Luang Prabang is at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan river in the northern Laos. The breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Site is surrounded by Buddhist Temples and charming colonial buildings. Rice fields, water falls and butterflies breathe life into the magical atmosphere. Awaken your spirit in jungle covered hills.
The Small List
Best Places to Stay
Satri House – Satri House is one of the most exquisite places in this ancient city, designed with a style inspired by Lao culture and set in a truly relaxing environment. The historic destination offers a truly unique design. Enjoy private moments to yourself and really unwind. Or sit and watch the everyday life of local people from your balcony.
Belmond La Résidence Phou Vao – Positioned on top of a hill, gazing across the sacred mountains, Belmond La Résidence Phou Vao is an unforgettable place to stay. Teak and silk accent this intimate gem of a hotel. The Belmond La Résidence Phou Vao has a reputation as one of the most serene hotels. Undeniably, a haven of peace. Relax, soak up the atmosphere and enjoy stepping back into a more gracious era.
Best Restaurants
L’Elephant – Dine in style in the Royal City at this French restaurant. Quality and flavor are the key notes of the gourmet menu. Sit back and soak in the old-world atmosphere of relaxed luxury.
Tamarind – Try the intriguing and fresh new tastes of Lao cuisine. The staff explains what you are eating and how to do so, Lao-style! Choose from a range of truly authentic dishes and explore the Lao palate!
Bamboo Tree – Loatian cuisine at its best. Exquisite and unique flavors come from this family run restaurant. Bamboo Tree is also a cooking school where students learn how to prepare northern Lao dishes from the sister chefs. Phone: +856 20 22 425 499
Carpe Diem Restaurant – Fine food and wine on and around the magnificent Kuang Si waterfalls. Enjoy this magical place surrounded by trees, flowers and butterflies while contemplating the falls.
Best Cafes
Joma Bakery Cafe – A little slice of North American cafe culture transplanted into Southeast Asia. Joma offers high quality food and fantastic coffee. They give 10% to charitable organizations in the communities around their cafes.
Viewpoint Café – Viewpoint is located on the tip of peninsula where Khan and mighty Mekong rivers meet. Viewpoint Café is an extension of The Mekong Riverview Hotel. They offer freshly muddled fruit cocktails, including mai tai’s, and margaritas. Lastly, the views are stunning.
Places to See
Mount Phousi – Also called The Sacred Hill, Mount Phousi is the geographical as well as the spiritual center of the city and is striking from a distance. The peak offers a good climb and affords a stunning panorama of the city it crowns. View the rivers shimmering and jungle-clad mountains beyond. There are hundreds of steps to negotiate and several stops to see the temples. Rest under the shady trees and admire the magical views.
Kuang Si (Xi) Falls – Kuang Si (Xi) Waterfall is the biggest in the Luang Prabang area with three tiers of breathtaking cascades leading to a 50 meter drop into spectacular azure pools before flowing downstream. The pools make great swimming holes. In addition, the weather at the waterfalls is noticeably cooler. The falls are a really good place to escape the heat.
Kuang Si Falls Butterfly Park – The forests around Kuang Si Waterfall have always attracted a large number of butterflies. As a result, the Kuang Si Butterfly Park gives visitors an opportunity to view them up close.
Night Market – The Luang Prabang night market is an amazing sight. It offers the most extensive collection of handicrafts in the country. The market takes place nightly with more than 300 handicraft vendors selling their handicrafts. Above all, wandering around chatting with the vendors will enrich your Lao cultural experience.
