Joanna James
Luang Prabang is a city of gilded wats, waterfronts, lush mountains and rustic charm mingled with the sumptuous comfort of luxury resorts. Here are some activities that you can enjoy in this city.
The food markets in Luang Prabang tell the tale of the city's lifestyle. The vibrant colours of the food on display will entice you to try each and every item. While you can find local fare at Luang Prabang hotels, trying out food at the market is a one of a kind experiences. You could try the salted barbecued fish on sticks and some flavourful noodle soup. The spicy papaya salad will leave you wanting more. Don't forget to try some Kanom Krok (coconut pancakes) and quench your thirst with freshly squeezed sugar cane juice.
The cluster of cascading waterfalls, blue-green pools and the striking limestone formations are well worth a visit. You will have to pass by a number of hawkers to reach this arresting sight. The whole area looks like a piece of paradise with its pleasing colours and the serene vibe. Take a dip in the cool waters but be wary of jagged rocks at the bottom of the pools.
The Night Market in Luang Prabang is filled with various handicrafts including opium pipes, silk scarves, bamboo and ceramic items, bright cotton dresses and silver items with intricate designs. You can purchase Lao coffee beans or homemade whisky from the shophouses near the Night Market. If hunger pangs strike you, try out a noodle dish and a beer Lao from a roadside stall. Don't forget to purchase souvenirs to take back home.
Seeped in Buddhist cultural influence, Luang Prabang is home to a number of gilded wats but the Chomsi which sits atop the Phu Si hill is well worth the 329-stair ascent. Time your visit to reach the top when the sun begins to wind down for the day. The view will transport you into another era. Apart from Chomsi, each wat in Luang Prabang seeps in history and legends.
A religious site of much importance, Pak Ou caves house a series of Buddha statues (over 4000 in number) ranging from miniature to massive. You could ask your resort management to arrange a vehicle to take you to the Pak Ou caves. If you are staying at the resort such as AVANI+ Luang Prabang, the drive will take approximately an hour. You will have to then get on a boat to get to the other side of the river where the caves are located. Don't forget the torches they will provide you as the upper caves tend to be pitch black.
Once a French protectorate, Laos still retains some of the colonial heritage in the form of architecture and café culture. Luang Prabang is a UNESCO world heritage site and the buildings still preserve their original design. You can also visit a few of the many cafés that serve delectable French breakfast combinations of croissant and coffee.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
