The newcomer awakes to exquisite early morning calls of prayer ring’s out over the monastery speaker from Buddhist temples almost haunting but very soothing meditative morning chant echoing over and down the world’s twelfth longest Mekong River which is the major trade route that begins from the Tibetan Plateau and runs through China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand ,Cambodia and Vietnam local villages. Something to see and experience in the early mornings is Tak Bat an tradition of Lao Buddhist Monks. Dressed in their traditional Saffron-clad robes the Monk’s silently walk down the streets receiving food offerings from the local almsgivers its an serene ritual and tradition in which is done in very silent meditative way between the almsgivers showing respect with offerings in a peaceful way.
Also in the early morning a wonderful and interesting space where you can discover authentic Laotian grown vegetables and ingredients all vibrantly colorful and fresh in abundance from the local mountains where many friendly people from local surrounding villages come to eat and shop all of this contributes to its charm.
There are nearly eighty Buddhist temples and monasteries in and around city of Luang Prabang, Laos, which means “Royal Buddha Image.” At every turn the smell of incense mixed with the fire and smoke burning of the agriculture fields turns back time. A second or so later, the waif of air turns into a sweet, warm, yeasty, inviting smell of Laotian coffee from a French Bakery. Walking down the colonial street, submerged in the jungle tropics, which makes this quite a dichotomy but yet beautiful and completely serene to all the tingling senses.
Morning Snack
I was especially smitten and charmed by my personal favorite morning snack, the hot soup of Khao Piak Sen. It is different than the more famous Vietnamese Khao Soi soup, because the Laotian morning soup uses different bigger noodle and broth and entire chunks of meat. The meat is typically pork and topped with sprinkles of the freshest vegetables you will find throughout South East Asia.
The Art of Cuisine
There is so much great Laotian artistry cuisine to discover for vegetarians as well and all food lovers your gonna be in culinary heaven from street vendors, traditional food fit for a king to various international restaurants serving basic fare however due to different ingredients used in that part of the world typically a basic burger is like cheating yourself.
Street Cuisine after Dark
The Night Market is something to behold. Just outside of the historical city, there are natural and historic sites within hiking distance where you will find lush green hilltop trail passing a black bear reserve to three tiered water falls cascading down amongst swimmers of Kuangsi Falls or the highly visited Pak Ou Caves where hundreds of miniature Buddhas sculptures remain in many positions including teaching, peace, nirvana through meditation. Perhaps this could be your opportunity to find peace through your pallet!
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