Luang Prabang Part 4: Chomphet
CHOMPHET
A short boat ride led me across the river to Chomphet district. The contrast in costs of living was evident from the boat itself- they struggled to give me change for my 50000 kip which was easily accepted (or I dare say normal price for lots of things) in Luang Prabang. I was handed back a stack of crumpled notes of small denominations which I would find out later was usually what villagers use. The 50000 kip note was too big to use on a daily basis in the village.
Reaching Chomphet, the difference was visible- from unpaved roads, simpler houses, lack of tourists, lower prices and quality of goods, the way people dress.. I felt numerous eyes on me, being the only tourist. It was honestly intimidating as they observed my every movement and I did not mutter a cheerful Sabaidee which I normally would in Luang Prabang. And I totally regret that even now.
I left the commercial area and navigated through the village (thanks to my handy hobomaps of Chomphet with those cute and accurate landmark descriptions). This was a real village where people live and I felt like I was infringing the residents' privacy. Already intimidated and feeling a bit guilty, I walked with my head down. Looking back, this was such a waste! And luckily this negative nerve wrecking atmosphere did not last long. It even turned to one of my most memorable moments of my stay in Laos.
A little girl skipped towards me, tapped my arm and passed me some hand picked flowers. This sweet and innocent gesture had an immediate effect. My nervousness and trepidations disappeared. The girl smiled widely and we sat down at the side of the road and soon her two friends came running, grinning from ear to ear, shouting non-cohesive words with glee.
Now, prior to my trip, I only had a handful of useful Lao phrases and words recommended by other tourists online in my planning book. You know, the usual 'How much' 'Very expensive' 'Can you help me?'. Thus, I could only introduce myself. I tried to use other phrase in my book but I guess my pronunciations were off as they laughed at my futile attempts. The cheerful, smile inducing, joy transmitting kids didn't seem to mind our lack of understanding though. We continued to play and they told me lots of things which I unfortunately could not understand. They seemed to be making fun of each other and telling embarrassing stories of each other as seen by flustered reactions by the 'target'. I couldn't help but laugh along and I felt completely at ease and away from life's worries. I whipped out my phone and took videos and this triggered their playfulness even further! Posing and being all such cutesy little glee balls on camera.
Their loud laughs at cheerful screams seemed to have attracted a teenage girl who soon came.
'Hi!'
Di was fluent in English and gave a short introduction, asked what I was doing here away from the glitsy pretty well maintained Luang Prabang and introduced the kids! Great to have more information about these cute dumplings. They were not siblings but I was amazed at how much Di knew about the kids (her neighbours) and how the kids (who turn out to be neighbours as well) were so comfortable and used to each other. Such pleasant closely-knit community is one I don't see on a daily basis and that is really unfortunate... I don't even know the faces of some of my neighbours! Such community spirit made me feel warm and fuzzy inside and a small part of me couldn't help but wish for the culture back in SG to emulate these close bonds. Di left and I told the kids I needed help to go to Wat Chomphet . I must have pronounced the phrase correctly as they turned more serious and innocently gave me directions, complete with cute arm gestures. Soon, they bade goodbye, waving back at me all the way back.
I continued my trek and I came across a middle-aged lady. She wasn't smiling like the kids I met earlier on but I gave a cheerful Sabaidee and she immediately broke into a smile. She walked me to Wat Chompet and it turned out that she was the ticket seller! I realised my misconceptions about the villagers. They were not unfriendly. They were shy or curious or maybe just minding their own business (this is their home after all) and I should have taken the initiative to break the ice and addressed them first. Furthermore, I was the one going into their village and by not greeting, I realised that it was me who was being rude, unfriendly and I was effectively isolating myself from the warmth and friendliness they were oh so ready to give. I wanted to kick myself.
Reaching Wat Chomphet, I was once again treated to a gorgeous view of Luang Prabang across the river. The temple itself was nothing to shout about but it was serene and peaceful. A kid monk was playing with his tablet. Aside from me, the only other tourists present was a lovey dovey couple (who did not refrain from displaying their strong afffections for each other) and it felt AWKWARD. And that was when I met another friend.
His name was Hyunseok, and we became friends very quickly. An amiable guy, we discovered that we had shared many similarities (solo travel, short trip...) and had a great laugh. (He found the fact that my parents had no idea I was in Laos very entertaining and almost unbelievable haha). We had such a light hearted conversation with such a great view! . (Pro tip: GREAT place for a date)
We climbed down and went our separate ways. I wanted to see more temples further into the trail.
Another temple came into view. Young monks where roaming under the canopy. It felt kinda surreal, like I've stumbled across the set of the Hobbit.. only with orange robed bald boys. Walking past the temple, there was a counter for a cave and since I was there, why not?
I struck this friendly relationship with my guide, Tom and the giggling lady behind the ticket counter. And it all started because of my clumsiness. I pronounced 'khawp jai' wrongly which they found funny (I'm guessing endearing too but this might just be me). After the cave tour, Tom offered to take me back to Luang Prabang on his boat, with the ticket lady smiling and waving behind.
A short boat ride led me across the river to Chomphet district. The contrast in costs of living was evident from the boat itself- they struggled to give me change for my 50000 kip which was easily accepted (or I dare say normal price for lots of things) in Luang Prabang. I was handed back a stack of crumpled notes of small denominations which I would find out later was usually what villagers use. The 50000 kip note was too big to use on a daily basis in the village.
Reaching Chomphet, the difference was visible- from unpaved roads, simpler houses, lack of tourists, lower prices and quality of goods, the way people dress.. I felt numerous eyes on me, being the only tourist. It was honestly intimidating as they observed my every movement and I did not mutter a cheerful Sabaidee which I normally would in Luang Prabang. And I totally regret that even now.
 |
| My first view of Chomphet. |
I left the commercial area and navigated through the village (thanks to my handy hobomaps of Chomphet with those cute and accurate landmark descriptions). This was a real village where people live and I felt like I was infringing the residents' privacy. Already intimidated and feeling a bit guilty, I walked with my head down. Looking back, this was such a waste! And luckily this negative nerve wrecking atmosphere did not last long. It even turned to one of my most memorable moments of my stay in Laos.
A little girl skipped towards me, tapped my arm and passed me some hand picked flowers. This sweet and innocent gesture had an immediate effect. My nervousness and trepidations disappeared. The girl smiled widely and we sat down at the side of the road and soon her two friends came running, grinning from ear to ear, shouting non-cohesive words with glee.
 |
| I miss you guys. You guys might be 5,3 and 4 respectively and I am more than thrice of that but I really had fun!! |
Now, prior to my trip, I only had a handful of useful Lao phrases and words recommended by other tourists online in my planning book. You know, the usual 'How much' 'Very expensive' 'Can you help me?'. Thus, I could only introduce myself. I tried to use other phrase in my book but I guess my pronunciations were off as they laughed at my futile attempts. The cheerful, smile inducing, joy transmitting kids didn't seem to mind our lack of understanding though. We continued to play and they told me lots of things which I unfortunately could not understand. They seemed to be making fun of each other and telling embarrassing stories of each other as seen by flustered reactions by the 'target'. I couldn't help but laugh along and I felt completely at ease and away from life's worries. I whipped out my phone and took videos and this triggered their playfulness even further! Posing and being all such cutesy little glee balls on camera.
Their loud laughs at cheerful screams seemed to have attracted a teenage girl who soon came.
'Hi!'
Di was fluent in English and gave a short introduction, asked what I was doing here away from the glitsy pretty well maintained Luang Prabang and introduced the kids! Great to have more information about these cute dumplings. They were not siblings but I was amazed at how much Di knew about the kids (her neighbours) and how the kids (who turn out to be neighbours as well) were so comfortable and used to each other. Such pleasant closely-knit community is one I don't see on a daily basis and that is really unfortunate... I don't even know the faces of some of my neighbours! Such community spirit made me feel warm and fuzzy inside and a small part of me couldn't help but wish for the culture back in SG to emulate these close bonds. Di left and I told the kids I needed help to go to Wat Chomphet . I must have pronounced the phrase correctly as they turned more serious and innocently gave me directions, complete with cute arm gestures. Soon, they bade goodbye, waving back at me all the way back.
I continued my trek and I came across a middle-aged lady. She wasn't smiling like the kids I met earlier on but I gave a cheerful Sabaidee and she immediately broke into a smile. She walked me to Wat Chompet and it turned out that she was the ticket seller! I realised my misconceptions about the villagers. They were not unfriendly. They were shy or curious or maybe just minding their own business (this is their home after all) and I should have taken the initiative to break the ice and addressed them first. Furthermore, I was the one going into their village and by not greeting, I realised that it was me who was being rude, unfriendly and I was effectively isolating myself from the warmth and friendliness they were oh so ready to give. I wanted to kick myself.
Reaching Wat Chomphet, I was once again treated to a gorgeous view of Luang Prabang across the river. The temple itself was nothing to shout about but it was serene and peaceful. A kid monk was playing with his tablet. Aside from me, the only other tourists present was a lovey dovey couple (who did not refrain from displaying their strong afffections for each other) and it felt AWKWARD. And that was when I met another friend.
His name was Hyunseok, and we became friends very quickly. An amiable guy, we discovered that we had shared many similarities (solo travel, short trip...) and had a great laugh. (He found the fact that my parents had no idea I was in Laos very entertaining and almost unbelievable haha). We had such a light hearted conversation with such a great view! . (Pro tip: GREAT place for a date)
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| Yes, this trip to Laos was heavy on the legs but hey.. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger |
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| Gorgeous view feat Luang Prabang in the background! HAHA kidding. The lighting was nice la |
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| Wat Chomphet |
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| When I was his age, I only had a Nokia phone that couldn't even send a message. |
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| Thanks Hyunseok for this candid photo |
We climbed down and went our separate ways. I wanted to see more temples further into the trail.
Another temple came into view. Young monks where roaming under the canopy. It felt kinda surreal, like I've stumbled across the set of the Hobbit.. only with orange robed bald boys. Walking past the temple, there was a counter for a cave and since I was there, why not?
 |
| It has that mysterious aura. Hmmmm alluring |
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| Pretty much like outfield |
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| Houses vastly different from Luang Prabang |
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| With my guide ermmm.. guiding |
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| And he said 'Open sesame' |
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| This is Wat Tham sakkalin cave. Since I didn't pay a visit to Pak Ou caves, this is a cheaper, nearer and less known alternative. Good job JJ! |
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| SPARKLING STALAGMITE. The photo doesn't give it justice. |
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I struck this friendly relationship with my guide, Tom and the giggling lady behind the ticket counter. And it all started because of my clumsiness. I pronounced 'khawp jai' wrongly which they found funny (I'm guessing endearing too but this might just be me). After the cave tour, Tom offered to take me back to Luang Prabang on his boat, with the ticket lady smiling and waving behind.
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| Feat. SAF sandals |
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| This is the life! By the way, the boat stopped halfway because of lack of petrol and there was this extremely therapeutic lull in the middle of the Mekong. AMAZING! |
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| My Chomphet journey |
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| The story of the rock was featured in Garavek the might before! |
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| Bamboo bridge |
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