I Will See You Again: "Luang Prabang" We Will Meet Again One Day

December 9, 2016

: Returning to Luang Prabang :

We traveled from Ngoy back to Luang Prabang to return to Thailand via the Chiang Rai border crossing the next day. Arriving in Luang Prabang in the late afternoon, we searched for accommodation near the agency where the bus would pick us up for our return trip to Chiang Rai the following day. We came across a small guesthouse, recently opened (apologies, I cannot recall the name), located approximately 400-500 meters from our previous accommodation but conveniently situated almost 100 meters from the bus pick-up point.






The young Vietnamese man's oranges were saved for an evening snack, after he had already filled up on pancakes from Nghe An province during his journey.

The room is decorated in a lovely white tone, perfect for a sweet young lady to rest in. However, it doesn't quite suit my wild personality. Haha! But I still like it. Sleeping in a bright and airy space with a beautiful view outside the window is relaxing. Tonight, the sky might be full of stars, just like last night. ^^


Late afternoon view outside the window

**Please note:** This sentence is incomplete and lacks context. To provide an accurate and meaningful translation, I require additional information or the complete sentence. Please provide the full sentence or additional context so I can assist you effectively.

I am ready to translate your sentences from Thai to English. Please provide the sentences you would like me to translate.

After exploring the bedroom, I took a shower and went to sleep after a long day of travel.


After waking up in the early evening, I went to find food at the black market, which was not far from my accommodation, on the same street. So I walked around enjoying the cool breeze.

: Delicious Suki Buffet :

The bustling night market is a familiar sight for us after spending several days in Luang Prabang. Tonight, our goal is to find something to fill our stomachs, as we haven't had a proper meal since breakfast in Ngoy. Our rumbling stomachs are starting to demand attention.




Before entering the black market, there was a street food stall selling smoothies, bread, and baguettes. But I saw a suki buffet restaurant located at the corner of the turn that would lead down to the Mekong River. I saw a lot of people eating there, so I went to take a look before walking in to see what they were selling. I saw people choosing ingredients to put in a basket and then handing it to the vendor.

Driven by my hunger, I inquired about the price from the vendor. "How much is it?" I asked in Thai. The vendor responded in Thai, "3,000 kip per piece." Calculating the equivalent in Thai baht, it came out to approximately 12 baht per piece. The suki buffet offered a wide selection of ingredients to choose from, including shrimp, shellfish, crab, fish, eggs, instant noodles, and vegetables, all for the same price of 12 baht per piece. Customers could simply grab their desired ingredients and place them in their basket.

Note: Please expect a waiting time due to high demand.


Waiting in line with hunger, and then singing while waiting...

Finally, the long-awaited sukiyaki has arrived! The wait was agonizing, but the anticipation only heightened my desire. I resisted the urge to snack on anything else, determined to savor the full experience. As the steaming sukiyaki arrived at our table, the fragrant aroma filled the air. The friendly vendor, with a warm smile, said, "It took a while, but feel free to customize your dipping sauce to your liking."

The cost of this sukiyaki meal is 30,000 kip, which is approximately 120 Thai baht.

The vendor attached the price list with the hot sukiyaki.




Suki Buffet

After a satisfying meal, I ventured into the bustling night market alone, feeling a tinge of loneliness amidst the vibrant crowd. As I reached the end of the market, a bakery caught my eye, tempting me with its sweet offerings. I indulged in a delightful dessert before retracing my steps back to the market, where I relaxed in my room, enjoying a warm bath and drifting off to sleep.



Lemon cake, watching people walk by in the cool, comfortable weather.

A glimpse into the bustling night market before heading back to the accommodation.


Back in the room, I prepare to pack my bags, gather my belongings, and count the remaining money. I wonder how much money we will have left to buy food tomorrow. As you know, food here is expensive. Haha.


Keep all tickets as souvenirs.


December 10, 2016: Last Day in Luang Prabang


Today, I decided to sleep in a little later. I've been in Luang Prabang for several days (well, 2-3 days to be exact), but I already feel quite comfortable here. The alarm on my phone went off at 10 am, and I immediately got up. I slept soundly last night, like a log.

After completing my personal tasks, I relaxed and rolled around on the bed, enjoying the cool air conditioning. The sun was shining brightly in Luang Prabang this morning, and if I went out before the check-out time, I would lose another 45 minutes of sleep. Who would want to go out in the sun during this time?


I haven't eaten the orange yet, so I'm going to eat it to satisfy my hunger. I'll check my tickets and money before I check out.


Bags are packed!


With the sun directly overhead at noon, it's difficult to decide where to go. Searching for information seems like the best option. The information we need to find right now is a restaurant. Of course, waking up at ten in the morning and combining breakfast with lunch has led to this hunger.

Today's lunch destination is Joma Bakery Cafe in Luang Prabang. The buzz is that if you don't visit this place, you haven't truly experienced Luang Prabang. (Is that really true?)

Check out at noon sharp! Leave the luggage at the agency where we booked the tickets and let the car pick us up. Carrying it around would break my shoulders because it's super heavy...


Walking to Joma Bakery Cafe, taking in the sights along the way.


: Joma Bakery Cafe, Luang Prabang :

We arrived at Joma Luang Prabang restaurant, located at the Night Market roundabout, next to Vuthisak Luang Prabang branch. There is another branch, if I remember correctly, because walking through the back area next to the Mekong River, there is another Joma Luang Prabang restaurant on the banks of the Mekong River.

The shop offers a variety of coffee, cakes, pastries, and hamburgers. It is a popular spot with locals and tourists alike, as it is one of the oldest and most well-known establishments in Luang Prabang.



Inside Joma Bekery Cafe


Joma Bekery Cafe is a French-style Lao coffee shop with two locations in Vientiane and Luang Prabang. Joma's coffee is a strong Lao coffee, using Arabica beans produced in Pakxong, Laos.


Combined breakfast and lunch.

We have successfully established a landmark to prove that we have truly arrived in Luang Prabang. After that, we indulged in a full-fledged lunch. Initially, I intended to spend the rest of the afternoon at this cafe, but it turned out that sitting in a cafe for an extended period without a specific purpose, simply waiting for time to pass, playing on the internet, and scrolling through social media was not my style. After only half an hour, I felt restless and uncomfortable.

After a satisfying lunch, we relaxed in the cool air conditioning until 1:30 PM. Then, we decided to brave the heat and explore the city of Laos. We wandered through the streets, taking in the sights and sounds of the city. We were especially drawn to the beautiful sky, which we captured in several photos.


Note: The original text is empty, so the translation is also empty.





It's a beautiful, clear sky at noon, but it's very hot.


The scorching heat was unbearable, so I sought refuge in the shade. I considered entering a cafe to escape the sweltering heat, but my wallet was empty. I had no Thai baht to exchange for Lao kip, and my friend had only left me with 150,000 kip. I decided to be frugal and save it for emergencies. Instead, I kept the remaining 500 Thai baht for dinner.

The heat immediately brought to mind the cool breeze by the Mekong River. That's right, the free option is to sit by the Mekong River, looking at the sky and the river, which is better than just staring at your phone. (Right?)

The sentence is already in English. Is there anything else I can help you with?




Seeing the dog lying and playing here, I thought to myself that it must be cool and comfortable. 555 So I walked over and sat down near where it was lying, finding a rock to sit on and watch the view and the way of life. In the end, the location here is so comfortable that both the people and the dog are sitting and enjoying the cool breeze. I'm not moving anywhere else. I'd rather stay here for a long time. It's so hot that I can't walk anywhere. 555




Even the young novices have to come down to play in the water to cool off.

The location where we were resting is the confluence of the Khan and Mekong rivers. At that time, a bridge was being built across the river to the opposite bank, where a temple is located. Before the bridge was built, monks and novices would have used boats to cross the river.

A Bridge of Merit: Connecting Villagers and Monks

This initiative fosters collaboration between villagers and monks, building a bridge of merit that transcends physical boundaries.






The sentence is already in English and does not require translation.


The temple is located on the opposite side.

If we stop walking and take the time to sit and observe, we will see many different things and lives. We will see different perspectives on life, which will give us food for thought as we continue on our journey.

The world is vast and teaches us about life in all its forms, whether we want to know or not. In the end, when our time comes, we must accept it… sometimes willingly, and often inevitably.







The confluence of the Mekong and Khan rivers


Two or three hours passed. We sat, stood, took photos, and played on the internet. It was a pleasant time. The sun was setting and the wind was picking up. Many tourists started to walk along the beach. We decided to take a walk to kill time, without any specific destination in mind. We only knew that we had to wait for the car at 5 pm.






The sun is setting and the wind is calm, let's continue our walk.


Ascending from the banks of the Mekong River, we ambled along the sun-dappled path beneath the shade of roadside trees. Every landmark, every corner, was captured through the lens of our camera. We passed ancient temples and weathered houses, each whispering tales of a bygone era. Wherever our journey may lead, upon our return, every place we've visited leaves an indelible imprint in our memories.






Shade of the roadside trees


We continued walking until we reached the banks of the Khan River. This side is cooler and more shaded than the Mekong River side. Many people come here to walk or observe the various lifestyles of the people living along the Khan River.

Let's take a walk by the Mekong River in the late afternoon. We have half an hour left before we need to find dinner and head back to Thailand.


This is the translated text. It is simply an empty paragraph with a line break.






The low water level of the Maenam Khan River reveals a bustling scene of activity. Locals can be seen wading in the shallows, their movements obscured by the distance. It's unclear what treasures they seek - crabs, fish, minerals, or something else entirely. The mystery piques our curiosity.

Around 4 pm, we walked to find food on the main road in Luang Prabang, where street vendors were setting up their stalls. The vendors selling bread and blended fruit juices were already set up and their products were neatly arranged in rows.

The dinner bread I had in mind... I've been here for several days and haven't had a chance to try it yet. Let me buy some for dinner. It's my last day in Luang Prabang, so let me end my culinary journey here...





The small songthaew picked us up at around 5:00 AM, along with other travelers who had been picked up at various locations. The driver took us to the Northern Bus Terminal in Luang Prabang, where we exchanged our tickets for bus tickets. We had booked our return trip on a bus, but the bus was broken down. Our return trip was therefore on a van. We were a little disappointed, but it was better than having no way to return or having to wait for another vehicle to pick us up and take us somewhere else.




The red bus is a Vietnamese sleeper bus. The seats look more comfortable than the ones we took from Vang Vieng. The van on the right is the one we took back. It turned out to be a van instead of a bus. Hmm…



The transportation here can reach you in Ming.

The van departed around 6:30 PM. It carried a mix of Thai, Lao, and three Western passengers. Four young Thai teenagers sat in the back, while a Thai man occupied the single seat in the second row, facing the entrance door. The van driver sped recklessly, ignoring potholes and bumps on the mountainous road. Sleep was impossible. To make matters worse, the van struck and killed a dog. (What terrible karma for me and the dog!) The destination remained unknown, shrouded in darkness. The van navigated a treacherous path, flanked by deep ravines and towering hills looming in the shadows...

Approaching midnight, the bus arrived at Udom Sai intersection. The driver took a break, washing his face and giving us half an hour to find something to eat. This intersection seemed to be a popular rest stop for both buses and vans, as several restaurants and shops were still open despite the late hour.


After hours of driving in the dark, with only the stars as our guide, we finally reached the bustling town of Udom Sai.

We had a headache since we were on the bus. Moreover, the painkillers and fever reducers ran out when we were in Muang Ngoi. We thought we wouldn't need them anymore, but when we met the reckless van driver, we got a splitting headache. 555 So we asked the Thai man if there was a pharmacy nearby. The Thai man took good care of the children in the van and apologized profusely that we couldn't remember his name. We only knew that he was a Thai engineer who came to build the Xayaburi Dam in Laos. He goes home every month. Today, we were lucky to meet him on the day he was going home...

Thank you very much to the man who took me to buy medicine and shared his experiences in this country. I learned a lot about the world around me in a different way...

The remaining rice and curry dishes, which looked rather dubious, prompted me to inquire about the meat content of each tray. To my surprise, only a few trays contained beef, pork, or chicken. The majority featured an assortment of buffalo meat and another type of meat I couldn't recall the name of, described using a local dialect. All I could gather was that it bore a resemblance to our local monitor lizard... Hmmm...


Dried snacks and buffalo, monitor lizard, and various other leathers.

A wide variety of snacks and dried meats are available, including dried buffalo skin, which is surprisingly popular among the locals. Many dishes are made with buffalo meat, which can be a bit daunting for some. However, the vendor assured me that these products are not primarily aimed at tourists, but rather cater to the large number of Chinese tourists and truck drivers who have a strong preference for buffalo meat. This explains the abundance of buffalo-based products.

In summary, the speaker mentioned that betel nut consumption is prevalent in the area. However, due to the recent influx of foreign tourists, the practice has become more discreet. Locals now consume betel nut in a less conspicuous manner, known only to those who partake in the habit.

I wouldn't dare eat Chinese instant noodles anyway. Thai instant noodles are available, you know. And for souvenirs, anyone can eat whatever they want. I'm just afraid of getting dog meat as a bonus... (Thinking too much, giving myself a headache 555)

At midnight, we continued our journey. The air was very cold during this quiet late-night hour. Unable to sleep, I gazed out into the darkness without a destination in mind. My thoughts wandered, but my heart remained preoccupied with certain matters. Looking up at the sky, I saw millions of stars filling the night sky. The starlight was more beautiful than anything I had ever seen. There were so many stars that there was no room for darkness. I thought of the person who had once invited me to stargaze in the city of Ngoi, saying that the stars were so beautiful. I wondered if they were looking at the stars like me at this moment. I wanted to collect the stars and give them to him, to tell him that "...the stars tonight are as beautiful as the kindness and care that you have shown me. Don't forget to come out and look at the stars..." (murmuring to myself).

Close your eyes and whisper to the stars, "Thinking of you and deeply grateful for everything..."

Perhaps one day, on one path or another, we may coincidentally meet again...

"I hope you're well...There are good things there

I probably only have one thing every day


I miss you...I miss you ...every time I look at the stars

I miss you, I miss you ....about yesterday and our dreams..."

I miss you - Bird Thongchai


Huay Xai Bus Station, Bokeo District, Lao PDR


December 11, 2016
: Huay Sai Bus Terminal, Bokeo Province, Lao PDR :


The bus brought us to Huay Xai Bus Station in the early morning, where we had to wait for another bus to take us to the Chiang Khong-Huay Xai border crossing for immigration clearance. The Chiang Khong-Huay Xai border crossing is located approximately 3 kilometers from the Huay Xai Bus Station in Bokeo Province.


Ambiance of Huay Xai Bus Station, Lao PDR


While waiting for the bus to pick me up at the Chiang Khong-Huay Xai border, I washed my face, brushed my teeth, and grabbed a bite to eat. The bus was late, and we didn't know when it would arrive. We had been waiting since early morning, and the sun had already risen. I didn't complain, but I was a little disappointed. I had thought I would be able to travel straight to Chiang Mai, but now I had to change buses twice. Moreover, there was no coordination between the buses. We had to call and inform them when the bus would arrive. I was confused by the transportation system in Laos.


The man in the white shirt with an orange sash is the Thai man who sat with us last night.


Taking a selfie with a timer, snapping away and playing with the light while waiting for the bus.


Instead of being picked up, we boarded a bus that was already en route to the Huay Xai-Chiang Khong border. Passengers had already purchased tickets for the bus, but we were allowed to ride without buying new tickets because we were essentially stranded and asked to join the trip.

Due to a lack of communication with the Huay Sai bus station, we were confused and informed the driver and station manager. The station manager then contacted the origin of the transport in Luang Prabang, explaining that we were being sent along and payment would be settled later. We finally crossed into Thailand, with only 3 kilometers remaining. Problems arise throughout the journey, but they are always resolved.

Every footstep, every journey, brings experiences as gifts for us to learn from.



: Thai-Lao Border Checkpoint Chiang Khong - Huay Xai :

We have crossed the border into Thailand at the Chiang Khong checkpoint in Chiang Rai Province, following the immigration procedures here.

Upon arrival, we were still confused about how to get from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai. We were told that a car would pick us up, but what kind of car? And where was the person who was supposed to be waiting for us with the bus to Chiang Mai? Everyone was waiting, hoping not to be left stranded... 5555 (But at that time, we weren't serious, as long as we were in Thailand, everything was easy, we could go by any car or any way. Or maybe we should just stay in Chiang Khong and change our tickets from Chiang Mai-Bangkok to Chiang Khong-Bangkok. We have to have options, right? It's just a problem. Smile... )



Chiang Khong Border Checkpoint, Chiang Rai Province

After waiting for about half an hour, hoping that a car would come as promised, an old woman approached us and informed us that the car had arrived. She then gave us stickers to identify ourselves as the special group who would be allowed to ride. We felt like we were hitching a ride, haha. However, since there were six of us who had been left behind, we had to split up, with three taking the bus and the other three taking a van.



Green sticker means I will have a car to Chiang Mai. Don't worry, I won't be left behind.

We opted for a van as our mode of transportation, as it would take us directly to Chiang Mai, our final destination for the day. The bus, on the other hand, only went as far as Chiang Rai Bus Terminal. The man accompanying us disembarked there without incident. However, a problem arose when the group of four young female friends traveling with us from Luang Prabang expressed their dissatisfaction. This was because it would necessitate their separation, as two of them were also headed to Chiang Mai while the other two needed to disembark at Chiang Rai and take another bus to Chiang Mai. The girls voiced their displeasure to the woman who had been looking after us, with everyone maintaining their innocence and placing the blame on the authorities in Luang Prabang.

Ultimately, the decision was made to separate the students. After much debate, it was determined that the best course of action was to have the students travel in separate vehicles and meet in Chiang Mai.


Let's go to Chiang Mai, Mr. Suchart!


The long journey from Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai. I don't know when I fell asleep, but I woke up when the bus stopped for lunch at a restaurant. I was the only one eating there, as everyone else was either a foreigner or one of the two young Thai women. I don't know, but we still have half a day of travel left, so I need to eat first... (The late eater is starting to work 555)

I don't know what kind of stir-fried basil this is, but there's not a single chili pepper in it. Boo hoo hoo…



The shop is lovely.


: Evening, tonight in Chiang Mai :

The bus arrived in Chiang Mai around 4 pm and stopped near Wat Phra Singh. It was time to shoulder my backpack and camera bag and search for accommodation again. Without any expectations, I just wanted to find a place to rest my head for the night. I walked until my shoulders ached, exploring every alley and side street before finally finding a room for 500 baht per night. I was too tired to search online, so I just chose a place close to the Tha Pae Gate walking street, a convenient location for food and transportation to the Arcade Bus Terminal for my return trip to Bangkok.

We walked a little further, about 200 meters past the Tha Pae Gate walking street, to a small alley where we found a guesthouse with rooms for 500 baht per night.

Grab your big bag, sling your camera bag over your shoulder, and let's go for a stroll at Tha Pae Gate Walking Street. It's gonna be awesome!


: Tha Pae Walking Street :

Tha Pae Walking Street is the largest walking street in Chiang Mai. It is open only on Sundays from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM. The street starts from Tha Pae Gate and extends along Ratchadamnoen Road to Wat Phra Singh, covering a distance of approximately 1 kilometer. On days when the walking street is open, the road is closed to traffic.

This familiar walking street is another favorite of mine. Whenever I visit, I choose to stroll here. I once went to the Wualai Walking Street and was overwhelmed by the number of Chinese tourists. It felt like I was walking through a night market in China. I kept my camera in my bag because I wasn't planning on taking any serious photos. I just wanted to take a leisurely walk to relieve the fatigue from my travels and find some delicious food to eat.




Lanna Architecture Center


We strolled along the walking street, stopping to admire the sights until we reached the end. Then, we turned around and walked back the way we came. As dusk approached, the decorative lights along the street began to illuminate, creating a beautiful ambiance. We stopped to pay our respects at Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, which is located adjacent to the walking street. Inside the temple, there is a walking street that connects to the Tha Pae Walking Street. There are numerous restaurants and seating areas within the temple grounds.




Wat Phra That Phan and my favorite chicken khao soi



Ending the day with a sweet treat, yogurt ice cream, before heading back to the accommodation. Delicious! 55


After dark, we couldn't remember where we were staying. We were lost! We didn't have the phone number or the name of the accommodation, and no matter how much we walked or which alley we entered, we couldn't find it. We decided to return to the starting point of our search, near Wat Phra Singh. As we walked, we started to vaguely remember the way. (We told ourselves that we weren't suffering from memory loss, at least we could still remember our own names.) Finally, we arrived back at our accommodation, relieved. It took us over an hour to return, even though it had only taken 20 minutes to walk from there to the Tha Pae Walking Street earlier.

I confess that I am someone who gets lost easily, but I enjoy traveling in a lost and confused way. That's just me.

...incurable since childhood, sigh...

December 12, 2016

I'm back in Bangkok now. Goodbye, Laos. Goodbye, Chiang Mai.

Waking up at 5 am to complete tasks and prepare for a journey to the Arcade Bus Terminal in Chiang Mai. Flagging down a red taxi... Uncle, you're getting carried away!

"A motorcycle taxi driver refused to take a passenger for 100 baht."

Okay, hail a tuk-tuk. 60 baht. Let's go!

I won't make the 7:30 am bus.


I'm back in Bangkok now.. I will always cherish the good times we had together.


Sky..moon...journey Stars and the two of us

Vang Vieng - Luang Prabang - Muang Ngoi

10.12.2016

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#laos#luang prabang
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