The Happy Jetlagger

Tag: Luang Prabang

To me, Luang Prabang is not only one of the most beautiful places in Laos, but even in all of Southeast Asia. The tranquility here in the midst of nature is just so relaxing!

  • Kuang Si Waterfall, Laos: Excursion from Luang Prabang

    Kuang Si Waterfall, Laos: Excursion from Luang Prabang

    The 30 minutes on the back of a rattling tuktuk were worth it: near Luang Prabang are the Kuang Si waterfalls – and they are spectacularly beautiful. Clear turquoise water in small pools spread at the foot of the waterfall. And the waterfall itself, in the middle of a tropical forest. All breathtaking.

    Small waterfall in the tropical jungle
    Kuang Si Falls in Laos, with waterfalls and nature in the background.

    Waterfall for adventure lovers

    If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you can also take a look at the waterfall from above. A small trail leads up the mountain – and right at the sign “Danger! Do not pass!” you do exactly the opposite: off through the hole next to it and further up to the waterfall. But be careful, already the regular hiking trail is sometimes not without due to the wet ground… and here it does not get better.

    Forest path with trees and rocks in the jungle
    Danger sign in the jungle in front of a tree

    And even if thousands of backpackers show you how to do it, it’s better to swap your flip-flops for sturdy sneakers. If you still need the total kick, you can then, once at the top, sit right on the cliff of the waterfall!

    People swim in a natural blue lagoon.

    In the Laos blog you will find many more tips for a great Laos round trip!

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    Best time for Kuang Si Waterfalls

    It is best to start early in the morning in the direction of the waterfalls, because from late morning the first tour groups slowly start to arrive, and then it gets really crowded. On weekends, the Kuang Si waterfalls are of course also a popular destination for the locals.

    Stepped waterfall in the forest

    Many families spend the whole day there, picnicking, swimming and enjoying nature and family time. So if you prefer to travel more solitary, come during the week. However, the atmosphere is very nice on weekends so among locals, so is also a nice option.

    Set table on the riverbank, rural surroundings
    Picturesque waterfall in the green forest
    People on a wooden bridge in a tropical forest
    Person on bridge in front of waterfall

    Some locals even bring their own secret pop-up restaurant and nicely set the available tables and serve lunch – in case you forgot your packed lunch, you won’t starve either!

    Waterfall in the forest with people

    Bears at Kuang Si waterfall

    At the entrance to the waterfall is also the Bear Sanctuary, a sanctuary for bears, where you can watch them play and chill in their enclosure.

    Sleeping bear on wooden platform in the forest.
    Sleeping black bear on wooden platform outdoors.

    How to get to Kuang Si Waterfall?

    There are two ways to get from Luang Prabang to Kuang Si Waterfall. Either book one of the many tours offered to Kuang Si or simply take a tuktuk from Luang Prabang, which is also waiting on site as long as you explore the waterfalls. Of course, this is a bit more expensive, but it’s definitely worth it to arrive before the crowds and have the flexibility to arrive and depart.

    Cascading waterfall in the green forest

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    More articles about Laos:

  • The Monk Procession in Luang Prabang: A Sacred Morning Ritual

    The Monk Procession in Luang Prabang: A Sacred Morning Ritual

    Even when you are on vacation, you sometimes have to push yourself to do things you’d never do willingly. Like getting up at 5am. Well, traveling can be hard work sometimes, too. But when in Luang Prabang you have to get up early to see the monks’ daily ceremony of receiving alms. I don’t know what was more fascinating, the procession itself or the fact, that it turned out to be a very touristy event – which was kind of irritating.

    Monk procession, Giving alms. in Luang Prabang, Lao

    A part of Sisavangvong Road is blocked for the whole procession and so the street was filled more with tourists taking pictures of the scenery than with the main characters of this event, namely the monks and buddhist people giving alms.

    Monks walking, alms procession

    Peace and quiet

    But in the end, as a tourist myself watching the procession I became a part of the bizarre monk-watching event, too, and I decided to go with the flow. It was kind of strange, as the whole thing has still a religious meaning and should be respected as such. So, no music, no loud yelling, no noise at all – despite of all the people in the street it was really calm and quiet. Small chairs were put on one side of the street, so people could sit and give their alms like money, sweets or sticky rice to the monks passing by. Monks are not allowed to have any possessions, so they really live on what people share with them every day.

    Monk procession, Giving alms. in Luang Prabang, Lao

    Thoughts – how was it?

    All in all, it was an interesting thing to see, but I left with mixed emotions. Is it really necessary to watch such an intimate ceremony of a religion I barely know? Of which I don’t know the rules and habits? Should a religious event become a tourist sight? I didn’t come to a clear conclusion. I just know that I was impressed once more how peaceful buddhism can be and with how much dedication people are sharing. I was glad for that insight, but somehow – it had its awkward moments and I had the very strong feeling I was at the wrong place at the wrong time.

    Baskets with offerings for monks, Luang Prabang, Lao

    “Should I go see the monk procession?”

    After reading this, you might ask yourself that – and the answer is simple: Just go. See for yourself. Maybe you won’t find it that awkward at all. Maybe you will. But that’s the purpose of traveling:

    See and feel everything by yourself.

     

  • Luang Prabang: Tips & Highlights

    Luang Prabang: Tips & Highlights

    Luang Prabang feels like a charming place frozen in a gentle moment. The relaxed pace of life and the warm, easygoing nature of the people, just like in the rest of Laos, make it truly special. The Old Town is undoubtedly the heart of Luang Prabang—no surprise that most tourist stays are centered here. I’ve put together a list of all the wonderful sights you can enjoy in Luang Prabang. And just to be honest, I have to say: Luang Prabang really left a lasting impression on me.

    Temple over temple in Luang Prabang

    Luang Prabang is the spiritual heart of Laos. While temple visits are generally worthwhile in Southeast Asia, in Luang Prabang they are an absolute must! Here are some of the most beautiful temples:

    Small Buddhist temple in Luang Prabang, Laos
    Somewhere in the old town of Luang Prabang

    Feeling inspired to travel? Discover more about Laos here!
    All articles about Laos

    Phou Si: The mountain with the breathtaking view

    Don’t miss the chance to see the sunset from Phou Si (or Phusi) Mountain—it’s truly unforgettable! The stunning view of the city and river will stay with you forever. To enjoy the best sights, try to arrive early and find a cozy spot to take it all in.

    There isn’t much space at the top of the mountain, and it tends to get crowded. It’s important to drink plenty of water in the Asian heat, especially while climbing. Just keep in mind that there are no restrooms at the top, so try not to overdo it with the water.

    There are two ways up, one on the Nam Khan side, the other just in front of the National Museum.

    The Night Market in Luang Prabang

    Every city in Southeast Asia has a night market. In Luang Prabang, the Night Market operates daily from 6pm along Sisavongvang Road, directly opposite the National Museum. Even if you’re not interested in typical tourist attractions, it’s definitely worth taking a closer look here. A few things are really different and the prices are quite reasonable.

    Night Market in Luang Prabang, Laos

    Food Drinks

    In Luang Prabang, you’ll never go hungry. Around every corner, you’ll discover cozy pubs, cafés, and restaurants offering delicious meals. While the street food scene is limited mostly to a few spots at the Night Market, there are plenty of affordable restaurant options as well, making it easy to enjoy a great meal whenever you like.

    Restaurant Tip for Luang Prabang

    Och Pop Tok is a small textile manufacturer with great handmade and fair-trade products. If you’d like, you can also take the free shuttle to their small production facility just outside the Old Town. And, by the way, there’s a cozy café near the store:

    och pop tok silk road café at heritage garden luang prabang

    Where to Stay in Luang Prabang

    Compared to the rest of Laos, staying in Luang Prabang tends to be a bit more expensive, especially during special holidays like Lao New Year in April. But I found the prices to be quite reasonable overall. If you’re looking to indulge a little, definitely consider exploring the charming luxury hotels in town. They offer a lovely, unique feel that sets them apart from the big hotel chains—which are less common here, or often come with individually managed accommodations that add to their special charm.

    3 Tips for Different Budgets

    Basic: View Khem Khoung Guest House —cozy, French owner, helpful and friendly, great location
    Mid-range: My Dream Boutique Resort —a charming resort nestled in a tropical garden
    Luxury: 3 Nagas Luang Prabang —it’s a hotel chain, but: unique atmosphere, cozy, few rooms, and great deals during the off-season

    Tours from Luang Prabang

    There’s plenty of nature to discover around Luang Prabang, and three destinations top the list. The Kuang Si Waterfall is the absolute highlight among them—turquoise-blue pools, multiple cascades, and plenty of time to just sit back and take it all in. I’ve written all about it in a separate article: Kuang Si Waterfall: Welcome to Paradise

    The Tad Se Waterfall, on the other hand, isn’t really worth visiting during the dry season because there’s simply not enough water flowing—if you’re traveling during this time, you’re better off skipping the trip. Unfortunately, I missed the Pak Ou Caves myself, but they’re said to be very beautiful: two caves on the Mekong, crammed with thousands of Buddha statues that worshippers have placed there over the centuries.

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  • Luang Prabang in Laos: The most relaxed city in Southeast Asia

    Luang Prabang in Laos: The most relaxed city in Southeast Asia

    I don’t know what it was. I, who was quite carried away from a 24-hour trip from Berlin to Luang Prabang in northern Laos, or the city itself, still on the ropes from the Buddhist New Year celebrations two weeks earlier. Luang Prabang was so incredibly quiet and calm, sleepy, yet relaxed. I had not expected this calm. And it was hot. Incredibly hot.

    view from top of mount phousi luang prabang lao

    Was this something the tranquility of Luang Prabang that I had read and heard so much about before? I have rarely experienced a place that radiates so much relaxation. It felt as if I had landed from busy Berlin straight into another dimension, where there is a completely different concept of time – it didn’t seem important here at all.

    On my Laos blog page, you’ll find even more tips for this fascinating travel destination

    Luang Prabang: The beginning of a journey through Laos

    No rush, no hurry. Just a small, pretty place, in the middle of nowhere, on the peaceful flowing Mekong River. Full of the most beautiful Buddhist temples, at the very end of the world. Luang Prabang was definitely the right place to start a journey through Laos.

    golden buddha under umbrella in temple in luang prabang lao

    I could have easily spent two weeks in Luang Prabang, just relaxing. Unfortunately, I did not have quite so much time, but I swore to myself: Someday I’ll be back, and then I’ll rent one of the great accommodations in Luang Prabang and just do nothing but enjoy.

    Click here to discover wonderful places to stay in Luang Prabang

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