Luang Prabang is a happy surprise: all set between the confluence of the Nam Khan and Mekong rivers, a laid back ancient town, magically maintained and harmonious with French colonial villas, temples and traditional-style wood dwellings, in Southeast Asia, where preserving cultural heritage often takes a back seat to extremely fast tourist development. Holidays Indochina

Weather and when to visit

Weather in Luang Prabang- source:www.asia.fr

Having a tropical climate typical of Southeast Asia, Luang Prabang has several quite distinct seasons. From November to January, when temperatures are mild, is the traditional time to go. However, during this time, Luang Prabang also witnesses the highest number of tourists. From April to July and from September to October, the rainy season, when this city sees a short cleansing rain most afternoons, is lovely weather. The Bun Awk Phansa boat races held on the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers are what you should not miss if you visit this city in October. It is not a good idea to visit this city in March when this city has searing temperatures. Grab a chance to visit this city from 13^th to 15^th April, during the worthy draw of Lao New Year festivities to experience the delightful and tonic tradition of throwing water.

Currency

Lao currency-source: vexploretours.com

Kips (Laos Kips/LAK) is the currency unit of Laos. 1 dollar equals 8115 Kip is the exchange rate between USD and LAK. You can also use Vietnamese money in some places where Vietnamese people live while paying in USD and Thai Baht (THB), is not difficult. Moreover, travelers have no difficulties exchanging money at currency exchange offices, banks and airports in Luang Prabang. Laos travel packages

Shopping

Night market- source:www.palmvietnamtravel.com

It is hard to imagine a better destination than Luang Prabang if you are in the market for authentic handicrafts in Southeast Asia. Traditionally, Luang Prabang used to be a gathering place of skilled artisans coming from around the ancient kingdom. Luang Prabang, whose shopping is focused on traditional handicrafts, jewelry, textiles, art, etc, is where the story of the place and the local people are told through handmade items.

The famous Night Market, where H’Mong women from the surrounding villages have been gathering to sell their natural and hand-made local products for years is the most popular shopping experience in Luang Prabang. Beginning at Wat Mai and running along Sisavangvong Road to the center of the town, Night Market is open daily from 5.p.m to around 11.p.m. Running along the entire length of the street closed off to vehicles, a total of four rows, is where the hill-tribe traders emerge with their various silk scarves, handicrafts, blankets, bed covers, lamps, bamboo, apparels and ceramics.

Luang Prabang’s food

Luang Prabang’s food-source:en.vietnamitasenmadrid.com

Not only making the architecture of this city so fascinating, the diverse cultural influences have also made their mark on its dining scene, with restaurants combining the Southeast Asian spice with European style. Luang Prabang, like any Southeast Asian country, is where you can find street food stalls serving delicious grilled meat, spring rolls, noodle soups, etc everywhere. To enjoy the best food in Luang Prabang, a stop at the food alley from the night market is what you should not miss. In addition to many streets stalls, Luang Prabang also has a significant impressive number of great restaurants.

See more:

• THE BEST TIME TO VISIT LUANG PRABANG
• TRAVELLING FROM VIENTIANE TO LUANG PRABANG BY MOTORBIKE
• BEST PLACES FOR SHOPPING IN VIENTIANE

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