About Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang, the City of the Royal Buddha, is the ancient royal capital of Laos, and home to dozens of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including more than 30 beautiful historic temples.
Life in Luang Prabang is slow, quiet, and peaceful. Wake early to see the daily Sai Bat, or Buddhist Alms Giving Ceremony, in which the devout offer food to the city's hundreds of monks.
Visit the beautiful temples and soak in the culture, history, and peaceful religious life in the holy city of Lao Buddhism.
You can travel in Laos by bus. A bus between Vientiane and Luang Prabang costs 130,000-150,000 kip (about $15), and can take up to 14 hours. Long delays and breakdowns are common. The roads can also be a bit unsafe, especially in the rainy season.
The best way to get to Luang Prabang is to fly, either from Vientiane or from nearby Bangkok. Numerous budget airlines, such as Air Asia, offer cheap fares to Luang Prabang. The flight takes less than an hour from Vientiane, and should only cost around $100. It's definitely worth the price as flying is much quicker, more comfortable, and safer than taking the bus.
When making your booking, check that your hotel is located around the old town near the main attractions. Luang Prabang is quite small, and if you are staying in a central location, you can walk everywhere on foot.
Life in Luang Prabang is slow, quiet, and peaceful. Wake early to see the daily Sai Bat, or Buddhist Alms Giving Ceremony, in which the devout offer food to the city's hundreds of monks.
Visit the beautiful temples and soak in the culture, history, and peaceful religious life in the holy city of Lao Buddhism.
How to get to Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang is located in the north-central region of Laos. Though it's geographically close to the capital, Vientiane, Luang Prabang can be a bit difficult to get to. The roads are rough and winding, and the trip could take a nauseating 14-hours to cross through the steep, curving mountain roads.You can travel in Laos by bus. A bus between Vientiane and Luang Prabang costs 130,000-150,000 kip (about $15), and can take up to 14 hours. Long delays and breakdowns are common. The roads can also be a bit unsafe, especially in the rainy season.
The best way to get to Luang Prabang is to fly, either from Vientiane or from nearby Bangkok. Numerous budget airlines, such as Air Asia, offer cheap fares to Luang Prabang. The flight takes less than an hour from Vientiane, and should only cost around $100. It's definitely worth the price as flying is much quicker, more comfortable, and safer than taking the bus.
Where to stay in Luang Prabang
There are no shortages of hotels, hostels, and guest houses in Luang Prabang for every budget. Staying in Luang Prabang is cheap. A private room with air conditioning, a private bathroom, and breakfast will cost between $10 and $20 per night. A hostel will cost less than that.When making your booking, check that your hotel is located around the old town near the main attractions. Luang Prabang is quite small, and if you are staying in a central location, you can walk everywhere on foot.