Overview
A lot can be said about Laos and its northern UNESCO heritage city named Luang Prabang. Imagine going back in time, to a place of large family dwellings, colonial homes quiet streets; the buzzing of insects and the calm river breezes. This northern gem is home to culture, to Buddhism and to a laid back lifestyle that truly captures the soul. Everything here seems so simple, yet there are layers that no one can quite understand as an outsider. An ancient history embedded in every temple, every stone.
During the day, market vendors sleepy roll out to their posts in the boiling Laotian heat, only to return to their homes, their families, their peace and quiet when the sun starts to set.
The sound of motorbikes putter as you slowly walk around the empty streets. During the day it seems that nobody lives here at all. The large night market which inhabits the city center is completed closed until daybreak as the scorching sun retains people to the shade and to their homes, especially during mid day. There is a buzzing morning food market where you can sample Laotian delicacies such as their vibrantly spiced northern sausages, sticky rice concoctions and grilled meats.
You may notice monks walking around the city here, and for being such a small city with only around 55,000 people, monks and the Buddhist lifestyle make up a huge part of it. The city is littered with ornate and ancient wats (Buddhist temples), adorned with dragons, gold and those omnipresent orange and red robes.
A time in Luang Prabang is defined by peace, by watching the mighty Mekong river slowly roll by. The city has no time for clubs, nightlife, city life. It merely exists as it always has.
What to Do
While we wouldn’t say Luang Prabang is budding with activities, it surely is a nice place to spend some time and relax. There’s great nature when you get outside of the city center, so one of the best things to do would be to rent a motor bike for the day or for the week and go exploring! Be aware that Laos is not a good place to go hiking by yourself and certainly if you do go hiking, stay on a marked and defined trail. Laos was bombed more than Cambodia and Vietnam combined during the Vietnam war in the 70’s and the country is littered with unexploded bombs which effect people to this day.
Get The Best View Of The City at Mount Phusi
Mount Phusi sits right in the heart of Luang Prabangs’ old town. It’s more of a hill than a mountain to be completely correct. You can climb to its peak and visit its picturesque Wat to get the best view of the city by far. This will cost you just around $1.
Day trip to Kuang Si Waterfalls
The Kuang Si Waterfalls have become an international tourist spot with international recognition. Their beautiful clear blue pools are awe inspiring and live up to the hype surrounding it. Be aware that this has become a big Chinese tourist destination, so in order to avoid the crowds, make sure to get there before 10 am.
Enjoy a Stroll Along The Mekong
The mighty Mekong river flows from China all the way to Cambodia, but defines the border between most of southern Laos and northern Thailand. It also cuts directly through the old city of Luang Prabang. Many of the beautiful old colonial guest houses sit on the banks of the river along with river side restaurants that are the perfect place for a meal and to watch the sunset; although being a bit pricy for Laotian standards. We would recommend taking a 1 hour boat tour or taking a half day trip to Pak Ou Caves a few kilometers outside of the city.
Get Lost in The Massive Night Market
Right around 6 pm as the sun starts to set on Luang Prabang, hundreds of vendors set up a various impressive night market directly in the heart of the old town. There you can find traditional Laotian food as well as tons of different souvenirs, clothes and the like. Compared to the markets you find all over Asia, this one is clean and with very unique products of pretty high quality.
View From Atop Mount Phusi
City Center Wat
Mekong River
Night Market
Kuang Si Waterfalls
What To Eat
If you have ever been to Thailand, Laotian food isn’t that far off, although you can tell the culture and cuisine has absorbed some foreign imprints from their Vietnamese neighbor and time as a French colony. The food is less spicy than that of Thailand and relies much more on meat, than fish, as it is a landlocked country.
Northern Sausage: Normally pork or water-buffalo sausage in a natural casing spiced with kefir lime leaves, garlic, lemongrass and plenty of chili.
Sticky Rice: Pretty much everything you buy in Laos come with the omnipresent sticky rice served in bamboo baskets. Its neutral flavor and delightful texture is an awesome accoutrement to any spicy curry or grilled meat dish that you may find.
Sandwiches: Unlike Thailand and very much like Vietnam, you can find Baguette inspired sandwiches with an Asian twist, very much like Vietnamese Bahn Mis. Imagine a crunchy wide baguette filled with pork pate, cold cuts, cucumber, chili sauce and herbs. Simply delightful.
Noodle Soups: Laos has a bevy of different noodle soups to try. They are more of a local take on regional specialities which make them exciting and unique. Try a Khao Soi with buffalo or Pho type soup with fermented fish paste.
Transportation
Getting to Luang Prabang has never been easier! Recently they opened an international airport, which is basically two gates, but still services flights from Vietnam and Thailand daily.
Be aware that Laos requires a visa for many nationalities, which costs normally $30-40 and can be obtained on arrival. Bring a passport ID sized photo, but don’t worry if you don’t have one, as they will take one for you that costs $1. The process is quite simple and since the airport is small doesn’t take that long.
The bus from the airport to the city center or your hostel/hotel costs around $6.
The city is small, so there is no public transportation, but if you need go to somewhere further than you can walk, there are Tuk-Tuk’s that wander around the streets from the early morning to around 10 pm.
Luang Prabang and Laos in general has a nation wide curfew that starts at 11 pm, which is pretty strictly followed in Luang Prabang. If you want to stay out late, this definitely isn’t the city for you. The hostels, however, are filled with interesting people from all over the world, so you shouldn’t struggle to find a good time.
My Travel Essentials For An Asian Backpacking Trip
Below you'll find a list of my must bring backpacking items. I have gotten this list down to my essentials through trial and error over 4 years of living in a backpack. I hope you'll find these items helpful on your journey!
►Main Backpacking Backpack: https://amzn.to/3vUHdik [Amazon]
►Great Front Facing Duffle-bag : https://amzn.to/3SjK6Ra [Amazon]
►Quick Dry Towel : https://amzn.to/3uarxH8 [Amazon]
►Multi Country Charger Adapter : https://amzn.to/3Ul37p0 [Amazon]
►Refillable Water Bottle : https://amzn.to/48SnG0n [Amazon]
►Padlock : https://amzn.to/3SdyYp7 [Amazon]
►Earplugs : https://amzn.to/498xTpl [Amazon]
►Power Bank : https://amzn.to/3SyXP8e [Amazon]
Travel Photography & Video Favorites
If you're interested in creating your own video content on your trip, these are some of my favorite items I've had. They work, they're effective and besides the Sony Aa7C, they aren't going to break the bank either!
►On the Go Video | Go Pro Hero 12 : https://amzn.to/3u38oHh [Amazon]
►Photography | Sony A7C : https://amzn.to/3u1Y6ap [Amazon]
►Portable Tripod | https://amzn.to/42ojHqc [Amazon]
►Lavalier Microphone | https://amzn.to/3SbL41U [Amazon]
►Drone | https://amzn.to/47TCwSY [Amazon]
►Portable Monitor | https://amzn.to/3Hzv2dg
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