Soul Searching in Luang Prabang

Senti Sabado! I can't help but feel nostalgic after browsing my Facebook videos and saw some of my short video blogs about my ASEAN travel and adventures. Here are some of the things I've done when I was in Luang Prabang, in northern Lao PDR. I hope this will excite you for the formal launching of my travel and lifestyle show on YouTube under Chicken Pork Adobo Network by ABS-CBN. 

The old town is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites that's why buses and other vehicles are not allowed in its old streets. Walking is the best way to explore the town but you can always opt go for a bicycle ride! 

​For as low as 2 USD, you can rent a bike and pedal your way to major streets and alleys as you feast your eye with ancient temples, world heritage sites and rich Lao-French architecture. 

Biking in Luang Prabang, Lao PDR

#LuangPrabang is a piece of heaven for bikers! For as low as 2 USD, you can rent a #bike and pedal your way to major streets and alleys as you feast your eye with ancient temples, world heritage sites and rich Lao-French architecture. #solesearchingsoul #4in2014 #ASEAN #Laos #LaoPDR #Travel #trip #journey #adventure #tourism #traveler #traveltalk #bicycle

Posted by Sole Searching Soul on Thursday, July 31, 2014

I love biking whenever wherever I can.
​ It reminds me that I can still keep my balance just as long as I keep going... 

EARLY BIRD! I'm not a morning person but whenever I travel, I make it a point to be an early bird so that I can witness how locals live especially in an old town like Luang Prabang... home to the traditional alms giving ceremony. 

Wake-up Early to witness the traditional Alms Giving Ceremony

It was still dark and way too early yet I was already out in the streets and wandering... why?! #solesearchingsoul #LuangPrabang #4in2014 #vlog #ASEAN #LaoPDR

Posted by Sole Searching Soul on Thursday, July 31, 2014

Note: Refrain from taking portrait photos of the monk 

On any given day, around 200 to 400 monks leave their temples at dawn to gather their food and collect alms for the day. Locals and tourists in Luang Prabang line up in the streets to offer their alms. While it is common to give sticky rice and banana, I noticed that some people also gave money, wafers, vitamins and other sweets. Traditionally, you must prepare the sticky rice in your own house but due to some tourism activities and commercialization, street vendors are now offering these goods to tourists who would like to participate in this ceremony. 

ALMS GIVING CEREMONY

KEEP DISTANCE. When you want to observe the Alms Giving Ceremony in #LuangPrabang, please do not be too close to the monks or obstruct their line. As much as possible, keep your voice low or be silent. The alms giving every morning is a sacred religious rite for the locals. More than just being a tourist attraction and despite its commercialization, it is part of their #tradition and #culture so as visitors we must respect it. Keep distance. Observe silence. Do it even if others can't!!! #solesearchingsoul #CCUP#LaoPDR #CrossCulturalPromotion #ASEANtourism #travel #traveltip #asean #Laos #monks #TourismAdvocate #tourism #tripadvisor #LonelyPlanet #wayfaring #travelnow #travelstory @lonelyplanet @wayfaringtravel @tripadvisor @travelandleisure @travelchannel @tlc @travelchannelintl @travelnowmagazine #religion #ritual

Posted by Sole Searching Soul on Tuesday, September 23, 2014

After observing the alms giving ceremony, I decided to walk around town and just enjoy the morning breeze as I stroll in this very quiet place perfect for soul searching. Some of the houses are also filled with though-provoking reminders just like this one... Welcome to Here and Now! 

Soul Searching in Luang Prabang

Welcome to Here and Now! I was walking around #LuangPrabang when I saw a very interesting house with a good reminder. May this sign put a smile on your face as you sleep tonight. #soulsearching #Life #lifelesson #TAAP #ASEANtourismguide #ASEANtrip #LaoPDR #Laos #TAAP #travelstory

Posted by Sole Searching Soul on Thursday, November 6, 2014

"Everything that you have experience has been necessary to get where you are now. If you think you have been in a better place, stop looking backwards"