Luang Prabang was one of those destinations you would not expect to love. However, this trip that I did a few weeks ago just reaffirmed my thought that most people in the World need to just get over the idea of poor country.
No country is poor culturally. There is always something at every destination that can enrich your knowledge of the World. To have an open mind means sometimes to go to places you know very little about! I’m glad that I visited Luang Prabang, it was such a hassle free, laid back destination.
Here are a few things that you can do when in Luang Prabang:
- Swim in the Kuang Si Fall
This was my first time bathing in a waterfall. The water was so clear and I could see little fish.
- Visit the buffalo farm
During this trip, I had the chance to enjoy for the first time buffalo ice-cream and the taste was good.
- Sunset watching from Mount Phou Si
This was a beautiful experience as well. You will see many people sitting around and just enjoying the beautiful sunset! Such a great vibe!
- Wat Xien Thong
This is the oldest temple in Luang Prabang. So much history and a perfect display of Laos architecture. You can read more here
- The elephant sanctuary
The elephant sanctuary that I visited was not a good one. I saw elephants crying for the first time here. And the staff was rude when I made it clear that I was not going to ride the elephant. Apparently the fee is less when you don’t ride the elephant but I could have paid a full price just to talk to the elephants, feed them and take a photo with them. I would not recommend this particular elephant sanctuary called Treasure Group Laos. To my fellow travelers, I would suggest that when you go to the elephants sanctuary around the World, please simply take photos with the elephants, talk to them but don’t ride them.
- The Night Market
You will find all sort of things here. I was introduced to the snake gin at this market. It was scary to try anything that has to do with snake but I did it and the taste wasn’t bad! You’ll see many tourists eating all sort of foods here at the night market. You can also buy souvenirs and Laos art here.
- Night out
Luang Prabang is a small town, for a night out you won’t get anything super fancy, however for a laid back night out, you can head to Utopia. This is a place with such a cool vibe where tourists hang out drinking and eating while mingling.
- Giving Alms
If you are staying at Avani Hotel, you can make a request to the the staff to prepare your alms so you can give it to the monks. This is one of the oldest Laos tradition that you can experience too! be aware that giving alms requires an early 5.30am wake up call.
- Cycling along the Mekong River
I really enjoyed my time in Luang Prabang and that feeling of complete freedom that I had while cycling along the Mekong river from my hotel AVani to Wat XIeng Thong. Life is beautiful when one is takes pleasure in doing simple things like these. I would definitely recommend Laos!
Top: here
Ask for Tom when you are here
Night Market 
