Charming Luang Prabang

Charming Luang Prabang
What to do in Luang Prabang
  • Relax! Luang Prabang is a charming place with a very slow pace
  • Visit Wat Xien Thong (temple) and the Royal Palace Museum
  • Contemplate the sunset from Phu Si, the "mountain" in the middle of the Old Town
  • Have breakast/lunch at Le Banneton and dinner at Tamarind
  • Enjoy an evening out at Utopia
  • Have a swim in the Kuang Si waterfalls
  • Organize a 1 or 2 days trek

First stop in Laos after two days on the slow boat from Thailand: Luang Prabang. This UNESCO World Heritage town is extremely charming with it’s colonial style buildings, great food and slow pace of life.

The city has a lot of temples in a different architecture than Thailand so it’s worth visiting the main ones. Do not miss Wat Xien Thong as it is the most beautiful. The Royal Palace Museum must also be on your list of things to do. The inside is very well decorated and it’s an interesting visit.

Wat Xien Thong

Walking or cycling around Luang Prabang is worth a day of your time. The town is really pretty and there are tens of cafés to stop at. Finish the day by enjoying the sunset from the top of Phu Si, the “mountain” in the middle of the Old Town and by shopping for handcraft gifts at the night market (held every nights).

Phu Si

The food there is great. The best restaurants are of course more expensive but still pretty cheap compared to Western standards. Have breakfast at Le Banneton to get the best patisserie in town (and very good food in general) and dine at Tamarind for an excellent taste of Lao food. I would also greatly recommend the Coconut Garden which has a wide variety of dishes, all very good. Finish the day with a drink at the unmissable Utopia bar.

Le Banneton

Luang Prabang is also a good place to go trekking. The main street has many companies offering one to multiple days treks and many other activities. I went on a great two days trek combining cycling, walking and kayaking with a night in a village organized by Tiger Trails. An afternoon out to the Kunag Si Waterfalls is mandatory, the beauty of the place being simply amazing.

Kuang Si Waterfalls

The slow pace of life of Luang Prabang will get you. Plan some time there, especially if you’re going trekking, relax and enjoy life.

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