Jenny Sky Is The Limit

Opting for a day filled with adventure, I booked a tour through Green Discovery, a local agency recommended in the Lonely Planet guide. Joining me on this exploration were two fellow adventure enthusiasts, Natasha from the UK, a delightful nature enthusiast, and Ben, a friendly Canadian embarking on a tour across Southeast Asia. The cost for this full-day excursion was 336,000 kip (£32, or COP120,000).

Our journey commenced from the conveniently located Green Discovery office along the main road, Th Sisavangvong.

Our first stop took us north to a Khmu community, where we received a brief introduction to the essentials of kayaking.

Setting off downstream, Natasha and I shared a kayak, while Ben and our tour guide navigated individual ones.

The journey along the Nam Ou River treated us to picturesque cliffs, sightings of elephants, and glimpses into local villages. Continuing downstream for another hour, we made a refreshing stop along the way, indulging in a revitalising swim amidst the natural beauty that surrounded us.

Our next destination was the renowned Pak Ou Cave, marking the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Ou rivers. Unfortunately, this visit was marred by a moment of misfortune. I lost my balance while disembarking from the kayak and ended up in the water, unintentionally submerging my beloved Canon G16!!! :(…. In hindsight, I realised the cost of my stubbornness, as our guide had cautioned us against carrying cameras during this part of the journey.

Despite the mishap, the Pak Ou Cave itself proved to be a fascinating site, renowned for its collection of a thousand Buddhas. Our guide shared insightful information, revealing that villagers utilised this cave as a temple due to their financial constraints compared to those in the city, preventing them from constructing larger temples.

Exploring the Pak Ou Cave, we first visited its upper level with the guidance of our guide. Moving to the lower level, our guide directed us while he remained in a nearby hut to prepare our lunch. The cave maintains its significance as a pilgrimage site for the Lao people, drawing increased attention, especially during the Lao New Year celebrations in April.

Following a satisfying lunch, the remainder of the afternoon was spent paddling in a tranquil stretch of the Nam Ou and on the Mekong River.

Our kayaking adventure concluded at Ban Xang Hai, a village renowned for its Lao wine and “Lau Lau” whisky. While we sampled these local spirits, I found the taste to be exceptionally strong, and it didn’t quite align with my preferences.

We took a leisurely stroll around the village before making our way back to Luang Prabang in a local truck. Our kayaking adventure, spanning around three hours in total, felt perfectly balanced. Overall, a truly fabulous and memorable experience.

After our return to Luang Prabang, Natasha suggested unwinding at a fantastic spot called Utopia, and really, who could resist a place with a name like that? Jo, my friend, had also highly recommended it. This turned out to be a superb choice for enjoying drinks and chilling out in a relaxed and inviting atmosphere.

I wholeheartedly recommend Utopia to anyone passing through Luang Prabang! It truly is the perfect spot to cool down, and grab a drink and snack, all while engaging in lively conversations with fellow travellers. What a delightful way to spend a late afternoon by the riverbanks! Cheers for that wonderful experience! 😊🙏

“….rivers are earth’s renegades, defying gravity, dancing to their own tunes, resisting to the authority of humans, chipping away and eventually winning… Richard Bangs”

Love from

❤️

Jenny;