Chuck Kuhn's Asia in Photos: Mekong cruise launches in Luang Prabang-17 February, 2009

Monday, February 16, 2009

Mekong cruise launches in Luang Prabang-17 February, 2009

LUANG PRABANG - Villa Maly has launched Nava Mekong, a dinner cruise along the river in Luang Prabong..

The cruise embarks daily at 5:30 pm, motors downstream to moor near a traditional village for dinner and music, and returns at 9 pm.

The traditional Lao river boat also embarks at 10:30 am for a four-hour lunch cruise that takes in the Pak Ou Caves.

During the afternoon cruise, the Nava stops at the Pak Ou Caves where 5,000 sacred Buddhist statues and images are scattered among two limestone grottoes.

On the evening cruise, traditional Lao dancers from nearby villages perform age-old sets.

Through April, the Nava charges US$30 for dinner and $35 for lunch.

Stay two nights at the Villa Maly and the cruise is complimentary.

Villa Maly, the former residence of a Lao prince and princess, opened in October with 28 superior rooms and five deluxe rooms.

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They say "

“I can’t say what made me fall in love with Vietnam - that a woman’s voice can drug you; that everything is so intense. The colors, the taste, even the rain. Nothing like the filthy rain in London. They say whatever you’re looking for, you will find here. They say you come to Vietnam and you understand a lot in a few minutes, but the rest has got to be lived. The smell: that’s the first thing that hits you, promising everything in exchange for your soul. And the heat. Your shirt is straightaway a rag. You can hardly remember your name, or what you came to escape from. But at night, there’s a breeze. The river is beautiful. You could be forgiven for thinking there was no war; that the gunshots were fireworks; that only pleasure matters. A pipe of opium, or the touch of a girl who might tell you she loves you. And then, something happens, as you knew it would. And nothing can ever be the same again.”
― Graham Greene, The Quiet American

Tips on Travel to Vietnam

It's always warm in Southeast Asia apart from high mountains, so leave the heavy clothing at home. Cotton and breathable fabrics are always better than synthetics -- although cotton does wrinkle a lot when traveling! December through April is roughly the dry season in that region, although it can still rain a little. December is a good time to go in terms of temperature -- cooler than in the humid summertime. Either way, wearing more clothing (shirt sleeves and long pants) is always more respectful towards the Asian culture, especially when visiting temples and rural areas.