Luang Prabang, Laos
“Once the travel bug bites there is no known antidote, and I know that I shall be happily infected until the end of my life.” – Michael Palin
This particular trip has been a whirlwind through 4 countries in Southeast Asia getting a taste for what these countries have to offer. Laos is my favorite, and I am resolved to try to come back to see more of this beautiful mountainous country which exudes serenity.
There were a couple of things on tap for us upon arrival on Luang Prabang, but the immigration line was very slow and moved like molasses, so we ended up only visiting the impressive Wat Xieng Thong temple complex upon arrival.
Built in the 1500s under royal patronage this temple is an impressive display of royal favor and traditional art. We wandered through some of the buildings removing our shoes to enter some of the shrines.
An impressive tree of life is depicted at the back of this temple structure.
and this little temple structure was like a fairytale house with people popping in and sticking their head out of the window for photos.
Temples abound through the city with their impressive red and gold architecture and gold buddhas.
Our guide had arranged a Baci ceremony for us after arrival at our hotel where a village elder and other local people get together to pray for well wishes and good fortune. White threads are tied around the wrists of the participants with prayers. There was a very reverent atmosphere and at the end a designee was picked from our group to take the central urn of flowers which we left at a clifftop temple.
After the ceremony we enjoyed dinner tasting some of the dishes local to Laos amidst wine, friendship and laughter.
In the market the shops sell the covered containers used to store sticky rice for the morning alms giving.
There was a lady who woke up at 3:00 AM in the morning to make the sticky rice and fill the containers that we were provided with the offerings that we would be making to the priests.
They don’t expect the tourists to sit in the traditional manner to give alms. Chairs and stools are set up stretching it seems for miles. We had our own little section where we got ready to greet the young monks as they waked past us and uncovered their offering bowls to receive our offerings.
Some of the more fun aspects such as tasting the local rice wine. Like the Mexican tequila there are bottles that have scorpions, and snakes etc.
Included in our itinerary in Laos was a day cruise on the Mekong River with lunch on the boat. I really enjoyed watching the villages and people going about their daily routines as we sailed past.
We stopped at this cave temple on top of a hillside. Apparently, it was considered haunted at one time and people were urged to bring small Buddha statues to chase off the ghosts. We also left our Baci offering here at the altar.
We passed many a village with homes clustered around the water that sustain them in so many ways.
Temples with water access and no doubt land access slipped by along the banks of the river as we sailed past.
What a wonderful relaxing afternoon it was. I was reminded of the backwaters cruising I did last year in South India. similar scenes unfolded along the way.
We arrived back to dock at the hotel and make our way up along steep stairs with no handholds but thanks to a good Samarian (Luther) from our group who offered me a hand to help me navigate the climb.
Laos ended a bit on a scary note thanks to one of the minibuses we were riding in being involved in an accident and having to leave 2 of our family behind. However, the two members we left behind are recovering well and Gate1 has personally reached out to us with reassurances, and to check in.
Will I travel again with them? Absolutely. This is the first incident in 17 plus trips I’ve taken and hopefully the last.