The understated Southeast Asian city and UNESCO World Heritage Site offers more than ancient religious sites. Here, our reasons why you should check it out before the rest of the tourists do.
Often overlooked in favour of cities like Bangkok, Hanoi, Malacca, Phuket, Bali and Yangon, Luang Prabang, located in a mountainous region in Northern Laos, offers a rich history that puts French and Laotian culture side by side. Besides temples, you’ll also be able to experience the act of alms giving, admire and swim in postcard-perfect waterfalls, visit limestone caves, markets, farms, and more.
1. Visit the Kuang Si Falls
If you have time for a side trip, the three-tier waterfall is located about 29km south of Luang Prabang. Expect stunning, serene sights of one of nature’s finest, as the water cascades into an emerald or turquoise pool. Whether you’re looking to swim or admire it on dry land, we promise it’ll be a trip you won’t regret.
2. Give back
From alms giving to monks from various nearby temples, where people usually give gifts or food items, to visiting Free the Bears, a rescue shelter for bears who’re hunted for their bile and other products, there’s so much to learn from visiting these organisations in Laos.
3. Get in touch with Mother Nature
There are several lodges and resorts that are located in the forests near Luang Prabang. There is the Kingfisher Lodge, which offers Comfort Bungalows and Eco Rooms, as well as excursions and activities that explore the surrounding wetlands and animal sanctuaries. Each room offers stunning views of the surrounding flora and fauna. The Shangri-Lao Classic Explorer Camp & Expedition lets you experience the sheer beauty of Mother Nature and her gentle giants, the elephants, in luxurious style. Bringing together luxury and history (the camp lets you retrace the steps of the famous French explorer Dr. Neis), the resort offers more of an experience than just providing accommodation.
4. Visit the temples
No trip to Luang Prabang or Laos is complete without a visit to the temples or wats, as they are known locally. From the Wat Xieng Thong (or Golden City Temple) that boasts a palette of rich hues, exquisite designs and made of tree-of-life glass mosaic, teakwood panels, and low sweeping tiered roofs, to the Wat That Luang that holds the ashes of the last king of Laos, there are plenty for you to choose from. But if you only have time for one, the Golden City Temple, is a must-see.
5. Visit the weaving village
Instead of kitschy souvenirs you may not use after the trip, consider something more meaningful instead. With a tradition of weaving and telling stories through the patterns and fabric, head to the village, where you can witness the process of weaving and dyeing firsthand. Choose between traditional and contemporary designs that’re beautifully packaged, and make for wonderful gifts.