The ride from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang, and the surrounding area, might have me convinced that Laos is one of the most beautiful places I’ve been.

And the food at all their little roadside restaurants is amazing as well

One day in Luang Prabang was spent riding around, getting lost…one particular road I took seemed to get less and less traveled with each kilometer I went, changing from nice to rough dirt, to a rough and narrow single lane road, and finally to a single track path leading to nowhere, but it was beautiful along the way.

Kuang Si waterfall makes for a great half day trip from Luang Prabang. There are plenty of waterfalls throughout Thailand and Laos, and after a while, seeing yet another one doesn’t seem all that necessary…but this one can’t be missed. It’s definitely much more unique that what you’ll typically see, as it’s not just a water fall…it includes a series of smaller waterfalls that spill over into various sized pools…some of which you can swim in.
           
       
           
It’s possible to hike up to the top of the waterfall, which was worth the trip, but still wasn’t the best part. Part way up, you need to split off the trail and you can access a pool that is halfway up the main waterfall… This sign probably helps keep the area a bit more secluded


           
           
There’s a little cave behind the waterfall that you can swim into

And here’s the view over the edge

There’s a stupa on a hilltop in the middle of town, which provides some great views of the city, and sunsets

           
The railing beside the stairs on the way up the hill also doubles as a slide

I made a day trip up to Nong Khiaw, and like the rest of Laos I’ve seen, it too was absolutely beautiful.

           

Just outside of Nong Khiaw is the Pha Tok Cave.


During the second Indochina war, this cave was used as a shelter, and inside, they have signs showing where specific officials set up shop.

       

This was the tourguide

Inbetween giving tours, the guides would play this hybrid soccer/volleyball game

           

One last thing…If you find yourself in Luang Prabang, check out this buffet in the night market…10,000kip ($1.25) for more delicious food than anyone needs…