Arthur's Diary, Week 2: Luang Prabang

Arthur is 65, retired, and spending three months travelling solo (with company when he wants it!) through Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. These are his diary entries - an honest view from the first ever DECADES trip, written for anyone wondering whether to make the leap themselves.

A different pace in the former capital

Our second full week was spent in Luang Prabang, formerly the Laos capital. Quite a contrast to Vang Vieng, bigger, more cosmopolitan, nestling between the Mekong and Khan rivers. The surrounding hills are not quite as striking as further south, but interesting nevertheless, and more navigable as a result.

Getting properly stuck in

Less frenetic activities this week have included volunteering at a local primary school helping with English lessons for 4-9 year olds; visiting a working rice farm and getting stuck in with each of the 13 steps a rice plant goes through from seed to meal; an exploring day out on mountain e-bikes, visiting caves used to shelter from the American bombing, and an elephant sanctuary where the focus is on getting them away from the brutal lumber operations.

Markets, temples, and stuffed frogs

Not forgetting exploring the local town, its temples, night market, and the nighttime food market. The green tea tasted a lot better than it looked, but I wasn't brave enough to try the stuffed frogs. The morning market was the start point for a Laos cookery school session today, which was fascinating. I've also managed to find time to chill by the pool and drink a beer or two . . . . .

What's next

We leave here early in the morning to start the 2 day slow boat journey up the Mekong river to the Thai border, although we're breaking it up with a rest day at The Sanctuary in Pak Beng.