If you want a 360 degree view of Luang Prabang, then head to Mount Phu Si. It’s name means sacred mountain/hill. It is over 100 meters above the city.
Ancient legend is that a powerful Naga that is part human and part serpent deity called the mountain its home. There are many temples throughout the hill. Since there are temples one should dress appropriately for respect. No knees or shoulders should be visible. It really is disrespectful not to abide by this simple rule.
There are two sets of stairs on either main road to get to the top. There are over 300 stairs to climb but even in the dark is not perilous. On my way back down there were many out of breath coming up so it is moderately intense.
I started climbing at 5:30 am based on recommendations I had already seen. However, being tired, I should have realized that would be the best time in the summer. If it is winter, start up the mountain at 6:30.
Pictures from the top before sunrise. Wat Chom Si is the name of the temple. It was constructed in 1804 by King Anourat and has a 20m high golden stupa on top.
So I had time to spend. It is difficult to hear on this video (put your ear close), but I sat and listened to the chants in the morning during alms giving. I will see that tomorrow when the monks walk through the streets and alms are given by the locals. The alms are food for the monks as that is their only meal of the day. This is a quiet city without trucks or buses. It was extremely peaceful and a great time to be reflective and appreciative of my good fortune.
This pregnant kitty also kept me (and others) company. Such a love bug. She willingly climbed on laps. Life must be good for her too.
I chatted with a woman from Vietnam who also loved the mama cat.
These baskets can be purchased at the bottom. They house tiny birds. You set them free for good luck at the top. Though I wanted to buy them all and set them free, I do not wish to perpetuate cruelty.
Once the sun should have rose, I snapped these pictures as it is going to take some time for the fog to lift. There is very little pollution here. Yesterday on the boat it took a several hours for it to lift.
Facing the Nam Khan river.
A temple below. This is also the Mekong River.
Headed back down there was another goodbye to the kitty.
Views on the way down.
Many people go at sunset when it is spectacular but is also very crowded. I appreciate the calmness of morning.
I was in need of coffee. I chose a great location to stay as it is on the street fur alms giving and the stairs to mount Phu Si as well as having great little shops. I stopped at Kaogee Cafe.
Here I had an Americano and bread with Pandan. Pandan is also known as Screw Pine. This is a fruit that has the consistency of honey. It is sweet and mango like. The color is green. It is really hard to describe but tasty. The price is 30,000 kip which is 3.00 US.
There are other places on the grounds of Mount phusi I missed and week so that when I wander later.