Travel tip: The town of Luang Prabang can be reached via bus from Vientiane or via air. The easiest and quickest way is to fly Lao Airlines to Luang Prabang's new modern airport. Taking a bus could potentially last 10-12+ hours depending on road conditions (numerous delays occur due to the poor road conditions especially during the rainy season). I highly recommend you to take a flight as it's cheap and fast.
Wat Xieng Thong (c.1560)- This is oldest monastery in Luang Prabang. It is the most visited and venerated site in the town. The main temple is adorned in gold, black, and red colored walls with intricate religious and historical symbols. The top is covered by 3 overlapping and over-sized slanted red brick tiled roofs which give it it's unique and distinctly Laotian character. Stone steps lead to the entrance which is supported by black and gold columns ornately decorated. The interior is dark and only lit by natural light that seeps through windows and the main door. Inside, there is a giant golden Buddha surrounded by smaller Buddhas, candles, and shrines.
After Wat Xieng Thong, I visited a few more temples are there are densely located in the town. Seems like every block I stumbled upon a temple. Each one consists of a main temple with side shrines and monk living quarters.
Travel Warning: There are packs of wild dogs located in and around these temples. Try to avoid them and ignore them when walking in. They sense your fear and will often attack you. No one seems to control them so take caution and possibly bring a stick or something to shoo them away. I almost got attacked twice, but yelled at them and they went away. They are more vicious at night so be careful. Personally, I think they should be put in a shelter or taken away since they are a public nuisance and safety risk.
For lunch, I had to try the local specialty Khao Soi (cut wide rice noodles, ground pork, tomatoes, chillies, shallots, garlic, fermented soy beans, bean sprouts, cilantro). I stopped by a famous restaurant, Tamnak Lao (which I took later took an all-day cooking class). It did not disappoint! It was so delicious. All the flavors were infused perfectly and the rich broth made the dish. It was one of the best tasting bowls of soup I've had in my SE Asia travels (I've been to all but 2 SE Asean countries).
Khao Soi and Spring Rolls
@ Tamnak Lao Restaurant
Apple Guesthouse:
http://www.appleguesthouselaos.com/
After, I checked into my guesthouse (Apple Guesthouse) located just off the main road. I booked it on airbnb and it turned out to be a pleasant stay. The guesthouse is owned by Jimmy and his wife who are very accommodating, friendly, warm, and kind. The room was very clean, comfortable, and equipped with towels, soap, a tv, and air condition. You can book a cooking class, elephant ride, rural village tour, and/or other tours at the guesthouse.
Apple Guesthouse pictures:
I thoroughly enjoyed my first day in Luang Prabang. I arrived early and was able to see and taste a lot. I was able to navigate and adjust the layout of the town. I have a lot more adventures to tell, but I'll write about it in the next post! Please stay tuned and feel free to comment and share my page! Thanks!
Blog: joelglobetrotter.blogspot.com
Instagram: joelglobetrotter
After Wat Xieng Thong, I visited a few more temples are there are densely located in the town. Seems like every block I stumbled upon a temple. Each one consists of a main temple with side shrines and monk living quarters.
For lunch, I had to try the local specialty Khao Soi (cut wide rice noodles, ground pork, tomatoes, chillies, shallots, garlic, fermented soy beans, bean sprouts, cilantro). I stopped by a famous restaurant, Tamnak Lao (which I took later took an all-day cooking class). It did not disappoint! It was so delicious. All the flavors were infused perfectly and the rich broth made the dish. It was one of the best tasting bowls of soup I've had in my SE Asia travels (I've been to all but 2 SE Asean countries).
Khao Soi and Spring Rolls
@ Tamnak Lao Restaurant
Apple Guesthouse:
http://www.appleguesthouselaos.com/
After, I checked into my guesthouse (Apple Guesthouse) located just off the main road. I booked it on airbnb and it turned out to be a pleasant stay. The guesthouse is owned by Jimmy and his wife who are very accommodating, friendly, warm, and kind. The room was very clean, comfortable, and equipped with towels, soap, a tv, and air condition. You can book a cooking class, elephant ride, rural village tour, and/or other tours at the guesthouse.
Apple Guesthouse pictures:
Night Market:
After taking a short rest, I went to the Night Market near the Royal Palace Museum. Every night at sunset, street vendors set up tents with souvenirs including: jewelry, knickknacks, t-shirts, bags, Lao snacks and coffee, and house decorations. There are plenty of vendors to choose from, so I suggest you walk around and check prices first before buying. Bargaining is essential so you can maximize your buying power.
I also stopped by the food stalls and had a nice and cheap dinner. Eating in markets is one of the most authentic way to fully experience the local culture. If you are worried about getting sick, only go to the crowded stalls with a quick turnover rate. This will reduce, but not eliminate the chances of getting an upset stomach. I've traveled and eaten a lot of street food in SE Asia and Europe and I haven't gotten sick so it may also depend on if you have a sensitive stomach or not. Be wise and cautious, but don't be paranoid when trying street food!
I ate a whole grilled fish, beer, sticky rice, and sausage for cheap (I forgot the price but it was probably under $5-10!
After dinner, I wanted some dessert so I bought this coconut pancake that I saw some street vendors selling. It turned out to be one of the best street snacks I had in Laos! It was hot and fresh and made to order. I definitely recommend it!
I thoroughly enjoyed my first day in Luang Prabang. I arrived early and was able to see and taste a lot. I was able to navigate and adjust the layout of the town. I have a lot more adventures to tell, but I'll write about it in the next post! Please stay tuned and feel free to comment and share my page! Thanks!
Blog: joelglobetrotter.blogspot.com
Instagram: joelglobetrotter
