Luang Prabang: Where Time Slows with the River’s Flow

Kuang Si Waterfalls: For the most breathtaking waterfall views, take a half day trip to Kuang Si Waterfalls. You can swim in the natural pools (brace yourself—they’re cold!) and take in the stunning sights along the nature trail. On your way, you’ll be able to see a moon bear sanctuary as well.

Take a cooking class: Lao cuisine is out of this world, and yet it hasn’t quite taken off internationally the way that it should. Take a cooking class while you’re there so you can learn some of the country’s best dishes that you can make once you’ve returned home—my favorite was the lemongrass chicken.

Spend an evening at Garavek Storytelling: For an authentic storytelling experience, spend an evening at Garavek Storytelling. Learn some of the ancient Lao lore from locals in an intimate theater experience.

Witness the alms giving ceremony: One of the most notable practices in Luang Prabang, the alms giving ceremony takes place daily at dawn. Buddhist monks walk through the street, and the rice they collect in their bowls (gifted by locals along the way) is their allotted food for the day. It is a sacred and beautiful ceremony to watch—just prepare for a very early wake up.

Cross the Nam Khan Bamboo Bridge: Only open for six months out of the year, the Nam Khan Bamboo Bridge is a handcrafted marvel built entirely of bamboo and rope. Pay a small fee to cross to a less touristy side of town, seeing some gorgeous handicrafts and a more local way of life.

Hike up Mount Pousi: While the steps can be intimidating, the hike is SO worth it! There is a temple at the top, as well as one of the most beautiful viewpoints overlooking the city and the Nam Khan river.

Visit the morning and night markets: I love a good market! The morning market is more local and food focused( my husband and I frequently talk about how the tiny pancakes we got there were the best we’ve ever had), and the night market has the street food and handicrafts you can expect to see in most Southeast Asian markets. Both are great experiences, and they are far less crowded than the markets in other cities, such as Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Watch the sunset on the Mekong: One of the most beautiful sunsets I’ve ever seen was perched along the banks of the Mekong, watching the sky turn orange over the mountains across the river. It is a very serene experience, and was a daily highlight on my trip.

Saffron Coffee: Perched along the banks of the Mekong River, we started every day with a coffee from Saffron and enjoyed the quiet of life on the river. Delicious coffee, and I will sing their praises until the end of time.

Le Banneton Café & French Bakery: Luang Prabang is known for having some of the best pastries in Southeast Asia, and we made sure to stop at as many bakeries as possible to find the best ones. Make sure you stop by Le Banneton!

Luang Prabang morning and night markets: The morning market is a great way to sample breakfast foods and to start your day with an excellent meal while exploring the city. The night market is a street food lover’s paradise and shouldn’t be missed!

Bouang Asian Eatery: Located inland, this eatery is along a row of shops and restaurants, and has loveseat seating arrangements in the front so you can have a meal while observing the happenings in the area. Great food and a great vibe!

Joma Bakery & Cafe: One of the more popular bakeries in the area, Joma has great coffee and pastries, as well as a good selection of sandwiches.

Tamarind Tree Restaurant: Another location on the banks of the Mekong River, Tamarind Tree Restaurant has a great selection of local dishes, and a huge variety of vegetarian options on their menu as well.