Snapshots of Life in Luang Prabang, Laos.

The best thing about having your own transport, even if it's the humble bicycle, is the luxury of stopping any time I like when something strikes my fancy like this group of Laotians playing this game using metal balls. The name of the game is on the tip of my tongue but still I can't recall it. Need your help here.

I saw oranges being carried up the steep flight of steps from the Mekong River.

These oranges are from northern Thailand. I too squatted like the locals in choosing the oranges to buy.

I was surprised to see this Chinese banner at a restaurant. Naturally I rode in, and had a chat with the people inside. Being close to Yunnan in China, Chinese influence is quite marked. Cycling outside the city of Luang Prabang, I chanced on a bazaar with a lot of Chinese traders.

Luang Prabang, the loveliest city in Laos

                                Welcome: the back of this tuk-tuk says it all

One well-known travel guide raves over Luang Prabang, describing it as one of the loveliest cities in the region. A good but winding road goes all the way from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang, taking about 6 hours.

                               Residential areas of Luang Prabang

Most travellers see only the urban area of Luang Prabang, and rarely venture into the residential areas which are more picturesque and traditional.

                               Row of hotels

Luang Prabang is experiencing a tourist boom. Almost every building is either a hotel or restaurant. It's a small town, and a rented bicycle is the ideal way to explore the nooks and corners of this northern city close to Chinese border in Yunnan.

Sapa, Vietnam

Busy Sapa market on a Saturday.

H'mong tribe people throng the market. Note the huge rattan shopping basket they carry on their backs

These are the beautiful mountains in northern Vietnam. Beyond them is Yunnan in China. Northern Vietnam is mountainous, ideal for trekking.

Apart from Halong Bay in North Vietnam, the cool mountain resort of Sapa north-west of Hanoi is another must-see attraction. An overnight train ride from Hanoi is all it takes to reach the area. What draw visitors to Sapa are the people from the various hill tribes in the north and the beautiful mountain ranges bordering Yunnan in China. For the hardy, a trek to the villages or mountains is a priority. In the crisp cool air of Sapa, your spirits soar and all your anxiety melts away. No kidding.