Laos: An overnight in Vang Vieng

By the river at Vang Vieng

When I got back to Thony II guesthouse after spending time by the Mekong River and eating dinner, I met Johnny by the entrance of the guesthouse. I met him before there and we had a little chat when I told him I’ll be going back to Vang Vieng tomorrow. He offered his Van service costing 100,000 Kip which was a small portion cheaper by going by bus. I agreed since I don’t have to spend another fare going to the bus station since the Van would be coming from the guest house.

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Laos: Last Sunset by the Mighty Mekong River in Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang Mekong River

It was my last day in Luang Prabang and after visiting Ban Xieng Maen Village, I decided to spend the last of the dying light here by the Mekong River . I had a late afternoon lunch, at the nearby restaurants overlooking the river. When the sun was already low I went down the banks to capture my last sunset in Luang Prabang.

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Manila: A day with the Mabuhay Guides in Binondo

Mabuhay Guides Charise at Binondo Church

Most of us know the famous Street Walkers in Manila, like Ivan Mandy and Carlos Celdran. They have made a name for themselves simply by their informative yet entertaining walks around Manila. They are the perfect model ambassadors to show around foreign visitors here the Best of Manila. But of course they couldn’t accommodate everyone so DOT (Department of Tourism) created a Mabuhay Guides Program and trained a few select individuals to be accompanying guides.

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Mindoro: The Historical Mangarin Ruins of San Jose

Mangarin Ruins

Our last stop for the day after visiting some Buhid Mangyan Villages was the historical town of Mangarin. Just close to the sea and cut through by a river, the town of Mangarin plays a major role in the history of San Jose, Mindoro. Along with Iling Island, Mangarin is one of the oldest settlement in the island.

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Laos: Charming Long Khun and Mystical Tham Sakkarin Cave

Wat Tham Xien maen inside the cave

Somewhere around a 100 meters more after Wat Chom Phet, still on a dirt road but covered by tall trees. Across it is the Wat Long Khun Temple. It is one of the best looking temple grounds I’ve seen. The monastery looks new and the main sim is petite but beautiful likewise. Across the river, I noticed its directly across Wat Xieng Thong.

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Laos: Across the Mekong river to Ban Xieng Maen Village

Across the Mekong to Ban Xieng Maen

After visiting Tat Kuang Si waterfalls, I was deciding whether I should leave Luang Prabang the next day. Don’t get me wrong I love Luang Prabang but the slow pace can get to you some times. The best thing to do here is to visit outlying villages instead of staying in town. In the end, I decided to stay another day and try to visit the Ban Xieng Maen. The village just across the river where they say will give you a glimpse of what the Luang Prabang was like more than 40 years ago.

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