Laos 2013

Laos has a serenity about it compared with Vietnam and also as recently experienced in Siem Reap, Cambodia.  We had just flown into the capital of Laos called Vienteane and immediately sensed the difference in Laos.

We weren't staying very long in Laos as our route depicts below.

Visited two prime locations in Laos by plane

The Laotian people seemed a lot shier than the other countries already visited and were far less pushy when trying to sell things either at roadside stalls or in a variety of shops.

Some of the architecture and monuments commemorating Buddhism were highly visible and as is usual, very decorative.

Scenery in the capital of Vienteane

Some of the statues were similar to those in Cambodia

Buddhist structures and monks were very visible everywhere as we went around in Vienteane and the monks always seemed so relaxed and chilled out.

Believed to be the largest horizontal Buddha in the world

This monk was very comfortable having his photo taken

So much gold coloured decorations everywhere

Intricate inlay decorations also abound

After only a few days in Vienteane and yet another comfortable flight we arrived in Luang Prabang where most of our tourist activity was planned to happen.

Here we had re-joined the majestic Mekong River and yet again found ourselves taking a small cruise along its muddy waters to visit a cave high on the side of the river and then to enjoy the sunset.

Boats used to run a variety of tours in Luang Prabang 

Looking back over the Mekong from the cave entrance

Inside the cave were hundreds of little memorials to Buddha and almost to mirror them, when we returned to the boat, we found hundreds of small white butterflies also grouped together.

First the hundreds of Buddha statuettes...

...and then hundreds of small white butterflies or moths

To finish our first day off in Luang Prabang, what better than watching the sunset from the Mekong River.

Smoke haze accompanied sunset

Early next morning, just before sunrise, we found ourselves sitting on the footpath with many others holding our offerings bought the day before, waiting for the daily 'ceremony' to begin.  

Julie had researched this experience and as the sun rose to warm everyone, along came a queue of monks from the local monastery, filing past us whilst accepting our gifts of food and other goods for use to sustain themselves.

Here came the monks happy to accept everyones gifts to them

Julie donating a scoop of rice and other goods to the parade of monks

For the rest of the day we strolled around the city, its streets and multiple tourist destinations, absorbing the lifestyle and the abundant devotion to Buddhism.

Main street of Luang Prabang

One of the many temples to be found

Terraced farm next to the Mekong River

Yet another memorial to Buddha

One of the locals also wanted to show us around their town

Now Peter is a person who likes to try slightly more energetic activites and before leaving Australia, he had found something we all might be interested in.

He sold it to us as a hike out in the country, combined with an overnight stay in a local village, and it all sounded very good, so everyone agreed.  That day had now come and with some enthusiasm, accompanied by guides and another tourist from France, we headed off.

After an hour or so in 35+c with high humidity heat, we began to suspect this was not going to be a gentle hike as we entered some jungle and started climbing up a hilly track. 

A few more hours in, the sweat pouring off us and now clambering over fallen banana palms after the track had disappeared under them, it was no longer a hike but a trek.

Disappearing into the jungle

Lunch involved sitting in the jungle near a small creek eating home made food wrapped in leaves provided by the guide and all our clothes now totally soaked in sweat.

Lunch time and already very tired

So our 'hike' continued up and down hills following the track which had re-appeared, at one stage all of us having to slide down the side of hill on our bums because of the very loose surface and steepness.

On and on we went, the humidity sapping our energy

By mid afternoon, our energy and enthusiasm was waning until a few questions were asked of our guide.  "How far is the village we're staying in?", the answer being "30 minutes away, very close, very close!".  "Do they have cold refrigerated beer in the village?" came the next question.  "Yes!"

We were off with renewed enthusiasm and yes the village had the best tasting icy cold beer we had enjoyed for at least 2 days, oh it was beautiful as was just lying down to rest.

After a refreshing wash using the local cattle drinking trough, we went exploring the village and its people, including the kids and they were all delightful.

It was a lovely place to spend the night

That night we slept on very flat woven mats and during the night, nature responded to Peter's description of our sweaty, long and mountainous trek as a 'hike' when during the night he decided to go to use a very rickety and aerated squat toilet.

I was awake at the time and in the distance could hear a strange noise in the forest which was getting louder and it was soon clear what was about to happen.

A very heavy rain squall was heading our way and with Peter apparently in full squat position, it hit us, wind also buffeting the structure he was in.  "Damm, bugger, s*^t etc etc erupted from his mouth as water poured in through the roof.

Mutter, mutter, mutter was soon heard as he sloshed his way back up into the hut and into bed.  Hike eh Peter!!!

Our bed for the night

In the morning we started another 3-4 hours of trekking back into the jungle, little white butterflies seemingly following and keeping us company.

Butterflies following Peter on his 'hike'

We knew we were reaching our final destination once the track suddenly became a long set of well constructed steps to what would soon be our final oasis to enjoy.

Nearing the oasis in the forest

Our oasis was just stunning because it consisted of a series of waterfalls joined by running water and at the bottom was a large pool of very refreshing and beautiful water to have a swim in.

The waterfalls leading to the pool

Peter and darian enjoying a relaxing shower

After a very deep and replenishing sleep, it was time to head back to the airport for our flight to Hanoi, Vietnam... the details of which you can read in the post on Vietnam.

Without doubt, the highlight of our trip to Laos was its people, they were just so warm, friendly and gentle, a real credit to their country.

CLICK HERE if interested in more photos of Laos