Luang Prabang - the jewel of Laos

I had high expectation from Luang Prabang. Abosolutely everyone likes it except a handful of haters but it is a french civilised beauty - with a mix crowd of tourists. Older people enjoy the cuisine and the younger enjoy the adventure (elephants/waterfalls/caves). As I'm in between I enjoy it most. 

The best thing about Asia though is the feeling one can enjoy most luxuries one is prevented in general life because of the high cost with so little money. Taxis (tuk tuk) cost nothing e.i a taxi for the whole day u$s 20. Elephant ride u$s 15. High quality dining u$15. Cocktails U$s 4. Divide that by 2 given we've got pounds and we are bloody millionaires. 

I am highly enjoying this. 

Specially liked the Waterfalls at Tad Sei and the boat to get there plus the trekking across the other waterfalls. Did not enjoy loosing one flip flop but well... Shit happens.

Bars and hangouts: Opera was open till late (ehmmm 11:30ish) on the main road. Utopia was the backpacker hangout and really chilled - so good for writing, reading during the day and they even had Yoga

Dinner: Rosella and Tamarin - oh my God! The best food ever and cheap. Don't go to a place called Kitchen on the main road as it's expensive and shit food.

Tourist traps: Why the f#%^ do they keep on talking about the morning ritual with the buddist monks? It's such a tourist trap it's unbelievable. So you wake up at 5 am to go see the procession thinking there might be something really spiritual going on but then you see all the tourist sitting in rows - and I'm talking about ALL chinese and european - who have cautiously prepared themselves for the ultimate religious experience... But I did not feel anything of the sort. I felt they were being absolutely conned. I like Buddists - don't get me wrong - but not too sure if this tradition has now become a bit ridiculous. Some monks were holding 5 bags with food, toiletries and stuff and they had almost seven more blocks to walk. It all felt a bit pathetic.

Sunset: Yes. You can climb up the hill to the Temple up there ( can't remember the name) - but so will all the rest of the tourists, so be prepared for a crowded sunset. And please don't spoiling by taking dozens of pictures. You can use the one below.