Luang Prabàng isn't as big as we thought. We spent the morning in the UNESCO historic part, full of temples. And when you get a temple, it isn't just one building. It will be a complex of one major temple and other stupas or mini temples. We visited Wat Xieng Thong, the major temple here. It was just lovely.
We then went to the Royal Palace Museum, but unfortunately found it closed. We will have to go down tomorrow. Instead we just wandered the streets and avenues, which were so pretty, and then the river path. It's amazing how you can spend four hours. A refreshing cup of lemon Lao tea, followed by a smoothie for me and a baguette for Rod.
Yes the French influence is still very apparent, with lots of lovely patisserie shops which we are trying the avoid. I can't get over the lovely buildings and architecture, it is a pleasure to walk around.
Down by the river there are exclusive hotels/lodges next door to homestays, interesting looking restaurants and cafes. But outside on the street there are little stalls selling fruit, Satay and other 'interesting') looking things.
To each side of the river there is flood plain, and the enterprising locals have planted market garde's. I presume it all gets washed away each year after harvest.
After a rest back at the hotel we came back into town for the night market and food street. Just brilliant. Bought as couple of beer Lao tshirts, and wandered around down the little alleyways where food stalls had set up.
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There is the most wonderful selection of textiles and handicrafts here (the same in Chiang Mai) I could bring loads of it back. We just haven't got the room or weight limit. I am hoping they will have some good stuff when we get to Hua Hin at the end of the trip. We could bring another bag back wit us.
We decided after walking around for two hours to go back to the hotel and have dinner. What a great day.
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