Updated on the day: 03/18/2022. declared UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995, Luang Prabang it is a real dream. 33 Buddhist temples , quiet streets full of buildings of French colonial architecture; multitude of exquisite shops, restaurants, hotels and cafes on the banks of the Mekong ; bicycles as the main means of transport and unparalleled peace are the claims of that Little known gem of Laos. Find out what to see in Luang Prabang and what to do so you don't miss anything on this amazing journey.
1. REACH IT BY BOAT, THROUGH THE MEKONG
Getting to Luang Prabang by land It is one of the most interesting experiences that can be lived in this country. After crossing the border that separates northern Thailand from Laos by the small town of Huay Xai , the best way to reach Luang Prabang is making a boat trip through the Mekong.
Bank of the Mekong river.
The journey is long, very long. It is divided into two days of about 7 hours a day , and the stop made by the boats to spend the night is in the small town of Pakbeng . Slow boats are rudimentary and you have to be patient to down the mekong river until reaching the port.
Some companies organize luxury cruises that, for a much higher price, add another color to the journey, making it a much more pleasant trip. The Luang Say Cruise It is one of them. The crossing is done on a luxurious boat, with a succulent buffet and absolute comfort.
The service is impeccable and the trip includes some stops to visit towns before reaching the destination. The overnight stay that includes the crossing is made in the Luang Say Lodge , a real wonder on the banks of the Mekong. Nature, peace and gastronomy without equal complete an experience that already announces the exquisiteness of our protagonist: the city of Luang Prabang.
2. STAY AT THE MEKONG RIVER VIEW HOTEL
Located on the banks of the Mekong, this small complex of Colonial architecture It constitutes a true journey through time for the guest. The rooms , cared for with absolute care, maintain the essence of the luxury of yesteryear and the owner of the hotel, Urban, is an elderly man of impressive elegance who knows how to treat his clients with unparalleled dedication.
Breakfast with a view, wonderful!
Every morning, during breakfast that takes place on a terrace overlooking the Mekong full of baguette French, deli local and high-quality jams and pastries, Urban greets each person, table by table, and doesn't hesitate to recommend places to his guests.
He also organizes wine tastings once a week to bond and share a good time. Resting in that small hotel is an absolute success . Of course, it is better to book in advance, it is already quite successful.
3. GET UP EARLY TO ATTEND THE TAK BAT CEREMONY
The alms giving ceremony or Tak Bat is one of the most sacred Buddhist traditions in Laos and one of the most beautiful rituals in Southeast Asia.
Every morning at dawn, the city's monks walk the streets of Luang Prabang and silently collect the offerings of the inhabitants and tourists. Worth get up early to attend and participate in that wonderful daily act.
Luang Prabang must be experienced.
4. SEE THE SUNSET FROM THE TOP OF MOUNT PHOUSI
Located at 100 meters high , the top of this sacred hill, which is located in the center of the city and right in front of the wat chom temple , give away The best views of Luang Prabang.
Watching the sunset from there is a gift for the eyes: one can see all the corners of the city, as well as the Mekong and Nam Kham rivers.
One of the best sunsets in Luang Prabang.
5. RENT A BIKE AND ROUND THE CITY
This city is a paradise for bike lovers. Its quiet streets are filled with pedal and two-wheel vehicles and everyone uses them to explore its points of interest and visit some of the many temples to see in Luang Prabang. Some unmissable? Wat Xieng Thong, Wat Manorom, the Royal Palace and Wat Chom Si they are the most famous.
Wat Xieng Thong.
6. WALKING THROUGH ITS MARKETS
During the day (or rather early in the morning; the heat scares away the vendors who pack up their stalls as temperatures rise!), the fresh produce market surrounding the Royal Palace it is a festival of smells, spices, authentic energy and local people.
When night falls, street food stalls, souvenirs and craft products take over and form the famous Night Market , one of the biggest tourist attractions of the place.
Night Market.
7. TRY THE TRUE GASTRONOMY OF LAOS AT ITS STREET FOOD STALLS
List some of the dishes that you can NOT miss:
- the laap . It is the most famous dish Laos : a minced meat salad based on chicken, beef, duck or pork and flavored with fish sauce and lime. A delight!
- Grilled salted fish. You will find dozens of skewers of whole fish, chicken and other grilled meats at very low prices in the street stalls. Do not hesitate to try them!
- The famous spicy papaya salad or Spicy Papaya Salad . Citrus, based on lime, green papaya, red onion, coriander, spices, chili, palm sugar… A bittersweet dream!
- The famous 'Sticky Rice' (or Khao Niao) from Laos. It is what we know as 'glutinous rice', steamed in a kind of traditional straw cone. The best is red rice although harder to find.
Khao Niao, Lao steamed rice.
8. VISIT THE KUANG SI WATERFALLS
various levels of clear water , surrounded by trees and jungle, which end in natural turquoise pools form this natural paradise.
Located about 25 kilometers from Luang Prabang , the place is a perfect excursion destination if one wants to spend the day jumping into the water from some ropes hanging from the trees , bathing or simply eating in the wooden picnic areas that many city dwellers occupy on weekends.
Kuang Si waterfalls.
9. VISIT THE CAVES OF THE THOUSAND BUDDHAS (PAK OU CAVES)
These small caves on the banks of the Mekong are located 25 km from the city of Luang Prabang. Reaching them by boat is very easy: there are many excursions that include them in their route and can be hired in the city itself.
Its interior is full of statues of Buddhas (about 4,000) of various sizes , most of which are miniatures left behind by pilgrims.
The Caves of the Thousand Buddhas.
10. TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF AT THE NEW AVANI LUANG PRABANG HOTEL
This recently opened 53-room boutique hotel is already at the top of the 'Top Lists' of accommodation worldwide. Your bistro restaurant is a claim in itself for tourists who pass through the city, eager to try some of the dishes that fuse the traditional food of the country with the cooking French.
Secondly, its spa is already one of the most famous in Luang Prabang and many clients are people who do not stay at the hotel and visit it exclusively to give themselves one of the massages and care of their acclaimed menu Wellness.
The temple of relaxation.