Day 12 - Luang Prabang

Determined to downshift after our hectic first week, Luang Prabang is the perfect place to do so. It's like the whole town has been stuck in a beautiful heritage time-warp - stately french colonial shops that look straight out of normandy, relatively quiet streets and oodles of luscious vegetation.

Our day's activities consisted of: sleeping in, a big breakfast by the river, massages, shopping, a bit of a walk for good measure, and by then the night markets had begun to open up, so more shopping. I think its possible that Luang Prabang has the best markets in the world - rivalling even Chiang Mai. What's even better, is that like everything in Laos they are so laid back - they are even arranged along a pedestrian alleyway so you don't need to contend with traffic!

I could have shopped all night, but I had cleverly budgeted myself a certain wad of cash, so I wouldn't overspend. Still can't fit everything into my bag though!