It's a quick and easy flight from Chiang Mai to Luang Prabong on Laos Airlines. A $200 round-trip flight and a five dollar taxi ride deposits you into the town of about 26,000 surrounded by mountains. If one choses not to fly, you can take a two day boat ride down the Mekong River from Northern Thailand.
Unlike Thailand, which has proudly never been colonized, Laos was controlled by the French around the time of WW II. The French architecture in this quaint town is being restored due to a recent boom in tourism. The town is also filled with beautiful working temples. Monks in orange robes are commonly seen roaming the streets and river banks.
The little town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a gem. The relaxed atmosphere and quiet nights contrast many tourist destinations in Southeast Asia. The communist government does not allow the business owners stay open after midnight.
There is much to see and experience at the confluence of the Khan and Mekong rivers. But today, I am just hanging out at my guesthouse and the Morning Glory Cafe, owned by my friends Jason and Joy. They specialize in good coffee, fresh squeezed juice, American style breakfast, and Thai food.
The pace is slow in Luang Prabong as many travelers use it as a place to recharge before heading to future destinations. I had better go and join the crowd.
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2 comments:
How do they get good coffee?
Gik,
Good question, I know at one point Jason was roasting it himself, but I will ask him when we have breakfast today. He bought his grinder and espresso machine from Italy and had it shipped here.
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