Slowing down while touring peaceful Laos

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From MSN

 

Colourful rectangular wooden boats carrying tourists are chugging along at a leisurely pace across the Mekong River.

The atmosphere is idyllic, disturbed only by the monotonous throbbing of the boats' engines. Hills rise gently on both sides of the mighty river, water buffaloes are grazing on the banks. A fisherman in a longboat casts his net, while the heat of the day slowly descends on Laos from the pale blue sky.

The cosy vessels are dubbed "slow boats" and the contrast to the speedboats that whiz along the canals in neighbouring Thailand could hardly be starker.

The name embodies the Laotian attitude to life: In Southeast Asia's only landlocked country, taking it easy is a top priority.

"The wise do not hurry and those in hurry are rarely wise," our tour guide, Kham Dee says, citing an old Laotian proverb as he slowly steers the boat in the direction of Pak Ou Caves, a famous cave temple containing nearly 6,000 Buddha statues.

Looking to party? You're in the wrong place

While most tourists visiting Laos head to the ancient royal city of Luang Prabang, the capital Vientiane with its temples, markets and French colonial buildings also has much to offer, including the country's landmark - the Pha That Luang, a golden, terraced stupa dating back to the 16th century.

Shortly after sunrise monks in saffron-coloured robes carry processional umbrellas across the main square in Wat Si Saket, a temple that radiates serene beauty. A gong chimes, followed by deep Buddhist chants. The few foreign visitors on this particular morning stand spellbound.

With fewer than 1 million inhabitants, Vientiane offers a relaxed contrast to glitzy metropolises like Bangkok and Singapore. If you're looking to party, you're in the wrong place.

Continues with photos 

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/travel/outdoor-activities/slowing-down-while-touring-peaceful-laos/ar-AA1AjD4r

 

[vinapu]

peace of life may be slow in Laos but they have fastest trains in SE Asia