Luang Prabang, Laos (06 Mar 2006 - 07 Mar 2006)

Luang Prabang's Street Market

Monks in the Morning

There isn't too much to report on our stay in Luang Prabang. We did visit an amazing Laotian temple, which sits at the base of a hill inside the city.

Luang Prabang's royal stupa, That Phu Si, sits high atop that same mountain right in the middle of the city. The view was decent, although (like every other view) it was obscured by the smoke from the constant agricultural slash burning.

The real reward awaiting those who hike to the top is not a spectacular stupa, but instead a spectacular 360 degree view.

Kwang Xi Waterfall

Luang Prabang is surrounded by spectacular waterfalls, though we only had sufficient time to make it to one of them. The Kwang Xi Waterfall was picture perfect, with multiple tiers of cascading water. There were numerous swimming holes in the waterfall tiers and the water was crystal clear.

After the waterfall, our minivan driver stopped at a local village enroute to Luang Prabang. The stopover was supposedly an added "perk" included in our trip to the waterfall, despite the fact that nobody even wanted to stop. But the villagers had all of their wares spread out, ready to sell. Our "tour" of the village was in reality merely a chance for the villagers to sell us some "authentic" souvenirs. I think that the only person that actually purchased anything was our minivan driver, who was very excited to get home and cook his newly acquired dinner fare.

Yes, that is a giant hamster. And yes, that is also his dinner.

When not hunting for giant hamsters to sell, the village children entertained themselves with various games.

A master hamster hunter in training...