Luang Prabang
A quaint, European style town in Northern Laos, you'll be blown away by one of the most gorgeous waterfalls we have ever seen!
Luang Prabang is the spiritual heart of Laos. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it sits at the junction of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers. The city is a fusion of different architecture, where traditional Lao wooden houses blend seamlessly with French colonial villas.
Things to Do:
The Alms Giving Ceremony (Tak Bat): Rise at dawn to witness a centuries-old tradition as hundreds of monks walk silently through the streets to collect offerings of sticky rice from local residents. It is a beautiful, solemn sight (please observe from a distance and remain quiet).
Cool Off at Kuang Si Falls: These are the most famous waterfalls in Laos for a reason. The water is a brilliant, milky turquoise, cascading over multi-tiered limestone pools. There’s also a Sun Bear Sanctuary at the entrance where you can see rescued bears.
Climb Mount Phousi for Sunset: Hike the 300+ steps to the top of the hill in the center of town. You’ll get a 360-degree view of the city, the rivers, and the surrounding mountains as the sun dips below the horizon.
Browse the Night Market: Every evening, the main street closes to cars and fills with colorful stalls. This is the best place to find handmade Hmong textiles, indigo-dyed clothing, and local handicrafts.
Explore Wat Xieng Thong: Built in 1560, this is the most magnificent temple in the city. Its low-sweeping roofs and the "Tree of Life" glass mosaic on the rear wall are breathtaking examples of classical Lao art.
Crossing the Bamboo Bridge: During the dry season, locals build a temporary bamboo bridge across the Nam Khan River. It’s rickety, charming, and leads to quiet craft villages on the other side.
Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre (TAEC): A small but excellent museum that explains the diverse ethnic cultures and textiles of Laos. It’s a great way to understand the people you’ll meet on your travels.
Eat at the "Buffet Alley": Tucked off the night market is a narrow lane famous for its vegetarian buffets and grilled Mekong fish. It’s cheap, social, and delicious.