Laos
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Ride to Pak Ou Caves and Whiskey Village
Fancy a boat ride on the Mekong? And then a shot of a drink that is going to jolt your senses? The stairs leading up to Pak Ou caves Why not do a half-day trip to Pak Ou Cave. The tour is combined with a visit to Whiskey Village. The tour itself is roughly around four hours, with the ride to the caves taking about two hours. Take a boat ride to Pak Ou caves Once you arrive, walk up the stairs and you will come to the first cave called Tham Ting. Just be careful as it is dimly lit. Make your way higher and you come to the…
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Things to do in Luang Prabang
If there is one destination in Indochina that deserves your time and money, then it must be Luang Prabang. The town comes alive immediately after sunset This UNESCO World Heritage site was the ancient royal capital of the Lan Xang Kingdom until the middle of the 16th century. The temples feature intricate woodwork Today, Luang Prabang is considered to be the heart of Laotian culture, beating the capital city Vientiane as the preferred destination. Young monks doing chore in the temple Depending on your itinerary, you can choose to spend just two nights, doing a whirlwind tour of its highlights, or take it easy and stretch your stay for a…
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The old man by the river
The centre of Luang Prabang is small. It has got just four main roads. So when you think you are up for a change and ready to walk to the other side of the bamboo bridge, go ahead and do it. You may be surprised as to whom you come across. Meet the locals on the other side of the bamboo bridge Easily covered by foot, one of these roads leads you to a small gated park, which is also a good vantage point to click photographs. Look carefully, and you’ll see a pathway leading to the bank of the Nam Khan River. There’s a lady sitting there who’ll collect…
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Sunset over Luang Prabang
There are sunsets. And then there are sunsets from the top of hills and mountains. Specifically, from the Phu Si Hill in Luang Prabang, Laos. Luang Prabang town with the mountains in the background A few days in Luang Prabang and you get a little used to the slow pace of life. With its quiet streets and relaxed lifestyle, all you can think of is lazing around at your favourite restaurant with views of the Mekong river and a drink in hand. As the sun sets, so the landscape, and your mood. That is when you promise yourself that you are going to see a sunset from the hills at…
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Kuang Si Falls: Luang Prabang’s hidden gem
About an hour’s drive from from Luang Prabang is a three-levelled cascading waterfall and is unlike anything I have seen before. This is Kuang Si Falls. Soak in the beauty of Kuang Si Falls I’m surprised that I never heard of this place when i first visited Luang Prabang in 2007. This time however, upon the recommendation of a fellow traveller, I wasn’t going to miss up opportunity to see and experience its magical beauty first-hand. Take a dip in the refreshing waters Kuang Si Falls, also known as Tat Kuang Si Waterfalls, is about 30 odd kilometers from Luang Prabang, depending on road and traffic conditions. While it may…
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Laos visa on arrival
Applying for a visa on arrival at any Lao port of entry has has got to be one of the easiest and smoothest process I’ve gone through. Views of the Mekong river from up in the sky I landed at Luang Prabang on my month-long tour of Indo-China. Immediately after you enter the airport terminal from the tarmac, there’s a special booth straight in front of the entrance that you must head to. You’ll figure out which one it as there’s a queue of people standing in line, waiting their turn. Luang Prabang Airport As easy as it gets Fill in the application form along with the immigration card and…
