Today was my last full day here. Yesterday, I rented a bicycle and went exploring. I found a book store cafe and chilled in the heat of the afternoon. In a few short hours, I saw more of Luang Prabang than I could have walking.
This morning, I had breakfast overlooking the Mekong River. Some restaurants here have a “breakfast set” which is one price for everything. This morning, I had scrambled eggs, baguette, coffee, juice and fruit salad with yogurt. Total cost was Laos kipp of 35,000 (roughly $4.00 US), extra because I wanted honey with my baguette.
Other places, breakfast can run double that. The trick to traveling on a budget is to watch splurges. Today, I didn’t! I found a lovely coffee shop with press pots, siphon coffee maker, moka pot, pour over coffee and such. One pot of coffee cost more than my entire breakfast. This afternoon, since it’s my last day here, I took myself for a treat to the Joma Bakery overlooking the Nam Kahn River. Cinnamon roll and a coffee 42,000 kipp. For comparison, my room in Luang Namtha was 60,000 a night. Thus, the need for budget conscious travelers to really watch things.
Tonight, I had fried noodles with squid at a little family restaurant across from the night market. That was 17,000 kipp and very filling!
My bicycle rental for a full day was 15,000 kipp. Today, in Cafe de Laos, I met two men living in Ho Chi Minh City. They just arrived and were surprised how crowded it was. They have seen advertisements on TV for vacations to Laos. Apparently the same thing is happening in China and Matt had seen similar advertising in South Korea when he lived there. In the past three years, the crowd has changed significantly and priced have skyrocket here as a result. There are still budget spots for those on a tight travel budget but it takes some work finding them! My five nights lodging here come what 13 nights in Luang Namtha would.
Being here has been a vacation within my vacation. I love this village and especially the place I’m staying. I will NOT write up review for Trip Advisor because this little place would be swamped, prices would go through the roof and the character would change. So, I’ll keep it to myself and those luck few travelers who have stumbled upon it.
Tomorrow morning, I get on a mini-van (head room questionable) and am off for Vang Vieng about 5 or 6 hours South. It used to be a pretty rowdy party town until the government came in, closed the illegal bars, and returned the town to the villagers. I may be there a couple days before I continue on South. With only three weeks left, I’m being selective about where and how I spend my remaining time.
Vientiane is the capital and I’ll have a little time there before heading to Pakse and on to the 4,000 Islands area. Several people have told me that the 4,000 islands area is their favorite in all of Laos. Quiet, tranquil and very warm!
One step at a time, one foot in front of the other, and see what new adventure unfolds! Ciao!
Luang Prabang was in transition when I was there 7 yrs ago. Sounds as if it has become a more upscale tourist town. Outside of Vientiane there were these turquoise ponds that 2 friends and I went swimming in. My diary of the trip is in current show prop box. I will check on Monday. Don Det way down south was my secone favorite spot after Nam Tha. It was from there that I had that hysterically funny and adventurous 2 day trip to Cambodia. Myanmar might have to be next, eh. I look forward to reconnecting with you.