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Things we noticed about Laos
– Luang Prabang is a small, quaint town with chilled vibes
– Juice smoothies are made with coconut milk (and are amazing!)
– Kuang Si Falls might be the main tourist attraction but there are times of the day you can still have the falls all to yourselves
– Pad Lao is their version of Pad Thai (we had it every day)
– All the tourists hang out at the night markets (if you want peace and quiet go to the peninsula restaurants)
– Sabaidee is hello! Khob Chai is thank you!
Early in our Southeast Asia trip, we spent four nights in Luang Prabang and it was by far the favourite town we had visited. Coming straight from the chaos of Hanoi it was a pleasant change to get off the plane to sunshine, thirty degrees and such chilled vibes. We’ve put together the guide below with our recommendations for a relaxing getaway to Luang Prabang!
SLEEPING IN LUANG PRABANG
We stayed four nights in Villa Ban Phanluang (see map for location) and we would definitely stay here again. Its located away from most of the other hotels and hostels but still a short walk to town across the famous bamboo bridge. The staff are really friendly, have great English and they literally organise everything for you! Fresh lemon juice upon arrival, breakfast in the morning, laundry, airport transfers, hiring a motorbike for a day, tuk-tuk’s whenever you need them (we took one to Kuang Si Falls). Rooms are clean and comfortable…we highly recommend!
SEEING IN LUANG PRABANG
Old Bamboo Bridge – this is just down the road from the villa and is the quickest way into town by foot. It is a rickety old bridge made only of bamboo and costs 5’000 KIP each return to cross. It only exists for half the year during dry season before the river gets too high so we were lucky enough to cross it each day when we made the trip into town.
Old Quarter – spend some time strolling the streets and exploring the peninsula. There are lots of shops, cafes, and restaurants to stop along the way. We spent the first day just taking it all in and enjoying the chilled vibe.
Kuang Si Falls – plan a half day trip to these famous falls. Our tuk-tuk (organised by the hotel) picked us up at 7 am and we arrived at opening by 8 am. We were the first to enter which meant we had the falls and main bridge all to ourselves…stunning! Once others started to arrive we started the steep climb to the top where you’re rewarded with incredible views. We even took a rowboat to the source of the falls and went for a swim!
Mount Phousi – this is located right in the middle of town and offers beautiful views of Luang Prabang. We were told to go up for sunset but we regretted this straight away. The views are stunning but it was so packed with tourists (it felt like that famous Oia spot in Santorini). We ended up walking back down and having a drink at one of the bars overlooking the Mekong River for sunset instead…if you’re a morning person then head up for sunrise or during the day instead.
Wat Xiengthong – this is the main temple in Luang Prabang and is where the monks gather every morning for the Alms Giving Ceremony (see below). Make sure you cover shoulders and bare legs as a sign of respect. You can rent shawls at the entrance if needed.
Alms Giving Ceremony – the monks gather at the Wat Xiengthong and then proceed to walk the streets where they collect food (mostly sticky rice) from the locals as their one meal of the day. If you would like to be involved then the villa will arrange sticky rice to be cooked for you to pass to the monks as they pass the street (around 6 am). Unfortunately, we were unable to take part but have heard this is a very moving ceremony.
Tad Sae Falls – while not as grand as the Kuang Si Falls we enjoyed these just as much. We rented a motorbike for the day, drove 20km out of town and took a short boat ride to the falls. There are three waterfalls along with a couple of restaurants and elephant feeding. Everyone we saw was swimming in the first waterfall so we carried on to the second waterfall and had this all to ourselves! Make sure you try the sweet and sour chicken at the restaurant with the tables over the water…delicious!
Night markets – these open at 5 pm every day and are very popular for tourists, particularly the food stalls. We visited here on our last evening and up until then, we were wondering why we hadn’t seen many tourists during our stay. This is why…aim to go at earlier or later to avoid all the tourists as it gets very congested.
Morning markets – open until 10 am every morning they are popular with locals to get their fresh produce. Our villa served us a great breakfast every morning so we never made it here, but great if you are around town at this time.
EATING IN LUANG PRABANG
Rosella Fusion Restaurant – we stumbled across this restaurant on our first day while we were walking around town and we went back every day for lunch. We had a table overlooking the river and our order was the same every time: Pad Lao (similar to Pad Thai) and a pineapple juice (all of the smoothies we had were made with coconut milk and were delicious!)
Saffron Coffee – this is the place to go if you want a coffee…they have a selection of specialty coffees (cold drip, pour over, french press) as well as all the classics. If you’re not a fan of coffee like Brendon then get a green tea (we tried to buy the tea leaves from them but unfortunately they don’t sell them to the public). Make sure you get a piece of carrot cake too!
Bamboo Tree – we were recommended this restaurant (located on the peninsula) and it didn’t disappoint. We ordered a curry and a vegetable stirfry and our plates were wiped clean. Be sure you make a reservation in advance.
The Tamarind Cafe – one of the more famous restaurants offering a selection of tasting plates of local cuisine. We ordered a selection to share and while some of the flavours were overwhelming, it was still a delicious meal. Make sure you get sticky rice to accompany your meal and make a reservation in advance.
Utopia – this is one of the most well-known bars in Luang Prabang and we’ve heard its great to stop for an afternoon drink. We didn’t make it here but heard its very popular with backpackers and party-goers.
Mekong River Views – head to one of the many bars along the Mekong River for a cocktail or meal at sunset. Even the Saffron Coffee & Bakery has tables across the road overlooking the river and a great place to relax.
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1 comment
Comment by Jocelyn Watkins
Jocelyn Watkins November 29, 2017 at 10:42 am
Another fabulous travel guide, thank you.