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Bookmark & shareA Top Day in Luang Prabang
It pays to break the habit of a lifetime and rise early in Luang Prabang. At the crack of dawn the city's many temples open their doors and hundreds of monks spill onto the streets in search of alms. Locals line the streets and the sight is spectacular, as the saffron robes disappear into the distance. After paying my respects with some instant noodles, I figure it is time for a steaming bowl of soup to set me up for the day. Nang Sengdao is the venue of choice, home to some of the best foe (rice noodles) in town. While things are still cool, it's the right time to board a boat upriver to the Pak Ou Caves. The river trip is blindingly beautiful and the caves are perfect to visit time and time again, as the various Buddha images gradually reveal themselves. Across the water is a cluster of local restaurants on stilts that offer the perfect view of Pak Ou over a fruit shake. Feeling hungry, it's time for a local lunch on the banks of the Mekong. Several places line the pavement along Th Khem Khong - all offer fresh Lao flavours at low prices. After a short siesta the late afternoon sees me wandering through the small streets and alleys of the historic temple district to Wat Xieng Thong. The most beautiful temple in all of Lao; the rich light of the low sun makes sunset a good time to capture its charm. If the sun is performing I might climb the hill of Phu Si for a dramatic view of town, but if the clouds are coming in I might just as well wander down to The Apsara for a drink. The drink leads to dinner, as the fusion menu here is one of the best in town - owner Ivan is always experimenting with new recipes. Feeling fulfilled, I wander through the night market picking up some pieces here and there. Eventually and inevitably I end up at the Hive Bar, one of the coolest drinking dens in town.
Author: Nick Ray
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