Decidedly morning orientated – the majority of locals go to bed by 22:00 and rise at 05:00, Luang Prabang is not a nightlife destination. Staggering home after a heavy night out, while all is peaceful and quiet is not such a great idea. However, there are still several small establishments which stay open past midnight where beer and conversation flow in harmony.
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Dine out on Traditional Lao Cuisine
Lao Lao Garden-source: Internet
As most restaurants in Laos cater for the tourists who are used to the egg fried rice and noodles of Thailand, it is surprisingly difficult to find some that serve true Lao dishes. Having said that, the Lao Lao Garden’s buffalo noodles are really delicious. Book a table at the popular Tamarind Restaurant and try some of their tasting platters for a real taste of Laos. More of a food bible, the menu tells you what the dishes all are as well as how to eat them. You can learn how to ball up the staple sticky rice with your fingers and fall in love with the fried river weed and lemongrass stuffed chicken. Delicious. Tours in Laos
Enjoy a friendly barter at the Night Market
Handicraft Night Market in Luang Prabang-source: Internet
It is a great introduction for first-timer hagglers as there is none of the blatant rip-offs or frenzied negotiating as seen in other night markets all around the world. The vendors here are genuinely lovely and friendly people and travelers can stroll through as many times as you want without the slightest bit of hassle. As stall holders have not yet been touched by mass tourism and visitors ignorantly agreeing to ridiculous prices, souvenirs can be purchased at great prices. Long might it last! Don’t forget to get yourself an elephant made out of a bomb from the Vietnam War or perhaps one of the symbolic umbrellas.
Learn to cook Lao style
Learn to cook Lao style-source: Internet
Just a 20 minute tuk tuk ride out of town deep in the stunning countryside, unsurprisingly, Tamarind is where you can find the best cooking school in Luang Prabang. Overlooking a pretty lily pond, the cooking pavilion is open sided making it much cooler than in the city. A trip to a local market included in the day class includes is a great way to learn about and sample some of the unusual ingredients. During the course participants will certainly be amazed at what they can cook, from mok pa (fish steamed in banana leaves) and jeow (spicy dipping sauce) to Laap (a traditional herb and minced buffalo salad) and sticky purple rice for dessert. Yummy!
Fall Asleep to the sounds of the river
Mekong Riverview-source: Internet
Let’s book room at the charming Mekong Riverview if you fancy a view of the Mekong from your private balcony and want to be close to the action but far enough away for a decent night’s sleep. The hotel, which is situated almost at the tip of the peninsula, is run by an enthusiastic Swedish chap who is interested in chatting with his guests over a glass of alcohol on the riverside dining terrace each evening. Next to the river, breakfasts are all about chocolate pancakes. Life certainly cannot get any better than that.
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