Day and Night in Luang Prabang, Laos

Flying into Luang Prabang, Laos, we drop from the clouds to skim through the mountain crags, gliding along the winding Mekong River to the tiny airstrip. The jungle clad mountains fold into the distance like one of those misty Chinese paintings.

Flying into Luang Prabang through the mountains

Flying over the muddy Mekong River

A blast of hot, humid air hits us as they open the airplane door. We have arrived in Laos, our first time in this historic country, the mysterious land of saffron-robed Buddhist monks and golden temples. Luang Prabang is the former royal capital of the Kingdom of Laos and is now a World Heritage Site known for its well-preserved French colonial architecture, its ancient temples and monasteries. There must be more temples here per capita than anywhere else in the world!

The streets of Luang Prabang are not just full of French Colonial architecture and Buddhist temples, but all kinds of interesting art, people and incredible tropical flowers.

Main Street Luang Prabang

Wax ginger flower

Hanging heliconia

They also make great croissants and these wonderful, hot, gooey coconut pancakes sold on the street and served in a folded banana leaf. It’s our new favourite snack after a long day walking through town visiting temples.

The griddle with the first half

Flipping one cooked half on top

Finished product on banana leaf cup

Our third day in Laos, we discover by accident an amazing restaurant hidden on a dark side street. It's an outdoor gem called the Manda de Laos and it is a magical place with lotus ponds, candles and palm trees. 

The day started overcast with a cool mist, followed by a hot sunny afternoon and now, in the evening, it has cooled down again. So the frogs in the Manda de Laos lotus ponds must think it’s spring for they are singing their love songs with abandon. It starts with the loudest, biggest frog and then hundreds of croakers and peepers join in, building to a crescendo of delight. Then just as suddenly it ends. It’s a wonderful romantic concert on a warm night in Luang Prabang.

Manda de Laos restaurant and lotus pond