Day 2: Finding My Feet

Weather Update: Sunshine, High 26°C

Elevation above Sea Level: 700–1,800 meters (2,300–5,900 feet)

A Pleasant Start to the Day

I had a nice sleep and almost missed breakfast because of it.

Exploring the Streets

I spent most of the afternoon cruising the streets in beautiful sunshine with blue skies as far as the eye could see. We are surrounded by high peaks on either side which I believe traps the heat. Although it is winter, where the temperature drops to around 6°C at night, by lunchtime, it reaches a pleasant 26°C.

A Relaxing Pace of Life

It is very relaxing here; the pace of life has slowed down considerably compared to the big, traffic-congested cities. Here, you can comfortably cross the street and walk around without being harassed by sellers, hawkers, or tuk-tuk drivers vying for your business. Once you say no, they tend to leave you alone.

Population and Tourism

The population is just under 48,000, but with the tourists, it's probably double that. I can’t imagine what it would look like in the summer.

Potential Evening Plans

I passed several bars that had the potential to come to later in the day to get out of the sun and have a beer in peace.

Connecting with Fellow Travelers

Here, I met three Canadians and two Australians who are doing the same thing as me—just selling up and travelling the world. We had long talks about travel and the lessons learned from mistakes and other travellers. It was a nice day.

There are many things to do in Luang Prabang, Laos, including exploring the ancient town, visiting temples, and enjoying outdoor activities. 

Explore the ancient town 

Old Quarter: Walk around the Old Quarter, which includes the National Palace, theatre, temples, and night market

Phousi Mountain: Climb Phousi Mountain for sunset views

Bamboo bridge: Walk across the bamboo bridge

Visit temples 

Wat Choumkhong: Visit the monastery with a garden that's especially beautiful when the poinsettia trees are in bloom

Wat Souvannakhili: See the monastery with a building that looks like a colonial-era mansion

Wat Punluang: See the faded temple with emerald nagas on the roof

Enjoy outdoor activities

Swimming: Swim at Khuang Si Waterfall 

Kayaking: Kayak on the rivers, including the Nam Khan River 

Rafting: Go rafting on intermediate-level rapids 

Hiking: Hike in the village, which includes forest temples, stupas, and a Buddha cave 

Learn how to grow rice: Learn how to grow rice at Living Land Lao