Luang Prabang

 So. Luang Prabang.  

A UNESCO world heritage site, at the meeting point of the Nam Khan river and......can you guess which other river, blogmates?

That's right. It's none other than the Mighty Mekong (again). 

I'm sure other rivers must be available (the Nam Khan for one), but the Mighty Mekong has seemed to feature largely so far on this trip.

Luang was the ancient capital of the Province, and indeed was the Royal capital until 1975, when the last king wisely abdicated following the communist party's decision to abolish the monarchy.

Not that it helped him really. He was carted off with his family (plus many thousands of others) to a 're-education camp' , never to be seen again......

Crikey.

We visited the former royal palace this afternoon, and were underwhelmed by the experience.

Apart from the Throne Room, it was all rather functional. (though probably not as functional as the re-education camp)

And, it has to be said,  there was an accompanying pong of whiffy feet throughout the place. (We eyed the myriad Chinese tourists here with suspicion, despite knowing nothing of Chinese foot hygiene)

At this point, I'd love to show you some photos of the interior, but as photography was expressly forbidden (even though we'd paid our entrance fee) I can't.

Before I leave you. 

I'm reliably informed that there are at least 33 temples here in Luang Prabang.

And yes, I'm afraid you will be subjected to them.