In the early morning, locals sit on the side of the street to give alms to monks and novices. This peaceful ceremony is conducted in silence where Buddhists gain spiritual merit by the act of giving. The traditional offering is sticky rice but any type of food can be offered. Participants keep their heads bowed…
Category: Laos
Nong Khiaw, Northern Laos
FIND YOUR WAY The river’s scenic east bank (officially called Ban Sop Houn) is where most guesthouses and restaurants are. ACTIVITIES Visiting Nong Khaiw can just be about enjoying the stunning scenery, but if you want to get out and explore, here are some ideas. RockclimbingClimb the limestone formations that surround the town. TrekkingThere are…
Tamarind Cooking Class in Luang Prabang, Laos
Food in Laos is more distinctive than you might expect. Freshness is very important with everything prepared from scratch. Dishes are based on balance between sweet, sour, cooked, fresh, mild, bitter, salty and spicy. Herbs including galangal (similar to ginger) and lemongrass are commonly used. DAY CLASS Start early with a tour or the market…
Etiquette For Visiting Buddhist Temples & Religious Sites
What to WearDressing modestly is strictly observed in temples and you will not be allowed to enter if you’re showing too much skin. It is recommended that you dress modestly all the time, not just for visiting temples to respect local customs. Keeping covered will protect you from sunburn in the day and insect bites…
Paintings from Laos
Mysterious, landlocked Laos is less developed and less visited than it’s neighbours. A beautiful landscape of misty mountains, rolling hills and historic cities. Luang Prabang is particularly stunning with golden temples and pretty streets.
Exploring Lao Cuisine
KEY FEATURES Freshness is very important in Lao cooking with everything prepared from scratch. Dishes are based on balance between sweet, sour, cooked, fresh, mild, bitter, salty and spicy. Herbs including galangal (similar to ginger) and lemongrass are commonly used. A typical Lao table will include Khao Niaow (Sticky rice), a staple of any Lao…
Luang Prabang, Northern Laos
FINDING YOUR WAY The main area of Luang Prabang is quite small and framed by the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers. There is one main road; Th Sisavangvong which becomes Th Sakkarin. Th Sisavangvong runs next to Mount Pusi and is home to the Royal Palace Museum and Theatre. HISTORICAL SITES & NATURAL WONDERS Mount…
Festival of the Lights, Luang Prabang, Northern Laos
DECORATING TEMPLES Novices and monks create delicate lanterns made from bamboo and brightly coloured paper to decorate the temples. It actually becomes a bit competitive with each temple wanting to display more lanterns than the others. A few weeks before the festivities, I visited a temple on the outskirts of Luang Prabang, to make lanterns…
The Gibbon Experience, Northern Laos
THE JUNGLE & Black Crested Gibbons Bokeo Nature Reserve was created to protect Black Crested Gibbons, which were previously thought to be extinct in the area. In 2008 the area was officially declared Nam Kan National Park by the Lao Assembly. The park covers 136.000 ha of mixed deciduous forest, which you’ll zip-line though. You’re…
The Slow Boat from Laos to Thailand
Day 1 – LUANG PRABANG TO PAK BENG Arrive at the boat dock after a short tuktuk journey then spend nice hours relaxing on the boat. The boat is wooden and rustic with no glass windows allowing you to enjoy the fresh country air and hear the sounds of the river. It’s worth taking some…
Little Amy Tours 