This is the second half of my workation in Luang Prabang, Laos.
I wrote about working at the hotel, walking through the town, conversations with people, and quiet moments in the city.
Morning Walk, Work, and Khao Soi
The next morning, I woke up a little early and went for a walk.
I stopped by a nearby temple and wandered around the morning market area.
There were almost no tourists,
and it was interesting to watch the locals quietly preparing for the day.
Luang Prabang feels especially peaceful during this quiet time of the morning.
After returning from the walk, I did a little work at the hotel.
I was able to concentrate more than I expected.
Once I finished, I checked out and went to a small shop right in front of the hotel called Sikhoun Muang Fruit Shake.
I had come here because I had read on a blog that their Khao Soi was good.
It turned out to be truly delicious.
Honestly, I felt like I could eat it every day.
I definitely recommend it.
After finishing the meal, I moved to the next hotel.
A Comfortable Hotel
The next place I stayed was Elegant Boutique Hotel Luang Prabang.
Even though I arrived a little early, they kindly allowed me to enter the room.
As soon as I arrived, they served a welcome drink.
I enjoyed it while relaxing on the balcony.
All the staff were smiling and very welcoming.
I immediately thought,
“I like this place.”
Temples, the Mekong River, and Work
After resting for a while, I went out for another walk.
I visited Wat Xieng Thong, and then went to a cafe along the Mekong River.
I did a little work there.
On the river, what looked like Chinese tourists were taking boat tours.
While looking down toward the river from the café, I noticed a cat watching the boats carefully.
Maybe it was curious about them just like I was.
Searching for Another Cafe
After finishing my work there, I walked around looking for another place to sit.
One cafe that caught my attention was Saffron Coffee.
You could choose between sitting inside or outside, so I chose outside again.
The view was even nicer than the previous cafe.
But about ten minutes later, a staff member came over and said,
“We are closing.”
…Now?
No one had mentioned that earlier, so I was a little confused.
But there was nothing to do, so I went back to the hotel.
The Night Market and Dinner
After resting for a while, I went to the night market.
Along the way, I saw a few more cats.
After the market, I went to a local restaurant called Nang Tao.
The woman running the place was very kind.
It was the kind of place that makes you think,
“I want to come back again.”
Since the Khao Soi I had for lunch was so good, I ordered the same dish again.
It was delicious here as well.
After dinner, I returned to the hotel and went to sleep.
The Last Morning
The next morning, I had breakfast on the hotel balcony.
Soon, a black cat came closer.
“Here it comes!”
It was already time to check out,
but I still wanted to do a little work.
So the staff kindly let me use a table in front of the room.
Then a young staff member approached me with curiosity.
“What are you doing?”
“I want to practice English.”
He even brought me a bottle of water and said,
“You can drink this.”
It was truly a very pleasant hotel.
I would love to stay there again.
Departure
After leaving the hotel, I noticed a small shop that caught my attention.
When I went inside, the staff were very friendly, and we talked for a while.
They said they liked Japan and had traveled there earlier this year.
They also said they wanted to visit again.
They even offered me a small glass of wine made by a friend.
We chatted for a while in the shop.
After that, they called a tuk-tuk driver they knew, and I headed to the airport.
People in Laos seem gentle, calm, and somehow optimistic.
It was the kind of trip that makes you want to come back again.
