"Hello, Luang Prabang"
A popular World Heritage city surrounded by stunning mountain views, where the Mekong and Khan rivers converge. Ancient temples and colonial-style buildings blend seamlessly with traditional Lao wooden houses, preserving the city's unique character. The pace of life remains unhurried and authentic, offering a glimpse into a simpler way of living.

Wow! Luang Prabang is way cooler than I thought. After spending several days living the slow life in Luang Prabang, waking up early, eating like crazy, chilling hard, and sleeping late, I've compiled a list of 10 must-do activities that you absolutely cannot miss! If you visit Luang Prabang and don't do these things, people will think you haven't really been here.

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Offering Sticky Rice Alms in Luang Prabang

A quintessential experience in Luang Prabang is participating in the daily morning ritual of offering sticky rice alms to hundreds of saffron-clad monks. Devout locals, dressed in traditional attire, line the streets, presenting their offerings with reverence. The most popular spot for tourists to witness and participate in this spectacle is in front of Wat Xieng Thong temple.

Important Note: Be mindful of opportunistic vendors who may attempt to overcharge for sticky rice and other offerings. Negotiate prices beforehand and be wary of unsolicited additions to your purchase.

No, thank you. I only need two, please.



Morning Market Stroll

Waking up early in Luang Prabang offers a unique opportunity to experience the vibrant morning market. Unlike larger cities with sprawling shopping malls, Luang Prabang embraces the tradition of local morning markets, bustling with life and offering a glimpse into the daily routines of its residents.

From fresh produce and fragrant spices to handcrafted souvenirs and local delicacies, the market caters to every need. The sight of vendors displaying their wares on woven mats or makeshift tables, the air filled with the chatter of bargaining customers and the aroma of freshly cooked food, creates an unforgettable sensory experience.

This immersive cultural encounter allows visitors to witness the local way of life firsthand. Witnessing the interactions between vendors and customers, observing the diverse array of goods on offer, and perhaps even attempting a purchase or two, provides a deeper understanding of the community's economic and social dynamics.

The morning market is not just a place to shop; it's a vibrant hub where the community comes together, fostering a sense of connection and shared experience. It's a place where traditions are preserved, stories are exchanged, and the essence of Luang Prabang's cultural heritage comes alive.

So, if you find yourself in Luang Prabang, be sure to set your alarm early and head to the morning market. It's an experience that will stay with you long after you leave.



03 Hours of Breathtaking Views from the Top of Mount Phousi

"If you haven't climbed Mount Phousi, you haven't truly experienced Luang Prabang." This saying almost proved true for me, as the relentless rain threatened to keep me from witnessing the stunning panoramic views from the summit.

Despite the weather, I persevered, ascending the 328 steps and paying the 20,000 kip entrance fee. My reward? A breathtaking 360-degree vista, arguably the most beautiful in all of Luang Prabang. The summit also houses the sacred Phousi stupa, a revered landmark deeply intertwined with the city's history and identity.


04 Visiting temples in the World Heritage city
Since it was the old capital of the Lan Xang Kingdom (closely related to the Lanna Kingdom), temples, culture, food, and lifestyle in Luang Prabang are similar to Chiang Mai in Thailand.

The inner city of Luang Prabang is a World Heritage Site with a plethora of temples. Even a full day of exploration would not suffice to see them all. Among the most popular temples for tourists are Wat Xieng Thong, Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham, and the Luang Prabang National Museum. The most well-known and beloved temple among Thai tourists is Wat Xieng Thong, which is widely regarded as the crown jewel of Laotian architecture.

Some famous temples charge an entrance fee of around 20,000 kip, while others are free to enter. Remember to dress modestly when visiting temples. If you are wearing shorts, you can rent a sarong for 5,000 kip before entering.


**Kuang Si Falls**

Located 30 kilometers from Luang Prabang, Kuang Si Falls is a stunning turquoise waterfall and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the region. Visitors can choose to hire a songthaew (shared taxi) or book a tour through a travel agency or their hotel. While independent travel allows for more flexibility, joining a tour provides the opportunity to connect with other travelers. We opted for a tour arranged by our accommodation, which cost 50,000 kip per person. A van picked us up from our hotel and transported us to the falls. Upon arrival, the driver collected an additional entrance fee of 20,000 kip per person.

Upon reaching the waterfall, we first encounter the "Bear", which is actually a bear rescue center offering free entry. Continuing our ascent, we come across 3-4 designated swimming areas. Opting out of a swim, we instead admire the sight of foreigners in bikinis, flaunting their toned physiques. The most breathtaking view of the waterfall awaits at the top, where swimming is prohibited.


06 Taste the local menu
Besides traveling, eating is another thing we love. We eat at that restaurant, we go to this restaurant. There is no chance for the stomach to be hungry.

Lao cuisine bears a resemblance to the food of Thailand's northeastern Isaan region and northern regions, but the flavors are distinctly different. For instance, the som tam (papaya salad) at a restaurant in an alley near the dark market was so delicious that we went back twice. We ordered the Tam Luang Prabang, which we enjoyed with grilled fish and crispy ribs. Sticky rice is a must-have accompaniment. The spiciness is adjustable, and the overall experience is incredibly flavorful.

Luang Prabang's Culinary Delights: A Must-Try Guide

Luang Prabang, a charming city in Laos, boasts a vibrant culinary scene that tantalizes taste buds with its unique and flavorful dishes. From the iconic Khao Soi, a rich coconut curry noodle soup, to the crispy Kai Pad Tod (fried chicken), Luang Prabang offers a diverse array of culinary experiences that are sure to delight any food enthusiast.

Must-Try Dishes:

  • Khao Soi: This flavorful noodle soup features thick egg noodles bathed in a creamy coconut curry broth, topped with tender chicken, crispy fried noodles, and a variety of fresh herbs.
  • Laab: A spicy minced meat salad, typically made with pork or chicken, seasoned with chilies, lime juice, fish sauce, and fresh herbs.
  • Suki Lao: A Lao-style hotpot, featuring a variety of meats, vegetables, and noodles simmered in a flavorful broth.
  • Baguettes: A legacy of French colonial influence, Luang Prabang's baguettes are crusty and delicious, often served with savory fillings like pate or omelets.
  • Lao Coffee: Grown in the mountainous regions of Laos, Lao coffee is known for its rich, earthy flavor and is typically served strong and black.

Additional Culinary Gems:

  • Tam Luang Prabang: A refreshing papaya salad, featuring shredded green papaya, tomatoes, peanuts, and a tangy dressing.
  • Jaew Bong: A spicy dipping sauce made with chilies, tomatoes, and herbs, perfect for accompanying grilled meats and vegetables.
  • Fermented Fish: A unique Lao delicacy, fermented fish adds a pungent and umami flavor to various dishes.

Exploring Luang Prabang's Culinary Scene:

Luang Prabang's streets are lined with numerous restaurants, cafes, and street vendors, offering a diverse range of dining options. From traditional Lao restaurants to trendy cafes, there's something to suit every taste and budget.

Stay tuned for our next post, where we will delve deeper into Luang Prabang's culinary scene, highlighting some of the city's most renowned restaurants and must-try dishes.


07 Check in at a cool cafe
You wouldn't believe how many cafes there are in Luang Prabang! The Lao cafes are beautifully decorated in a colonial style, each with its own unique character. Some even offer French-style burgers, while others double as guesthouses.

Today, I will probably have to visit 3-4 cafes to complete my cafe hopping adventure. I've been trying to visit every cafe, but I haven't been able to finish them all. I've been drinking so much coffee that my blood might turn into coffee, but I still haven't finished them all. By the time I finish visiting all the cafes, I'll probably be broke because the coffee prices here are quite high. I've been drinking and drinking, and now my wallet is empty.

The starting price is 25,000 kip per cup, which is around 80 baht. The cheapest coffee shop we saw was Cafe Dao, which is a bit far from Luang Prabang. The price there is around 18,000 kip per cup.


Night Market Stroll
As the sun sets, the street beside the Luang Prabang National Museum comes alive with a vibrant night market. Rows of stalls, adorned with red and blue roofs and protected by white plastic sheets against the rain, illuminate the street. Locals and tourists alike flock to browse and purchase souvenirs, including handmade crafts, silk skirts, t-shirts with Laotian script, paintings, and even pickled snakes, centipedes, and scorpions. The atmosphere resembles the popular walking streets of Chiang Mai or Chiang Khan in Thailand.

The merchandise offered at each stall is often quite similar, with the main difference being the price. Bargaining is expected, and it's not uncommon to compare prices at different stalls before making a purchase. Sometimes, you might even find yourself asking for the price at another stall just for fun, just to see how much you could have saved!


9:00 p.m. Enjoying a beer at the bar
Luang Prabang's nightlife is another activity that I would recommend everyone to experience. Tangor, the bar we visited, caught our attention with its vibrant pink flowers decorating the entrance. It was impossible to resist stopping by for a drink or a photo.

Tangor is located on the same street as the black market. Most of the staff in the shop are Western girls who are very welcoming. My favorite thing is the chair in front of the shop. It faces the street, so you can sip your beer, listen to music, and watch people go by at the same time. There's nothing more relaxing than that.

In terms of pricing, a small bottle of Lao beer costs 15,000 kip (8,000 kip at local shops), while Hoegaarden costs 40,000 kip.


10. Try Lao Beer
Finally, we come to the last item on our list, which is a must-try. Lao beer, which is so famous that everyone says you have to try it, really does taste as good as its reputation (although one of my friends said it wasn't delicious). I don't usually drink beer, but when I tried Lao beer, it went down smoothly. It's easy to drink! 555555

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I picked up this bottle at a local shop near my accommodation. It was incredibly cheap, only 8,000 kip, can you believe it?


*Jipatha

The large number of kip can be overwhelming. To simplify the conversion, remove three zeros from the kip amount and multiply by 4 to get the approximate Thai baht equivalent. For example, 10,000 kip becomes 10 x 4 = 40 baht.

🔻You can exchange Thai baht at the airport. There is only one money exchange counter. You can also exchange money in Luang Prabang city, where the exchange rate is similar.

🔻 Thai baht can also be used. Calculate carefully, it may be cheaper or more expensive. For example, using the bathroom costs 2,000 Lao kip (8 baht). If you pay in Thai baht, it costs 10 baht.

🔻 SIM cards are readily available for purchase at the airport, with various options from different providers. Popular choices include 3-day, 5-day, and 7-day packages. Laos Telecom is a popular choice among travelers.

Taxis to the city are vans. Two people cost 50,000 kip, and three people also cost 50,000 kip. It is not a private car, but a shared ride with other passengers. In short, the more people you go with, the more cost-effective it is!


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