The Botanical Garden

Day 34 – Luang Prabang, Laos

I went to the Pha Tad Ke Botanical Garden today. The entrance fee is a little steep (€20), but it includes to boat shuttle both ways (the gardens are on the opposite bank of the Melong, downstream), several activities such as bamboo weaving and a talk about orchids, the visit of a cave, and of course the different habitats.

I started with the ginger garden (I don’t like ginger), but many species are found on Laos, and they make nice flowers. Well, some do.

I followed by the ethno-gardens, where species are presented in small enclosures and sorted by use: traditional medicine, food, poisons, etc.

We are actively encouraged to walk on the grass, especially in the arboretum, but in most habitats also. There is the limestone habitat, the bamboo garden, the palm forest, and so on. (Please look in the gallery for all the pictures.)

I rounded up my visit in the cafe overlooking the nenuphar pond, with a stir-fry of morning glory and a delicious plate of fruits.

You will note the bamboo straw in my mint-lemon frappe, which the ecology-conscious cafe or tourist will use instead of a single-use plastic one.

They also offer free tea, served cold; a hibiscus blend, a bael fruit blend, and a lemongrass blend. (All available in the shop, of course.)

The ride back to the hostel was uneventful, and I nursed my cold (thank you AC) with an early night.