vattay Airport

Conveyor Belt in Vattay Airport

After close to 3 hours of flight time from KL on Airasia, I was so glad that I have touched down at Vattay airport, Laos. The first impression of the airport was good. The interior of the aiport looks clean and well kept.

Quickie: "Danger Du Mort!"

"Danger du Mort!"

I thought I just heard something.

"Danger du Mort!"

There, I heard it again.

Tilting my head downwards from the top of a flight of stairs, I saw a lady at the bottom pointing at my T-shirt and then she said it again "Danger du Mort!" in a heavy french accent.

I blushed. Here we are in Pak Ou caves in Luang Prabang, Laos soaking in the sights & sounds, a french lady is busy pointing at my shirt. I pulled the chest area of my shirt outwards to scrutinise the print. Yes, I remember vividly that it is printed as danger de mort. I nodded and smiled back politely, in a slight dismissing manner.

Then the lady asked,"Do you know francais..?". "Nope," I said.

Then she followed,"It means you're dangerous..grrr".

Oh Merci. What an awkward surprise to know this. I'm beginning to love this place even more now.

Laos 老挝

Happy New Year! Ah my wanderlust bug is back again!!
新年快乐！！ 我又很想要旅游啦！！
This time around I’m aiming to go Laos. Now is probably the best time to visit because not only Airasia has just started flying to Vientianne beginning from mid of 2007, but also I have to be quick before the country gets too touristy.
这次我要去Laos。现在是最好的时间出去那边玩，因为Airasia 刚刚开始飞到Vientianne。另外我要快过其它的旅客去，如果不抓紧机会，Laos会缓缓越贵。呵呵。