Exploring the Slow Life in Luang Prabang 🇱🇦

Luang Prabang, the capital of Luang Prabang Province in northern Laos, is a charming city located along the Mekong and Khan Rivers. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this city is a must-visit for those seeking a blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. For this trip, we traveled with AirAsia Super App for four days and three nights. If you're planning to visit Luang Prabang, make sure to check flight schedules and plan ahead, as flights are not available daily. We arrived on a Saturday evening, and getting to the city was quick—only about 15 minutes from the airport, which is conveniently close to the city center. However, the immigration process was quite slow, with only two counters available, causing some delays. Other than that, everything went smoothly. For the first two nights, we stayed at Indigo House Hotel, located right at the entrance of the Night Market. Super convenient! We booked through an app called Hopper, and the cost was incredibly affordable—just over 100 THB per person. The hotel included breakfast, had a café, and even a rooftop bar. Considering the price, the quality was excellent! After checking in, we took a short walk from the hotel to climb Mount Phousi. The climb involves over 300 steps, which is a bit of a workout, but the sunset view at the top is absolutely stunning—10/10! You can see the entire city, including both the Mekong and Khan Rivers. If you visit on a weekend, you might encounter some tour groups, but it’s not overly crowded. Note that there’s an entrance fee to visit the site. As for the cost, don’t ask me—I paid in Lao Kip, and the numbers were in the tens of thousands, so I can’t remember exactly! After descending, we headed to the Night Market for dinner. Based on reviews, there’s a great barbecue pork restaurant, though I couldn’t find its name. It’s located on the same side as Indigo House Hotel, just a short walk away. The dipping sauce was amazing, though the heat was intense! The cost was less than 100 THB per person—super affordable. On Day 2, we rented a car with a driver to visit Kuang Si Waterfall. After breakfast, we left at 9 AM. The rental cost was about 1,700 THB, and the vehicle was a large van—perfect for groups. The drive to the waterfall took about an hour, as it’s located 30 kilometers from the city. The winding roads might make you a bit nauseous, but the destination is worth it. Upon arrival, we bought tickets, took a golf cart, and walked a short distance to the waterfall. If you visit during this season, the water flow is abundant and breathtaking. After taking photos, we stopped at Carpe Diem, a restaurant situated right by the waterfall. The view was great, though the menu options were limited. After lunch, we returned to the golf cart and headed to another nearby waterfall, Tad Kaew Mongkol. You can walk there, but it’s a bit of a workout. The area features a restaurant and café, perfect for snapping a few photos, though the food and coffee were just okay. There were also tour groups around, but it’s still worth visiting for the content! After returning to the hotel, we rented a motorbike to explore the old town and the banks of the Khan River. The sunset view along the river was stunning—so relaxing! You can enjoy a Lao beer here while soaking in the scenery. We ended the day by wandering around and grabbing some food nearby. On Day 3, we woke up early at 5 AM to participate in the traditional almsgiving ceremony with sticky rice—a signature activity in Luang Prabang. If you plan to join, dress modestly with long pants and avoid sleeveless tops. We headed to Wat Sensoukharam, and it’s best to arrive early. This area is managed by vendors who provide everything you need, including chairs, mats, scarves, and almsgiving sets. All you need to do is show up!