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 GIVINGSai Bat (Morning Alms) is a longstanding tradition in Laos Buddhist culture, and a sacred ceremony for the locals and monks, who depend on these offerings (often sticky rice) for daily sustanance. However, this beautiful ancient ritual, despite being captivating, must be respected when being watched. Equally, when visiting temples shoulders should be covered and respectable clothes worn. 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. |
WATERFALLSThe Kuang Si Waterfalls are spectacular. From 50m this perfect turquoise blue water falls and runs throught a series of shallow pools, perfect for swimming in , before flowing downstream into the jungle river.
This jaw-dropping site is nature at its finest and is bound to be a highlight of your time in Luang Prabang. Just 30mins outside of the city. We can easily orginse a private transfer to the waterfalls. |
PAK OU CAVEPak Ou Caves, also known as The Thousand Buddah Cave, due tot he thousands of buddah statues, large and small, all around the cave.
Set in the steep cliffs along the Mekong river, the caves are an important religious site, and has been used as a places of worship for thousands of years. Enjoy a relaxing boat trip up the Mekong River to get to the magnificent place. The perfect day trip from Luang Prabang. Ask at reception for us to organise this amazing trip for you. |
Phousi MountainPhousi Mountain, literally meaning "Sacred mountian", is one of Luang Prabang's most well known landmarks. Standing 100 metres above sea level, this point is the perfect place to watch sunrise and sunset.
This viewpoint gives a 360° panorama of the the city and the tranquil valley in which it sits. Trust us the 10 minute walk to the top is well worth it! |
CURRENCY AND SHOPPING
The Lao currency is kip and is approximately 17,000kip (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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