Sign in with Facebook"Luang Prabang: The Cheeky Monk" Top 5 Page for this destination Luang Prabang by richiecdisc
Luang Prabang Travel Guide: 1,102 reviews and 2,376 photos
“This is the BEST place in Southeast Asia,” the smiling face beamed at us after she assured us she had been traveling in the region for eons to bolster her credentials. Though an Asian by ancestry, she was neither local nor even Laotian. She sounded American but was nonetheless a complete stranger and in no way approached for any such outburst. No, she just felt she had to say it. Though it seemed odd, we somehow understood as we found ourselves pinching ourselves to see if, in fact, we had landed in paradise.
Luang Prabang is such a place, one that makes you feel its perfection despite its trappings of the ordinary. On face value, it seems just a picturesque river town beseeched with beautiful if unspectacular temples and a legion of orange robe clad monks on a mission to practice their already quite skilled use of foreign languages. But beneath all that lays the core to its true charm; it is just such a damn pleasant place to wander around. Even though it is the number one tourist destination in the country, no one tries to sell you anything. In fact, sometimes, it can be hard to buy what you are looking for unless you are persistent. Add to this, just a smattering of tourists from all walks of life, and you feel you have chanced upon some secret place that is remarkably civilized considering its relative isolation.
And then, there are the people. Though, on a whole, Laos is a poverty stricken country, Luang Prabang, in particular, seems to suffer little from this oppression. Everyone seems to have enough to eat and the children are a complete joy, a relief from many poor countries, where they have become accustomed to tourists as a meal ticket. Photo opportunities abound, but having someone put out their hand for money in return non-existent. Most are very well attired and many get around on their own small motorbikes. Overall, it seemed like a wonderful place to live, simple perhaps but full of such pleasures with little of the chaos that many more complex societies are besieged by.
Was Luang Prabang one of the great cities of the world, full of cannot miss sights? Unless the beaming smile of a friendly child fits that bill, I guess not. Will it take its place among the top must see cities of Southeast Asia? I hope not. We have enough such places already. Let us hope that this little gem remains as it is for a long, long time.
Reviews (31)
Hop a small boat to Pak Au Cave
Things to Do
(8)
Pak Au cave is one of the more popular day trips from Luang Prabang. The most common way is to take a ninety minute... more travel advice
The gilded chedi atop Phu Si Hill
Things to Do
(8)
This gilded chedi can be seen from most vantage points in town as it sits atop Phu Si Hill and from its base there are... more travel advice
On the steps to Phu Si Hill
Things to Do
(8)
A climb to the top of Phu Si Hill is certainly a highlight of any Luang Prabang stay. There are many routes up and down... more travel advice
Wat Pa Pai
Things to Do
(8)
Wat Pa Pai is little visited so is a nice place to escape whatever small crowds that Luang Prabang draws. Beside a very... more travel advice
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Luang Prabang Travel Guide
Member Travel Pages
- "It Really is the Jewel of the Jewel of SE Asia"
- "Luang Prabang: The Cheeky Monk"
- "A rare jewel in the Mekong Jungles"
- "World Heritage wonderland."
- "IMPREXXION: LUANG PRABANG"
- "L.P."
- "Luang Prabang ~ Charming Town By the Mekong River"
- See All...
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Food and Dining
Beer Tasting
BackpackingLatest Luang Prabang hotel reviews
- Grand Laung Prabang Hotel
- 151 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 18, 2012 - BelleRive Boutique Hotel
- 136 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: Apr 27, 2012 - Le Calao Inn
- 17 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 2, 2011 - Kamu Lodge
- 32 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: Mar 27, 2012 - Villa Saykham
- 37 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: Apr 15, 2012 - Ancient Luang Prabang Hotel
- 119 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 8, 2012 - Phousi Hotel Luang Prabang
- 39 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: Dec 28, 2011 - Ammata Guest House
- 34 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 18, 2012 - Luang Prabang Residence
- 22 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 13, 2012 - Villa Santi Hotel
- 109 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 7, 2012 - Villa Merry No.1
- 15 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: Feb 16, 2012 - Villa Santi Resort & Spa
- 75 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: Apr 3, 2012 - Sanakeo Hotel
- 3 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: Mar 7, 2012 - Le Bel Air Boutique Resort and Villa
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Latest: May 17, 2012 - The Apsara
- 146 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 10, 2012
Comments (40)
hi u rock,anyhow can u tell me how 2 go from chang rai into laos or is it better from chang mai? i WANT2 do that boat thing !!! im goin bkk north by train then boat 2 laos then whats best to phnom phen any adviceGREATLYappreciated troy
OMG that is the most sensational photo. So this is the place I will spend my birthday on Feb 28 next year..... should be good :-)
I just love your page gives me a lot of info for my trip down there. I can´t wait to try out different things and to have a Beer Lao Cheers :) Many thanks
Wow! I am so glad I stumbled upon your pages while I was researching my upcoming trip to Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam - leaving this week! You are an exceptional writer! I can't wait to check out more of your travel pages.
Ah, another fantastic read, Richie :-) Haha, yes, how familiar does this stomach issue sound ! But good that you survived all the sampling :-) These temples look marvellous :-)
Luang Prabang is truly as gem, and a wonderful memory! However, like you I found myself in constant need of the loo for about 3 days...
A great account of your time in Luang Prabang! Those food tips were very interesting, especially the breakfast soup! Guess you'll never learn the lesson on local delicacies! Great insight into local life here.
Really beautiful picture. bravo. Anne
ah, as usual your pages provide the reader with soooo many useful information and interesting stories!
An outstanding informative page! Luang Prabang will definitely be on my list next time I head to Asia.
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