#phu si

[neilbeyer]

Walking with Monks in Luang Prabang

Walking with Monks in Luang Prabang

We were told our sleeper bus from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang would arrive at 5:30am (cost of bus from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang 110,000 kip per person – $13.60). Our bus, however, arrived at 2:30am. Tired and without a hotel we sat at the bus station for 30-40 minutes considering our options; oh… and, it was pouring rain – Option 1) chill at the bus station until sunrise resting in chairs…

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[wehadabadidea]

We relaxed for most of the day, completing a few administrative duties at a leisurely pace. Eventually we got a little stir crazy and hit the road. First, we grabbed a quick baguette lunch, then we made our way to Luang Prabang's hill temple – Phu Si. Even in the heat of the day with the mosquitoes attacking relentlessly, walking this 300 foot hill wasn't a big deal. Every turn rewarded us with panoramic views that just kept getting better as we climbed higher.

[wehadabadidea]

Our plan was to reach the summit around sunset. We seriously overestimated the climb. The first hour's highlight was probably a double prop jet flying low and landing at Luang Prabang's international airport. Then again, the massive rainbow was pretty cool too.

[wehadabadidea]

We poked our noses into Phu Si's temple – That Chomsi – for just a second. Even six months in, we still don't feel totally comfortable shooting spiritual moments.

[wehadabadidea]

More and more people started arriving to see the sunset. We must have watched the mighty Mekong roll downstream for at least 2 hours by then. Traditional music echoing from the Royal Palace below only added to the atmosphere.

[wehadabadidea]

Golden Hour on Phu Si. Beautiful stuff. Clouds rolled over what might have been a beautiful sunset. With the sun disappearing, we walked back down the hill and doubled down on two bowls of khao soi at our favorite stall to cap off the evening. 

[visitheworld]

Stairs to Phu Si Temple in Luang Prabang, Laos (by johan.risselborn).