The journey to Luang Prabang began on November 25-28, 2017. This trip involved booking flights a year in advance. Due to booking round-trip flights to Luang Prabang and a desire to avoid long journeys or car rides due to motion sickness, the trip was limited to Luang Prabang itself. The goal of this trip was to experience new things and embrace a slow-paced lifestyle. The hope was to discover new things in Luang Prabang. With that, the journey begins: go go go...

Itinerary:

Day 1:

• Arrive at Luang Prabang Airport.
• Transfer to hotel.
• Visit the Night Market.

Day 2:

• Visit Kuang Si Falls.
• Climb Mount Phousi for panoramic views.
• Explore the Night Market again.

Day 3:

• Participate in the morning alms offering ceremony.
• Enjoy breakfast at Prachaniyom Restaurant.
• Visit the Morning Market.
• Have lunch at Tam Bak Hung Restaurant (Je Tim).
• Relax at Joma Cafe.
• Enjoy dinner at a riverside barbecue restaurant.

Day 4:

• Visit Wat Xieng Thong temple.
• Have lunch at a local restaurant serving Khao Soi.
• Depart for Thailand.

Day 1 in Luang Prabang

From Bangkok to Luang Prabang, it takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes. Fly to Luang Prabang, anyone can fly.

Before arriving in Luang Prabang, the flight attendants will distribute immigration forms to passengers for completion. Therefore, we must complete the immigration form.

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Upon arrival at Luang Prabang Airport, the first sensation upon stepping off the plane was the cool air, with an estimated temperature of 20-23 degrees Celsius. However, we were prepared, having packed warm clothing. Thankfully, we had checked the weather forecast for Luang Prabang before leaving home (it truly felt worthwhile to bring the extra layers).

Before leaving, we bought a SIM card for internet access. There were several providers to choose from, and we were able to negotiate the price. If I remember correctly, we bought it for 100 baht, but I don't remember the internet speed. It lasted for about 4 or 5 days.

After purchasing a SIM card, I walked out to exchange money at the exit gate. The exchange rate is as follows (the best rate is at the airport, as recommended by previous visitors). After exchanging money for kip, the hotel driver picked me up at the airport, and it was time to travel to the accommodation.

Accommodation for this trip: The View Pavilion Luang Prabang

This information is from their website: http://www.theviewpavilion.com/

Accommodation: Deluxe Twin Room with Mountain View (including breakfast)

Location: Chiang Thong Road, within the city center. Located opposite Wat Sop Sickharam and near Wat Saen Sukharam.

Room Amenities:

• Free Wi-Fi
• Flat-screen TV
• Private bathroom
• Mountain view
• Bathtub
• Hairdryer
• Refrigerator

In the cool evening, I strolled through the bustling night market and explored the charming town of Luang Prabang. The temperature was a pleasant 20-23 degrees Celsius (although I'm not entirely sure). The town exuded a sense of tranquility, with its architecture reflecting a unique blend of French and Lao influences. The sights were truly captivating.

The tuk-tuks in Luang Prabang are adorable.

Luang Prabang Night Market

The Luang Prabang Night Market, a popular shopping destination for tourists, is located at the Luang Prabang Museum or on the road leading up to Phousi Mountain. It is open daily from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

Key features:

• Red and blue tents, similar to Thailand's walking streets.
• Wide variety of goods, including bags, scarves, Lao-language t-shirts, and silverware.

Location:

19.8892775, 102.1337461

Continuing our search for food in the food alley, we found a wide variety of dishes to sample. There was a buffet that offered only vegetables and starches, with no meat options available.

Recommended Spicy Som Tum Restaurants

When walking through the Dark Market, it is recommended to walk into the alley, where there will be a wide variety of food to choose from. And what you should not miss is "Som Tum". In the Dark Market, there will be a famous Som Tum shop that most Thai people know well. According to reviews on Pantip or YouTube, everyone who comes here must try it. The Som Tum shop owner is friendly and lovely, taking care of customers. When the owner makes Som Tum, she will scoop it onto a plate for us to taste first. If anyone likes spicy, sour, sweet, or salty, they can tell the owner. This is the good thing about it.

Coordinates here >>>> 19.8894114,102.1339391(need to walk into the alley a little more)

Day 2 in Luang Prabang

The hotel offers a variety of breakfast options, including rice porridge, pho, fried eggs, bacon, and bread. Guests can choose their favorite and enjoy their breakfast while admiring the beautiful temple scenery across from the hotel.

The fruit yogurt at this hotel is delicious. If you're staying at The View Pavilion Hotel in Luang Prabang, I highly recommend trying it. Pour the yogurt generously over your food – it's truly amazing!

Tad Kwang Si Waterfall

Transportation options to the waterfall:

• Join a group tour: Price unknown.
• Charter a songthaew (shared taxi): 200 THB per person for a roundtrip (4 people total = 800 THB).
• Charter a van for half a day: 1,200 THB for a roundtrip.

This morning, we had an appointment with the driver to go to Kuang Si Falls, which is known as the most beautiful waterfall in Luang Prabang. It is a must-visit place with an emerald green waterfall. I like the management here. It looks very organized and clean. Thailand should adopt this kind of management. The distance from Luang Prabang city to Kuang Si Falls is about 32 kilometers, and it takes about 1 hour to travel. However, the road to the falls is quite bumpy and has some potholes. If you also get a bad driver, you will get carsick for sure (like me, I vomited both ways).

Opening hours: 8:00 AM Closing hours: 5:30 PM Entrance fee: 20,000 kip or about 80 baht

Coordinates: 19.749503,101.9897482

At the entrance to the waterfall, there is a bear conservation center that houses bears rescued from the illegal wildlife trade in various locations throughout Laos.

Tad Kwang Si Waterfall boasts four tiers, reaching a total height of approximately 75 meters. The waterfall's emerald green hue stems from its limestone composition. The site offers organized tourism facilities, including designated dining areas where cooking is prohibited, swimming zones, and efficient waste management. (Source: https://goo.gl/DU6J5r)

Upon arriving at our accommodation (we took a nap first, feeling a bit carsick T_T), we ventured out in the afternoon to find some food near the black market. The food here is similar to what we have back home, with plenty of made-to-order dishes available. As for the taste, it was decent. This particular restaurant seemed to use fragrant jasmine rice, or perhaps another variety, as the rice was soft and not at all hard.

Phra That Phu Si

This translates to "Phra That Phu Si," which is the name of a sacred Buddhist temple and stupa located in Luang Prabang, Laos. It is situated atop Mount Phou Si, offering stunning panoramic views of the city and surrounding countryside.

The temple is a significant pilgrimage site for Buddhists and a popular tourist destination. Its golden stupa, adorned with intricate carvings, is a prominent landmark in Luang Prabang.

Mount Phousi: A Breathtaking Viewpoint in Luang Prabang

Nestled atop a hill in the heart of Luang Prabang, Mount Phousi offers a panoramic vista of the city and its surroundings. With 328 steps leading to the summit, the climb is rewarded with breathtaking 360-degree views.

Enchanting Landscape:

• Lush greenery surrounds the path, adorned with fragrant frangipani trees.
• The majestic Mekong and Nam Khan rivers glisten in the sunlight, offering a serene spectacle.
• As dusk descends, the sky transforms into a canvas of vibrant hues, creating a mesmerizing sunset experience.

Unparalleled Views:

• The entire city of Luang Prabang unfolds before your eyes, showcasing its ancient temples, charming streets, and vibrant markets.
• The confluence of the two rivers, a testament to the city's natural beauty, is clearly visible from the summit.

Practical Information:

• Opening Hours: Open throughout the day.
• Entrance Fee: 20,000 kip (approximately $2 USD).
• Location: 19.8901828, 102.1369711

A Must-Visit Destination:

Mount Phousi is an unmissable attraction in Luang Prabang, offering a unique perspective of the city's rich history and captivating natural beauty. Whether seeking a tranquil escape or a breathtaking photographic opportunity, this iconic landmark promises an unforgettable experience.

The stairs are not particularly steep, but it can be tiring to walk up them continuously. It is recommended to take breaks as needed.

Note: It is not advisable for the elderly to climb these stairs. It is recommended that they wait at the bottom.

Day 3 in Luang Prabang: Alms Offering Ceremony

This sentence describes the third day of a trip to Luang Prabang, Laos, and specifically mentions the alms offering ceremony.

In Luang Prabang, the offering of sticky rice to monks during the morning alms round requires an early start. Monks begin their procession at 5:45 AM, and it is advisable to offer alms before 7:00 AM, as they return to the temple for their daily activities.

People's Store

After offering alms, we walked to Prachaniyom Restaurant, a famous local eatery in Luang Prabang, situated on the corner of a street by the Mekong River. This popular breakfast spot attracts many Thai tourists. Their recommended menu items include khao piak sen (rice noodles with pork and vegetables), pho (Vietnamese noodle soup), pork congee with egg, khao jee pate (grilled sticky rice with pate), and coffee or tea, served hot or cold.

Coordinates: 19.8905244,102.1302765

Morning market

Luang Prabang's morning market is a bustling hub of fresh produce and local delicacies. From succulent meats like pork, duck, and chicken to exotic fare such as frogs, turtles, and pythons, the market offers a diverse array of ingredients for home-cooked meals. Vibrant vegetables, live poultry, and essential household items complete the vibrant tapestry of this lively marketplace.

Je Tim's Som Tum Bak Hung Restaurant

A Must-Try Som Tum Restaurant in Luang Prabang

This renowned som tum restaurant, located near Wat Nong Sikhounmuang, is a must-visit for anyone visiting Luang Prabang. Its close proximity to our hotel makes it even more convenient. The restaurant boasts a vibrant atmosphere and offers a truly authentic Lao dining experience.

The som tum here is incredibly flavorful and spicy, featuring thick papaya slices, deep-fried fermented pork sausage, sun-dried pounded pork, sticky rice, and fresh, soft rice noodles. For those with a lower spice tolerance, it's advisable to inform the vendor to adjust the spiciness level.

Location: 19.895459, 102.1399271

The papaya salad shop is located opposite Nong Sikhounmuang Temple.

I'd like to order from the recommended menu. I'm really hungry and craving something spicy.

After a satisfying meal, explore the city of Luang Prabang by bicycle. Numerous rental shops offer a variety of options, with prices negotiable.

Joma Bakery Cafe (Branch 2) by the Khan River

A Popular Cafe in Luang Prabang

This cafe is a popular spot in Luang Prabang, offering a variety of delicious baked goods and a refreshing atmosphere. Their coconut cake is highly recommended. The second floor provides a relaxing space for customers to unwind, read a book, and enjoy the view. Choose between a seat on the balcony overlooking the Khan River or a cool, air-conditioned seat inside.

Location: 19.893816, 102.1402845

In the late afternoon, we went out to find something to eat. Before dinner, we had to exchange more money.

Riverside BBQ Restaurant on the Mekong River

A Riverside Feast: Savoring Hotpot with a View

Nestled along the banks of the Mekong River, this unnamed buffet restaurant offers a delightful dining experience. The cool breeze and scenic views create a relaxing ambiance, perfect for enjoying a steaming hotpot.

Choose your seating preference, with options ranging from cozy booths to riverside tables. We opted for a table overlooking the majestic river, allowing us to soak in the breathtaking scenery while indulging in our meal.

The buffet boasts a wide array of fresh ingredients, including a plethora of vegetables and a tempting selection of meats. The highlight, of course, is the hotpot itself. The flavorful broth, reminiscent of sukiyaki with a hint of shrimp paste, offers a sweet and savory base for your culinary creations.

For those who prefer a more personalized touch, the restaurant provides a variety of condiments, including chilies, garlic, and lime, allowing you to craft your own dipping sauce. We couldn't resist creating a seafood-inspired concoction, adding a touch of zest to our hotpot experience.

Coordinates: 19.891323, 102.1331843

Day 4 in Luang Prabang
This morning we went to "Wat Xieng Thong"

Renowned for its breathtaking beauty, this attraction is a must-visit for tourists seeking stunning photos without crowds. Early mornings offer the best opportunity to secure prime photo spots.

Opening Hours: 6:00 AM

Closing Hours: Information unavailable

Entrance Fee: 20,000 Kip (approximately 80 Baht)

Coordinates: 19.8975577, 102.1430457

Exiting the temple through the front gate facing the Mekong River, we strolled along the riverbank, eventually coming across a small park where we decided to take a break and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere.

Map of Luang Prabang

This little dog caught my eye. Haha, let me take a quick picture. ^^

The wooden bridge is a popular spot for walking. The most beautiful bridge is located near Wat Xieng Thong. In this picture (taken on the 2nd day), the water level is still low in the morning. We told our brother that we would return to Thailand and dress up to take pictures.

The next day, the situation worsened. The bridge was flooded, and I couldn't help but cry.

No problem, there is another wooden bridge. We can walk and take pictures here. There is a 5,000 kip entrance fee, which is about 20 baht.

Before returning to Thailand, I stopped by for some Khao Soi at a restaurant opposite the Santi Hotel.

The seasonings here will emphasize MSG, shrimp paste, and fresh vegetables.

The journey of "time" has come to an end. I must say that we went during the late year. The weather here is cool and comfortable. It was an unforgettable trip to Luang Prabang. I love the peaceful atmosphere of the city, which is perfect for a slow-paced lifestyle. No need to rush, just stroll around, take photos, and enjoy a cup of coffee with a view of the river. I loved cycling around the city. Everything was simply beautiful.
**Thank you to all the trip participants for making this trip a wonderful memory that will last a lifetime.

Total expenses summary