Live Your Best Lives
"What exactly is there in Laos? That's why we set out to find that thing. Isn't that what travel is all about?"
——Haruki Murakami, "What on earth does Laos have?"
With the same question in mind, I ended my three-month stay in Thailand and embarked on a 28-day wandering trip to Laos. I took a boat from the Thai-Laos border along the Mekong River all the way upstream, and finally entered the ancient Khmer kingdom of Angkor Wat at the Four Thousand Islands.
Recalling this trip to Laos, I searched for the Plain of Jars in Phonsavan; I was intoxicated by the mountains, rivers and countryside of Vang Vieng; I visited the Wat Phou Temple in Champasak, but what I remember most was sitting in front of a French bakery after giving alms in the early morning in Luang Prabang, waiting for the first batch of croissants of the day. When the warm morning sun shone on Sisavangvong Street and on the monks in orange robes, everything in my eyes was golden at that moment.
For me, Luang Prabang is a place that few in Southeast Asia can match, where ancient Eastern culture coexists with elegant Western romance.
Luang Prabangcheck the details
Luang Prabang, also known as "Luang Phrabang," is the capital of Luang Prabang Province and a major city in Upper Laos. It is also a renowned ancient capital and Buddhist center of Laos. Located at the confluence of the Nam Khan River and the Mekong River, it occupies an L-shaped peninsula, covering less than 10 square kilometers. The urban area stretches along the left bank of the Mekong River, nestled between mountains and water, enjoying a cool climate and gently sloping terrain, with an average elevation of 290 meters. Luang Prabang is a true "Buddhist state," boasting numerous temples and monks within its modest city. Strolling through the city reveals rows of ancient temples and colonial French villas. At night, the sunset glow over Mount Phousi blends beautifully with the emerald waters of the Mekong River. Wandering the night markets, you'll be overwhelmed by the myriad handicrafts and friendly vendors. In this very city, monks in orange robes, white-walled, red-tiled Western-style buildings, red and blue night market tents, and vibrant sunsets create a breathtaking scene. Perhaps for this reason, Luang Prabang was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as early as 1995.
Recommended months: November to April
6854 recommendations, 5317 visits
Luang Prabang is the capital of Luang Prabang Province. It was the ancient capital of Laos and also a famous ancient capital and Buddhist center of Laos. It is one of the cities with the best preserved traditional customs and is the prevalence of Theravada Buddhism. Many temples built at that time are still preserved. There are more than 30 temples in the old city alone. The old city of Luang Prabang was listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1995.
Luang Prabang lies at the confluence of the Nam Khan River and the Mekong River, forming an L-shaped peninsula with an area of less than 10 square kilometers. The urban area stretches along the Mekong River's left bank, nestled between mountains and water, offering a cool climate and gently sloping terrain, with an average elevation of 290 meters. This small city is home to numerous temples and monks.
Stroll through the city, where ancient temples and colonial French villas stand side by side. As night falls, the sunset glow over Mount Phousi blends beautifully with the emerald waters of the Mekong River. Wander through the night market, where you'll be overwhelmed by the myriad handicrafts and enthusiastic vendors. Within this city, monks in orange robes, whitewashed, red-tiled Western-style buildings, the red and blue night market tents, and the vibrant sunset create a breathtaking tapestry.
Luang Prabang is very suitable for backpackers. Generally speaking, Laos is a very relaxing country. You can stroll around the streets, feel the breeze under the shade of trees, drink the famous Lao beer, see the scenery of the Mekong River, experience the Lao SPA, visit temples, and deeply experience the life of the Lao people. Laziness is the right way.
Luang Prabang is rich in tourism resources. Whether you want to experience the cultural customs or feel the natural scenery, you can find what you want here.
In the old city area, which has been listed as a World Cultural Heritage, there is Wat Xieng Thong with a depiction of the Tree of Life, the luxurious and noble Royal Palace Museum, Wat Mai Phra That houses a golden Buddha, Mount Phousi, the city's highest point from which to enjoy the beautiful sunset, and the ancient Wat Vesunarat.
If you go to the farther suburbs, you can take a rafting trip on the Mekong River to explore the Pau Cave and taste rice wine in the "Whiskey Village" along the way. You can jump into the turquoise water at the stunning Kuang Si Waterfall to refresh your body and mind, or you can give your soul a SPA at the Bai Xue Waterfall.
Wat Xieng Thong is the most magnificent temple in Luang Prabang, located near the Mekong River. It was built by King Setthathirat in 1560 and was the private property of the royal family until 1975.
The main hall represents the classic Luang Prabang temple architectural style. The roof covered with a Dharma wheel is supported by ornately decorated wooden pillars. The famous "Tree of Life" on the outer wall of the rear hall attracts many tourists to stop and take a look.
Inside the temple, the lintels, large and small, are covered in intricately carved patterns, creating a striking contrast with the black temple walls. The exterior is also covered in golden designs. The pillars and lintels often feature enchanting tropical branches, while the doors feature graceful, elegant reliefs of fairies or Buddha statues.
The Royal Palace Museum was built in 1904 and is located in the city center. It was the residence of King Sisavang Vong of Lan Xang and his family until the monarchy was abolished in 1975 and the palace was converted into the Royal Palace Museum.
The architectural style of the museum combines the classical charm of Laos with French sentiment. It is cross-shaped and built on multi-level platforms. It is magnificent and is a luxurious palace. The entire palace is magnificent and dazzling, and the interior decoration is elegant and luxurious.
Now there are many relics of the Lan Xang Kingdom and precious national cultural relics on display. The most precious Laotian national treasure, the Prabang Golden Buddha, can also be seen here.
In the palace, you can see the former main hall, meeting hall, study, collection room, living room, etc. The exhibits include royal religious items, weapons, sculptures and paintings from several centuries ago. It is a must-visit place to understand the history of Luang Prabang and the royal family.
Tips:
There is a dress code for entering the palace: upper body exposure to the shoulders and navel, and lower body exposure above the knees. If your attire does not meet the requirements, you can rent them at the entrance. Shoes must be removed when entering the museum, and photography is prohibited. Bags and cameras must be left outside the museum.
Wat Mai is one of the most famous temples in Luang Prabang. It is also the largest and most ornately decorated temple here. It houses a Buddha statue made of emerald.
The temple boasts a typical Luang Prabang five-tiered wooden roof, beautifully decorated wooden pillars, and ornate gilded relief walls. The most striking feature are the gilded wood carvings covering the main entrance and walls. These murals depict the entire Indian epic "Ramayana," recounting the life of the Buddha and the Laotian rain god, as well as scenes from the Ramayana and rural life. During important festivals, the Prabang Buddha statue is brought from the Royal Palace Museum and displayed here for worship.
Located opposite the Royal Palace Museum, Phu Si Hill is the highest point in Luang Prabang. The climb is relatively easy, with 328 steps. At the top stands the golden-topped Phu Si Pagoda, and at the foot of the hill lies the Royal Palace. From the summit, you can enjoy a 360-degree view of the ancient city of Luang Prabang.
Standing on the top of the mountain, one can gaze out over the city's neatly arranged houses and neatly arranged streets. Dark green coconut trees overshadow the brick-red roofs of Western-style buildings, creating a unique tropical atmosphere. The ancient city lacks tall buildings; instead, it's dominated by temples and one- or two-story buildings, their beautiful spires looming among the dense foliage. From there, one can also see the beautiful Mekong and Nam Khan rivers. The unique tropical atmosphere makes one feel like entering a paradise, a place of tranquility and peace.
Kuang Si Waterfall is the largest waterfall in Luang Prabang. It is located about 30km south of Luang Prabang. It is a waterfall group consisting of one large waterfall and several small waterfalls at the foot of the mountain. The total height of the waterfall is 100 meters. It pours down from the limestone peak and gathers into pools at the foot of the mountain. It is a fairyland-like blue. The whole scenery is beautiful and picturesque, somewhat like the calcification pool in Huanglong, Sichuan, like a dream.
In addition to enjoying the beautiful scenery, the most fun entertainment activity at Guangxi Waterfall is rope diving. The tree trunks beside the pool extend out of the water and become natural diving platforms. Jumping from the big tree into the clear and transparent water is extremely joyful.
Even if you're not a fan of diving, playing and swimming in the pristine, pale blue water is incredibly relaxing and refreshing. Furthermore, the water is rich in minerals and contains small fish that eat dead skin, which is very beneficial for the skin. Soaking in the pool feels like a natural spa treatment—a truly enjoyable experience.
The Pak Ou Caves are located on the banks of the Mekong River north of Luang Prabang, about 25 kilometers from the historic center of Luang Prabang. Two caves lie at the base of the limestone cliffs facing the river, filled with Buddha statues of various styles and sizes (mostly the typical Luang Prabang-style standing Buddhas).
The Thousand Buddha Caves are divided into the upper cave, Tham Phoum, and the lower cave, Tham Ting. The two caves contain tens of thousands of Buddha statues, of which 8,000 are registered. The statues vary in size and shape.
This was once the place where the king prayed for rain. Every year before the rainy season, a grand rain-praying ceremony would be held here to ask Buddha to bless the year with good weather and good harvest.
On the way to the Pak Ou Caves, visitors often stop at small villages along the Mekong River. Ban Sang Hai (Whiskey Village) is a popular stop, offering hand-woven looms and handicrafts like scarves and tapestries. You can also sample homemade glutinous rice wine, which the owner will enthusiastically explain how to make.
In addition to the morning alms giving, which you must experience when you come to Luang Prabang, the best way to explore the city is to ride a bicycle and wander among the scenes of monks' life and children's play on the peninsula.
Luang Prabang is also a perfect place to unwind, with numerous pampering spas located within the old town and within hotels. Popular activities in Luang Prabang also revolve around the countryside, such as jungle trekking, kayaking, and visits to an elephant sanctuary. Furthermore, a growing number of eco-friendly activities are becoming fashionable and trendy, making them the perfect way to experience Luang Prabang's vibrant culture.
Almsgiving is a traditional custom that has been maintained by Theravada Buddhist monks for thousands of years. It has a long history and is very common in Theravada Buddhist countries in Southeast Asia. However, since the ancient city of Luang Prabang is a world heritage city with many concentrated temples, the almsgiving here is famous at home and abroad.
Almsgiving typically takes place around 5 or 6 a.m. Regardless of wind or rain, the monks, barefoot, carrying their tin bowls and clad in orange robes, follow a prescribed route, calmly and quietly accepting donations from believers and tourists. Believers spread mats, kneel by the roadside, and offer the monks their first pot of homemade rice each morning. The monks maintain the custom of relying solely on the food collected in the morning and pray for the people daily. The entire process is sacred and tranquil, deeply moving and profoundly understands the kindness and simplicity of the Lao people.
Tips:
To show respect to monks, when making alms, the head should not be higher than the monk's alms bowl.
The specific time for donations varies from season to season, so you can ask the hotel for the exact time.
Tourists are allowed to take photos during the alms-giving process, but they must not disturb the monks or the entire alms-giving process, and must not get close to the monks.
When you are preparing to make donations, there will be "kind-hearted people" on the roadside who will provide mats, glutinous rice, etc., but they are not free, so remember to negotiate the price first.
The night market is located in front of Sisavangvong Street in front of the Royal Palace Museum. It mainly sells some traditional Lao products. There are more than a hundred stall owners selling scarves, T-shirts, clothes, shoes, Miao patchwork blankets, paper products, silverware, bags, pottery, paper lanterns, bamboo lanterns and many other beautiful products.
The night market vendors in Luang Prabang will not shout or bargain loudly. Even if they cannot sell something, they will still smile and not force sales. This may be the quietest market in Asia. There is a night market food stall in the alley next to the main street. When you are tired of shopping, you can come here to fill your stomach and drink some juice.
The Mekong River, the longest river connecting many countries in Southeast Asia, can be said to be the most important part of Luang Prabang.
Although the Mekong River is not as clear as other rivers, it carries infinite power. Taking a boat in Luang Prabang to experience the Mekong River up close can be said to be a must for travel. There are a large number of boats to choose from, and even chartering one is not expensive.
Drifting on the river, watching the water surface being painted with a layer of golden powder by the setting sun, and waiting for the sunset to fall, tired birds returning to their nests, and coconut trees and distant mountains becoming silhouettes, this is the romance of Laos.
If you're longing to escape the city and enjoy the green fields, then the organic rice farm in Luang Prabang will allow you to experience rural life in Luang Prabang.
You’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in how locals grow rice and participate in seasonal activities on the farm. This is the perfect tour for travelers who want to experience local life and learn more about Laotian culture, traditions, and practices.
Luang Prabang Rural Experience Spend a day outside the city at Living Land Farm, working alongside locals and learning the ins and outs of farm life. Suitable for all ages and skill levels, it's the ideal way to experience local life.
Reference website: https://www.livinglandlao.org/
If Guangxi Waterfall is on your travel plan, don't miss a buffalo ranch along the way called "LAOS BUFFALO DAIRY", which is famous for its authentic and additive-free ice cream.
If you are not pressed for time, you might as well take some time to visit. The entire ranch is well-maintained, and you can also experience feeding and milking calves with your own hands. Afterwards, you can also taste various fresh dairy products, such as buffalo cheese and cheesecake. You will also take this opportunity to learn about the surprising changes that these non-profit organizations have brought to the local community.
Reference website: http://www.laosbuffalodairy.com/
In addition to spending the hot afternoon in the hotel's swimming pool or SPA shop, OCK POP TOK, a handmade workshop located in the ancient city of Luang Prabang with a unique view of the Mekong River, is also an excellent choice.
You can spend two hours or more here to experience traditional Laotian handicrafts, such as tie-dyeing, batik, bamboo weaving, silk weaving, etc.
Under the guidance of experienced teachers, you will complete a memorable handmade work, such as a traditional square bamboo fan, a naturally dyed scarf, or a hill tribe ornament. It is worth mentioning that the workshop itself has a riverside cafe, so even if you don't participate in any of the making classes, you may wish to come here to experience it.
A trip to Luang Prabang is all about enjoying the local cuisine. French cuisine, local specialties, and other international dishes are all available. If you're craving local noodles or grilled meats, the morning market near the Royal Palace Museum is a great place to go.
In the old town with historical and cultural heritage, there are many high-quality restaurants, especially the colonial French restaurants, which are very stylish. In addition, the cafes that are everywhere are also one of the characteristics of Luang Prabang. Almost every one of them is decorated in a very stylish way, which also represents the Lao people's yearning for a slow life.
Address: Ban Aphay, Kingkitsarath Road, Luang Prabang 0600, Laos
This restaurant and bar is a backpacker's mecca, filled with comfortable chairs, cushions, low tables, and shisha. Cool down with a fruit smoothie or cocktail, play a board game, take a yoga class, or just relax in the candlelight at sunset.
Address: 10 Norrassan Road, Unit 1 Ban Thatluang, Luang Prabang 0600, Laos
The restaurant's environment is exquisite, like a work of art, especially the century-old lotus pond in the courtyard. The presentation of the dishes is also carefully designed. The distinctive local cooking style is integrated with French style, which is eye-catching.
Address: Khem Khong Road | Ban Wat Nong, Luang Prabang 0600, Laos
This trendy cafe is the perfect place for breakfast. Black-and-white photography hangs around the café, and it serves simple Western-style meals, excellent coffee, and friendly service. You can choose to dine inside or outdoors.
Address: 46 Sakkhaline Road, Luang Prabang 0600, Laos
This French bakery has a peaceful atmosphere, with wooden buildings that retain the colonial charm. Their croissants are probably the best in Laos, but their other desserts are equally impressive, including pain au chocolat, fruit shakes, sandwiches, quiches, and homemade fruit scoops.
Address: Ock Pop Tok | Ban Saylom, Luang Prabang 0600, Laos
This oasis café, nestled within the aforementioned OCK POP TOK craft workshop, offers a picturesque view of the Mekong River. Besides coffee and desserts, the restaurant also serves Laotian-inspired meals.
From budget-friendly backpacker hostels to heartwarming family-run guesthouses, from stylish colonial villas to super-five-star international luxury hotels, Luang Prabang, despite its small size, is a dream destination for those seeking a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. It's a haven of tranquility. Here are a few recommendations for beautiful accommodations to add to your bucket list.
Address: 55/3 Kingkitsarath Road Ban Thongchaleun, Luang Prabang, Laos
Housed in an elegant French building in the UNESCO-protected town of Luang Prabang, Amantaka offers ethereal elegance, with decor and furnishings reflecting the city’s culture and French colonial history.
Located on the south side of Phousi Mountain, the resort is steps away from boutiques, bakeries, restaurants and the city's main streets. The legendary Night Market, the picturesque Mekong River and the former Royal Palace are also nearby.
The hotel building is not newly built, but was renovated from an old French colonial hospital, faithfully reflecting the architectural style of Luang Prabang in the past. It can be said that from the background of the house to its location, it is closely related to the history and pulse of life in the ancient city.
Address: Nauea Village, Luang Prabang, Laos PDR
Nestled within a lush jungle, Rosewood Luang Prabang was designed and constructed by world-renowned Bangkok-based American architect Bill Bensley in accordance with UNESCO guidelines, transforming it into a hill station mansion from the early 20th century.
Surrounded by Luang Prabang's historic royal residence, a river fed by waterfalls flows through the heart of this exotic abode. Inspired by the Laotian-French architecture that made the city famous, the hotel's interiors are inspired by ancient temples, while the luxurious tented villas celebrate the spirit of explorers.
The hotel has 23 spacious rooms, including four deluxe rooms, four specialty suites, three riverside villas, six pool villas and six luxury tents. Each room, suite and villa is adjacent to the river and has unlimited scenery.
The 75-square-meter luxury tent villas feature a private dining area and wraparound deck. Laotian traditions and French colonial influences are cleverly blended throughout the hotel's design and architecture, evident in the use of indigenous materials and locally inspired artwork.
Address: 3 PO Box 50, Luang Prabang, PDR 84330, Laos
Belmont is one of the most luxurious hotels in Luang Prabang. It is located on a hill in Luang Prabang with a great view overlooking the old town of the city. Its overall architecture itself is a world heritage site.
Only when you come here will you understand the true meaning of "slowness." The hotel's decor, primarily in dark wood, invites you to slow down and feel respectful upon entering, almost as if you could sense the power of Zen.
Nestled in the mountains, the hotel offers breathtaking mountain views that will surely impress you. Besides that, you can admire the surrounding pagodas and observe the red-robed monks collecting funds for charity every morning.
The hotel's cuisine has always enjoyed a high reputation. For example, for dinner, you can choose to sit in the extremely comfortable indoors, or experience close contact with nature outdoors and enjoy the warm sunshine. At the same time, you can also enjoy the beautiful scenery of Puxi Mountain. You also have the opportunity to experience a romantic candlelight dinner. Looking around, you can see beautiful lanterns hanging on the trees in the hotel garden.
What exactly is there in Laos?
Laos has things that are unique to Laos, and your life will be unique to you. Traveling can be tiring and disappointing, but it will also bring you something new!
As the only landlocked country in Southeast Asia, some people may think that Laos is dull, while others may think that Laos is no different from other Southeast Asian countries and it is better to go to Thailand or Vietnam. But for me, every country and every city has its own color.
Will I go again? The answer is yes.
I like the slow pace of life in Laos. There seems to be endless time, which I can use to think about more problems.
"When a person travels to a strange land, just breathing,
Just looking at the scenery makes me feel like I've grown up a little bit!
Will the scenery help? I don't know.
The result may not be very useful, and it may just be a memory.
But after all, that’s what traveling is, isn’t it? That’s what life is, isn’t it?” ~ Haruki Murakami
