The mesmerising metropolis of Luang Prabang in Laos, is full of golden temples, vibrant night time markets and plush turquoise waterfalls. Based mostly between the Mekong River and Nam Khan River, this UNESCO World Heritage Web site is among the most religious cities in Southeast Asia. When you’re questioning what to do in Luang Prabang take a look at this journey information and add these superior issues to do in Luang Prabang Laos to your bucket record.
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Issues To Know Earlier than You Go to Luang Prabang Laos
Get a Visa for Laos
While it’s doable to get an e-visa earlier than arriving within the nation, the Laos visa on arrival is the quickest and most cost-effective option to get a vacationer visa.
The visa could be obtained in the event you’re arriving at both Luang Prabang airport, Vientiane airport or 25 different border checkpoints surrounding Laos.
The visa on arrival for Laos is on the market for many nationalities and solely requires 1 passport photograph and US {dollars} for the appliance payment.
The Laos visa on arrival payment varies between 30 USD to 40 USD relying in your nationality (UK and US residents are at present $35) plus 1 USD for the visa service payment. Vacationer visas in Laos final for 30 days.
What Foreign money Does Laos Settle for
The forex in Laos is the Lao Kip, and the alternate charge is roughly 9000 LAK to 1 USD.
There are many locations to alternate cash in Luang Prabang, nonetheless they provide totally different charges depending on the denomination of the invoice.
$100 payments will get a greater charge than smaller payments, to counteract this, carry bigger denomination USD payments with you and store round for the perfect alternate charges.
It’s also doable to alternate GBP, EUR and different main currencies into Laos Kip.
When to Go to Luang Prabang Laos
The finest time to go to Luang Prabang is in the course of the dry season from October to April.
That is the most well-liked and costly time to go to, however there are extra Luang Prabang issues to do, like visiting Kuang Si falls and doing outside yoga.
The finest time to yr to go to Luang Prabang is in April.
That is when Luang Prabang celebrates Lao New 12 months by having a water competition.
The celebrations final three days and the streets of Luang Prabang flip into one large water struggle.
You possibly can anticipate to be drenched wherever you go, as water is claimed to carry pleasure, luck, happiness and security within the coming yr.
How Lengthy to Spend in Luang Prabang Laos
You possibly can keep anyplace between three to seven nights in Luang Prabang, relying on how a lot time you need to spend stress-free.
Nevertheless, 4 or 5 nights permits sufficient time for a lot of the issues to do in Luang Prabang, Laos.
What to Pack for a Journey to Luang Prabang Laos
In addition to the standard vacation packing record be sure to don’t skip the next packing necessities for Laos:
- Garments that cowl your shoulders and knees so you may go to the Buddhist temples.
- Swimming costume, water sneakers, and a compact fast dry towel to benefit from the lovely Kuang Si waterfalls
- European plug adapter with two spherical pins for Laos
- Backpack or duffel bag, because the roads in Laos aren’t constructed for suitcases with wheels
- Journey insurance coverage that covers all of the adventurous Laos issues to do
get to Luang Prabang Province
- Fly to Luang Prabang Worldwide Airport on a number of worldwide carriers resembling Air Asia, Bangkok Airways, Lao Airways and Vietnam Airways.
- Drive to Luang Prabang from Vang Vieng or Vientiane. Minivans from Vientiane to Luang Prabang price 180,000 Kip and take 8 to 10 hours. Minivans from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang take 4 hours, price 100,000 Kip, and run 5 instances a day, 7am, 9am, 12pm, 2pm and 3pm.
- Cruise to Luang Prabang from Houay Xay in Thailand. A two day gradual boat runs alongside the Mekong River to Luang Prabang and is usually described as top-of-the-line boat journeys in Southeast Asia.
get round Luang Prabang
One of the best ways to discover Luang Prabang is on foot or in a tuk tuk. Rides are low-cost however most locations in Luang Prabang could be walked to in solely half an hour.
The place to Keep in Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang has loads of decisions for lodging, from luxurious (usually positioned removed from city) to hostels.
I visited Luang Prabang throughout peak season so opted for a mid-priced resort that was centrally positioned.
MyLaoHome is about in a colonial home and is simply a brief stroll away from the Luang Prabang Evening market, the Royal Palace, Mount Phousi and the Mekong River.
On high of that Luang Prabang Worldwide Airport is simply a 20 minute drive away.
Company at MyLaoHome can take pleasure in complimentary breakfast, free WIFI, air con and free water.
MyLaoHome has a 24-hour entrance desk which is nice for organising therapeutic massage remedies on the in-house spa (with an additional 10% low cost for company) and native excursions and shuttle providers round Laos.
Location: MyLaoHome, 4-5 Hua Xieng Village, Luang Prabang Laos
15 Finest Issues to do in Luang Prabang
1. Discover Kuang Si Falls
One of the well-known factors of curiosity in Laos is Kuang Si waterfalls.
Positioned 30km from Luang Prabang city centre, the cascading waterfalls are open every day from 8am to five.30pm.
There are a number of sections you may swim in so be sure you carry your GoPro and seize some underwater footage within the crystal clear waters of Kuang Si.
The doorway payment for the waterfalls is 20,000 Kip (approx. USD 2.25).
There are many minivans that run between Luang Prabang and Kuang Si Falls a number of instances a day for 50,000 Kip for the return journey.
Minivans keep for two.5 hours which supplies you loads of time to discover the waterfalls, swim within the crystal clear water and go to the Moon Bear sanctuary, one other widespread factor to do in Luang Prabang.
2. Go to the Moon Bears
While exploring the Kuang Si waterfalls, be sure to carve out a while to go to the Tat Kuang Si Bear Rescue Centre and assist the work the charity do to maintain greater than 70 moon bears.
Most of the bears had been destined for bile farms or saved illegally as pets. Nevertheless since 2003, the Tat Kuang Si Bear Rescue Centre has been a protected haven for the moon bears, the place they will loosen up in hammocks, play with new associates and stay a protected, wholesome life.
You possibly can assist the rescue centre by buying T-shirts, making donations or becoming a member of a Bear Care tour – one of the distinctive issues to see in Luang Prabang.
3. Cease by the Buffalo Dairy Farm
Cease for buffalo ice cream in your option to, or from Kuang Si Waterfalls.
Ask your minivan driver to cease on the small hut on the aspect of the street, promoting conventional and seasonal flavours of ice cream (I like to recommend the lemongrass and coconut), in addition to buffalo mozzarella, feta, ricotta, blue cheese, and yoghurts.
There’s an out of doors area to take pleasure in your snacks, and when you have extra time be part of a tour of the buffalo farm and study in regards to the work they do there for the local people.
Location: Laos Buffalo Dairy, Ban Muang Khay, Luang Prabang Laos
4. Hike Mount Phousi In the course of the Day
Excessive above Luang Prabang is the well-known Mount Phousi.
It’s widespread amongst vacationers for its elevated sundown views of the Mekong river.
While the sundown expertise is gorgeous, I counsel going earlier within the day to take pleasure in Mount Phousi with out the crowds.
When you can deal with the warmth, head as much as the highest of the mountain through the steeper, again route (not through the principle entrance reverse the Royal Palace).
The again route begins near the Bamboo bridge, and has the identical entrance payment of 20,000 Kip.
This hidden gem of a path, is comparatively unknown and solely utilized by monks and locals.
The views are lovely and the path is full of golden buddha statues and temples, that you simply’ll probably get to discover all by yourself.
5. Get pleasure from Sundown on a Mekong River Cruise
Among the finest issues to do in Luang Prabang, Laos is the Khopfa Sundown Mekong River cruise.
The cruise takes place each night from the pier exterior the Belle Rive Boutique Resort, and entails two hours on board the gorgeous luxurious boat, decked out with solar beds and hammocks.
The Khopfa cruise is exclusive because it has a number of terraces with 360 diploma views of the Mekong River and is among the most inexpensive issues to do in Luang Prabang at solely $15 USD!
Location: begins and ends exterior the posh resort, Belle Rive Boutique, 99 Baan Phonhueang, Luang Prabang Laos
6. Strive a Laos Cooking Class
Luang Prabang is thought throughout Laos for its cooking lessons.
The half day cooking class, is a good way to find out about conventional Laos delicacies in addition to the native lifestyle.
Lessons happen outside, utilizing recent substances and herbs grown on web site.
The cooking class consists of genuine and conventional on a regular basis Laos dishes, and after you’ve cooked your three course meal you may sit down and luxuriate in your lunch.
Favourites from the menu we created, had been the lemongrass stuffed rooster and the mango sticky rice for desert!
7. Store on the Evening Market
The Luang Prabang Evening Market is open every day from 5pm till 11pm.
Throughout this time the roads are closed to autos and a whole lot of vibrant crimson and blue stalls are arrange alongside the principle road in Luang Prabang.
As much as 300 distributors promote a variety of products from foods and drinks to clothes, homeware and souvenirs.
You possibly can spend hours roaming the streets, feasting on the mini coconut pancakes and admiring the products on sale.
I purchased a portray and eyed up a couple of cushion covers however didn’t have area for them as I used to be travelling round Asia for 17 days with solely hand baggage!
8. Go to the Buddhist Temples in Luang Prabang Laos
There are 33 temples (or wats) sprinkled round Luang Prabang.
Most are residence to monks and could be visited pretty freely so long as you’re dressed appropriately and act respectfully.
The most effective temples to go to are the Royal Palace Museum Luang Prabang and Wat Xieng Thong.
Some have entry charges and are solely open for a couple of hours a day so test earlier than you go to, nonetheless I like to recommend heading over to any of the Buddhist temples at round 6pm so you may expertise the monks and novices collaborating of their every day prayers and chants.
9. Expertise Almsgiving in Luang Prabang Laos
The every day almsgiving ceremony is a 600 yr previous custom.
It takes place at dawn, starting on the principle road and spreading out to the aspect streets across the city of Luang Prabang.
If you wish to become involved, purchase a pot of sticky rice from one of many native distributors, and discover a spot on one of many empty stools to attend for the monks.
Be sure you don’t make bodily contact with the monks and costume appropriately together with your shoulders, and legs coated.
10. Strive Dawn Yoga Outdoor
One of the best ways to begin the day on this religious city, is with a serene view of the Nam Khan river.
Luang Prabang Yoga provide every day dawn yoga lessons at Utopia at 7.30am. Drop in lessons are 40,000 Kip for one hour and mats are offered.
Location: Utopia, Ban Aphay, Kingkitsarath Highway, Luang Prabang Laos
11. Expertise Sundown Alongside the Banks of the Mekong River
Among the finest free issues to do in Luang Prabang is wander alongside the banks of the Mekong River at sundown.
It might probably take half an hour to stroll all the way in which alongside the riverbank, and the golden hues at the moment of day are good for images.
There are additionally loads of locations for dinner and drinks alongside the banks if you wish to keep awhile in a single place.
12. Get pleasure from Dinner and Drinks at The Spirit Home
Among the finest issues to do in Luang Prabang at night time is to go to The Spirit Home.
With a sister restaurant in Vientiane, The Spirit Home is thought for its fusion of Lao and Western staples.
The cocktail menu is probably the most in depth in Luang Prabang and I can extremely suggest the Nationwide Day Martini, uniquely embellished with an edible Laos flag.
The Spirit Home serves every little thing from tapas to salads, and wraps to buddha bowls. Parts are hearty, and dishes are designed to supply wholesome meals choices for guests.
I can suggest the Kai Hin (crispy river weed specialty in Luang Prabang), the Moo Hom Paa (Laos model of pigs in blankets) and the meat and lemongrass crispy spring rolls.
Location: The Spirit Home Luang Prabang, Baan Hua Xieng, Luang Prabang Laos
13. Volunteer at Large Brother Mouse
The right option to volunteer in Laos, particularly if you’re low on time, is to go to Large Brother Mouse.
You possibly can both assist by buying books to be distributed to colleges or by volunteering your time to assist the youth of Laos practise their English, on the Large Brother Mouse drop in centre in Luang Prabang.
Positioned near the Popolo restaurant, Large Brother Mouse is open twice every day from 9 to 11am and 5 to 7pm.
You can be paired with younger adults, monks, and novices who need to practise their English with native audio system, so this can be a nice alternative so that you can ask about Laos tradition and share your individual experiences.
Location: Large Brother Mouse, Phayaluangmeungchan Highway Wat Nong, Luang Prabang Laos
14. Have a Conventional Laos Therapeutic massage
Luang Prabang is a good place to get an inexpensive therapeutic massage. The spa at MyLaoHome has opening hours from 1pm to 10pm and presents a number of various kinds of therapeutic massage.
I can personally suggest the normal Laos therapeutic massage, which is analogous to a Thai therapeutic massage, and prices 100, 000 kip an hour.
Keep in mind company of MyLaoHome get an additional 10% low cost!
Location: MyLaoHome Spa, 4-5 Hua Xieng Village, Luang Prabang Laos
15. Cross the Bamboo Bridge
One of the distinctive issues to do in Luang Prabang is cross the Nam Khan River on the rickety Bamboo Bridge.
The bridge will get washed away every wet season, and the 5,000 Kip crossing payment, helps native households rebuild the construction every year.
On the opposite aspect of the Nam Khan river, is an open air restaurant with native dishes, together with a scrumptious aubergine dip.
The ground cushions on the restaurant are good for watching travellers and monks cross the wobbly bridge.
A go to to the bamboo bridge could be accompanied by the hike as much as the highest of Mount Phousi utilizing the again route.
Location: Bamboo Bridge over Nam Khan river, Kingkitsarath Highway, Luang Prabang Laos
Disclaimer: MyLaoHome kindly gifted my lodging, and DiscoverLaosToday (Supported by the Laos Tourism Board) gifted each the Laos Cooking class and Khopfa cruise.
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