The first UNESCO site recognized in the country of Laos, the town of Luang Prabang offers so many things to do and explore: a spectacular array of culture, nature, and of course, awesome food. You will get a glimpse of life even when wandering the streets here. Travel to Laos with: Indochina travel packages

1. Getting locked out of your hostel at 11:30pm

You will likely be unaware of the fact that Luang Prabang shuts down early, before midnight early, if you do not do the necessary research prior to your arrival. You will be using your bags as pillows on the sidewalk if your bus drops you off in Luang Prabang at 2am, so, you had better hope them to be rather comfortable. Needing a restroom before Luang Prabang wakes up is a big trouble.

2. Feeling morally torn about the alms ceremony

In Luang Prabang, around 6AM every morning, there are nearly 200 Buddhist monks collecting alms (typically food) given by local people in a revered ritual. Even though respectful travelers are encouraged to take part in, therein does lie the issue. This event has devolved into something of a spectacle, with travelers flashing cameras in the faces of the monks, some going as far as giving alms while capturing photos. Even though you can find the ritual in its original form special to observe, you may not be sure how to feel about it anymore. Laos travel guide

3. Drinking Lao-Lao

A Laotian rice whiskey, Lao-Lao is one of the world’s cheapest alcohols. It will set you back less than a dollar for a bottle of Lao-Lao. Because of the cost-effectiveness, you might end up drinking much more (and forgetting much more of the evening) than you have planned. In all restaurants, bars, and shops, you can find Lao-Lao served and sold. Drink it straight or mix it with whatever. This blackout, at least, will not be too expensive.

4. Exploring tourist-trap caves

While mountain biking around Vang Vieng, you can come across signs taking you to small caves within the great limestone karsts. You will have a nearby guide pass headlamps to you and your friends without saying much — you may not even know who provided them if you are part of a big group. You will travel through the dark cave, scaling ladders and cross slippery wooden bridges, eventually making it to the very end. After returning to the cave’s entrance, you might be asked for an unreasonable sum of currency as money for guide. Before deciding the hassle is not worth it, you may start to argue for a second.

5. Enjoying a seven-course prix-fixe meal for less than $15

At Tamarind in Luang Prabang, for the sum of 120,000 kip (around $14.90 USD), you can find a set menu of well-prepared Laotian cuisine. They will serve you sweet sticky rice, Lao sausages, chicken-stuffed lemongrass, soups, dips, steamed fish and more. Even coffee/tea and beer are also included. For ₭150,000, you can have a more adventurous menu. Not such a bad deal. Sip on a basil gin and tonic if you feel like splurging. As you will not be finding this type of bargain back home, get your money’s worth.

6. Alternatively, having an all-you-can-eat meal for $1

 

During your trip in Laos, it is not difficult to meet at least one traveler telling you about the all-you-can-eat meal at the night market in Luang Prabang. You will probably take no notice of it until the moment you come to roam the market, looking down an alleyway to your right before seeing a mass of people and smelling fragrant spices. Walking over and you will remember the advice they gave you. You can see an assortment of soups, grilled meats pressed between sticks over the flames and heaping bowls of noodles. Before trudging back to your hostel, belly bulging, to lie down, you will gorge yourself to the point of discomfort.

7. Admiring the largest waterfall in Southeast Asia

With a flow reaching 49,000 cubic meters during the rainy season, the Khone Phapheng Falls, which is close to Laos’ border with Cambodia, is the largest by volume you can find in Southeast Asia. While the water cascades, which are 21 meters at its highest point, may not be as impressive as those in other parts of Southeast Asia region or even those elsewhere in Laos, they still attract thousands of travelers annually thanks to their sheer size.

See more:

• UNIQUE EXPERIENCE IN VIENTIANE
• 5 TIPS YOU WISH YOU KNOW BEFORE TRAVELLING LAOS IN APRIL
• GET TO CHIANG MAI FROM HUAY XAI BY BUS

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