Luang Prabang

From Halal Explorer

[[file:Luang Prabang banner Bank of Mekong river - dotm=yes|unesco=yes|caption=The town on the banks of the Mekong.}} WatSen - Wat Sen, Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang, or Louangphrabang ( Lao: ຫຼວງພຣະບາງ) is the former capital of Laos and a UNESCO World Heritage city.

Luang Prabang Halal Explorer

Set at the confluence of two rivers that almost surround the town, and beneath a temple-topped hill, Luang Prabang is a wonderful patchwork of traditional Lao wooden houses and hints of European architecture, reminders of when Laos was part of the French colony of Indochine. Golden-roofed wats (temples), decorated with mosaics and murals of the life of Buddha, sit under the gaze of wrap-around teak balconies and 19th-century shuttered windows. All of this is set against a backdrop of verdant greenery and rugged mountains.

Luang Prabang is a relatively small city with an atmospheric and charming personality. With UNESCO so closely involved and a largely responsible group of local business owners and the pressures of mass tourism have been held at bay, but for how much longer remains to be seen. Restaurants in the main street cater for luxury tourists. More typical Lao venues can still be found along the Mekong.

Get in

By plane

Visa-on-Arrival is available at the airport, costing USD70-35 for citizens of most GCC countries, but slightly higher for developing nations. In any case, bring along an extra USD1 for the processing fee on top of this for hassle-free payment. You need a passport photo to obtain a visa. If you don't have one and they'll scan your picture from your passport and charge you an additional US dollar.

ASEAN nationals do not need a visa to enter Laos for stays not exceeding 30 days.

Visa extensions are feasible at the immigration office opposite the Rama Hotel. The cost is USD2/day plus a USD2 form fee. The process is very easy. Turn up in the morning with your passport and one photo. Fill in a form (in Luang Prabang they do this for you) and come back in the afternoon for your extension.

Exchange rates at the airport are reasonably competitive with the prevailing outside rates, unlike other international airports.

Taxis into town cost about USD9, whether you are by yourself or with 3 other people. There is a taxi counter just outside the arrival hall.

By bus

There are three bus stations, each a little bit out of the city, which serve different directions. Tuk-tuk drivers know which bus station to go to for which destination. Ask around for bus schedules.

Tickets can be purchased at every travel agent in the city, which makes more sense than buying them at the bus station as there is only a difference of roughly 62,000 kip, which pays for the tuk-tuk from your accommodation to the bus station. Pick those agencies which absorb the shuttle ride from the fare quote as others do not. Compare quotes before booking. Book tickets in advance, particularly for VIP buses as they have reserved seats. You don't want to end up sitting next to the toilet.

  • Chiang Mai - this bus direct to Chiang Mai costs 1,500 Thailand#Money|Baht one-way. Total journey time is 18 hours. The bus will uses the new Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge from Huay Xai to Chiang Kong.
  • Vang Vieng - the air-conditioned VIP bus costs roughly 150,000 kip and the same price as the Vientiane bus. Minibuses leave from Vang Vieng at 09:00 and cost 322,000 kip. The shuttle van station is just north of the city. The trip takes 6-7 hours (not the 5 that travel agents advertise). Route 13, along which the bus travels, passes through the mountains and twists and turns uncomfortably for most of the journey. This is not a trip to make on a full stomach or if you are feeling queasy.
  • Vientiane - air-con VIP with reclining seats costs 150,000 kip while an air-con VIP sleeper bus costs 165,000 kip if booked through an agent. Express buses (no air-con) bought at the station are 152,000 kip. Tickets purchased in Vientiane to Luang Prabang are more expensive than those purchased in Luang Prabang. A 12 hours trip, not 9 hours as they claim, a total of 13 hours including the 1 hours meal time.
The bus follows Route 13 south, a relentless bumpy ride because the road is curvy and potholed. Comparing pluses and minuses for VIP sleeper/VIP seats to Express for night trips, not much difference. If taking the trip at night and there is no need for air-con and one cannot sleep on this ride, so it's useless to take a sleeper bus due to the rocking and rolling. Those prone to motion sickness should know that this trip travels a winding, mountainous road.
For seats-only buses and there is no toilet and you should relieve youself before departing because the stopover at the restaurant is 4 hours away, and the last is at the destination station. Check though, because not all tour companies offer free pick-up from a passenger's residence in the quoted price. Bus Station (southern) is about 3.2 kilometers away by walking from the tourist area and a tuk tuk-costs about 62,000 kip (Feb 2012). Same thing with the Northern Bus Station, it's a more than 5-km walk.
  • Muang Xay - and it takes about 5 hours. Costs 40,000 kip and points onward, such as Luang Namtha, are travelled by public shuttle van only. Big backpacks are carried on the roof. Reservations are usually not necessary. Go early in order to secure a good seat.
  • Luang Namtha - takes 8-9 hours and costs 90,000 kip. Parts of the road leading from Oudomxay (intermediate stop between Luang Prabang and Luang Namtha) are still under construction and are quite bumpy. Direct local bus via Muang Xay at 09:00. Otherwise take a bus to Muang Xay and switch there.
  • Nong Khiaw - 3 hours away by public bus from the Northern Bus Station or 8-10 hours by boat for about 152,000 kip. From there boats connect to scenic Muang Ngoi Neua.
  • Huay Xai - up to 15 hours away. Public buses leave at 09:00 (arriving at 24:00) or 17:00 (arriving at 08:00. A normal sleeping bus, not a sleeper). Costs 135,000 kip. VIP buses leave on alternating days, tickets purchased at the Northern Bus Station will cost 35,000 kip, less than if purchased at an agent in town.
  • Phonsavan - bus takes about 8 hours and costs 322,000 kip. Leaves Southern Bus Station around 08:00. Minibus takes around 6 hours and leaves at 09:00. You should be able to buy your ticket at your hotel and arrange to be picked up and taken to the shuttle van station. You can stay on the shuttle van until it unloads the local people in the centre of Luang Prabang though tuk-tuk drivers may try to make you get off earlier at the bus station.
  • Hanoi [get out by long distance bus (make sure you have the Vietnamese visa beforehand), 360,000 kip, 24 hours direct bus. If you require a Vietnamese visa and there is a Vietnamese Consulate in town that can issue visas (next day USD70). If heading to Hanoi,you can buy a ticket from a tour agent, or walk to the Southern Bus Station (30-min walk) and buy it yourself cheaper. You shouldn't buy the ticket at the station itself, but opposite the station you'll see some buses waiting and there will be an office of the Naluang Travel Company. They are the ones who operate the buses, so if you buy anywhere else the ticket will be more expensive. Also note that they claim to sell a ticket to Hanoi at the Northern Bus Station and for only 150,000 kip, but this will take you only to the border and then you'll be left at the mercy of the local drivers who can charge you any amount, since you're in the middle of nowhere. Don't mistake the Northern bus station with the Southern. Get in to follow.
  • Loei - This relatively new connection goes once a day to the province capital Loei in Thailand. Buses leave Loei at 08:00 an the return journey from Luang Prabang leaves at 07:00. The fare is 700 Baht one way and journey time is roughly 10 hours. From Loei there are 4 overnight buses and one day bus to Bangkok. For those going directly from Luang Prabang to Bangkok this allows to bypass Vientiane.

BanNaluang Bus Station (South Bus Station)

To Departs Kip Duration (hr) Comments Updated
Sainyabuli 09:00, 14:00 60,000 5 hr Bring a dust mask! Jun 2022
Phonsavan (Local) 08:30 80,000 Jun 2022
Phonsavan (air-con) 08:30 95,000 Jun 2022
Phonsavan (VIP) 08:30 105,000 Jun 2022
Vang Vieng (air-con) 09:30 90,000 6-7 hr Jun 2022
Vang Vieng (VIP) 09:30 105,000 Jun 2022
Vientiane (Local) 06:30, 08:30, 11:00, 14:00, 16:30, 17:00, 18:30 110,000 Jun 2022
Vientiane (VIP) 08:00, 09:00 (?), 19:30, 20:30 145,000 12 hr Jun 2022
Vinh (Vietnam) W and Sa, 18:30 200,000 Jun 2022
Hanoi (Vietnam) Daily except Thursday, 18:00 360,000 24 hr May 2022

By car

Hwy 13 connects Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng and Vientiane in the south and via Highway 1 to the north. Highway 13 is sealed and in relatively good shape during dry season all the way to Vientiane. Simply put, it is a long, bumpy and winding road trip. The road smacks of a lunar landscape and there are countless potholes due to poor quality surface and the top layer eroded to reveal the gravelly underlayer, which means a really bumpy ride. Although there have been incidents of violence along this stretch of road, it is now safe.

By boat

Boats ply the Mekong to and from Huay Xai at the (Thai) border, stopping in Pakbeng where you can catch overland connections towards the northeast and the border with China. The trip takes 2 days (each day about 9 hours) by slow boat, or 6 bone-rattling hours by speedboat. There are also operators offering 2-day "luxury" cruises.

Expect to spend the night in Pakbeng if you're taking a slow boat (the safest option), or to arrive in Luang Prabang deaf, shaken and either exhausted or exhilarated from six hours in a speedboat. There is also a twice-weekly "one day comfortable boat" between Luang Prabang and Huay Xai, but the cost is significantly higher.

Slow boats leave every day and the last one at 11:00. The trip from Luang Prabang to Huay Xai costs at least 262,000 kip (Mar 2014) and the trip to Luang Prabang from Huay Xai costs 900 Baht (September 2011). The slow boat leaves Luang Prabang at about 08:30, from a pier that is 10 kilometers away from the town centre (a tuk-tuk costs 50-60 Baht per person) and arrives around 18:00 at Pakbeng. It is common to have to switch to a different boat in Pakbeng, so you may end up in a boat of higher or lower quality for the second half of the journey. Two day boats have comfortable (car) seats and it is no longer necessary to purchase any cushions. Arriving in Huay Xai, it's best to take a quick tuk-tuk from the border crossing to the downtown for 50 Baht.

The slow boat is generally packed, so much so that there may not enough seats to go round. Arriving early will mean a longer day, but most likely a better seat, towards the front and away from the engine.

The slow boat trip proceeds in a pleasant 20-30 km/hr and offers nice views of nature and village life on the banks of the Mekong. Most of the passengers are foreign tourists. Occasional local residents take the boat only for short hops between the riverside villages, but prefer to take the bus for the full distance from Huay Xai to Luang Prabang. So you won't be able to observe any local boat travellers.

If you choose to travel on the speedboat (a light canoe with a very powerful engine), a crash helmet and life-jacket should be provided. It is not recommended you travel in a speedboat without this crucial safety equipment. It is also recommended that you make your bags as waterproof or water-resistant as feasible and wear a rain jacket. The boat can generate quite a bit of spray, plus any showers you might encounter along the way will sting like needles against any exposed skin. On sunny days, sunscreen is invaluable as there is no roof or shade on these speed machines. The journey to Huay Xai can be reduced to as few as 4 hours in the wet season, with a lunch stop at Pak Beng. However, some consider this means of transportation less safe, especially in the dry season. Earplugs are strongly recommended. Those who are concerned about creating as little environmental impact as feasible may want avoid speedboats, as they are heavier polluters than the slower options. Travel agents in LP will sell the tickets for 320,000-370,000 kip. You will need a minivan to take you the 10 kilometers north to the fast boat pier.

The third option is to take a luxury cruise. The major operators are Luang Say, Nagi of Mekong, and Shompoo. As of 2009, all operate two-day cruises to Hauy Xai that stop in Pakbeng for the night. Although the journey takes as long as taking the slow boat and these operators offer vastly superior facilities and equipment than public slow boats, and you should be prepared to pay a premium for it. Tickets for all operators can be purchased at most travel agents in town. Prices are roughly 262,000 kip for a slowboat, 280,000 kip for a speedboat. 3,000 kip for Luang Say, 1,200 kip for Nagi of Mekonand (both including a night in a hotel) and 640 kip for Shompoo (Nov 2022). There are some reports that prices of Luang Say and Nagi of Mekong can be bargained down.

There is no public boat service to Vientiane, but it may be feasible to do the trip by private tourist boat when the water levels are high enough. Read more about fast and slow boats in the Laos country guide.

How to get around in Luang Prabang

What to see in Luang Prabang

Arts and crafts

  • Ock Pop Tok Living Craft Centre - An informative free tour to all visitors. Operating as a fair trade traditional weaving centre, you can take classes in bamboo/textile weaving, dye your own silk, draw your own batik or just relax at the Mekong garden cafe. A free tuk-tuk departs daily from the Ock Pop Tok shop in the city at 10:00, 12:00 and 14:00, with other times feasible by agreement.
  • Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre - This small, but perfectly formed museum is dedicated to the ethnic cultures of Laos. Find out more about the groups that make Laos unique and enrich your visit to Luang Prabang. Closed on Mondays, and occasionally other times for exhibitions. Sept 2016- 25,000 kip per person. On site shop and cafe, with an outlet shop close to the Ock Pop Tok shop.

Local monuments and culture

Monks bad tourists - Photo of Alms Ceremony, Sisavangvong Rd

  • Alms Ceremony - Monks at dawn collect alms of Rice from kneeling villagers (and early-rising tourists). Ask your hotel host to assist you the day before in preparing if you'd like to get up and give alms in the morning.
  • Haw Kham - The former royal palace, now a national museum. It is not a national history museum however. You pass through the state rooms and the superior Muslim friendly rooms of the royal family and can see the collection of official cars. No photos, videos, bags, or shoes allowed, free locker provided. Sometimes there is a play or dance performances in the adjacent theatre. In Aug 2011 for example, every Monday Wednesday to Friday Sa and there was a performance at 18:30 of Search of Princess Sida, a royal ballet, with prices from 80,000 to 150,000 kip. Check the schedule and plan your visit accordingly.
  • Phou Si - The hill that dominates the city from which you have a good view of the whole area. It's not a very steep climb from the bottom. Sunrise and sunset are the most sensible and rewarding times to go. There is a near-panoramic view from the top. The ticket office closes at 18:30, so climbing to the top is virtually free afterwards, which gives you about 30 minutes before it gets dark. This is not the place to go however if you are looking for a romantic sunset with not so many other people around. In this case go to a remote section of the shoreline or book a sunset tour on a small boat.
  • Vat Xieng Toung - The oldest monastery in town and one of the most beautiful. One entrance is on the road along the Mekong, another on the by-lane off the primary street.
  • Vipassana Temple and Park - This golden temple, highly visible from Phou Si, is a shrine for Buddhists who training Vipassana meditation.

Outside the city

Kuang Xi Falls - Kuang Si Falls, Luang Prabang

While the tuktuk price for out of city sights is steep for couples or singles, keep asking. Some drivers might have been asked by others and will try to build a group.

  • Bear Rescue Centre - Operated by the Free the bears charity with various enclosure for endangered Asiatic black bears, both Moon and Sunday bears, that have been rescued from poachers. Small gift shop.
  • Kuang Si Falls - A large multi-tiered waterfall, accessible by boat or truck hire. You can also rent a motorbike to transport yourself there. There are food and tourist stalls outside the waterfalls. It is worth putting a whole day aside (or more) for seeing these because they are a great place to relax and meet other travellers. There are multiple pools at different levels, all of which are reportedly safe to bathe in, and are extremely picturesque. Shared tuk-tuks charge about 30,000-50,000 kip (cheapest seems to be near slow boat pier, though you can get them for 40,000 kip near Joma Bakery). You may have to wait until the tuk-tuk fills up. Tuk-tuks are legally only allowed to take six people, and there is a checkpoint at the falls, so some drivers may try to get a 7th person in the front seat. Private tuk-tuk will cost you at least 150,000 kip, but you will need to bargain for some time; don't hesitate to start from 322,000 kip if the driver tells you 150,000 kip. Drivers may try to show you documents that quote 200,000 kip or more depending on driver. Just ignore this and insist. Try to go with 5 people and insist on 72,000 kip each. The driver should wait for 3-4 hours at the waterfall gate area. Make sure your 150,000 kip includes there and back. Bargain, bargain, bargain. Just remember that there are dozens of tuk-tuks around, so you have the advantage. If you lack companions, offer 72,000 kip and wait until he finds more passengers. A seat in a shuttle van costs 40,000 kip, more if booked through a travel agent.
  • Pak Ou Caves - The famous "Buddha caves" are north of the city on the Mekong and can be visited by road (roughly 1 hr) or river boat (around 1.5 hr). Alternatively, you can hire canoes and a guide for the day, which would allow you to view the beautiful scenery and visit the caves without throngs of other tourists. It's also feasible to finish the trip at the " village" where the local Lao lao (rice spirit) is made. There are two caves, one on the entry level and another and the upper caves, on top of the hill. A very steep climb, but worth the effort. A torch is needed to see the upper cave. Simply cross the river at Pak Ou village for 13,000 kip per person (25,000 kip if you're the only one on the boat), walk up the hill and turn right, crossing the school grounds, to find your way to the caves. Motorcycle parking at Pak Ou village 22,000 kip.
  • Tad Sae Waterfalls - Tiered waterfalls which are not as big as Kuang Xi, but very beautiful. You can bathe there and elephant rides are available.

What to do in Luang Prabang

  • Fair Trek Project - People who love activities and treks may find some interesting interactive tours which are designed to support villages outside of Luang Prabang in the north of Laos.
  • Hike or bike acorss the river in Chompet - Hike or bicycle alongside the river through a few small Hmong villages and past a few temples (52,000 kip admission) and a cave. Beware the children at the temples with the ticket-takers, especially at the temple with the white stairs leading to the water opposite Luang Prabang. They will swarm over tourists' backpacks, and money will later be found missing. Enquiries to police and village officials will not be fruitful.
  • Lao Red Cross Sauna - A traditional Lao private sauna and massage, very popular with local residents in the afternoon.
  • Lenou's Library - A great way to experience Lao village life without a tour bus. The owner started a library and children's English tutoring centre in his house a few years ago and since has been steadily expanding services with help from volunteers. Lenou sometimes organises dinners on the Num Ou river by request and generally seems to appreciate a helping hand.
  • Rent a motorbike - Although prices are high by Southeast Asian standards, riding around the surrounding areas of Luang Prabang is a fantastic way to see the nationside. Fuel for the whole day will cost around 15,000 kip. Normal training is the rental company retains your passport, so make sure they know when you leave and how to recover your passport. Choose the rental agency carefully, keep the motorcycle safe and take your own lock. Some rental agencies, particularly Khamsay, have been widely accused of stealing bikes after they rent them out to tourists and then demanding USD2,500 compensation from the tourist. Research bike rentals thoroughly before choosing one.
  • Backstreet Academy - An alternative tour experiences platform and they enable local residents to offer authentic and unique activities to tourists such as silk weaving, wood carving workshops, paper stenciling, traditional music instruments and courses to make a knife or crossbow with local craftsmen. A social enterprise and they work with many underprivileged people who either serve as hosts or facilitators. The facilitators will pick you up from your hotel and translate for you. These facilitators are usually young students looking for work to pay for their education. Transport is provided for most activities in Luang Prabang.
  • Elephant Village Sanctuary & Resort - Elephant Village - It has 14 elephants. They are kept away from abusive work and cared by veterinarians, and seem well looked after and relaxed. Offers basic elephant rides, or 1 or 2 day mahout course where you learn the commands to control the elephant. You also get to wash the elephants in the Namkhan River which is a lot of fun.
  • Nava Mekong Cruises - 2 cruises on the Mekong with full meals featuring Lao delicacies. Pak Ou Cave cruise goes upstream & includes a visit to the "1000 Buddhas cave" (entrance fee included) and a village, where passengers are given enough time to visit. Sunset cruise goes downstream & includes a traditional music and dance show. The company strives to be socially responsible & make sure to hire local residents from the villages around Luang Prabang, making the experience more authentic & positive for everybody.

Study in Luang Prabang

Cooking classes

This is an enjoyable way to gain insights into Lao culinary methods and traditions. There are four substantial cooking class providers in the city, using Lao chefs and instructors. They differ somewhat in style and content, but all include transport, information about Lao cuisine, and eating the dishes afterwards.

  • The Bamboo Experience | Located in a village near Rice paddy field and bamboo plantation. Not only you'll learn to cook Lao dishes using bamboo shoots as the main ingredient, but as well you'll learn what can be made out of bamboo, play with bamboo stilts, crossbow, attend a small music+dance show by a Hmong man, get a weaving lesson with a local craftsman & make your own small souvenir.
  • Tamarind - Lovely gardens by the water a short ride from the city.
  • Tamnak Lao - They offer day and evening courses. For day class and there are 2 mandatory plus 5 optional dishes to choose from (choose only 3) for a total of 5 dishes plus demonstrations only on how to cook sticky Rice and Lao chili paste (very good). Variation is not much as 4 of the 7 dishes presented require eggs (standard class). Instruction is no-nonsense and very fast paced, but Mr Lee and the instructor, is very helpful. It starts with demonstration and then hands on. All the dishes made are eaten, so it may be useful to bring a cooking and eating partner.
  • Tum Tum Cheng - Classes have more of a demonstration orientation, with participants helping instructors with various tasks. All courses can be booked at the relevant restaurants.

Some of the hotels and guesthouses in town also offer small or private cooking classes for their guests.

Farm visit

  • Living Land Farm - Offers a "rice experience" tour, or you can just stop by this farm. If you visit without a tour and they will still show you around the farm, pointing out the organic vegetables and Rice and showing you the traditional tools they use to process Rice.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Luang Prabang

Thai Baht and USD are widely accepted but the exchange rates vary. There are some ATMs that accept Visa, MasterCard, Maestro and Eurocards. These ATMs are mostly on Sisavangvong Road near the end of the Night Market. The ATMs dispense currency in Lao kip, and generally allow a maximum withdrawal of 1,000,000 kip with a charge of 62,000 kip. Banque Franco-Lao allows a maximum withdrawal of 2,000,000 kip with a charge of 40,000 kip. Multiple withdrawals are allowed to a daily maximum of 5,000,000 kip. If you arrive by plane and there is an ATM and a money changer at the airport which is only open for a few hours of the day. Also and their rates are significantly worse than the banks in town.

Money changers/exchange For Malaysians, it is best to change money to Baht, where the rate is RM10=100 Baht or more and then change the Baht to kip in Laos. This is because they give not so good rates in Laos for Malaysian ringgit.

There are a number of money changers who generally do not offer good rates, and are either on Sisavangvong Road or in the permanent markets further east. One is next to the ATM near the Night Markets, another is about 50 m further north along the street, in front of one of the first restaurants (looks like a little tollbooth/shack). The rates offered may vary, so shop around before you change. Better maybe to use official money changing services at a bank which are easily found. There are reports of scam by using money changers to take cash advance. They will charge you more in USD with a different exchange rate than posted. Even after complaining it's not feasible to cancel the transaction.

The Night Market (on Sisavangvong Road) caters to tourists with every kind of souvenir you could want and closes at about 22:00. Particularly good are the duvet covers, cushion covers, and pillow sets. They can even make one up to your dimensions by the next day. It is well worth a look and the hawkers are very pleasant to deal with and amazingly non-pushy by the standard elsewhere in Asia. Traders range from young children to the elderly who usually make crafts, art, and goods by themselves. Good-natured bargaining is advisable, but don't obsess over this and ruin your experience as well as giving the trader a bad day. The quality and design of goods is lower in the market than in the legions of increasingly chic stores in the city. There may be some souvenirs available made from endangered animals. Avoid buying rare pets, leather, ivory, talons, dried sea creatures (starfish, etc.), fur, feathers, teeth and other animal products. This is the best place to buy lower end souvenirs and hone your bargaining skills.

Laotian aesthetic sense is quite evolved. For instance check out some of the higher end stores:

  • Ock Pop Tok - An ethical trading company with superb galleries. Also run classes and visits to village weaving facilities.

Muslim Friendly Food & Restaurants in Luang Prabang

DKoehl street market food stall luang prabang - Street market Noodles food stall at the market in luang prabang

Probably the most recommended food is the Lao version of fried spring roll, vegetable at 3,000 kip.

Local specialities include:

  • French baguettes and other bakery items. Generally very good.
  • Local watercress which is very peppery.
  • Fried dried seaweed with sesame seeds dipped in a chili Sauces.

Halal food in Laos is almost none existence.

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Muslim Friendly hotels in Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang has the https://els.ehalal.io/hotels?destination=Luang%20Prabang&locationId=5884&checkIn=2023-09-16&checkOut=2023-09-17&children=&adults=2&&with_request=true best selection of accommodation in Laos, with something to suit every budget. There is everything from tent sites under a roof for 62,000 kip per day up to super luxury at USD1,500 per day.

Don't expect though that the whole kit and kaboodle that you can find in Vietnam or Cambodia, air-con, cable TV, Internet, can be found in LP for USD12.

While the big chains have yet to make an appearance and there's plenty of " boutique" accommodation, although this heavily overused word runs the gamut from quirky to luxury. Most of the lanes and alleys all through Luang Prabang have places to stay, with a large selection also found in the lanes south of the Post Office. Free Wi-Fi is quite common in https://els.ehalal.io/hotels?destination=Luang%20Prabang&locationId=5884&checkIn=2023-09-16&checkOut=2023-09-17&children=&adults=2&&with_request=true budget accommodations].

  • halal.io//2023-09-16&checkOut=2023-09-17&5884&&Amantaka&hotelId=536923&&.Zzcd644008e4264ca791faac9-206204 Amantaka - Luxury resort. Set in a large garden estate and housed in graceful French colonial buildings just south of Phousi Hill. Airy and elegant throughout and the décor and furnishings reflect the city's French colonial history.
  • halal.io//2023-09-16&checkOut=2023-09-17&5884&&Indigo+House+Hotel&hotelId=622392&&.Zze0dfec84f8df4d85a0f2d2e-206204 Ancient Luang Prabang - On the doorstep of the night market, which is a mixed blessing. A nice, authentic view, but prepare for vendors packing up stalls at 01:00 with the windows being as soundproof as paper. Rooms not quite up to scratch for this price: no shower curtain and cleverly designed taps ensure a wet floor. However, clean and comfortable. Friendly staff and no cost for airport transfer.
  • halal.io//2023-09-16&checkOut=2023-09-17&5884&&The+Apsara+Rive+Droite&hotelId=22167&&.Zz02f5f931a52140339a462b4-206204 The Apsara - A quite wonderful hotel in a restored colonial building overlooking the Khan River. All rooms are decorated with local fabrics and furniture and very much in keeping with the hip and funky image of the hotel. Try to stay in the original building if you can. Superb French/Asian restaurant in the lobby.
  • halal.io//2023-09-16&checkOut=2023-09-17&5884&&The+Grand+Luang+Prabang&hotelId=289710&&.Zzb0d2c0890bc546478d7f3f9-206204 The Grand - An atmospheric set of comfortable neo-colonial buildings on the site of Prince Phetsarath's old residence. Many rooms have idyllic views of both the Mekong River and the hotels gardens and ponds. During the winter season, breakfast is served outdoors on a terrace with spectacular views of the Mekong River and the surrounding hills as they emerge from the morning mist.
  • halal.io//2023-09-16&checkOut=2023-09-17&5884&&Kiridara+Luang+Prabang&hotelId=23287&&.Zz0e8a581e307d44c593b4147-206204 Kiridara - Beautiful hotel on the outskirts of the city, with views overlooking Mt Phou Si and the hills surrounding Luang Prabang. The relatively large rooms offer very comfortable beds. The infinity swimming swimmingpool has great views, and sometimes masseuses from the spa will offer complimentary 5-min massages to people lounging by the pool. The spa offers a range of massages and herbal steam baths. Small gym on-site.
  • halal.io//2023-09-16&checkOut=2023-09-17&5884&&Lotus+Villa&hotelId=289524&&.Zzcaed2d9560934e8dbc81592-206204 Lotus Villa - A 15-room Lao-colonial villa in the quiet area of the UNESCO precinct. The clean rooms, decorated by local artisans, are centred around a lush tropical garden, includes breakfast and Internet/Wi-Fi.
  • halal.io//2023-09-16&checkOut=2023-09-17&5884&&Maison+Souvannaphoum+Hotel&hotelId=493197&&.Zz87ac9c96e87249a9abcd66a-206204 Maison Souvannaphoum Hotel - An old palace transformed into a hotel, with the "Angsana Spa" within the hotel. Spacious rooms with great amenities. Each room with a balcony. Small but clean swimming pool, hearty breakfast, all staff know you by name as there are only 24 rooms. Within walking distance to all the attractions.
  • halal.io//2023-09-16&checkOut=2023-09-17&5884&&Mekong+Riverview+Hotel&hotelId=289564&&.Zz0e0f355deea24ca3a9b991d-206204 Mekong River View - A beautiful boutique hotel with personal touches, on the tip of the peninsula, at the very end of the old town, in the UNESCO World Heritage Area. The view you have from the rooms and café/restaurant is the meeting of the Mekong River and Nam Khan Rivers. The hotel is quiet and peaceful with the beautiful former royal temple Wat Xienthong as your neighbour.
  • halal.io//2023-09-16&checkOut=2023-09-17&5884&&La+Résidence+Phou+Vao%2C+A+Belmond+Hotel%2C+Luang+Prabang&hotelId=16262&&.Zzdba2391e441c428eaaa68c7-206204 La Residence Phou Vao - This resort sits amid landscaped grounds and gardens, and has picturesque views over Phou Si and the town. The property has a traditional Lao spa and a restaurant, offering both indigenous and French cuisine. Regular shuttles are provided and boat trips arranged.
  • halal.io//2023-09-16&checkOut=2023-09-17&5884&&Villa+Maly+Boutique+Hotel&hotelId=560356&&.Zz31c5e8a0fbee49da96 b2025-206204 Villa Maly - Boutique hotel that is a former royal residence. The property is a blend of traditional Laotian architecture with echoes of its French colonial past. Internet and breakfast included.
  • halal.io//2023-09-16&checkOut=2023-09-17&5884&&Santi+Resort+%26+Spa&hotelId=622383&&.Zz80bc6312885947958fcd957-206204 Villa Santi Resort - Villa-style resort, good restaurant, with a terribly mosquito infested pool. Private Massage and spa service.
  • halal.io//2023-09-16&checkOut=2023-09-17&1511422&&Lao+Spirit+Resort&hotelId=776683&&.Zz5f14c0a6 b59d40889f448dc-206204 Lao Spirit Resort - Beautiful, peaceful jungle resort 15 kilometers outside of the city. Colonial style bungalows with great views of the Nam Khan and mountains beyond. Good food and many activities offered. In the mornings, you can see elephants bathe in the river. Supports local villages.
  • halal.io//2023-09-16&checkOut=2023-09-17&5884&&Parasol+Blanc+Hotel&hotelId=289516&&.Zz9fac83d96fa84af6 bda6afd-206204 Parasol Blanc - 3.5 stars hotel. 20 classic rooms, 10 superior rooms. While the story of Parasol Blanc started in 1885 and King Sisavang Phoulivong and the hotel is very recent and rooms are super modern. Friendly & multilingual staff (English & French especially). Bicycles lent for free. Rooms with a private balcony overlooking a tropical garden and a lotus pond, protected by the UNESCO Free Zone. Cable TV. Plugs everywhere. Substantial, diverse & delicious breakfast (including baguette, croissants, Nutella, Vegemite, fresh fruits, Lao delicacies) 06:30-22:00.

Cope in Luang Prabang

Hydrating

Be sure to buy a small (or big depending on your needs) backpacking-sized plastic bottled water, and don't throw it away and then refill it as you go along from your hotel's/guesthouse's or tour agent's office water dispenser. They are ubiquitous and one should not consider water expenses in the budget.

If you can't find one along the backpackers' area, go to the lobby of the Phra Lang Phra Lao, a separate building besides the National Museum, beyond the huge King Sisavangvong statue, and re-supply. The water dispenser is at the right hand side at the far end of the junction from the entry door. There is also an available toilet with no charge. Or ask at any shop or agent.

News & References Luang Prabang


Travel Next

  • Huay Xai - for those departing by boat to Thailand this is the necessary stopover
  • Vang Vieng - the next stop on the backpacker circuit for many younger travellers.
  • For a more serene experience:
  • Nong Khiaw - to North
  • Muang Ngoi Neua
  • Vientiane
  • Hanoi
  • Nong Khiaw

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