In early February, I spent just a little over 48 hours in the adorable town of Luang Prabang, Laos. Luang Prabang was the last stop on my two-week Asia adventure, which included Bhutan and Bangkok. Before visiting, I read quite a few blogs with varied opinions on Luang Prabang, ranging from “omg, it’s the cutest town ever” to “it’s tourist hell.”
I’m happy to report that I loved my time in Luang Prabang and wish I had a couple more days to spend here. Yes, it’s a small town and you can see most of the attractions in a couple of days. However, the entire town has a chill, laid-back vibe and you’ll definitely want to slow down here. From watching monks cross the bamboo bridge to the luxurious spas, there’s plenty here to occupy your time.
I’ll be writing an itinerary guide shortly, but in the meantime, here are some photos that will make you want to book at trip to Luang Prabang ASAP.
The 51 number of photos that will make you want to visit
Fishing nets on the side of the river bank
Monk walking across the handmade bridge.
Three headed naga, which are mythical serpent-like creatures, believed to live in the Mekong river.
Adorable shop in Luang Prabang.
She’s probably cooking something very tasty.
One of the temples at Wat Xiang Thong.
The temples are covered in beautiful tiles.
Exterior of a temple at Wat Xieng Thong, Luang Prabang, Laos
Statues inside Wat Xiang Thong.
The exterior of Wat Xiang Thong.
Buddha statue inside the temple.
I loved this tiled elephant at Wat Xieng Thong.
Young monks making a meal together.
I was jealous of their umbrellas since it was over 90 degrees F at this point during the day.
Crossing the bridge to get to the other side.
I loved all the cute shops and buildings in Luang Prabang.
Sunset in Luang Prabang
The beautiful Kuang Si waterfalls (lower falls).
Monk crossing the bamboo bridge.
This bamboo bridge is constructed annually by a local family. You pay a small fee in order to cross.
No matter where you go in Luang Prabang, you’ll see monks everywhere.
I love the contrast of the orange robe to the water.
On the Mekong River in Luang Prabang.
The main attraction: Kuang Si waterfalls.
Kuang Si waterfalls
Tiny buddha in a tree
Crossing the Nam Khan River.
The tuk tuks in Luang Prabang are very colorful. I took this one to a spa appointment at Sofitel Luang Prabang.
Cute street in Luang Prabang.
River front in Luang Prabang.
Monk crossing the bamboo bridge.
Cute little cafes in Luang Prabang
Playing some sort of card game to pass the night.
The night market where you can buy almost anything.
This monk was doing a lot of people watching below him.
Part of the hotel where I stayed in Luang Prabang. This building used to house the royal iced creamery.
The driver to Kuang Si falls was so excited to tell me about Obama’s visit to Luang Prabang.
Cute little street in Luang Prabang.
Beautiful flowers in Luang Prabang.
Monks at the morning alms giving ceremony.
Rescued elephant at Elephant Village Sanctuary.
Rescued elephant at Elephant Village Sanctuary.
I think he’s a little bored.
Delicious Khao Soi noodle soup from the night market. And it was only $2 too!
Monks at the morning alms giving ceremony.
Monks at the morning alms giving ceremony.
Rescued elephant at Elephant Village Sanctuary.
Rescued elephant eating sugar cane at Elephant Village Sanctuary.
