The European-style Luang Prabang is a piece of the most beautiful Laos. Luang Prabang is the pearl of northern Laos and a UNESCO World Heritage city, with a tour of temples, art shops and stylish restaurants.
LUANG PRABANG AS A DESTINATION
A piece of Europe in Laos
Walking through the streets of Luang Prabang, a traveler may momentarily imagine that he has returned to Europe. The history of Laos as a French colony is reflected in Luang Prabang in both architecture and food culture. West and east mix in the city in an irresistible way – it’s hard not to fall in love with Luang Prabang.
Th Sisavangvong, the main street of the laid-back city, is full of art shops, small boutiques and stunning buildings. It also accommodates traditional temples and street stalls. The most popular walking game in the city is the bicycle.
Culture and sun in Luang Prabang
As a holiday destination, Luang Prabang is suitable for adults interested in culture, history and art. Despite the tropical weather, it is not a beach destination – sunbathing is certainly possible by the hotel’s swimming pool. Luang Prabang is also a popular backpacker destination. The route for most young people traveling in Southeast Asia stops in Luang Prabang.
There are no actual activities for families with children in peaceful Luang Prabang.
The best time to travel to Luang Prabang is in the winter from November to the end of March. In tropical Laos, the rainy season coincides with the summer months. In winter, the evenings may be cool in northern Laos, especially in the mountains.
The famous monks of Luang Prabang
The monks ’early alms collection has become a tourist attraction in Luang Prabang. Orange-robed monks walking through the dusky streets are an impressive sight, but unfortunately tourists don’t always know how to follow the event tactfully. Exploding flashlights should not be part of the delivery relevant to monks.
Most tourists traveling to Luang Prabang want to see the morning alms collection. However, the tourist should remember to respect the monks by staying on the sidelines and letting them move in peace.
Restaurants and nightlife in Luang Prabang
On the streets of Luang Prabang, traditional Lao cuisines and stylish French-influenced bistros work side by side. In Laos, sticky rice is typically offered on the side of dishes .
When homesick, Luang Prabang also has a Nordic café, Scandinavian Bakery, where you can replenish salmon stock. The place also serves great pizza.
Vegetarians should head to the night market, where you can eat as much as you can with a comprehensive vegetarian buffet. The price is about fifty cents.
Luang Prabang’s nightlife is quite quiet. A few popular garden-like pubs serve until about midnight, but for the morning hours, you have to look for a bowling alley. A nice place to sit in the evening is the popular bar Hive.
FLIGHTS, ACCOMMODATION AND MOVEMENT IN LUANG PRABANG
Through the bend to Luang Prabang
There are no direct flights from Finland to Laos. The easiest way to travel to Luang Prabang is via Bangkok. Finnair has daily direct flights to Bangkok, which in turn has several connections to Luang Prabang.
From elsewhere in Laos, you can travel to Luang Prabang by bus. Laos, like the rest of Southeast Asia, has a comprehensive bus network, but travel may be slow and roads are in poor condition in places. Laos ’winding and bumpy mountain roads may seem heavy to the most sensitive travelers.
A memorable way to get to Luang Prabang is a boat trip from northern Thailand across the Mekong River. The journey takes two days and requires both patience and good sitting muscles, but the special experience and beautiful scenery will reward the traveler.
Finns can obtain a 30-day tourist visa upon arrival at Laos Airport. For a visa, you should reserve about $ 30 plus two passport photos.
Accommodation in Luang Prabang
In stylish Luang Prabang, there is no shortage of comfortable inns or fashionable boutique hotels. Large hotel complexes are not found in peaceful Luang Prabang, but the accommodation is admirably adhering to tradition.
There is also some budget accommodation, although the price level in Luang Prabang is higher than in other Laos, especially during the high season.
Getting around Luang Prabang
In Luang Prabang you can walk everywhere. Renting a bicycle is also a good idea – cycling is a convenient and popular way to get around Luang Prabang. Bikes can be rented from hotels, inns and private bike rentals.
ATTRACTIONS OF LUANG PRABANG
Climb to the top of Mount Phou Sin
Mount Phou Sin – also written in the form of Phousi – is located in the center of Luang Prabang. You can climb to the top to admire the scenery and visit the temples for a small entrance fee. The place looks especially stunning at either sunrise or sunset.
Great crafts from the night market
The Luang Prabang night market features beautiful handmade books and albums, local textiles and paintings. Luang Prabang has one of the most beautiful and colorful markets in Southeast Asia. Bargaining is acceptable, but prices are higher than in other parts of Laos and sellers are sticking to the value of their products.
The city’s largest market, Phousy Market, is located a few kilometers from the city center and is easy to cycle to, for example.
Royal Palace Museum
Travelers interested in history will enjoy a visit to the Royal Palace Museum. Originally built for King Sisavangvong, the palace showcases art and religious artifacts. The most valuable attraction of the museum is the golden standing Buddha.
Temples of Luang Prabang
There are several beautiful temples in Luang Prabang, the most spectacular of which is called Wat Xieng Thong. The temple represents classical Lao temple architecture and is well worth a visit. Wat Chom Pet, on the other hand, offers great views over the Mekong River.
THE BEST OF LUANG PRABANG
Experience these in Luang Prabang
- Rent a bicycle and spend the day wandering around the picturesque city.
- Follow the monks’ alms collection from a respectful distance.
- Climb to the top of Mount Phou Sin to admire the sunrise or sunset.
- Shop at the market and dine at Luang Prabang’s stylish restaurants.
- Explore the city’s traditional temples.