Joanna James
Luang Prabang a place where time stands still and change come at its own pace. It's a perfect place to put a pause on the rat race, forget overactive travel plans and see beyond the untamed natural beauty and unparalleled serenity that it offers.
Temples or Wats as referred in Luang Prabang are a common site in the city. There are between 30-35 temples located here and it is impossible not to spot one while walking through the city. It doesn't matter what your beliefs are but wandering through the red and gold grounds can be quite soothing to the soul. Out of the many, Wat Xieng Thong is the best known in Luang Prabang. Wat Visoun is also a visit worthy monastery in the city. If you want to travel with ease around Luang Prabang, its best to find accommodation at a place such as Avani+ Luang Prabang.
A hike up to Mount Phousi is one of the best things to do in Luang Prabang. Once you reach the summit, you can get a magnificent view of the sunset. There are two entrances to the hike and both involve climbing hundreds of steps. But once you reach the top the 360-degree view of the city and Mekong River is mind-blowing. Mount Phousi is considered a sacred religious site for followers of Buddhism. Halfway up the mountain, you get the Wat Tham Phou Si and at the top is Wat Chom Si, which is a Buddhist stupa.
South Asian night markets are always very interesting and Luan Prabang has one of the best. The lively and flamboyant night market starts at 7 pm and goes on till 11 pm in the centre of the city. You get lots of local vendors selling handcrafted products including woodcarvings, jewellery and handicrafts. You also get clothing, accessories and other knickknacks. You can bargain on the prices but you must remember that these vendors make a living out of their income and they are not the richest. Photographers are going to love the colours once the streets lit up, remember to be respectful and ask before you click someone's picture.
A day trip to Kuang Si Waterfall is one the most popular excursions in Luang Prabang. The water here is so blue that you feel like you are swimming in the sky. The 50-meter high cascade falls into a pool of water where you can swim, wade or simply splash around. At the entrance of the waterfall, you get a tiny market where you can stock up on food and souvenirs. The Kuang Si Bear Rescue Center is also located close to the entrance. Here you find rescued endangered Asiatic Black bears roaming freely in the park. From the viewing deck, you can see the bears playing, eating and lazing around.
There's no better way to relax your muscles after an exhausting day of sightseeing. A traditional Laos massage can do wonders to your body. Laos's massages are as good as Thai massages but it involves more acupressure rather than pulling and twisting. There are numerous massage centres located across Luang Prabang. And you can choose from cheap parlours to expensive spas.
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