Friday, December 2, 2016

Luang Prabang: Day 4 (Part 1)

20 November 2016

After another dull breakfast we got on a tuk tuk to the harbour, and got into a sampan to go across the Mekong river.

Upon reaching the other side, we walked for a bit through a Lao village. Most of the houses here are built on stilts, to avoid the flood waters pf the Mekong in the rainy season. Still, many of the villagers are asked to move during the rainy season when the water level of the Mekong river appears dangerous.

The majority of the people who live in Luang Prabang are farmers. There are 2 types of farming – low land (usually beside the river and during the dry season) and high land (more in land, usually sticky rice and during the rainy season).

After walking for about 10 to 15 minutes, we reached a temple which was built and taken care of by the villagers. There was also a monks’ residence here. Then we walked some more and the path (for me) became more and more beautiful because the houses were few and far in between lush plants and trees in various shades of green. There were also kittens and puppies here and there, the place was quiet, untainted by civilization and just so serene.


On the way to the next temple we passed by a sort of clearing which our guide informed us used to be the King’s garden. When the monarchy was overthrown by the present government, they gave the garden to the villagers. Although it was not really taken care of, I still found the view so green and serene. 

No comments:

Post a Comment