Luang Prabang - the magic has gone (for me)

[simon43]

I've had a 'love affair' with Luang Prabang for decades.  

 

My first visit was in the late '80s when the roads between Vientiane and LP were too dangerous to travel on, as well as being in terrible condition of course.  We flew in on a 'wet hire' Lao Aviation plane piloted by some Danish pilots.

 

Over the years I've returned to live and work in LP, appointed to be the Headmaster/Director of the international school. Between my other teaching commitments in Myanmar, I would always return to live in LP, to swim in Kuang Si waterfall and to ride my off-road motorbike around the mountain roads.

 

After completing my last job in Mandalay, I went back to LP for a week, but retreated back to Thailand because the 'vibe' in LP had changed, as a result of the new train line from China.  The town was literally overrun with Chinese tourists, and many local shops seemed to be now managed by Chinese, and many shops only had signs in Chinese language.

 

A few days ago, I returned again to LP, because perhaps my previous visit was a 'one-off' bad experience.

 

No......... it's got even worst!  It's no longer a magic place for me. (YMMV).  Prices have increased substantially, both for house rents and food.

 

Maybe I'm getting old (I am!!).  But I think the Luang Prabang that I used to dream about is no more... 😞

[Packer]

5 minutes ago, simon43 said:

I went back to LP for a week, but retreated back to Thailand because the 'vibe' in LP had changed, as a result of the new train line from China.  The town was literally overrun with Chinese tourists, and many local shops seemed to be now managed by Chinese, and many shops only had signs in Chinese language.

 

Spreading like a virus. 

 

Possibly spreading viruses.