Around Luang Prabang | 1 of 3

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Luang Prabang is a neat little city in Laos, nestled in the mountains where two rivers meet, making for gorgeous scenery. It is a town known for it's temples, monasteries, and abundance of Buddha statues. The Luang Prabang Kingdom was owned by France from 1887 until 1945, and was a favorite for French colonials who were tired of Paris. You can still see French influences in some of the architecture and food, which was absolutely fascinating. I loved finding baguettes, French pastries, and good coffee. 

There is a real charm to Luang Prabang that is hard to describe. The ancient city is on the Unesco World Heritage List which means that buses and trucks are not allowed. Most people ride bikes or scooters to get around. It used to be a remote Asian city that was difficult to reach and hardly touristy, but is fast growing in popularity with European travelers. Still, it's not as commercialized as other Asian cities-- you won't find a shopping mall or a Seven Eleven. It's also not a party city. Luang Prabang has a sophisticated and peaceful reputation. The city goes to sleep early, wakes early, and is very slow-pace. It was the perfect place to spend 4-5 days taking it easy, exploring on foot and on bicycle, getting daily massages (my dream), and eating good (and cheap) food and smoothies. 

- Julia 


French influence, non?

Rice cakes drying in the afternoon sun on the sidewalk. 







I loved all the vintage bikes with baskets.
Nutella crepes!
We stopped by this community center to watch kids playing.
Our sweet and simple hotel room with lovely windows.Rooftop views out of our window.

15 comments :

  1. Bonjour!

    Très jolies photos;)

    Again your picture are really impressive. Can't wait to be there...almost one month to go!

    What is that place with this beautiful simple room?

    -Alex-

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  2. Oh I'm so glad you guys decided to take the trip to Laos! Mike's going to have to bring me there one day!

    Speaking of which, a lot of research has been happening regarding our move to Asia. Did you spend any time in Guangzhou when you were in China? There's a school there that's looking quite promising. We shall see what happens, but I am just SO excited!!!!

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  3. one of our favourites places on earth! thank you for bringing back so many wonderful memories from our time there - so beautiful! x

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  4. Luang Prabang is my favourite city in SE Asia, and these photos capture it perfectly. Beautiful shots!

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  5. Alex- I'm sorry, we can't remember the name of the guest house!

    Janis- We actually didn't go to China during our travels (unless Hong Kong counts). I can't believe you might LIVE there! Yuriy and I will come visit you guys. :)

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  6. Lovely pictures. How much do hotels cost there? the one you stayed in?

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  7. Hi Julia and Yuriy,

    I love your pictures. I've always wanted to visit Laos but haven't had the chance to. Thankfully for these pictures and your blog I am inspired more than ever. You two are the sweetest!

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  8. Beyond gorgeous shots!!! I didn't want them to end.

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  9. This seems like a beautiful place! beautiful architecture, and life looks so simple and peaceful. Those girls there look so beautiful! Wish I could go there some time.

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  10. Luang Prabang is in my list, and living relatively near, I somehow still have not managed to go there. Looks like a great place to chill and absorb the lifestyle.

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  11. Thank-you for sharing these delightful photos Yuriy and Julia. I spent some time in Laos earlier this year. I fell in love with the place and especially the people. A truly magical place :)

    Leanne (Melbourne, Australia)

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  12. This takes me back so much to when I was there! Where was your guesthouse? Mine was halfway down the street from Joma and I even ended up buying that mug in your picture!! You couldn't have described the city better, was my favorite in Asia, so glad you loved it too :)

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  13. Looks like a nice place to relax and take it slow. Those kids jumping across the rope look like they're having a blast!

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  14. It takes me longer than 30 minutes to download your posts, but I always persist. They are worth every frustrating minute. I visited Luang Prabang in '97 and loved it; although I'm sure it has changed, it looks like it has retained its charm and I feel it is time to go back and savor the coffee.

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