By Prema Lalji

Next destination was Luang Prabang with visits to different temples on arrival. The following day, we made our way upstream on the Mekong River taking in the views of the tranquil countryside to get to the Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims. Along the way, we stop at the village of Ban XaNgai, where they make the local rice wine. Kuang Si Waterfall was another mesmerizing sight with its three tiers leading to a 50-metre drop into a turquoise pool.

Last but not the least, was an opportunity to participate with the faithful residents in the daily morning ritual of giving alms to the saffron-clad monks. This tradition is unique in Laos, being the only Buddhist nation still preserving the procession and to be part of this practice was very humbling in every respect. And to top it all off, we happened to be there during the Laos new year festivities, including the Water Festival, where we just barely managed to keep dry.

When it was time to leave, all of us felt an immense sense of gratitude towards the wonderful people and their hospitality in all three countries.