Are you looking for an off the tourist trail destination for your next holiday? Then consider Luang Prabang, Laos. This charming, former French colony is a relatively undiscovered destination that boasts UNESCO status for its well preserved heritage; endless adventure activities from mountain-biking and trekking to kayaking; breathtaking scenery of lush green mountains and the historic Mekong river; unheard of mouthwatering cuisine; and a laid-back vibe that will transport you back in time. In this one compact spot, consisting of only four main roads and a small population of roughly 56,000, the activities and attractions are endless. In one week you can:
- Participate in a Buddhist Alms Giving Ceremony
This is a sacred Lao religious act that is best observed in Luang Prabang. As the sun rises, 200 saffron-clad monks depart from their various temples to collect daily offerings (usually rice, fresh fruit and sweets) from the locals and visitors that line the street. The etiquette involved in this 14th century tradition is extensive, so research and understand the rules before going.
2. Cook Lao Cuisine at Tamarind
Lao food is full of intriguing flavors and the full day cooking course offered by Tamarind gives you an insight into this relatively undiscovered cuisine. The class starts with a food market tour and then whisks you to their picturesque lakeside pavilions for a multi-course meal of sticky rice and ‘jeow’ (a spicy dipping sauce made from fire-roasted aubergines) and lapp (a minced meat salad with fragrant herbs and bile). http://www.tamarindlaos.com/
3. Immerse Yourself in Buddhist Temples
Dozens of well-preserved religious Buddhist temples (wats) dot the city. Two of the most striking include the gilded Wat Xiang Tong, dating to the 16th century and Wat Mai, once the residence of the head of Laotian Buddhism.
4. Ride an Elephant at the the Elephant Village Sanctuary and Resort
This is a controversial activity, one I ethically debated a long time before doing. I carefully choose this sanctuary, as it provides a picturesque home and new, abusive-free jobs for rescued elephants that were previously working in the forest industry. The full day mahout experience includes training on how to control this 3 ton animal, a 3km ride on a howdah (elephant seat), a bareback bathing experience in the Nam Khan river, and a banana feeding session to say thank you for the opportunity. http://www.elephantvillage-laos.com/about
5. Swim the Waterfalls of Kuang Si and Tad See
Breath-taking waterfalls abound in this area. Two popular options include Tad Sae and Kuang Si. Many organized tours, such as elephant riding, include trips to one of these falls as part of the overall package, so work out if an included visit is part of a paid tour before you arrange a private trip. My favorite was Kuang Si Falls, which are easily reached by hitching a ‘taxi’ truck ride to the spot 29km out of town. Here a three tier waterfall collects in numerous turquoise colored pools before continuing downstream. Other attractions include a bear sanctuary, a butterfly garden and local food stalls.
6. Pray at Pak Ou Buddha-filled Caves
To get to this site, you will have to embark up the historic Mekong River by traditional long boat. The two hour ride delivers you to the limestone hillside caves, which are filled with thousands of gold-lacquered Buddha statues ranging from a few centimeters tall to the height of a human.
7. Weave a Bamboo Basket at OckPopTok
Meaning ‘East Meets West’, this social enterprise works with local women to create modern textiles and handicrafts. They have an extensive show-room downtown, where you can pick up a souvenir. Alternatively, take their free tuk-tuk to their out of town Living Crafts Centre where you can enroll in a bamboo basket weaving workshop, enjoy a relaxing afternoon tea or spend the night in one of the luxurious rooms with verandas overlooking the Mekong. http://ockpoptok.com/
8. Roll Out Your Yoga Mat at Utopia
Overlooking that NamKhan River, this outdoor yoga ‘studio’ is perched on a high wooden deck. Part of a groovy travelers cafe/bar/lounge, it is worth seeking out the directions to this secret hideaway. http://www.luangprabangyoga.org/class-location.html
9. Hike Phu Si to watch the Sunset
Protruding out from the middle of city centre is the 100 meter tall hill of Phu Si, which is dominated by a gilded stupa. Head up just before dusk to watch the sunset and take in 360 views of the city. Get there early though as this is a popular tourist haunt on clear days.
10. Drink a Coffee, Get a Massage, Eat Delicious Food and Just Relax
If all that action and sightseeing is too much for you, then there are plenty of chilled coffee shops, inviting bars, mouthwatering cuisine and relaxing massage houses to help you unwind. Top that with a vast range of hostels and boutique guest houses, there is plenty in Luang Prabang to suit every budget and interest.
