Where the Mekong meets the Nam Khan....

....is the town of Luang Prabang. This UNESCO heritage site is a laid back and relaxed city, which was once the home to the Laotian kings. The historical part of the city is a peninsula between the two rivers. It is here that the most famous monastery and temples are found. While Vientiane may be the official capital, but it is easy to see why Luang Prabang is it's heart.

There is not a lot going on here, and that is how the Laotians like it. No buses are allowed in the city center, and it retains a lot of its colonial architecture. And by that, I mean two story buildings of cement or plaster with wood roofs. Due to the number of temples and monasteries here, it is also home to a huge number of monks and Monks in Training. They are everywhere, dressed in their bright orange robes and saved heads.

I spent the day on a walking tour of the city, checking out the main sights, mostly temples or wats. They are a quiet and effective place and my day was sent meandering through the city. The rivers are muddy and low, but are beautiful and the cliffs are lined with restaurants and cafes on patios under the trees. It is truly beautiful. The low key vibe of the place makes you want to sit and watch the world go by, although that seems to be only a few tourists. Luang Prabang is a famous place, but not so prevalent on the tourist trail. After Siem Reap and Angkor Wat, it is a nice change of pace.

So I wandered. And explored the city at my own pace. And I drank some coffee. And beer. And totally chilled in a Laotian kind of way.