A road trip through southern Luang Prabang left us spellbound by its varied beauty and the simplicity of life in rural and mountainous northern Laos. We had already fallen in love with the country. This short day-long trip cemented our fondness for the people, the countryside, and everything Laos has to offer.
Below is a list of our favourite highlights from this road trip, which takes us south after visiting the famous Kuang Si Waterfalls.
We saw:
The driver meandered his way back. Driving slowly gave us the opportunity to see unusual, interesting and random sights on the road back to Luang Prabang.
As seen in the pictures below.
We stopped at:
Gorgeous green rice fields.
Getting used to seeing rice growing on tiered hillsides, it was an unexpected treat to see low-lying fields sprouting lush green rice plants.
Adding to the sun-soaked view stood stilted, thatched-roofed bamboo guest houses dotted among the fields. A narrow timber walking bridge, fringed with delicate cane lamps, spanned the paddy fields, providing access to the guesthouses. Swaying in the warm afternoon breeze were two national flags flying from a sturdy bamboo pole. Their bright colours added stark contrast to the surrounding colours of Mother Nature.
We arrived around sunset; the soft, golden hour hues enveloped the vista, enhancing the gentle ambience.
At the neighbouring cafe, Full House, the entrance was complemented by a platform deck overlooking the abundant rice fields. Cane seats offering soft, comfortable cushions were a great place to park ourselves as I enjoyed a delicious Laotian coffee, and he enjoyed a cold beer. All served charmingly under the rickety canopy of their little wooden building on the roadside.
We saw:
Small brown elephants either abandoned or orphaned homed in a sanctuary – loping peacefully across their dusty bush-clad land – handlers patting them gently. Tourists riding atop.
All entrance fees support the maintenance and upkeep of the animals and their encampment.
Final stop:
To top off the road trip, what, as far as my golf-crazy partner was concerned, was a highlight of the day.
A trip up a steep unsealed driveway entering a dusty circular entrance to the Luang Prabang Golf Club!
Our very tolerant driver found a mate to chat with while we ambled around, checking out the clubhouse (see the above pictures), and, from our elevated position, admired the charming, hazy, and distant view of Luang Prabang city.
Fringed by the Mekong River and surrounded by beautiful, steep, jungle-covered mountains, it was one of the most picturesque vistas we had encountered in the late afternoon sun.
If you would like more information on this story or on travelling in Laos please contact me on janeco@mytravelroom.co.nz
