Imagine a place where a profusion of scents from myriad tropical flowers in bloom engulf you. Where tall mountains, decked in all shades of green, serve as the gorgeous backdrop to a charming town dazzle you. Where birdsong fills the air. And brightly colored tuk-tuks make their way down lush, tree-lined streets buzzing past parked American cars dating back to the 1950s. Where other birds – roosters to be specific – amble alongside these same tuk-tuks without a care in the world. Imagine a bamboo bridge spanning the snakelike belly of the Mekong River, and morning commuters quickly and fearlessly traversing its wooden slots. While a man dressed in khaki shorts and a cerulean-blue t-shirt waters a meticulously arranged vegetable garden that creeps up from the riverbank. Don’t forget the gentle breezes that ruffle blouses and caress cheeks. Have you set the picture in your head? Welcome to Luang Prabang, Laos.
Luang Prabang, Laos is – simply put – enchanting. Set in Indochina, it is the destination of backpackers, Foodies, and the ultra-hip crowd. It is easily accessed by plane from Bangkok and well worth the trip. Because of its size, visitors can use their own feet and a handy map to negotiate its streets. Warning though – it is incredibly hot and humid, even in the winter months. As you would imagine (that imagination again) a tropical destination to be. So be prepared.
For being small, Luang Prabang packs an incredibly big punch. Art galleries, five-star restaurants, French cafés, open-air markets, spas, Buddhist temples, and historic sites dot its streets. Its feel is fresh and new yet steeped in history. A former French colony, its culture is a mix of European, Asian, and traditional Lao. And its people? They are the friendliest that you will ever meet.
There are indulgences here. Spas to enjoy a mid-afternoon massage. Art galleries to lose time in. Buddhist temples to duck into to escape the heat and admire beautiful mosaics. Cafes where a Café au Lait rival those in France. And the food? Amazing. Lao food is clean and light and absolutely delicious. Choices of dining range from small eateries (where a waiter will crack open a coconut at your table and offer you a straw) to upscale establishments that serve world-class fusion dishes.
Speaking of food…
If you travel to Luang Prabang and are looking to do something memorable, make sure to take a cooking class at Tamarind. This restaurant hosts group classes and is a complete experience. It begins with a morning excursion to a food market. A guide teaches how to choose the perfect ingredients which are later used during the cooking class itself. Then it is off to an idyllic outdoor kitchen and the instruction begins. Students sip on lemongrass tea while learning the ins-and-outs of Lao cooking. Finally, as a group, everyone dines on their created dishes. The school provides you with a small cookbook at the end to practice your new skills at home.
Speaking of markets…
Every night as the sun goes down, Luang Prabang heats further up. But it is not the temperature that climbs, it is the outdoor revelry. One thing not to be missed is the night market which is set up centrally in the area where most tourists stay. Here, you will find everything from packs of playing cards to local art to touristy mementoes. Laos is known as The Land of a Million Elephants and the elephant is paid homage to in countless items in the market. You may even find a special keepsake, such as a wooden marionette of a monk.
Speaking of monks…
The sight of hundreds of monks lining the streets of this World Heritage Town to collect food from local people is truly awe-inspiring – a photo opportunity that most tourists are willing to set their alarms for. Sai Bat (morning alms) takes place between 5-6am each day and involves people placing food and personal care items into the alms bowls of passing monks. Among the monks are many child novices, also dressed in orange robes. They are small of stature and sweet of face. It’s a silent and sacred ceremony – one that is steeped in tradition. You can hear a pin drop as it takes place.
One of the benefits of staying in Luang Prabang is its easy access to activities in the region. A visit to the Pak Ou cave (the most holy site in Laos) or the Kwangsi Waterfall (with its dual cascading waterworks) is easy to arrange. You can book a small speedboat trip down the Mekong or try your hand at kayaking on one of the river’s tributaries. Tour operators will pick you up at your hotel.
A very important thing to mention is this – if you decide to travel to Laos, NEVER leave marked paths. There are still active landmines that remain scattered across the countryside from the Vietnam War.
Also, although it is “cooler” in the winter, you will not want to go during the slash and burn season which typically takes place in the February/March timeframe. Laos is an agrarian nation, and the Laos implement this method of cultivation, in which forests and fields are burned and cleared for planting. Most of its jaw-dropping scenery is obstructed by a heavy, hazy smoke.
