Best Way to End the Day in Luang Prabang, Laos

Boats on the Mekong:  Berthed for the night after unloading their cargoes of oranges, these boats will return to Thailand the next day.

After a hot and sweaty day exploring Luang Praband and its outskirts, the perfect way to end the day was a meal by the Mekong. And, of course, unfailingly with a Beer Lao. LOL. Give me the Mekong any time, and life would be perfect.

The Mekong in Luang Prabang

The Mekong River is a magical  attraction for most people so it's not surprising that dining by the river is a popular pastime in Luang Prabang for both the locals and tourists. I don't think anyone can resist the lure of the Mekong especially when a cold Beer Lao is dangled in front of you! And don't forget the beer is reputedly the best in the region.

And neither can the local students who make for a beeline for the restaurants overlooking the Mekong.

What is there to do in Vang Vieng, Laos?

A pick-up loaded with huge tubes

A friend asked, "What's is there to do in such an ulu (remote) place? Well, you go tubing ie float down the river on a large rubber tube much like what you did as a kid during a flood in your kampung or village.

Ultra cheap accomodation

"What about accommodation? Is there budget accommodation?" was his next question. Plenty. There are cheapies by the side of the river which cost about US$3-4 but they're really for people who have to count their kip (Laotian currency) before they go to bed.

A lounge

"OK, any place to relax with a drink, that sort of thing?" You can relax on deck chairs by the river or in the lounge as shown above. Beer Lao, touted as the best in the region, is cheap and with a can of the stuff and a good book you're close to paradise. Make it a few cans, OK?

Beer Lao by the Mekong River, Laos

If you're still dreaming about Beer Lao, which is probably the best beer in the region, the best place to enjoy one is at this place beside the Mekong River in Vientiane.

The Mekong River with its long-tailed boats. Laos is famed for its many mountains and rivers.

A Beer Lao by the Mekong River, Vientiane, Laos

In my view, if you haven't had a drink by the Mekong River, your cool factor is zero.

Atap- roofed cafes lined the river bank. I had a Beer Lao which some some say is the best beer in the region. Hey, Heineken, are you listening?

Teetotallers are not left out. At least you can say you had had coconut juice by the Mekong River! When night falls, the area is filled with foodstalls and Laotians lounging on straw mats and dining under the stars.

I'm one of those who must have coffee for breakfast. As in Thailand, for breakfast the locals prefer noodles.  Fortunately I found this place after a search on my bicycle. Notice the boiler outside the coffee shop?

A Laotian coffee shop in Vientiane.There aren't many of such coffee shops so I made a mental note to return to this place for lunch. Laotian noodle dishes are similar to Thai ones.