Visit Luang Prabang: What are the best things to do and see in the former royal capital of the million elephants?
One. trip to Laos would not be complete without spending at least two days in the former capital of Luang Prabang. Located on a peninsula between the Mekong River and the Nam Khan River, the UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to about 55,000 people. Despite the hordes of tourists who go there, it is still a fairly unknown and quiet destination, full of history and making a considerable effort to preserve ancestral traditions and customs.
To help you visit Luang Prabang, here is a list of the best things to do in Luang Prabang before this town of the north of Laos become too touristic in the coming years:
1. The city of Luang Prabang in general
Discover this beautiful and well-kept city on foot to admire the incredible heritage in a traditional style that will take you back to the past. There are absolutely no modern buildings and nothing above 2 floors in Luang Prabang. Very casual, the city is an attraction alone.
2. Pak Caves Or
Flickr – jmbaud74
Also known as the Buddha Caves, it is a must visit especially for the 25 km long Mekong cruise. You will see on the banks of the river the life of every day to the caves and this is something special here. In the caves of Pak Or, thousands of statues of Buddha populate the inside of the cavities which makes their discovery amazing.
3. The markets of Luang Prabang
Flickr – Anthony Bouch
There are 2 or 3 markets that take place in the city of Luang Prabang, but the most popular is certainly the night market ( Handicraft Night Market ) that takes daily life on Sisavangvong Road . Unlike ordinary markets, Luang Prabang’s night market exhibits a lot of crafts and silverware. It is also the best place to buy souvenirs. Don’t forget to negotiate because the prices you are offered will be up to 3 times higher than the prices you should pay. You will also find the Hmong market in the day you will also have the opportunity to discover some memories to bring back. For art lovers, think to take a look at local paintings arranged around the city.
4. Taste Laotian specialities
Flickr – Kirk K
Know first that Luang Prabang’s lao food is relatively safe for consumption. Try local chopsticks that are sold in the city. Smooth and copyy for a very correct price. Test the famous local barbecue which is both a good tasteful and "tourist" experience. Also make sure to taste the lao coffee that is renowned to be one of the best in the world. You will find a restaurant in Luang Prabang to delight you from one of these specialties.
5. Go to the Whisky Village
Known as Ban Xang Hai , this village is located on the road of the caves of Pak Or where the boats make a stopover of 30 minutes. You can also come and visit this interesting village by the land route from Luang Prabang. The village is very famous for its local whisky (called Lao Lao ) where all kinds of snakes and insects ferment in whisky and are sold in bottles of different shapes. That's pretty weird to say. For those who disgust, you can also buy silk that is woven in front of you by the premises.
6. Climb Mount Phousi
Flickr – Philip Hayward
This small, easy to climb hill is one of the best spots in Luang Prabang to see a sunset or get a panoramic view of the whole city and the surrounding area. A temple is at the top and there are two ways to get there: there is a path from the main street and a path behind the trail Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre (museum to visit).
7. Temples or wats
Xieng Thong Temple – Flickr – Jim
Luang Prabang is full of temples (called wat in singular) and their architecture is a feast for the eyes. Don't miss the Wat Ho Pha Bang, the Wat Xieng Thong and the Royal Palace.
8. Tak Bat: the morning quest of monks
Flickr – Darren and Sandy Van Soye
The daily procession of hundreds of monks dressed in safran dresses, during which they walk in the streets and collect small balls of rice sticking in their sebile to the inhabitants, is one of the things that makes so special a day in Luang Prabang. If you attend, keep a good distance and be respectful.
9. Tad Sae waterfalls (or Tad Sé)
For both a little adventure and relaxation, take the time to go to Tad Sae waterfalls where clear water flows over several layers of limestone, forming basins conducive to swimming. And this in a natural and wild environment. Entrance to the park will cost you less than one euro and you have to take either a boat to Ban Either take a tuk-tuk to go. Another waterfall to see absolutely in the corner is that of Kuang Si .
Where to stay in Luang Prabang?
Know that Luang Prabang is one of the Cheapest cities in Asia and your travel budget does not need to be very high. On site you will find many guesthouses, hostels and cheap hotels, which you can already book on this Compare hotels to be sure to have room.
Have you visited Luang Prabang?
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