The mesmerising metropolis of Luang Prabang in Laos, is crammed with golden temples, vibrant evening markets and plush turquoise waterfalls. Based between the Mekong River and Nam Khan River, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is likely one of the most religious cities in Southeast Asia. If 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 listing.
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Things To Know Before You Visit Luang Prabang Laos
How to Get a Visa for Laos
Whilst it’s potential 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 may be obtained for those who’re arriving at both Luang Prabang airport, Vientiane airport or 25 different border checkpoints surrounding Laos.
The visa on arrival for Laos is offered for many nationalities and solely requires 1 passport picture and US {dollars} for the appliance price.
The Laos visa on arrival price varies between 30 USD to 40 USD relying in your nationality (UK and US residents are at the moment $35) plus 1 USD for the visa service price. Tourist visas in Laos final for 30 days.
What Currency Does Laos Accept
The forex in Laos is the Lao Kip, and the alternate price is roughly 9000 LAK to 1 USD.
There are loads of 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 price than smaller payments, to counteract this, deliver bigger denomination USD payments with you and store round for one of the best alternate charges.
It can also be potential to alternate GBP, EUR and different main currencies into Laos Kip.
When to Visit Luang Prabang Laos
The finest time to go to Luang Prabang is through the dry season from October to April.
This is the preferred 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 12 months to go to Luang Prabang is in April.
This is when Luang Prabang celebrates Lao New Year by having a water pageant.
The celebrations final three days and the streets of Luang Prabang flip into one huge water struggle.
You can anticipate to be drenched wherever you go, as water is alleged to deliver pleasure, luck, happiness and security within the coming 12 months.
How Long to Spend in Luang Prabang Laos
You can keep wherever between three to seven nights in Luang Prabang, relying on how a lot time you wish to spend stress-free.
However, 4 or 5 nights permits sufficient time for many of the issues to do in Luang Prabang, Laos.
What to Pack for a Trip to Luang Prabang Laos
As properly as the standard vacation packing listing ensure you don’t skip the next packing necessities for Laos:
- Clothes that cowl your shoulders and knees so you possibly can 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
- Travel insurance coverage that covers all of the adventurous Laos issues to do
How to get to Luang Prabang Province
- Fly to Luang Prabang International Airport on a number of worldwide carriers similar to Air Asia, Bangkok Airways, Lao Airlines and Vietnam Airlines.
- 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 occasions a day, 7am, 9am, 12pm, 2pm and 3pm.
- Cruise to Luang Prabang from Houay Xay in Thailand. A two day sluggish boat runs alongside the Mekong River to Luang Prabang and is usually described as top-of-the-line boat journeys in Southeast Asia.
How to get round Luang Prabang
The finest option to discover Luang Prabang is on foot or in a tuk tuk. Rides are low cost however most locations in Luang Prabang may be walked to in solely half an hour.
Where to Stay in Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang has loads of decisions for lodging, from luxurious (usually situated removed from city) to hostels.
I visited Luang Prabang throughout peak season so opted for a mid-priced lodge that was centrally situated.
MyLaoHome is ready in a colonial home and is barely a brief stroll away from the Luang Prabang Night market, the Royal Palace, Mount Phousi and the Mekong River.
On high of that Luang Prabang International Airport is barely a 20 minute drive away.
Guests 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 companies round Laos.
Location: MyLaoHome, 4-5 Hua Xieng Village, Luang Prabang Laos
15 Best Things to do in Luang Prabang
1. Explore Kuang Si Falls
One of essentially the most well-known factors of curiosity in Laos is Kuang Si waterfalls.
Located 30km from Luang Prabang city centre, the cascading waterfalls are open each day from 8am to five.30pm.
There are a number of sections you possibly can swim in so you should definitely deliver your GoPro and seize some underwater photos within the crystal clear waters of Kuang Si.
The entrance price for the waterfalls is 20,000 Kip (approx. USD 2.25).
There are loads of minivans that run between Luang Prabang and Kuang Si Falls a number of occasions 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 well-liked factor to do in Luang Prabang.
2. Visit the Moon Bears
Whilst exploring the Kuang Si waterfalls, ensure you carve out a while to go to the Tat Kuang Si Bear Rescue Centre and help the work the charity do to deal with greater than 70 moon bears.
Many of the bears have been destined for bile farms or stored illegally as pets. However since 2003, the Tat Kuang Si Bear Rescue Centre has been a protected haven for the moon bears, the place they’ll loosen up in hammocks, play with new associates and dwell a protected, wholesome life.
You can help the rescue centre by buying T-shirts, making donations or becoming a member of a Bear Care tour – some of the distinctive issues to see in Luang Prabang.
3. Stop by the Buffalo Dairy Farm
Stop 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 highway, 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 is an out of doors area to take pleasure in your snacks, and in case you have extra time be part of a tour of the buffalo farm and study concerning the work they do there for the local people.
Location: Laos Buffalo Dairy, Ban Muang Khay, Luang Prabang Laos
4. Hike Mount Phousi During the Day
High above Luang Prabang is the well-known Mount Phousi.
It is well-liked amongst vacationers for its elevated sundown views of the Mekong river.
Whilst the sundown expertise is gorgeous, I recommend going earlier within the day to take pleasure in Mount Phousi with out the crowds.
If you possibly can deal with the warmth, head as much as the highest of the mountain by way of the steeper, again route (not by way of the principle entrance reverse the Royal Palace).
The again route begins near the Bamboo bridge, and has the identical entrance price 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 crammed with golden buddha statues and temples, that you simply’ll doubtless get to discover all by yourself.
5. Enjoy Sunset on a Mekong River Cruise
One of one of the best issues to do in Luang Prabang, Laos is the Khopfa Sunset Mekong River cruise.
The cruise takes place each night from the pier outdoors the Belle Rive Boutique Hotel, 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 likely one of the most inexpensive issues to do in Luang Prabang at solely $15 USD!
Location: begins and ends outdoors the posh lodge, Belle Rive Boutique, 99 Baan Phonhueang, Luang Prabang Laos
6. Try a Laos Cooking Class
Luang Prabang is thought throughout Laos for its cooking courses.
The half day cooking class, is a good way to study conventional Laos delicacies in addition to the native lifestyle.
Classes happen outdoor, utilizing recent substances and herbs grown on website.
The cooking class consists of genuine and conventional on a regular basis Laos dishes, and after you’ve cooked your three course meal you possibly can sit down and luxuriate in your lunch.
Favourites from the menu we created, have been the lemongrass stuffed rooster and the mango sticky rice for desert!
7. Shop on the Night Market
The Luang Prabang Night Market is open each day from 5pm till 11pm.
During this time the roads are closed to autos and lots of of vibrant purple and blue stalls are arrange alongside the principle avenue in Luang Prabang.
Up to 300 distributors promote a variety of products from food and drinks to clothes, homeware and souvenirs.
You 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 just a few 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. Visit the Buddhist Temples in Luang Prabang Laos
There are 33 temples (or wats) sprinkled round Luang Prabang.
Most are dwelling to monks and may be visited pretty freely so long as you’re dressed appropriately and act respectfully.
The finest temples to go to are the Royal Palace Museum Luang Prabang and Wat Xieng Thong.
Some have entry charges and are solely open for just a few 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 possibly can expertise the monks and novices collaborating of their each day prayers and chants.
9. Experience Almsgiving in Luang Prabang Laos
The each day almsgiving ceremony is a 600 12 months outdated custom.
It takes place at dawn, starting on the principle avenue and spreading out to the aspect streets across the city of Luang Prabang.
If you wish to get entangled, 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.
Make certain you don’t make bodily contact with the monks and costume appropriately along with your shoulders, and legs coated.
10. Try Sunrise Yoga Outdoors
The finest option to begin the day on this religious city, is with a serene view of the Nam Khan river.
Luang Prabang Yoga supply each day dawn yoga courses at Utopia at 7.30am. Drop in courses are 40,000 Kip for one hour and mats are supplied.
Location: Utopia, Ban Aphay, Kingkitsarath Road, Luang Prabang Laos
11. Experience Sunset Along the Banks of the Mekong River
One of one of the best free issues to do in Luang Prabang is wander alongside the banks of the Mekong River at sundown.
It can take half an hour to stroll all the best way alongside the riverbank, and the golden hues right now 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. Enjoy Dinner and Drinks at The Spirit House
One of one of the best issues to do in Luang Prabang at evening is to go to The Spirit House.
With a sister restaurant in Vientiane, The Spirit House is thought for its fusion of Lao and Western staples.
The cocktail menu is essentially the most intensive in Luang Prabang and I can extremely advocate the National Day Martini, uniquely adorned with an edible Laos flag.
The Spirit House serves all the pieces from tapas to salads, and wraps to buddha bowls. Portions are hearty, and dishes are designed to offer wholesome meals choices for guests.
I can advocate 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 House Luang Prabang, Baan Hua Xieng, Luang Prabang Laos
13. Volunteer at Big Brother Mouse
The good option to volunteer in Laos, particularly if you’re low on time, is to go to Big Brother Mouse.
You 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 Big Brother Mouse drop in centre in Luang Prabang.
Located near the Popolo restaurant, Big Brother Mouse is open twice each day from 9 to 11am and 5 to 7pm.
You will probably be paired with younger adults, monks, and novices who wish 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 personal experiences.
Location: Big Brother Mouse, Phayaluangmeungchan Road Wat Nong, Luang Prabang Laos
14. Have a Traditional Laos Massage
Luang Prabang is a superb place to get an affordable 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 advocate the standard Laos therapeutic massage, which is analogous to a Thai therapeutic massage, and prices 100, 000 kip an hour.
Remember 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 essentially the most 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 price, 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 may 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 Road, Luang Prabang Laos
Disclaimer: MyLaoHome kindly gifted my lodging, and UncoverLaosToday (Supported by the Laos Tourism Board) gifted each the Laos Cooking class and Khopfa cruise.
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