Luang Prabang was the former capital of Laos. As described by Travelfish:
“The charming city of Luang Prabang, once the capital of Laos and still considered to be its spiritual heart, breathes a rich meld of French Indochinese architecture, Theravada Buddhist temples and a magical atmosphere.”
Image credit: here
I totally agreed with the above statement. A “magical kind atmosphere” is the key term to describe Luang Prabang.
This is the place where you could find peace of mind and stay calm.
The local people remains humble, laid back and enjoying their own way of lifestyle. This is how the Laotion works.
I fell in love with this country at the first sight. The feeling is hard to describe but you have to go there once to feel it yourself.
When to go?
November to February – this is the best season to go because it is the cool and dry season. I went during the month of December, it was lovely and chill weather. I liked it very much.
March to May – Hot season, temperature might up to 40℃
June to October – Wet season, good to do some water rafting /kayaking during this period of time.
What to see in Luang Prabang?
Kuang Si Waterfall
I would say this is one of the must-see waterfalls in whole South East Asia trip! The water is clear and the view was spectacular:
Tips and how to go: It requires transportation to arrive at the waterfalls destination. If you need a public transport, my advice is that do not shy to ask the other travellers in hostel whether they would want to share a “Tuk-tuk” transport fee together.
It will cost cheaper if compare you book a tour from the travel agency at the shop lots.
Tak Bat – The monks’ morning Alms
“In Luang Prabang, this tradition manifests as a morning ritual where monks silently line the streets while locals (and interested tourists) put gifts of food into the bowls carried by the monks.”
Every morning at 530am, the Buddhist Lao’s monks will start the ceremony of food collection in Luang Prabang.
The Korean monks waiting for the Lao’s monks.
Don’t be surprised to meet and see a lot of travellers (some tourists even came by bus or minivan) waiting in the centre of the town, and people start selling and buying the snacks/food on the street.
This came up to be one of the To-do and to see lists in Luang Prabang.
Mount Phousi for sunrise
After the alms session, you may choose to go and climb up to the mount Phousi which is in the centre of the town.
The height of the mountain is 150 meters by walking the staircase and it requires to pay an entrance fee to go up.
Image credit: here
I skipped this (because have to pay to see the sunrise) instead I went to the morning market:
Morning market
The food, vegetables and fruits look really fresh and clean. I liked their market.
Volunteer at Big Brother Mouse & Big Sister Mouse
If you want to do something meaningful during the trip, you may visit Big Brother Mouse (at the centre) and Big Sister Mouse (at the countryside- transportation is provided to go).
These two places are the place where you could help the local people to practice their English. Some of the Lao’s monks also came to the place for practising English.
Lao Red Cross
They provide traditional Lao body massages, steams, reflexology and aromatherapy.
I went to try out the full body massage, it was nice and the price is slightly cheaper than other places.
All the donations will go directly to improve the lives of the poorest villages in Laos.
Handicraft Night Market
You would not want to miss the night market. You can everything here. Food, fruits drink, silk scarves, t-shirt, bags, shoes, local clothing over here.
Do not miss out the vegetarian buffet at the night market. You may take as much food as possible in one bowl which costs around USD2 per bowl.
Yoga at Utophia
“Utopia’s zen-like garden restaurant is the perfect place to enjoy morning yoga, eat a healthy breakfast, and relax during the day. At night, Utopia becomes Luang Prabang’s most popular night venue… EVERY night!
Utopia’s attractions: yoga, tiki huts, beach volleyball, great menu, relaxing atmosphere, river view garden, great music, and community projects.”
Where to stay?
Yaya Guest House aka Savanna Restaurant & hostel
I stayed here for four days three nights. The location is great and the owner of the hostel was so friendly and helpful. Of course, the price for the hostel is cheap which breakfast included.
Reviews from the other guests:
” Nice staff, free breakfast, good location, easy to find, clean”
“As a lone female traveller, I felt safe, welcome and very happy with all hostel facilities. Very affordable and staff very sweet! Would definitely recommend!!”
“The owner was really helpful and flexible. He allowed me to check-in earlier and take care of my luggage while I was out.”
You can book the stay via booking.com
And you could plan your trip to the countryside which is near to LuangPrabang. I heard Nong Khiaw is really worth to check out but I did not manage to go this time.
As usual, it gives a reason to come back to this country.
Next post, I will be talking about how to go from Luang Prabang to North of Thailand which is one of my favourite journey during the whole Southeast Asia trip. I will share with you more on next time!
Instagram: @thetravellersu
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