LET US HELP YOU ENJOY LUANG PRABANG
Our friendly staff can arrange make sure you see the major sights, and enjoy the best experiences around town.
Here are some handy travel tips:
Here are some handy travel tips:
ALMS GIVINGEvery morning the monks and novices leave the temple just after sunrise to collect alms from the people. This is a special tradition in Luang Prabang where the concentration of temples is very high in the heritage town centre. It is not necessary for you to participate in the alms giving and it is encouraged you show respect towards those who are. Also when visiting temples shoulders should be covered and respectable clothes worn. Even around town it is considered disrespectful to be wearing no shirt.
Please read this important information about the ceremony and how you can show respect. |
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WATERFALLSThe Waterfalls around Luang Prabang are one of the must-do Activities. Enjoy your day at Kuang Si or Tad Sae Waterfalls, swim in the natural pools with turquoise water and experience the exotic jungle. Both Kuang Si and Tad Sae are reachable by Tuktuk or motorbike (1 hour drive). Right next to Kuang Si Waterfalls you also find a Bear Rescue Center and the Butterfly Center. All of these activities are also very suitable to do with kids
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PAK OU CAVEOne of the most holy sites in Laos. In several caves you will find over 4000 Buddha icons and statues. Pak Ou Cave is only accessible by boat on the Mekong, which takes roughly 1 hour from Luang Prabang. This trip can be combined with other activities, such as a visit to the Lao-Lao-Village (where the local "Whiskey" is made).
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Phousi MountainThe holy mountain in the center of town offers a spectacular view over Luang Prabang. It is best visited at sunrise or sunset. Don't underestimate the steep stairs! It can be a very sweaty way up, but the view is worth it. There are two ways up, one in front of the National Museum and one along the Nam Khan River.
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CURRENCY AND SHOPPING
The Lao currency is kip and is approximately 8,000kip (LAK) to the 1 US dollar. It is advantageous to have kip as all businesses transact in the local currency. ATMs are plentiful and changing money is best in the better known banks BCEL, Banque Franco Lao, with branches on the main street. If you are changing at the money changer's make sure you count your notes carefully before leaving. Most shops catering to foreigners accept credit cards and add a 3% bank charge to pay by card. US dollars and Thai baht are widely accepted although the exchange rate may not be as advantageous paying in these currencies.
TOURING AROUND
The most well-travelled places around town are accessible by road and by river. Our reception staff can arrange tours for you to the popular Kuangsi waterfall, and Pak Ou Caves. There are also some experiential tours available, sunset cruising on the Mekong, experiencing rice farming, textiles, dyeing and weaving, Lao cuisine and more. We have a selection for you to choose at reception. The town is very accessible by foot, bicycle and tuk tuk, and the major temples and main street are not far from the hotel. For a good map with more up to date information check out Hobo Maps, Google maps do not work so well here in Laos. .
FESTIVALS AND EVENTS
There are wonderful festivals and events year round in Luang Prabang, here is a list of the more important ones:
- Lao New Year (Pi Mai Lao) April 14-17
- Start of Buddhist Lent (Khao Phonsa) July
- Boat Races Late August September
- End of Buddhist Lent (Ork Phonsa) and the Lantern Boat - - ---
Festival October
- Luang Prabang Half Marathon October
- Luang Prabang Film Festival December
- Hmong New Year December
- Lao New Year (Pi Mai Lao) April 14-17
- Start of Buddhist Lent (Khao Phonsa) July
- Boat Races Late August September
- End of Buddhist Lent (Ork Phonsa) and the Lantern Boat - - ---
Festival October
- Luang Prabang Half Marathon October
- Luang Prabang Film Festival December
- Hmong New Year December
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