Luang Prabang 2.0

Before we flew from Luang Prabang to Vietnam, we wanted to enjoy Luang Prabang for one last time because we liked it so much. That’s why we stayed here for another two nights in the centre of Luang Prabang in a hotel called Kosy Villa (http://kosyvilla.com/).
The first day, we went to have a delicious breakfast at our favourite breakfast spot called Zaori, followed by dropping off our laundry at a local service. In the afternoon, we were strolling around and enjoyed a late lunch at Khaiphaen, savoring its unique flavors. At the end of the day, we watched a stunning sunset over the Mekong River, a moment of pure serenity. Later, at the vibrant night market, we unexpectedly ran into the Swiss couple Jeremias and Melinda who are travelling the world by bicycle. Jeremias grew up in the same place as Matthias, just two houses farther.
On our last day, we went to have another lovely breakfast at Zaori. Then we picked up the laundry. We were a bit disappointed because the laundry was not the cleanest and best work at all, but the most expensive so far. Marina had another yoga session at the Jungala lounge and did a pedicure and massage that day which was good and very cheap. Matthias was working on some private projects on his laptop. As the day came to an end, we took a Grab (an app like e.g. Uber where you can order cheaper taxis), headed to the airport, left Laos in direction of Vietnam.

Some general impressions of Laos:
Overall, life in Laos feels remarkably relaxed and unhurried. People often take naps while waiting during work. Tuk-tuk drivers lie in hammocks, shopkeepers rest on loungers or even on the floor or tables, like at reception desks. Stress seems almost nonexistent here. The many dogs in Laos reflect this calmness too. They almost never bark or run at you but simply stroll past without a care. Private parties bring a sharp contrast with their booming, incredibly loud music. People are very friendly and seem happy and children can be seen everywhere. Homes often seem spacious and minimalist, with few furnishings and large open areas. It’s not unusual to spot a motorbike parked right inside a house! Butterflies in vibrant colors flutter everywhere, adding beauty to the surroundings. Interestingly, we spotted much fewer animals than expected, and we noticed that even birds are much more rare than what we are used to.Læs mere