The trip on a sleeper bus was cool and comfortable. But just the same, I have failed to take a good sleep. That's my problem, I cannot earn a nap while in motion.
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| Our room in Rama Hotel |
I initially thought it would take us 12 hours to reach Luang Prabang but the bus already settling at its designated bay at the Bus Terminal at 6am. It was indeed a smooth 10-hour ride.
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| The Floating Restaurant for the Mekong River Tour to Pak Ou Caves |
Without further ado, Auntie Myrna and I hired a tuktuk to take us to Rama Hotel. We were again fortunate to be accommodated right there and then. And we decided to start the city right away. The Hotel Rama's receptionist was too kind to assist us and obtained 2 seats at the Dine and Cruise with Nava Mekong Restaurant.
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| The route of the river cruise |
The cruise through the murky Mekong River to the famous Pak Ou Caves started at 10am. It was completely a unique experience on a floating restaurant. Our first stop was at the so-called "Whiskey Village" where local whisky is being produced. We've seen drums lined up along the ridge which are used to settle the alcoholic drinks. Then the sight of whiskeys in different bottles filled with various insects and reptiles was for me too weird and yucky; I felt lump in my throat. I instead diverted my attention to the woven textiles also produced by the villagers. Then we proceeded to the inner portion of the small community, with the colorful temple in its midst, before boarding back.
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| First Stop at Whiskey Village |
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| Display of dyed textiles |
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| Dried fibers for weaving |
Upon arrival at our main destination, I immediately noticed that there are two sections of the cave. The lower portion was the touristy one, where most buddha collections are arranged carelessly, an exhibit in willy-nilly manner. Because of the wider opening of the shallow cave, the sunlight illuminates the whole cathedral and affords the smorgasbord of buddhas to shine from it. This is closer to the docking point. The upper cave is quite a distant climb from the dock. Aunt Myrna and I climbed the concrete steps hastily and reached a gated door of a cave. Here, tourists has to bring flashlights to explore the dark cavern. There are another sets of golden buddhas in various sizes. Taking photos definitely requires some flash to be able to capture the display and the surroundings.
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| Docking area at the Pak Ou Caves |
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| The collection of Buddhas inside the lower cave |
On our way back, we were treated to a lunch of local cuisine. I did not eat some of the recipes because I am not fond of freshwater catch and crops. The cruise ended at 2pm.
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| Inside the upper cave |
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| The collection of Buddhas inside the dark cathedral |
The second day in Luang Prabang was the most exciting of all. This was my highly-anticipated itinerary. I woke up early and headed straight to Sene Temple where the daily Alms Giving Ceremony for Buddhist Monks generally commenced. I was surprised to notice plenty of tourists already, busy lining up the long stretch of Sakkaline Road sidewalk where the procession happened, crisscrossing the streets either to participate in the ceremony or just to find the best spots to take pictures. I remember a blog declaring that the said tradition is now disturbed by the flock of curious tourists. It felt like a thousand tourists congregated in front of the Buddhist Temple (Wat Sene) and ready to rumble when monks started coming out.
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| Alms Giving Ceremony |
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| Locals and Tourists preparing alms for the monks |
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| Atop the Phousi Hill |
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| Luang Prabang National Museum |
Indeed, when the clock struck at 6am, monks in orange robes, big and small, young and old, in a single line carrying a basket on their bellies, started reaching down to accept alms from locals and tourists. It was an attractive scene, which is supposedly holy and quite, but was cramped and crowded with tourists and cameras flashing here and there. I did not wait for the ceremony to finish; I headed straight to my next destination, climbing the Mt. Phousi to catch the beautiful sunrise. I initially lost my way up but I still enjoyed it along with other tourists. Only to find out that we followed the long and winding trail from the back side. And the sight from uphill was majestic: the sun rising on the horizon, and the hilly landscape covered with fogs, and the town proper sandwiched down below. Good thing that Auntie Myrna did not join my early morning escapade because she will tire more than feeling tired yesterday.
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| Panorama on top Mt. Phousi |
After the breakfast until mid-afternoon, we spent our whole while enjoying 2 very important waterfalls in Luang Prabang, at Kuang Si Falls and Tad Sae Waterfalls. Each has different locations, has its own contours, length and number of falls and basins. Both are natural wonders. I let my pictures below paint the thousand words to describe them:
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| Follow the sounds of the waterfall from the lowest cascade to the highest point of Kuang Si Falls |
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| Every step and water basin is glorious! |
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| The stone formations helps and provides the contours of the waterfalls |
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| The highest point of Kuang Si Falls is magnificent! |
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| Tad Sae Waterfalls is subtle but deep |
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| Bring swim wear to experience the naturally made swimming pools |
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| So nice to frolic on a cold and milky water |
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| A motorized canoe will ferry tourists to Tad Sae Waterfalls |
Then we headed out of Laos and on to another country of adventures.
