When travelling to a new country, some people prefer the convenience of booking an organized tour; others want to do everything by themselves as they like to figure out their own unique travel route. When you are in Luang Prabang, while tuk tuks seem to be one of the must-tries, cycling to explore Luang Prabang is also on the highly recommended list as the city is busy, and cycling can get you through the busy traffic in much less time. Green, quick, and follow-your-own-schedule travel, what’s not to love? You can see more: Indochina tours Laos
Cycling to explore Luang Prabang – the city
Whether you have only one day or three days to cycle around the city of Luang Prabang, here are some destinations that you must hit on your trip.
Wat Si Saket: built in 1818, it is one of the oldest temples in town. Wat Si Saket houses more than 2000 Buddha statues of various forms and sizes.
Buddha statues in Wat Si Saket -source: internet
Wat Ho Phra Keo: the temple of the Emerald Buddha. Used to house the Buddha statue (which is now located in Thailand), it is now a religious art museum.
Wat Ho Phra Keo in Luang Prabang- source: internet
That Luang: also known as the Great Stupa, is the national symbol of Laos. It is a Buddhist stupa that is covered by gold. That Luang has three levels reflecting different parts of the Buddhist doctrine.
That Luang the symbol of Laos – source: internet
Talat Sao morning market: is the perfect place to visit if you wish to experience open air market while still want to have the convenience of shopping under a safe roof. Talat Sao was renovated in 2009 and is now a modern shopping mall. However, right next to it, you will see the open air market that sells everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to Laos-style ice cream. Laos travel tours
Talat Sao morning market -source: internet
Mekong River: great to pass through during sunset. You will have the opportunity to catch golden sunlight reflecting against the water surface.
Cycling to explore Luang Prabang – the cuture
There are as many as 149 ethnic groups in Laos that speak 82 different languages. Thus it is a pity if you don’t cycle and visit some ethnic minority villages on your way.
Ban Chan village: known for their pottery making career, Ban Chan village will offer you a unique experience seeing how potteries are made from scratch. You may also make your own clay items if you book on time.
Khmu village: after taking a short bike ride to the Luang Prabang pier, you will pass Nam Khan River using boat or ferry, then cycle on dirt road surrounded by greens and natural landscapes to the Khmu village.
Ban Chan pottery village -source: internet
Kuang Si waterfall: this turquoise waterfall is located about 29 km away from Luang Prabang, which takes 90 to 120 minutes to cycle to. Keep in mind that it can be hilly to cycle, since you will be cycling up and down the mountain. Prepare your gear.
Elephant sanctuaries: they are where the Asian elephant species are saved from captive. The elephant village is quite near the Nam Khan River which is suitable if you decide to bike along it.
How many days are you staying in Luang Prabang? Set your cycling trip to explore Luang Prabang accordingly!
See more:
WHERE TO GO ON YOUR DAY TRIPS FROM VIENTIANE
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