Lounging in Luang Prabang

You can't spend too long or too short a time in Luang Prabang. Hours turn to days, days turn to weeks, and before you know it, you know each building on Sakkaline road like the back of your hand.

A World Heritage site listed by UN ensures no trucks or buses ply its tiny roads, and a really pedestrian-friendly small town where time seem to have stood still. Several colonial houses, some really beautiful line the 2-3 major roads on this headland that intersects the Mekong river from the Namkhan river. Once the seat of Lao royalty, Luang Prabang now contends to play second fiddle the new capital of Vientianne. Compared to Thai palaces with outrageous color and 'glamour', many will first find Laotian temples and palaces to be rather dull and boring. Its sobriety, however, was a refreshing change, and has nothing to apologise for. Many a time being jeered and teased as the 'poorer' cousin to Thailand, Laos has a silent elegance and simplicity in its dignity. Afterall, didn't the Siamese loot the Emerald Buddha and Phra Phuttha Butsavarat (both now in BKK's Grand Palace) from the Laotians? Despite the more awkward-sounding language, the gentleness of its folks, its cohesion with the hilltribes, and its milder cuisine make Luang Prabang (and Laos) was a pleasant destination.

Oh and the stunning landscape too! ;) This was the view from my room. Rainbows not included.....