Monday, March 31, 2008

Chapter 17: Luang Prabang revisited

Luang Prabang, the second biggest city in Laos has been attracting growing number of tourists for its handicrafts and architectural heritage.



Night market opens in the main street.


Sunset by the Meckong. One of my best favorite places and the moments in the whole world.


A kid washes his bicycle.



East meets West


Chantel, a French Canadian woman I met on the boat from Houay Xai. Works at institute for orphans and at a radio station where she connects young musicians to experienced ones. She got interested in the music I was playing on the boat, became my agent to look for a venue where I can play in this town.


introducing Lek to Sai, a cousin of Perp at the Phonethavy guest house. It was brief one week two years ago when I stayed with them but sure they remember me.


Toshiro jumps front flip at Kouang Si waterfall, one of the most popular sites in Luang Prabang.


Rachel and Sofie pose in front of "Don't Swimming Area"




We get rained out hard on the way out of National Park.



Zipping back to the town by hanging on the back of Tuk Tuk.


from East Nam Xang river meets North-to-South Meckong river. Luang Prabang is surrounded by beautiful water.


this guy was in town two years ago! all in rag, begging foreigners, now he's dressed nicely and riding a bicycle. two years have shown so much growth in this city.


school on the main street. nice to see the healthy kids in such a tourist town.



out on the tip of the city they have built a bamboo bridge, so the villagers can commute into the city, and if a foreigner wants to cross out from the city you will have to pay the fee.


Lek and Ms. Khorn, who sits at the end of bridge all day to collect the fee. She wants to study English so she can have a conversation with foreign travelers.


growing development has been well-controlled by government, for the city has many architectural heritage, it's not allowed to build any large hotel.


Sunset from Phou Si mountain, the temple on the hill is crowded with visitors everyday.


outside of town is where actual Lao life is. Where all the Farang bars in town have to close at 11pm, this bowling alley stays open till 4am!


to my surprise they have nice equipment, all from China and Vietnam.


late night noodle joint.

Saturday, March 29, 2008

Chapter 16: Afloat! on Meckong

5:00AM in the morning of March 29th, Lek and I step out of the overnight minivan from Pai. This is Chiang Khong, 600+km Northeast of Pai.


We watch the sky slowly getting brighter. Across the great flow of the Meckong is Laos, as said in Southeast Asian history, “Vietnamese plant rice, Cambodian look at rice, and Lao listen to rice.”


After Thai officials stamp my passport, I step onto a small crossing boat. We’re now leaving Thailand, my home for the last two months.


This is the first time I enter a country by a boat. Houey Xai, a town of the entry point silently awaits for us.



Rule 5, take rivers and the waterway as primary means of transportation. In Laos we can go to so many places by a boat. Let’s try to stay afloat for this month. we get our entry stamp and one month visa (30USD) change the boat and start cruising down the Meckong. To Luang Prabang, a paradise some 280 km down south.


The boat makes many stops to pick up passengers and merchandises.


We arrive in Pakbeng for the first night. We’ll continue the travel on the water tomorrow.


Next morning before our boat time, at morning market of Pakbeng, Lek is excited about the delicious Pho, Vietnamese rice noodle soup.


And this is her photo of Pho. This small kitchen turns out to be our best Pho joint for a long time.


Fog has lifted and our boarding time nears.


Second day of boat trip is more relaxed, and we are starting to make friends.


Some are drinking early Beer Lao, some are focusing on their own meditative craft.



While Lek teaches a local kid a guitar, this French boy wouldn’t leave us alone.


We arrive Luang Prabang. All the memories from when I was here two years ago begin to come back to me.

Friday, March 28, 2008

Chapter 15: Buff!

Once upon a time somewhere in Great Southeast Asia lived a tribe of Buffaloes.


“Boss, it’s getting really hot and it hasn’t rained for months…”


Boss thought to himself, “It’s hot indeed…”


“Brothers and sisters, come follow me, let’s get out of here!”


“Here we go, water feels nice and cool.”


“But Boss, I never swam before…”


“Hey guys! Over here it’s not so deep.”


“Ah… hey, what are you looking at!?”


“Nice bath, I’m all pink now, I’ll see you guys at the bar.”