Se hva du kan gjøre og oppleve i Luang Prabang

Nestled in the peninsula between the Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers, Phou Si Mountain (at 100 metres) shows off exactly why it is rightfully referred to as the heart of this charming city. The jewel in the crown of the summit is surely the 24m gilded stupa called That Chomsi, built in 1804 and famous with sunset junkies that accept the alluring challenge of climbing the 355 steps to enjoy the view of the beautiful city lying below their feet.

Perhaps Luang Prabang's most famous attraction, the three levelled waterfall is a favourite spot for both tourists and locals. Engulfed by lush tropical jungle, the mesmerising turquoise waters of the natural pools make for a relaxing and invigorating swim. About 23 km (18 mi) south of Luang Prabang, the easiest and fastest ways to get to this jaw-dropping sight are by tuk-tuk and minivan. Don't miss out on the moon bear sanctuary and the small market at the entrance to the falls, selling original handicrafts and delectable food. Please note that not all the swimming pools are open to the public. Some of them are considered sacred. Therefore, please swim only where permitted.

Nahm Dong Park is a self-sustaining park teeming with wildlife, located only 10km from Luang Prabang. Different outdoor activities can be pursued here: from zip lining to hiking and trekking, to swimming in the emerald waters of the waterfalls. If you're looking to get fully immersed into nature, take a relaxing stroll and discover the pure natural beauty of the park or have a picnic in a bamboo hut. There are also a viewpoint café and a restaurant offering traditional Lao food. You can get here by tuk-tuk, motorbike, bike, or book the Nahm Dong shuttle.

Another way to discover the city's wonders is cruising along the Mekong River – the main aquatic thoroughfare navigable all year round. During your cruise, you'll be able to stop at local villages and see how local people live, visit the two caves (Pak Ou Caves), crammed with countless Buddha statues, all the while comfortably enjoying the lavish buffet on board. The most famous route is a 2-day trip from Huay Xai (on the Thailand border) to Luang Prabang. Book your tour on the majestic Mekong River and get a new perspective of Luang Prabang that will make your journey unforgettable. Here are some cruise companies to book your tour with: - Mekong Cruises 50/4 Sakkarine Road, Ban Vat Sene, Luang Prabang - Mekong River Cruises 16/2 Sakkarine Rd., Luang Prabang

Dive deep into the emerald waters of Tat Sae waterfalls only 18 km southeast of Luang Prabang. Unlike Kuang Si waterfalls, the spot is less famous among tourists, which makes it less crowded and a favourite with locals. Note that locals bathe fully clothed, sometimes even in jeans. To avoid getting stares and blend in better, women are recommended to bring a sarong and men a shirt to cover up, as going around in a bikini is not culturally accepted. Tat Sae waterfalls offer outdoor activities such as zip-lining and kayaking. The waterfalls are at their best during the rainy season (June to September).

Paddling down the scenic Nam Khan River is a must-do experience while in Luang Prabang. Book an organised tour, either a day or half a day, with one of the many travel agencies and enjoy the picturesque landscapes around you. Many tours include an English-speaking guide, hotel pick-up and drop-off, rental gear, all transfers, lunch, and drinking water. Here's a shortlist of reputable travel agencies in Luang Prabang: - Tiger Trail Outdoor - Laos Group Tours

Whether it's a high climb or an incredible stroll across the magical landscapes of Luang Prabang, it's the only way to admire the countryside close-up, to discover its secret hideaways and to immerse yourself in a bucolic atmosphere. One of the most famous tours is the Longhut trail which includes a homestay at the Khum village and ends with a 1.5- to 2-hour trek through the rice fields and forest until the final destination, Tad Sae waterfalls. Tours include all transfers, an English-speaking guide, picnic lunch and drink, boat transfers, plus more. Check out the website below for one local provider.

Tangor Restaurant Bar & Lounge offers the best fusion of western gastronomy — ranging from French to other international cuisines — and Lao culture. Try their signature ceviche and pair it with a glass of fine wine to enjoy it to the fullest. The venue also stands out for its complimentary cocktails and the breezy outdoor patio.

On one of the picturesque unnamed alleys in Luang Prabang sits Pha Khao Lao, an establishment that adheres to the Laotian concept of "Ma der, kin Khao Nam gan!", which translates to "please come, let’s eat together!". Complete with either bamboo or rattan tables, the unassuming eatery offers traditional Lao food along with western and Asian dishes. Try their number one on the menu: noodles which come in different sizes and textures.

The main thoroughfare is home to the modest Bouang eatery, a vegetarian-friendly restaurant that beautifully reinterprets the Lao cuisine with a modern twist. Though a newcomer in the dining scene of LP, Bouang is earning itself a great reputation for its amazing burgers. In addition to that, the combination of colourful chairs, funky light fixtures and mural-covered walls is so visually appealing that it draws in crowds of locals and tourists.

Surrounded by three enchanting lily ponds, Manda de Laos not only offers the best setting for a magical night but also the best home cooked-style Laotian food in the neighbourhood. The chef recommends 'khoua sin kwai' (wok fried buffalo and flambé with Lao alcohol) or the 'ping pa' (grilled famous Pa Nin fish with lemongrass and Lao herbs, served with homemade tomato maklen) to pair with one of their signature drinks, such as 'Laos parinha' (champa kao with cucumber and lime rimmed with local ground rice).

Yuni Yupoun—which translates to "here or there"—offers an assorted menu inspired by the entire world. From Greek to Indian to Peruvian... you name it, and it's likely on the eclectic menu. Bonus: happy hours start at noon and run until 7 pm.

With an open-air terrace overlooking the meandering Mekong River, Saffron is more than a simple coffee shop to the people of Luang Prabang—it is a profit-for-purpose company assisting smallholder farmers by re-investing profits. The cafeteria features 100% Arabica coffee beans along with scrumptious delights to go along.

Joma Bakery Café—with four outlets in Southeast Asia—is a small jewel in the heart of Luang Prabang. At this coffeehouse you'll find an in-house bakery, comfortable indoor and outdoor seats, free Wi-Fi, tempting healthy salads, and many other options. Everything can be paired with organic Laotian coffee grown in the Bolaven Plateau in southern Laos. The best part: you get free refills as long as you're there.

Overlooking the timeless Royal Palace, now a national museum, Kaogee Café is one of Luang Prabang's remarkable rendezvous spots. With limited seats that make it for a cosy and relaxing break, Kaogee Café is the perfect setting for light lunches, coffee, or snacks, all accompanied by light-hearted soundtracks, with 50s classics on rotation. The best: free WI-FI and plenty of sockets to charge your devices.

100% Lao Arabica coffee is served in the charming setting of Indigo Café. Aside from the strong coffee, the cafeteria features awesome vegan and non-vegan options, scrumptious cakes and pastries, but the real cherry on top is the breezy terrace that makes the atmosphere even more pleasant; the view goes out onto the Night Market.

Tucked away in a tranquil alley overlooking the Nam Khan River, Utopia features beautiful views, great music, free Wi-Fi, yoga classes, a volleyball court, and delicious food. The bar and restaurant is the perfect setting to unwind engulfed by the mountainous jungles of Laos or to groove all night long.

Tucked away in a tranquil alley overlooking the Nam Khan River, Utopia features beautiful views, great music, free Wi-Fi, yoga classes, a volleyball court, and delicious food. The bar and restaurant is the perfect setting to unwind engulfed by the mountainous jungles of Laos or to groove all night long.

Slap bang in the heart of the old town, Icon Klub serves up some of the best cocktails in the city, including classics such as Bloody Mary, mojito, and Martini. Born as the project of an art buff, the establishment hosts live music, poetry slams, and dancing nights. Since 2017, the 2nd floor of Icon Klub is home to an art gallery where poetry and reading workshops take place twice a week led by the owner himself.

LPMC, opposite the Vat Sene temple, is the perfect setting to get a kick out of Luang Prabang's nightlife. Dine under a canopy of stars or relax with one of their complimentary cocktails on LPMC's spacious outdoor patio.

Perhaps the chicest bar in Luang Prabang, at 525 Cocktails & Tapas one can experience the flavours and ingredients unique to Laos. Everyone here should sample their signature cocktail Sabaidee Laos (Kaffir lime-infused gin, ginger, lemongrass, lime Forrest honey, pepperwood). A moonlit terrace, a comfy lounge, and long bar seating are just the icing on the cake.

Tangor Restaurant Bar & Lounge offers the best fusion of western gastronomy — ranging from French to other international cuisines — and Lao culture. Try their signature ceviche and pair it with a glass of fine wine to enjoy it to the fullest. The venue also stands out for its complimentary cocktails and the breezy outdoor patio.

Parked down a busy street, Chez Matt boasts an Italian and French wine cellar. Alongside the fine wines, the candlelit bar offers a tempting selection of alcoholic drinks, including cocktails and whiskies to be enjoyed throughout the evening on the charming terrace.

Packed with young Laotians dancing the night away, Dao Fah is located only steps away from the southern bus terminal. Live bands playing Lao and Thai music and DJs spinning international genres — from rap to hip-hop — make it a great place to catch live music and enjoy the atmosphere, even after midnight.

Sandwiched between Settathilat and Sisavangvong Roads in the town centre, the Night Market is a beautiful frame to the intricately decorated temples and monasteries and the jungle-covered terrain. From 5 pm onwards, vendors load their stalls with handicrafts and other goods, from clothing to jewellery, to lamps and ceramics. Food stalls are concentrated at the end of the street. Flocks of tourists from all over the world come here to get a taste of local life and gain insight into Lao offerings.

Ma Te Sai (which translates to "where is it from?") is famed for selling gifts, textiles, and homeware hand made by people from villages across Laos. Shopping at this modest shop means bringing back home a piece of Lao history and culture while supporting local artisans.

In Ban Phan Louang village, Garden of Eden is a teeny tiny wonder on the other side of a bamboo bridge. Here, not only can you purchase one-of-a-kind jewellery, but even create necklaces, bracelets, and earrings of your own by following instructions from local artisans. The balcony overlooking the river is as dazzling as the jewellery displayed.

Set serenely on the banks of the Mekong River, Ock Pop Tok Living Craft Centre provides insight into the centenary textile tradition. Here, you will have the chance to meet the people that still create textile on traditional looms, and join an array of different classes, from weaving to dyeing and batik drawing. Pay a visit to the adjacent shop for unique souvenirs to bring back home.

Set in a 100-year old wooden home, the Luang Prabang Artisans, Handicrafts & Cafe is a great spot to stop by for some serious souvenir shopping, or an afternoon break away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The shop sells handmade products made by local artisans such as naturally dyed cushions and bags. The café offers light organic meals, plus the traditional Lao coffee.

Luang Prabang International Airport lies just about 4km (2.5 miles) from the city and is one of the few airports in Laos handling both international and domestic flights. Bangkok Airways, Lao Airlines, and China Eastern Airlines are just a few companies operating here. From 2012 to 2013, the airport underwent major renovations, including the expansion of the airstrip. Note that, unlike at most other airports, security controls are placed before the check-in desks. Tuk-tuks, taxis and pre-booked hotel shuttles are an easy way to get from the airport to the city centre.

Visitors to Laos must obtain a visa from one of the Laotian diplomatic missions or online unless they come from one of the visa-exempt countries or qualify for a visa on arrival. All visitors must hold a passport valid for 6 months. Citizens of Cambodia, Indonesia, Russia, Singapore, Malaysia, Mongolia, Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, and South Korea enjoy visa-free access to Laos for a maximum of 30 days; citizens of Japan, Luxembourg, and Switzerland can visit Laos visa-free for a maximum of 15 days; citizens of Brunei and Myanmar can visit Laos visa-free for 14 days. Visitors of other nationalities may obtain a visa on arrival valid for 30 days for a fee at most of the 27 ports of entry to the country, except for Napao-Chalo (Vietnam), Subhun (China), Pakxan-Bueng Kan (Thailand), and Xieng Kok river port (Myanmar). All other citizens must obtain a visa before arrival from a Laotian diplomatic mission. Please check the following list of whether the e-Visa service is available in your country. Please find the link below:

Planning your trip to the 'city of the Golden Buddha Phra Bang' from November to March means that you'll have the chance to experience the city with relatively dry and chill weather. However, these months are known as the peak season, meaning that the area will be overcrowded and accommodation rates doubled. This is also the period to hit several important festivals and events: Pimay, Lao new year and Boun That Luang held respectively in April and October are among the most fascinating ones. An alternative to this would be visiting Luang Prabang during the rainy season (May to September) when the main chunk of tourists leaves and the weather is still pleasant enough to enjoy the city (despite the afternoon showers).

GMT+7

The Lao language is the official language of Laos, also spoken in northeastern Thailand. As a former French protectorate, French is still well-liked and appreciated by high-profile individuals, such as diplomats. English is also very common with younger generations. Other minority languages are spoken by the different ethnicities of Laos.

Getting around Luang Prabang might be challenging for newbies but at the same time an adventure. Unlike in other parts of the world, because of deficiencies in infrastructure even short rides by bus can turn into a "journey of hope" taking hours to reach the destination. Buses are subdivided into ordinary buses characterised by either torn cushions or a hard plank, and air-conditioned-book-in-advance VIP buses. Tickets can be bought at travel agencies or bus stations. Vans and minibuses are also available. It's best not to rely on the timetable displayed as it's often purely speculative.

Getting around Luang Prabang by taxi is inconvenient and unpopular. However, they are one way to move from the airport to the hotel or guesthouse. Taxi stands are just outside arrivals and cost around $7 to get to town. Besides taxis, tuk-tuks and pre-arranged minivans are also available.

Tuk-tuk is the most traditional and popular way to discover Luang Prabang for only 15,000-30,000 LAK ($1.7-$3.5 USD). These small colourful vehicles are everywhere in the city and you can get one by waving to the driver or approaching one of the many in the parking lots. In 2015, Luang Prabang launched the eco-friendly E-Bus project along with an electric vehicle station to reduce pollution in the city. Today, E-Buses have become a common way for tourists and locals to move around the city. Fares start at 10,000K for a short ride and 20,000K to further areas of the city.

Bicycle is an eco-friendly way to discover Luang Prabang's wonders. Sabaidee LuangPrabang Travel features a wide range of bikes to choose from. Prices vary based on the number of days and bike types (e.g. 1-7 days will cost around 6 USD for a mountain bike and around 2.5 USD for a regular bike). ID, passport, and cash are required to rent a bike or book your bike tour.

To live Luang Prabang to the fullest, hop on a boat and experience the most scenic and picturesque way to marvel at the city's mind-blowing scenery. The main aquatic thoroughfares are the Mekong River, Nam Ou, Nam Khan, Nam Tha, Nam Ngum and Se Kong. Boats of different sizes navigate jewel-blue streams through lush vegetation. The Mekong River is the most important route and navigable year-around. You can get from Huay Xai to Luang Prabang on the so-called 'slowboat' on a two-day journey. The fare is around 250,000K (30 USD) and it is the cheapest option. If patience is not your friend, there is also the speedboat which is slightly more expensive but takes you to Luang Prabang in 6 hours. To make it more comfortable for travellers, Mekong Cruises and Mekong River Cruises organise multi-day cruises, providing the best service on board. Contact them at the websites below for detailed information.

Medical care in Luang Prabang has improved significantly over the last few years, but the lack of medical facilities remains a major problem in the whole area. Some of the most reputable hospitals in the area of the Luang Prabang are Attapeu Province Hospital and Khammouane Province Hospital with French- and English-speaking staff ready to help travellers in need and a 24-hour emergency service, including ambulances. Most of the time, patients with more serious injuries are transferred by road or air to Thailand. As for pharmacies, please avoid purchasing medicines from markets since counterfeit pharmaceuticals are a common problem. Here's a shortlist of reputable pharmacies in the area: - Bouaphan Pharmacy (English-speaking staff) Sakkaline Rd., Luang Prabang - Phakan's clinic (English-speaking staff and efficient service) Laos

Set in close proximity to the night market, the main post office – La Poste – opens Monday to Friday from 8 am to 4 pm and 5 pm to 8 pm. It provides services such as phone calls, DHL and Western Union facilities. Stamps can be purchased at corner shops.

+586 is Laos' country code that will allow you to call from abroad 71 is Luang Prabang's area code +586 71 is followed by a 6-digit phone number (e.g. +586 71 xxx xxx)

There are five different power plug and sockets types, A, B, C, E, and F. The standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. See what electric plugs look like on the image slider and find out whether you need a travel adaptor.