Just a short five-minute walk from my hotel (Maison Dalabua) was the Luang Prabang night market. Did I mention that markets are my absolutely favorite? This one did not disappoint. It takes place every night from 5-10pm. Every night! Artisan vendors line the street with scarves, purses, t-shirts, wood carvings, every trinket imaginable, and beautiful textiles galore.
There are a few side streets with Lao food vendors and tables to enjoy a meal. I opted for a fruit smoothie (mango & lime - about $1 USD) and a buffet-style dinner where they display tiers of prepared food from which you can fill an empty bowl to your heart’s content (about $3 USD).
I explored the market on my own and felt completely safe walking the streets and eating solo. I watched the sun set behind a glorious vista of temples and market tents and felt so grateful to be in Laos. Everyone I had encountered while in Thailand during the first portion of my trip just raved about Laos, and Luang Prabang in particular. I can certainly see why!
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
1 day ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.