Day 3 Laos- Luang Prabang

Day three started early with a 4:30am wake up call, by 5:30am we said goodbye to the Hanoi Prince hotel and set off for the airport. It was still dark and though only early the never ending beeping of horns was evident. With plenty of time at the airport much of the group enjoyed  food and drinks at the airport cafe. With my friends and I having some interesting drinks such as the ‘pussyfoot’.

Upon arriving at Laos the immediate weather change was clearly evident with the sun shining and the heat radiating at a perfect temperature.

We met our tour guide ‘Sing’ and checked into the hotel. Forty five minutes away we visited the waterfalls. We were presented with large tables and brought a diverse range of Laos origin dishes. After lunch we set off to explore the breath taking views and scenery of the waterfalls. The crystal clear aqua water mesmorised us all.

Following the waterfalls we had the opportunity to visit a local library/bookstore that is a non-profit organisation. They rely on donations and the purchase of local Laos/English books to provide support out in the villages all around the country. Many of the group took this opportunity to buy books to personally hand out tomorrow at local villages.

Just before sunset we were lucky to visit a well known Budhist mountain. Well over two hundred feet tall many of us ran up eager to reach the top before sundown. When finally reaching the top we weren’t let down, but stunned with the beautiful view that over a hundred other people come to enjoy every morning and afternoon.

The night markets were at the bottom of the mountain and challenged our haggling skills. Many bought unique and wonderful souvenirs, using the local currency which is kip exchanging 1 dollar for 8000 kip. The markets are an amazing experience that is nothing like I ever imagined.

Dinner was amazing at a local restaurant which was located over a bamboo bridge and a rocky track . the cuisine was beautiful with us being able to first hand cook our meal on a traditional Laos open fire stove top. By 9pm it was time to head back to the hotel on the local transport which resembles a fifteen seater golf buggy, which is a very exciting and new form of transportation not seen in Australia.

Tomorrow we head to the elephant project park which much of the group is excited about. We will also drop the books we purchased today at the local villages, and in the evening we will be lucky enough to experience dinner on a Mekong river cruise.

Dimity Roberts