Saturday, November 8, 2014

Day 18: Sat 08 Nov – Luang Prabang

Day 12: Luang Prabang (Kuang Sii Waterfall) 62km After a restful day we hit the bikes for a ride to the stunning Kuang Sii Waterfall. The ride is along a small road alongside the Mekong River passing through small villages, rice fields and forest. At the waterfall enjoy a swim, picnic lunch and a visit to the tiger and bear rescue centre before riding back to Luang Prabang. (B,L)  

Cycle Tour Day 12 (last day), 65km

Luang Prabang is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its old French architecture and numerous Buddhist Temples. 

A choice of Asian & English brekky on the deck overlooking the pool and gardens kicked off a great day. 

Leisurely start at 9am to ride away through the city to the Kuangsi Waterfalls & National Park. Real interesting ride past some very grand houses and into the hilly rural areas. Why are waterfalls on top of big hills!? However there were also some nice downhill runs. It was good to sit at the back of the pack, take my time and just absorb this last day of the cycle tour. 
Beside the waterfalls and a surrounding rainforest, the park turned out to be part of an Asian bear breeding program to save the bears. Of course the bears are stupidly prized for all sorts of Chinese medicine stuff, which is disgusting. Although the bears were "behind a fence" it all looked fairly natural and humane with plenty of room to wander and play. 
The series of waterfalls and rapids were very pretty. Some braved a swim in the surprisingly cold water; while I settled for a paddle. 

After a local lunch near the carpark we set off back to the motel. A fantastic ride to end a great tour. 

Once at the motel we removed our pedals and reluctantly handed the bikes back. Dinner was provided at a cultural experience restaurant on the outer edge of the inner city. Despite the touristy feel the food was great.  Had a wander through the night markets, then walked home.

A scooter /bike only bridge near the hotel

An Albino water buffalo

Threshing rice

BBQ fish or chicken, very nice

Shop of colourful thongs at the Falls

Part of the Falls

The Falls


A nice looking house


 

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Wrap-up and Comments

This was a great tour, Cambodian Cycle Tours really know how to put a package together. The food, accommodation (not too much choice in some...