Few places in Southeast Asia are blessed with such a perfect medley of history, traditional culture and nature as Luang Prabang. Peacefully situated on the Mekong River, the World Heritage town reflects a bygone era, with monks and tuk-tuks puttering past golden temples and French colonial villas, and with surrounding mountains, rivers and waterfalls waiting to be explored. Laos travel expert Cindy Fan shares her ideal day in Luang Prabang. [Photo courtesy Cindy Fan]
1pm: Beat The Heat– Just 18 miles from town, Kuang Si Waterfall is a stunning cascade that tumbles from a limestone cliff into a series of little falls and inviting turquoise pools. A swim in the spring waters is a refreshing remedy to the midday heat. Go for a challenging hike to the top, visit the butterfly park or relax at Vanvisa or Carpe Diem – both of these restaurants boast lovely views.
8pm: Sample Local Specialties – “Saep lai” means “very delicious”, and you’ll practice the phrase with every bite at Cafe Toui. Here’s a chance to try a variety of national dishes like laap, a minced meat salad spiked with fresh herbs, lime and chilli. I also recommend local specialty Luang Prabang sausage and the pumpkin curry. Find the small restaurant just off the main road. [Photo via Wikimedia Commons]
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24 Hours In… Luang Prabang.
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9pm: Have A Nightcap – When it comes to watering holes, you’re spoiled for choice on the main street: Tangor is a favourite, but for an after-dinner tipple away from the tourist strip, 525 is an intimate, elegant bar serving up cocktails infused with local flavours. Try a gin and tonic with aromatic lemongrass and Thai basil, or a fresh pineapple mojito spiced with ginger. [Photo courtesy Tangor]
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24 Hours In… Luang Prabang.
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11pm: A Tranquil Retreat – By law, nightlife must shutter up by midnight, so it’s time to retreat to Maison Dalabua. Wooden boardwalks traverse a UNESCO-protected lotus pond to the 40-room boutique hotel. Along with the unique setting, the swimming pool, swaying palm trees and romantic pond-side restaurant complete this tropical oasis.
Cook Before You Go – Lao food is finally receiving the international attention it deserves. Foodies can learn about the cuisine’s unique flavours and techniques in cookbook From Honeybees to Pepperwood (available in Luang Prabang at Khaiphaen, a vocational training restaurant for at-risk youth), as well as in Hawker Fare, a book of stories and recipes through which Asian-American Michelin-star chef James Syhabout explores his Lao roots.
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24 Hours In… Luang Prabang.
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WatchBefore You Go – A winner at the Berlin and Tribeca film festivals, The Rocket (2013) tells the story of a 10-year-old boy named Ahlo, who is blamed for a series of disasters and tries to redeem himself by entering the traditional rocket competition. The film deals with the sensitive issue of forced relocation of villages (to construct hydroelectric dams), drawing the ire of government censors. The film is banned in Laos.
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