Luang Prabang
Laos

"An introduction to backpacking
in Luang Prabang"

Luang Prabang Laos (LP) was one of the places I loved when I went backpacking!


In this article you'll find:



It's hard to describe the atmosphere because you have to be there to appreciate it.

But I can tell you that this town is peaceful and has its lovely charm. The whole town is built in French colonial architecture, and is surrounded by an incredible, luscious scenery.

I kept taking pictures when I traveled around!

On the other hand, some will maybe find Luang Prabang as too calm because it's not the ultimate party place.

Either way, I recommend staying in this lovely town in Northern Laos at least a couple of nights to find out...! ;-)

You won't regret it!

How to get there and out

By air: Luang Prabang International airport is located 4km from downtown Luang Prabang. This airport serves domestic and international flights.

There's a taxi counter at the airport -- a trip to downtown cost $6.

There's an international departure tax: $ 10 per passenger. Normally, this is included in the flight ticket.

Cheap flights to Luang Prabang:

By boat from Huay Xai: The majority of travelers take the slow boat from Huay Xai to Luang Prabang.

The slow boat stops by Pakbeng, and continues to Luang Prabang. You should calculate 2 days for this trip alone.

Most backpackers arriving from north Thailand arrange a ticket for the slow boat in Thailand, as part of a package. This package includes transfer to Chiang Khong (the Thai border town), boat to Huay Xai (Laotian border town), and then slow boat to Luang Prabang.

Price for the package varies; anything from 1700B to 2000B.

Taking the slow boat is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You're in the same boat with dozens of locals and you're passing endless green fields. There's no doubt that you have time to contemplate over your life ;-)

Make sure you bring something nice to sit on because the boat can become quite full, and most of the time you have to sit on the deck floor. Also bring refreshments like fruit and snacks.

By bus: Luang Prabang connects well with Udomxai, Luang Namtha, Phongsali, Sam Neua and Nong Khiaw. Buses to these destinations leave Kiew Lot Sai Nuan station in Luang Prabang. This station serves northern destinations.

For southern destinations, go to Naluang station. From here there are buses to Vang Vieng, Vientiane and Phonsavan. We took a local bus from Naluang station to Vang Vieng, and it was packed. Make sure you arrive early at the station. The bus we took left at 10.30 am.

Another option is to arrange minibus- or VIP-bus transportation through travel agents in Luang Prabang.

Map of downtown Luang Prabang:

A: Sisavangvong road is the main road in Luang Prabang. Along this road, there are tons of restaurants, shops, galleries and food stalls.

As you can see, Phousi mountain and Royal Palace museum are within walking distance.


Show bigger map

First, some important places to know about:

  • Police Phone nr: (071)252983
  • Tourist Police Phone nr: (071)252903
  • Medical Emergency Phone nr: (071)252049
  • A pharmacy on Th Sakkarin, open daily
  • Immigration office Phone number: (071) 212453
  • Lao Development Bank on Th Sisangvangvong
  • Post office on the corner of Phothisarat and Kitsalat roads. Phone nr: (071)212288.
  • You can get internet access along Th Sisangvangvong.




Luang Prabang Laos Articles



laos accommodation luang prabang laos phousy guesthouse 3 backpacking tips asia

Luang Prabang Laos:
Where to sleep

Looking for guesthouses in Luang Prabang?

Here are the guesthouses I tried when I visited LP in Nov 2007.

Laos Accommodation: Luang Prabang

Return to top



laos food laotian food backpacking tips asia

Luang Prabang Laos:
Where to eat, relax and party

Looking for food inspiration? Cheap places to eat in Luang Prabang? Where to grab a drink and have a good time?

Here are the food and restaurants I tried in this lovely city!

Click here for Laos food 3: Luang Prabang

Return to top



shopping in laos evening market luang prabang laos backpacking tips asia

Where to shop

Want some good shopping in Luang Prabang?

I can help you with that! :-)

Here's some useful information about the evening and day market, and regular shops in this town.

Shopping in Laos: Luang Prabang

Return to top



tat kuang si waterfalls kuang xi luang prabang laos backpacking tips asia

Luang Prabang Laos:
Tat Kuang Si

Planning on visiting Tat Kuang Si Waterfalls outside Luang Prabang Laos?

Here's some useful information about the site, how to get there and other practical info! :-)

Welcome to Tat Kuang Si Waterfalls



ock pop tok weaving center how to weave in luang prabang laos backpacking tips asia

Ock Pop Tok Weaving Class

Want to try something new? A cultural and creative experience?

Here's our experiences with Ock Pop Tok's weaving class :-)

Best time ever!

How to Weave in Luang Prabang



buddha temple phousy mountain luang prabang laos backpacking tips asia

Attractions and Activities

Looking for things to do in Luang Prabang?

Here's some useful information on Royal Palace, Phousy mountain, the morning novice procession and much more!

Welcome to Places to see in Laos -- Luang Prabang

Return to top

Where do you want to go next?

Are you heading south? Click here to read about Vang Vieng.

Heard about the beautiful Bolaven Plateau? Go here to read about Pakse and the Bolaven Plateau.

Visiting the capital of Laos -- Vientiane?

Return from Luang Prabang Laos to Backpacking Tips Asia Homepage





Weather in
Luang Prabang

Plan your backpacking trip with these eBooks

Asia January 2012 Photo Winner
Photo of the Month Winner
  January 2012

"Life is a Beach - The Lingayen Gulf Luzon, the Philippines"

By Allan Militante
Baguio, the Philippines
Allan's website
New - February 2012 Asia Photo Contest
-- Submit Yours Now!

Learn Lao

Traveling in Laos? Learn Lao phrases for free!

Learn Lao on your iPod

The Bigger
Picture

Learn about the Laotian culture and the people of Hmong:

laos culture laotian children
Laos Culture

hmong people laos
Hmong People

Connect with
Backpacking Tips Asia

Follow me on Twitter!
Follow GoBackpacker on Twitter

[?] Subscribe To
This Site

XML RSS
Add to Google
Add to My Yahoo!
Add to My MSN
Add to Newsgator
Subscribe with Bloglines