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From Singapore to Luang Prabang
Friday, December 4
Once the royal capital of Laos, scenic Luang Prabang certainly retains a majestic feel about it — palm trees line the banks of the Mekong River and days seem twice as long here.
There are monks to observe, hills to climb, temples to explore if you feel like it, but the inherent quiet charm about this UNESCO World Heritage site lies in soaking up the peaceful, slow pace of life this sleepy town offers.
GET IN
 The easiest way to get in from Singapore is to jet in to Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok first, and catch a flight to Luang Prabang on Bangkok Airways there. Bookings can be made online at www.bangkokair.com.
Alternatively you can also fly in to Luang Prabang from Siem Reap or Vientiane, or catch a 11-hour coach ride from the capital if you have time.
A good time to visit is now actually, when it's not as easily accessible from Singapore (or anywhere for that matter) and there are lesser tourists. If you're looking at climate, good months to visit are November to January, when the climate is cooler and ranges around 14-27 degrees.
SEE
The Tak Bat almsgiving ritual
Monks gather to form a procession and collect alms from locals at dawn every day. The locals believe that by giving rice to monks they are feeding their departed loved ones.
You can see this (or participate!) from anywhere in town at various times, but 6:30am on Sakkaline Rd is a good, albeit crowded, place to catch the action.
Vat Xieng Thong
'Vats' are temples in Lao speak, and there are about 29 of them spread out across town. That's a lot taking into account the small size of the town! The temples come in varying conditions though, some pretty dilapidated, and some, like Vat Xieng Thong, pretty grand.
DO
Shop at the Luang Prabang Night Market
The beautifully art directed market springs to life on Sisavangvong Street in the evening.
One of the best night markets in South-East Asia, the lanes are not overcrowded, sellers are not overly pushy and it boasts an eclectic range of items. You can probably get a cheaper deal here compared to night markets in Thailand, Cambodia or Vietnam.
Climb Mount Phousi
About 350 tiring steps will get you to the peak of this holy "mountain", where you can join crowds in taking in views of the town at sunrise or sunset.
View the sunset across the Mekong River
A bamboo bridge crosses the Nam Khan River and leads to a secluded and peaceful silk/weaving village along the banks of the adjacent Mekong River. There is a pavilion, or if you prefer, rocks for you to lounge on and take in quiet, contemplative views of the sunset.
It's on a bend at the end of Khem Khong Road, and you have to take a dirt path and go beyond some bushes, but if you can find it this little quiet oasis awaits you. If you're a bit adventurous you can trek a bit further down the banks of the Mekong River to reach a beachy spot that's perfect for sunbathing or watching kids playing.
Alternatively, you can hire a boat to cruise the Mekong River or simply buy a coconut from one of the many restaurants by the river for a great way to wind down the day.
EAT
 Hawkers at Luang Prabang Night Market
The Luang Prabang Night Market has several hawkers selling food ranging from noodles to barbequed seafood. In a lane off the market, a vegetarian store lets you pile as much food as you want on a small dish for only 5,000 kip (about S$0.80).
French eateries on Sisavangvong
Laos was once a French colony, and Sisavangvong Street certainly showcases that part of their history. Dine along with French tourists in a fancy eatery, or buy a baguette with fillings from a street vendor. There are stores selling exquisite French cakes and pastry too.
SLEEP
Rama Hotel
The mid-range Rama Hotel is two blocks and 10 minutes away from the main tourist stretch, but a little walk never harmed anyone. Not the newest, grandest, or best, but rooms are quiet, with Wi-fi access, cable TV, air-conditioning, hot showers (sometimes) and a decent breakfast thrown in for about S$30 a night.
GET OUT
 Cruise up the Mekong River to the Pak Ou caves
The Pak Ou caves contain ancient Buddha sculptures collected over the centuries. Not too spectacular, but a good way to spend half a day. Look for a travel agency to coordinate the 2-hour boat trip or kayaking adventure for you.
Ride a tuk-tuk to the Kuang Si falls
A 45-minute road trip will get you to the Kuang Si falls, where you can take a dip in clear turqoise water cascading from above.
Rest of Laos
Coaches run frequently and daily to other parts of Laos. Tickets to the backpacker town of Vang Vieng or Vientiane are easily available at any of the many travel agencies in town.
Want to see more? View more photos of Luang Prabang over at Flickr.Labels: laos, luang prabang
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