Japan pledges ODA provision to Vietnam

Japan pledges ODA provision to Vietnam

Japan will maintain the official development assistance (ODA) for Vietnam’s socio-economic development projects, PM Yoshihiko Noda has said.

 Japan's PM Yoshihiko Noda (left) received National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung who is on an official visit to the country.
Noda made the commitment at a December 7 reception for Vietnam’s National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung who is on an official visit to Japan.

He confirmed his government’s resolve to strengthen cooperation in various areas with Vietnam, considering this one of Japan’s priorities in its development cooperation policy.

The 2009 signing of the Vietnam-Japan economic partnership agreement opened up great prospects for comprehensive cooperation between the two countries, he said.

The PM suggested that both sides continue expanding cooperation in all areas to supplement each other.

For his part, Hung appreciated Japan’s continued provision of ODA capital to Vietnam to develop infrastructure, human resource training, support industry, environmental protection, and climate change adaptation projects.

Vietnam respects Japanese ODA and puts it under the microscope to ensure it will be managed and used efficiently, the chief legislator assured Noda. 

He briefed his host on the results of his visit and said the two countries need to increase high-ranking delegation exchanges and work closely together to successfully organise the Vietnam-Japan Friendship Year in 2013 to mark 40 years of diplomatic ties.

He expressed hope that the PM will encourage Japanese businesses to pour more investment in Vietnam.

The National Assembly and Government of Vietnam will create the best possible conditions for Japanese businesses to operate profitably in the country, making a practical contribution to developing the two economies, he said. 

During his official visit to Japan starting on December 4, NA Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung held talks with Hirata Kenji, chair of the Japan's Upper House, and met with Emperor Akihito and former Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama. 

http://www.dtinews.vn

Japan pledges USD2.6 billion in ODA to Vietnam

Japan pledges USD2.6 billion in ODA to Vietnam

The Japanese Government has committed to grant USD2.6 billion in official development assistance (ODA) to Vietnam in 2013, nearly doubling last year’s figure (USD1.4 billion).

The announcement was made by Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam, Tanizaki Yasuaki, at the three-day which opened in Hanoi on December 10.

He highly valued Vietnam’s macroeconomic policies to ensure sustainable growth through its 10-year socio-economic development strategy and five-year socio-economic development plan.

He suggested Vietnam implement specific measures on economic restructuring, with a focus on building a healthy financial system, settling bad debts and rearranging State-owned enterprises (SOEs).

He stressed that Vietnam’s sustainable growth is the key to regional stability and development. Japan will continue supporting Vietnam’s efforts in developing infrastructure and human resources, he added.

Earlier on December 7, Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda stated that Japan will maintain ODA funding for Vietnam’s socio-economic development projects while receiving Vietnamese National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung.

He confirmed his government’s resolve to strengthen cooperation in various areas with Vietnam, considering this one of Japan’s priorities in its development cooperation policy.

http://www.dtinews.vn

Arriving in luang Prabang

Arriving in luang Prabang

Most buses and mini-vans arrive in luang Prabang a few kms from the centre, where many tuk-tuk drivers or representatives of guest houses will pounce on you as soon as you step off your bus. Most will show fotos of accommodation and will try to persuade you to stay there. Pick a suitable one, then they usually try to stick you in a tuk-tuk for a couple dollars, but it is quite easy to persuade them to give you free transportation should you decide to stay in their GH.

TRAVEL BY BUS HERE..NO RAIL..

LUANGPRABANG Whenever I can when travelling I always, if possible ,travel by train as I beleive it is the best and most comfortable way to travel...unfortunately there are no more trains in Laos so the next best cheapest thing is a bus..The busses are generally I found to be in good condition very modern,fast,and clean, for long distance services ..ie: Luangprabang-Vang Vieng-Vientienne..also they are very reasonably priced and usually full.so book a day or so prior to your journey..

Get yourself some wheels. A great way to get about Luang Prabang and the surrounding countryside is to hire a scooter, the all-purpose vehicle of Southeast Asia. Having ridden bikes as a young man, I am quite comfortable with scooters although I would suggest if you have limited or no experience, this region is maybe not the place to learn. In town, the traffic is the usual chaos with people apparently going where they want and road signs ignored totally. Out of town, apart from Highway 13, the roads can be a little tricky, especially if you cross to the far bank of the Mekong. If you are confident though, you can save yourself some money on the tours to the likes of Pak Ou caves, and the two main waterfalls.

I rented a bike from Pinekham Services as it was near my guesthouse. It was the standard 100cc Wave with 71,000 km on the clock and Heaven knows how many more not. It had brakes as soggy as an Irish February and had obviously seen much better days. However, it sufficed for my needs.

It cost 100,000 kip per day and, as is usual, you had to deposit your passport with them. You are required to leave the machine back full and there is a convenient Caltex filling station just along at the other end of Visounarath Road.

It is located on the (only) roundabout on Kisarth Settathirat Road, at the junction with Visounarath Road.


http://www.virtualtourist.com

Getting from Luang Prabang to Siem Reap

Getting from Luang Prabang to Siem Reap

Hi, Just wondering if anyone has flown Laos airlines route Luang Prabang to Siem Reap? Any advice on the safest way to get from LP to SR?

=> In terms of safety Lao are on a par with any of the other regional carriers... modern fleet of ATR Turbo Props and A320's... which means they're as safe as any other airline which can fly you from Luang Prabang to Siem Reap by whatever route... and all of those are significantly safer than any road option you might choose. No concerns.

=> Yes Capn but, it is just that when you have a "problem" you tend never to have any more. Suppose I am cynical because I like ships.

=> We flew with Lao last year from the Plain of Jars - Vientiane - Pakse and eventually on to Siem Reap and they were fine. If anything their aircraft interior decor is completely over the top with something that resembles a cross between a latter-day electric cool-aid acid test and being immersed in a tropical fish tank. Have to say though they are one of the only airlines in the world that I've flown with that consistently departed early once everyone had checked in.

=> fantastic, thanks for the replies. flights booked and I feel alot better about it now

http://www.lonelyplanet.com

Getting from Luang Prabang / Laos to Siem Reap / Cambodia

Getting from Luang Prabang / Laos to Siem Reap / Cambodia

So, I'm in the midst of planning a trip with a friend in January-February 2013, covering Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. We're trying to get from Luang Prabang to Siem Reap, and it would seem we can either go down Laos (Bus to Vientiane, bus to Pakse, bus to Siem Reap) or through Thailand (Bus to Vientiane, overnight sleeper to Bangkok, train to the Thai-Cambodian border and bus from there to Siem Reap). Any advice out there as to which way to go? It would be nice to see more of Laos, but if it's at the expense of ridiculous amounts of time and effort.... Unfortunately it will not be overly long before Tet in Vietnam by that stage of the trip, so huge delays would be rather unfortunate (planning to be in HCMC by Tet). Any help much appreciated! :) ???

=> from central bus station Vientianne take pick up outside morning mkt next dorr to sth east bus terminal and bus to Nahin for Konglor caves and after back to junction route 8 & route 13 and take overnight bus to Pakse and don det Pakse travel do a deal from Pakse rto Phnom pen or siemn reap with stoppover on don det and you just get GH to telephone them and they will arrange to collect you and put you on bus to Phnom pen from mainland. If possible get your Cambodian visa before you enter as scams are afoort also in Pakse and don det they will rip you off for vis fees so go toe Cambodian embassy in Vientianne for your visa. at border they try and charge you extra $3-$5 and also avoid thetemp health check $2 scams plus $2 keep my family rich leaving laos scam Ha! Ha! you leave don det around 830am and arrive late evening in Phnom pen

=> 5 countries in 2 months, looks like you will spend half your time on a bus. LP to SR by bus will take about 36 hours. 

http://www.lonelyplanet.com

Airport Taxi to the center of Luang Prabang, Laos

Airport Taxi to the center of Luang Prabang, Laos

Can anyone tell me if I can make arrangement with the airport shuttle after I arrive at Luang Prabang Airport and pay in USD?

=> Tuk-tuks are your best and cheapest bet. It's only a 15 to 20 minute tuk-tuk ride from the airport to the town centre. If you know what hotel you are staying at, the driver will drop you at the door. Probably around 50,000 kip.

=> There is a monopoly at the airport and there are no tuk-tuks. You pay in advance for a mini-van to take you to the center of town and it is 50,000 kip or US$6 (yes you can pay in $). No need to reserve in advance.

=> Tuk tuk into town is nowhere near 15-20mins ride! Try about 5-7 mins max. You can pay the minivan service (as noted 50,000kip or $6USD) and it's ridiculously easy to walk 100m to outside the gates and grab a tuk tuk. If you have some Lao and good negotiation skills you may be able to get a ride for 20,000kip (but they may not take USD), or 30-40,000 if you're not strong on either!


http://www.lonelyplanet.com

Luang Prabang Taxis & Luang Prabang Rental Cars

Luang Prabang Taxis & Luang Prabang Rental Cars

Don't leave your fellow traveler floundering on the curb. Tell us whether a car rental is important in Luang Prabang or if taxis are the way to travel. What's parking like, how much does it cost, and what are the local driving laws a visitor should know? How do you hail a cab, signal that you need a ride and tell if a taxi is available?

Luang Prabang Traveller Article: http://www.tripadvisor.com

Vientiane to Luang prabang by taxi/private car ?

Vientiane to Luang prabang by taxi/private car ?

I want to travel overland but NOT by bus or boat. Ha anyone done this by private car or have any idea of cost? Any agent to organise this?

=> There are a few agencies in Vientiane who could arrange this for you. It would be quite expensive, I imagine,

=> Seems to me also quite expensive as you will need to pay for the driver and car to return to Vientiane. But you could try and ask for a quote from the driver I had in LP for a quote come get you. He does drive folks around the country. If you are interested, PM me and I will send you his name, phone and email.

Laos forum / http://www.tripadvisor.com

7 days in Luang Prabang

7 days in Luang Prabang

I will be in Luang Prabang for a week.....what are your suggestions? What specific tour companies would you use for day trips etc? Thanks for your help!!!!!

=>> I wouldn't use tour companies. Absolutely no need.

Suggestions: In addition to visiting the wats in the main part of town, also visit those off the tourist track. Pause and talk with the monks.

Visit the old Palace, which is now a museum. Quite an odd collection...

Walk up Mt. Phousi

Hire a tuk tuk or car and driver to take you to the water falls - there are two different sets of falls.

Hire a boat to take you to the Pak Ou caves, a Buddhist pilgrimage site for hundreds of years. The river journey is a treat in and of itself.

Visit the weaving co-op outside of town.

Have a long, lingering lunch on the balcony of the Villa Santi.

Wander the markets.

=>> Reading Stalking the Elephant Kings by Christopher Kremmer will significantly enhance you experience of Luang Prabang. It is long out of print, but you'll be able to find it online somewhere.

The Pak Ou caves are one of those places where it pays to understand what you are looking at. It is a 500 year old Buddhist pilgrimage site, with offerings of Buddha images. It has been looted by tourists and locals to sell to tourists, so some images are broken, and the most beautiful of the images are gone. But it is still imbued with the spiritual power of a centuries old religious pilgrimage site. If this appeals to you, go, if not, don't. I'd avoid he usual stop at a Lao-Lao village on the way.

Luang Prabang place to write

Luang Prabang place to write

I will be in Chiang Mai (Thailand) for a conference, and afterwards I need to find a place to go and do some writing on a book I am working on. Thus, I am looking for a good place to chill for about 10 days, with internet connection, but also good connection with the people and culture. I was thinking Luang Prabang (if other ideas come to mind, shoot). Ideally, I would like a quaint guesthouse in LP where there is good interaction with the local people, etc. Suggestions welcome. Thanks.

Short 4 days in Luang Prabang. Itinerary??

Short 4 days in Luang Prabang. Itinerary??

Thank you in advance for taking the time to answer this post.

I am traveling to Laos with my girlfriend and another couple, for 3.5 days (yes i know, Laos needs a lot more time than 4 days, but longer trip was just not possible at this time for us, so we are trying to make the best of it).

We are flying into Luang Prabang from Hanoi next Wednesday and have the tickets leaving from there on Saturday. My question is for those who've been to Laos and Luang Prabang. What would you recommend doing for those 4 days?

We are all very active, want to see as much as we can, potentially rent scooters if thats an option, see the temples...

So basically I am looking for advice as far as how to maximize our very short stay in Laos and see as much as we can.

If you were in our shoes, what would you do Wednesday night, all day thursday and Friday and morning on Saturday?

==>> Luang Prabang is one of the great hangout places on the planet.  Eat, sleep, eat some more and watch the parade go by.  If you cannot abide all that relaxation go out right now and buy a guidebook, don't read it but bring it along.  The when the urge to move strikes then bring out the guidebook and you'll know what to do, mostly having to do with boats and caves and villages down the river.  And shopping.  The temples are all around you and on top of the hill so no problem finding those.  A guidebook is the answer.

Read more: http://www.frommers.com

Shoud I skip something and visit Luang Prabang, Laos

Shoud I skip something and visit Luang Prabang? Ten days in Vietnam !!!

??? Again asking for a help building my itinerary: I will be in Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh and the Delta. I have ten more days, thought goiing to Hanoi/Halong. I am in doubt of seeing a bit more of the countryside or Hoi An/Hue. However, I am also considering flying to Luang Prabang for three days (which mean I would miss, say, Hoi An or Hue). Is it worth? I am from South America and have little chances of coming back to this part of the world. Thanks for all the help.

=>> If there is little chance of you coming back into the Asia area, and the question is would you gain more travel and cultural experiences out of visiting Luang Prabang than Hoi An/Hue, and if the cost of getting there isn't a big issue; then to have the one chance to visit a wonderful, different and unique culture, then I would say yep, I would rather be in Luang Prabang for 3 days than Hoi An/Hue.


http://www.lonelyplanet.com

Sapa Vietnam to Luang Prabang

Sapa Vietnam to Luang Prabang

From Sapa you can get a mini van for 190,000 Dong (about 20,000 = 1USD). This you can ask about at any hotel. Don't pay more than 200,000 as the actual price is 190,000. The van will pick you up at your hotel or you can wait on the corner near the main market. The mini van will take about 10-12 hours to Dien Bien Phu. It stops for lunch for about 30 mins. It's not a long distance but the roads are dirt and in bad condition. They are making new roads at the moment which should cut the trip in half or more.

At Dien Bien Phu you can purchase a ticket to Muang Khua (Laos) for 80,000 Dong. You can find a guest house for cheap. What ever the posted price is you can cut it by 50%. There are guest houses right next to the bus station. Within 50 meters.

The bus leaves at 5:30am (day break) and will get to the Vietnam border relatively quickly after a quick stop for breakfast and product loading. The Vietnam customs part is easy. Back on the bus and towards Laos.

The roads from this point until Muang Khua are the worst I've ever experienced. They are dirt roads on high cliffs. I saw at least 50 recent landslides and the bus had to wait for a tractor to clear the way one time. The bus was stuck in the mud 3 times and we had to get out and puch the bus in the rain. Fish tailing on dirt roads on high cliffs is stressful. If you don't want a wild journey DO NOT take this route! At one point we all had to get out of the bus and the bus drove through a river. No joke.

Laos border crossing was relatively easy. US passport 35$ visa on arrival, plus 1$ for a service fee and about 1$ more for H1N1 test (temperature). You can pay in USD, KIP, or DONG. There is also a 1$ charge for overtime (weekends). price varies depending on your passport. Canada was most expensive 40$ and some were as cheap as 30$.

Arrival at Muang Khua in the evening at about 530pm. You will be dropped off at a small river and have to pay 2,000 KIP - 5,000 KIP per person to cross. (You can use DONG or USD in Muang Khua). After crossing the river there are many cheap guest houses where you can pay a few dollars. Ask about hot water. You will need a shower after this journey.

Next morning take a tuk tuk to the bus station. 3km, 5,000KIP. Buy a bus ticket to Udomxai for 30,000 KIP. Bus leaves a 800am and 1230pm. I sat on a plastic garden chair in the middle aisle. classy. The bus will stop periodically for passengers to pee on the side of the road.

Arrive in Udomaxi. Get off the bus and buy a ticket for Luang Prabang for 50,000 KIP (or you can go to other locations also). The bus leaves after the bus from Udomxai arrives. About 1130am and 400pm. Arrive in Luang Prabang bus station in about 5-6 hours. The roads are mostly paved and much better. But still not good and it's very windy. You will have to pay a tuk-tuk about 5,000 KIP to get to the center of town. You can find a guest house almost anywhere. walk around and bargain.

dnunz / http://www.tripadvisor.com

Luang Prabang to Dien Bien Phu via the Ou River

Luang Prabang to Dien Bien Phu via the Ou River

I found pieces of information about this trip before doing it, so I thought I would leave a summary of what we encountered. This is based on travel in early December 2009 with a moderate number of tourists around, dry weather, and moderate river flows. Prices are in KIP and are in thousands (k).

The bus ticket to Nong Khiaw was 60k including pickup from the hotel to the minivan station. Tickets are probably 50k at the minivan station (that’s what they cost at the Nong Khiaw station) which is out of town. Your hotel might try and charge up to 125k. We arrived in Nong Khiaw at 12:30, 4 hrs after the hotel pickup.

The boat to Muang Ngoi left at 2pm. You have to walk down the town street, away from the bridge road, for about 200 metres then turn left down the dusty lane which bends back to the ticket office. 20k for the 1 hour ride. This part of the river is beautiful – a must see if you are up here. It seems that there is only one boat per day in each direction, though we didn’t push this point.

Accommodation listings ranged from 40k to 100k. We later heard a guy say he had basic digs for 30k. We chose 24hr hot water over a view or low(er) cost. We stayed a couple of nights. More would be fine if you want to chill out or like trekking. To us this place had a very nice feel. The locals make most of their money from tourism but go about their daily lives quite happily. A walk to the cave amongst bush, and then on to a village through open fields was great We spent about 4 hrs on this. Another person we met said that the place is boring. It is not Vang Vieng.

We had been told that tickets to Meuang Khoua would be 250k, 150k or 100k depending on how many people (2-10) were travelling. On our morning, there were three of us, and we were each charged 150k. A fast-boat was leaving at the same time with one local passenger. The captain said same-same when asked about price. But why rush?

The boat tickets are at 9am at the ticket office, which is three quarters of the way up the steps leading up from the river, for a departure that is supposed to happen at 9:30am. Our boat eventually left at 10 a.m., with no obvious reason for the delay other than this is Lao.

The 9:30am boat going back down to Nong Khiaw was packed. People were crammed in like sardines. The trip down river this time of year would seem to be a misty one. The trip getting there in the afternoon is better for taking pictures of the scenery.

We set off up stream. After 40 minutes, the surrounding country changed from karst hills to lower hills – still very attractive. Many photos were taken. We passed a boat heading south with more people on it. After four stops for locals, we arrived at Meuang Khoua at 2:00, a 4-hour trip. The trip going south is probably quicker due to river flow. For me that makes the trip going north more appealing.

A woman who had arrived from Hat Sa said her tickets were 80k. We also met a woman who had just arrived from DBP after leaving at 6am.

The bus to DBP reportedly leaves daily at 6am. Hand-updated signs at guesthouses indicated to us that it used to run less frequently, and used to depart at 7am. You cross the river to buy the tickets and to get the bus – at the same time, not beforehand. The very short ferry ride costs 2k. The bus costs 50k to DBP.

The reality is that the ferry does not cross until 6am, and in our case, they simply used a small boat. Tickets are sold on the bus before departure. The bus left at 6:30, which seemed to be what the driver expected. The bus was a 25-seater. There was one other foreigner, seven locals, a conductor and the driver.

Even though there is traffic both ways every day, this is a dangerous road on the Lao side. There are slips from above, and in some places the road is also subsiding from below. If you like a bit of adventure then you’ll be OK.

I expect that in the wet season this road would be very slow going (as opposed to, slow going) and slips would be even more likely. Two and half hours in to our trip we came upon a landslip covering the road in two places. This delayed us for one and a half hours. Once the caterpillar digger had turned the slide in to a mound our bus driver gunned his engine and raced up the slope, only to stop half way up with wheels spinning. He rolled backwards beside the steep ravine but kept it on the muddy path. This was the most excitement we had had in laid-back Lao PDR. The digger ran over the mound a couple of more times and the driver raced at the mound again and made it over. Much the same happened on the next mound. He insisted in being the first vehicle over again, apart from a few motorcycles who he shouted at for blocking his way. Waiting on the other side of the slips we passed a bus heading for Meuang Khoua, which appeared full and had more foreigners aboard.

We arrived at the Laos border checkpoint at 11:40. There is a drive of several kilometres between checkpoints. The Vietnamese are building a new one further up the hill, but they will still be a few kilometres apart. We left the Vietnamese border checkpoint at 1:00. We arrived at DBP at 2:15, after one stop for a local passenger. The next day we met a man who had arrived shortly after 12 and had not encountered any slips. As they say, “your mileage may vary”.

soundsverygood / http://www.tripadvisor.com

Rosella Fusion Restaurant in Luang Prabang

Rosella Fusion Restaurant in Luang Prabang

Rosella Fusion Restaurant - Clean and well cooked food. A small place (blink, and you'll miss it) that looks like a Fruit shake place. Locally owned by Lao guy that trained at Amantaka restaurant. Possibly the best steaks in town, certainly great cocktails. Slow service, but worth it.

- good food, nice riverside location, all the food travels across the street from the kitchen to the tables

- This is a a great spot for lunch overlooking the Nam Khan river. The service was great and the food very enjoyable.

- Great views over the river, friendly wait staff and the best stir fry eggplant + your selection of meat in oyster sauce I have ever tasted. Simple surroundings and good value. Try the banana, coconut milk and tapioca dessert too. Delicious. Once a large group od expats left after a couple of drinks it was quiet, not a detractor in my opinion.

- This place has a lovely location, quite close to Tamarind restaurant. It's on the waterfront. The chef here is well trained and all the flavours of the food are fresh and delicate. We came here on more than one occasion, it was definitely a favourite.

Le Banneton Restaurant in Luang Prabang

Le Banneton Restaurant in Luang Prabang

Le Banneton - Opp Wat Sop, Sisavangvong Road. Amazing, authentic French bread, tarts, pastries and cakes. Their pain au chocolate is buttery and delicious.

Le Banneton Cafe in Luang Prabang, Laos is located on Sakkaline Road across the street from Wat Sop Sickharam. Run by a French manager, you can expect good pastries, croissants, bread, and breakfasts. Similar prices here as in the bakery in Vientiane, but again, no wifi. Solid, albeit expensive breakfast sets.

Specialties and Top Sellers: Breakfasts, Pastries, Croissants

Drinks: $1.50 to $3 Breakfast Sets: $4.50 – $8.50 Entrees: $5 – $7

Average Tab: $5 to $9 USD

Cuisine: Western, French Languages Spoken: English, Laos

L'Elephant Restaurant in Luang Prabang

L'Elephant Restaurant in Luang Prabang

L'Elephant- Around the corner from Saffron Caffe. A lovely restaurant with a unique mix of Laotian and French cuisine. The food is extremely good, but has its price. It is directly in front of a small guesthouse, and not far away from Les 3 Nagas hotel and Villa Santi hotel. The ingredients are of the highest quality, ranging from French camembert to Laotian lemongrass and river weeds. Has a great ambience, but the menu is both pricey and some items do not justify their price tag.

Lao Lao Garden Restaurant in Luang Prabang

Lao Lao Garden Restaurant in Luang Prabang

Lao Lao Garden - Attractively designed bar/restaraunt notable for it's "Lao-style barbeque", which you and your friends cook pre prepared meat on a barbecue mounted in the centre of the table. A backpacker favourite and becomes busy in the evenings with loud club music. If you prefer to cook your barbecue in an atmosphere of quiet contemplation there are other BBQ options along the riverside.

Joma Bakery Cafe Restaurant in Luang Prabang

Joma Bakery Cafe Restaurant in Luang Prabang

Joma Bakery Cafe - The best cafe in Luang Prabang. Enjoy their original Bagel Egger (bagel, egg, ham, cheese and mayo), Oat French Toast, the best Reuben in SE Asia and best coffe in Lao. Offers free wifi, air-con on both floors and free full-menu delivery service from 7am-730pm. Great music and very friendly staff. Price range: 8,000K - 43,000K. Near the Post Office at the end of the night market. Phone: 071-252-292. Operating hours: 7am-9pm.

Indochina Spirit Restaurant in Luang Prabang

Indochina Spirit Restaurant in Luang Prabang

Indochina Spirit - Excellent Lao and Thai cuisine. Great value. Everything is tasty but try the minced fish and aubergines. Has old, stuffy, and not so pleasant odor in the interior tables, so be warned.

Indochina-Spirit restaurant is a restaurant that has been adapted from traditional 2 storey big house. The age of 85 years. The former owner is a doctor who worked with the king of the Lane Xang Kingdom, made up of wood and the back and has been registered form the Organization of World Heritage Sites on the red zone (which means "house or building must be the ultimate conservation"). After it has been modified and refurbished restaurant, as seen in the present

The decoration is divided into two parts according to the original style of the house is in the downstairs dining place both inside and outside the house for customers to select the seat you prefer and on the second floor will host a Khantoke. (Can change by input the tables - chairs with a backrest if the customer wants) Customers can guarantee that all seats simultaneously about 150 seats.

Foods and Beverages: Indochina-Spirit restaurant menus are all kinds of dishes of Lao, Thai and European foods to serving its customers through a carefully prepared by highly experienced cook. Recommended guide from Louangprabang.net for this restaurant have Laos various such as Lao style spicy clear soup, Mekong fish salad with Lao herbal, Lao style tomato paste etc. In addition to great food and Indochina-Spirit restaurant have prepared a variety menu of drinks too. 

Music

Every night since the evening will be live music from the original Lao instrumentals, help to lull customers have come to soak up the atmosphere in the real Lao.

Location of restaurant

Indochina-Spirit Restaurant, located on Chao Fa Ngum road (Opposite the fountain) Wat That village, Luang Prabang, Laos PDR.

Reservation

Tel / Fax: 856-71-253080, 856-20-5670198.

Open daily from 8:00 to 22:30 am

The House Restaurant in Luang Prabang

The House Restaurant in Luang Prabang

The House - Belgium's only Restaurant & Bar in Luang Prabang. Excellent price-quality cuisine. It has an appealing range of Belgian Beers, Cocktails and Word Wines. Known for its Lasagna, Beef Stews & curries. Recommended for vegetarians. Conveniently situated at the Nam Khan riverside of Mount Phousie, a few minutes away from main street and night market. A green bamboo garden with fairy lights: very popular and good ambience. Staff are very attentive. www.thehouse-laos.com +856(0)71.255.021 thehouselaos@gmail.com

Hmong Night Market (Vegetarian + Vegan) Restaurant in Luang Prabang

Hmong Night Market (Vegetarian + Vegan) Restaurant in Luang Prabang

Hmong Night Market (Vegetarian + Vegan) - One food stall says vegetarian and the other "végétalien" (vegan). Approximately 5000 K for a plate. Popular with budget visitors but not an option for those looking for tasty food. Cash only. Eat at your own risk as hygiene standards are questionable. Market is open 5PM-10PM.

Eisgarten German Cafe Restaurant in Luang Prabang

Eisgarten German Cafe Restaurant in Luang Prabang

Add: Ban Mounna | Opposite the Lottery Building, Near Old Bridge and Antique House, Luang Prabang, Laos

Eisgarten German Cafe - Owned by a German couple, the cafe is a nondescript house with a tiny sign board. It is easy to miss but do look out for it. The homemade ice cream is absolutely divine at 10,000K per scoop. The apple cinnamon and coconut flavours are particular stand outs. Customers dine el fresco on their yard so bring adequate protection from mosquitoes particularly in the evenings. Near the old bridge on Phommathat Road. Near Ban Meuanna, opposite Visoun Namsok Hotel.

Big Tree Cafe Restaurant in Luang Prabang

Big Tree Cafe Restaurant in Luang Prabang

Big Tree Cafe - Consistently well prepped Western food and authentic Korean food. Under the big tree on the Mekong River. Good service and free Wifi

If you come to Luang Prabang please come and visit us for some coffee, food, drinks and visit the gallery at the same time. We are situated on the Mekong River and we have a great terrace to enjoy food while admiring the views over the river or you can sit inside the gallery and order a delicious coffee or a great dinner. The cafe is run by Mija Son from South Korea and the menu can be called fusion but with some delicious Korean specials.

We serve a selection of food based on a mix of Lao, Korean style and some more European based recipes. The food is always prepared fresh and we have a unique mixed menu. Our recipes combine healthy ingredients to provide the best tasted and nutritional value, using organic wherever possible.

The photographs in the gallery are depicting moments of life in Laos. From a beautiful landscape with a person crossing a narrow bamboo bridge to portraits of people from different ethnic minorities. Each image reflects a reality of Laos that is both beautiful and harsh.

We serve a selection of food based on a mix of Lao, Korean style and some more European based recipes. The food is always prepared fresh and we have a unique mixed menu. Our recipes combine healthy ingredients to provide the best tasted and nutritional value, using organic wherever possible.

The photographs in the gallery are depicting moments of life in Laos. From a beautiful landscape with a person crossing a narrow bamboo bridge to portraits of people from different ethnic minorities. Each image reflects a reality of Laos that is both beautiful and harsh.

The big tree workshops are designed to have days filled with maximum photography education whilst taking advantage of Luang Prabang’s natural beauty, wonderful temples and the surrounding landscapes with opportunities to visit surrounding villages.

If you feel the need to increase the quality of the images that you take and you desire to become more comfortable with the different aspects of using your camera join us, so you can focus fetter on the creation of unique images

Big Tree Café
PO Box 612
46 Ban Vat Nong
Luang Prabang, Laos
Tel: Mija Son 020 77776748
email: smile@bigtreecafe.com

Boulevard Restaurant in Luang Prabang

Boulevard Restaurant in Luang Prabang

Boulevard Restaurant - A new Al Fresco style restaurant under the same wing of New Daraphet Villa behing JoMa Bakery. For those wishing a quiet meal be warned the owner has recently brought in sound equipment and a new acoustic guitar for music enthusiasts to jam. The restaurant has 2 sides for both proper dining and casual drinking. serves decent draft Tiger beer and a great atmosphere for meeting new friends from the guesthouses along the street.

Blue Lagoon Restaurant in Luang Prabang

Blue Lagoon Restaurant in Luang Prabang

Blue Lagoon Restaurant, (beside National Museum), ☎ 856 (71)25 36 98, Offers Luang Prabang-Lao highlights and Swiss classics as well as a variety of snacks and fresh salad.

Welcome to Luang Prabang, the former royal city of Laos!

Our establishment, the Blue Lagoon, is situated on the peninsula between the Me-kong and the Nam Khan river, and from the Restaurant you have the royal garden in view.

In our “ Day Restaurant”, at the “ Piazza ” and in our “ Pavillion ” with a view onto our pond and the garden, we offer you soups, salads and succulent dishes of meat, fish and Laotian food. Our speciality originates from Switzer-land: Rösti and “Zürich-Geschnetzeltes”

Walking up the road, you find yourselves in the night-market with an amazing variety of handicraft and local goods. Off this road leads the entrance into the Park with a temple and the Royal Palace which now is a museum with a display of ancient and modern objects of value.

Blue Lagoon Restaurant
Ban Choumkhong
Luang Prabang
Laos

Tel: + 856 71 25 36 98
Fax:+ 856 71 26 02 65

restaurant@blue-lagoon-restaurant.com

http://www.blue-lagoon-restaurant.com

Luang Prabang Cafes and restaurants

Luang Prabang Cafes and restaurants

    Blue Lagoon Restaurant, (beside National Museum), ☎ 856 (71)25 36 98, [12]. Offers Luang Prabang-Lao highlights and Swiss classics as well as a variety of snacks and fresh salad.  edit

    Boulevard Restaurant - A new Al Fresco style restaurant under the same wing of New Daraphet Villa behing JoMa Bakery. For those wishing a quiet meal be warned the owner has recently brought in sound equipment and a new acoustic guitar for music enthusiasts to jam. The restaurant has 2 sides for both proper dining and casual drinking. serves decent draft Tiger beer and a great atmosphere for meeting new friends from the guesthouses along the street.

    Big Tree Cafe - Consistently well prepped Western food and authentic Korean food. Under the big tree on the Mekong River. Good service and free Wifi

    Eisgarten German Cafe - Owned by a German couple, the cafe is a nondescript house with a tiny sign board. It is easy to miss but do look out for it. The homemade ice cream is absolutely divine at 10,000K per scoop. The apple cinnamon and coconut flavours are particular stand outs. Customers dine el fresco on their yard so bring adequate protection from mosquitoes particularly in the evenings. Near the old bridge on Phommathat Road. Near Ban Meuanna, opposite Visoun Namsok Hotel.

    Hmong Night Market (Vegetarian + Vegan) - One food stall says vegetarian and the other "végétalien" (vegan). Approximately 5000 K for a plate. Popular with budget visitors but not an option for those looking for tasty food. Cash only. Eat at your own risk as hygiene standards are questionable. Market is open 5PM-10PM.

    The House - Belgium's only Restaurant & Bar in Luang Prabang. Excellent price-quality cuisine. It has an appealing range of Belgian Beers, Cocktails and Word Wines. Known for its Lasagna, Beef Stews & curries. Recommended for vegetarians. Conveniently situated at the Nam Khan riverside of Mount Phousie, a few minutes away from main street and night market. A green bamboo garden with fairy lights: very popular and good ambience. Staff are very attentive. www.thehouse-laos.com +856(0)71.255.021 thehouselaos@gmail.com

    Indochina Spirit- Excellent Lao and Thai cuisine. Great value. Everything is tasty but try the minced fish and aubergines. Has old, stuffy, and not so pleasant odor in the interior tables, so be warned.

    Joma Bakery Cafe - The best cafe in Luang Prabang. Enjoy their original Bagel Egger (bagel, egg, ham, cheese and mayo), Oat French Toast, the best Reuben in SE Asia and best coffe in Lao. Offers free wifi, air-con on both floors and free full-menu delivery service from 7am-730pm. Great music and very friendly staff. Price range: 8,000K - 43,000K. Near the Post Office at the end of the night market. Phone: 071-252-292. Operating hours: 7am-9pm.

    Lao Lao Garden - Attractively designed bar/restaraunt notable for it's "Lao-style barbeque", which you and your friends cook pre prepared meat on a barbecue mounted in the centre of the table. A backpacker favourite and becomes busy in the evenings with loud club music. If you prefer to cook your barbecue in an atmosphere of quiet contemplation there are other BBQ options along the riverside.

    L'Elephant- Around the corner from Saffron Caffe. A lovely restaurant with a unique mix of Laotian and French cuisine. The food is extremely good, but has its price. It is directly in front of a small guesthouse, and not far away from Les 3 Nagas hotel and Villa Santi hotel. The ingredients are of the highest quality, ranging from French camembert to Laotian lemongrass and river weeds. Has a great ambience, but the menu is both pricey and some items do not justify their price tag.

    Le Banneton - Opp Wat Sop, Sisavangvong Road. Amazing, authentic French bread, tarts, pastries and cakes. Their pain au chocolate is buttery and delicious.

    Rosella Fusion Restaurant - Clean and well cooked food. A small place (blink, and you'll miss it) that looks like a Fruit shake place. Locally owned by Lao guy that trained at Amantaka restaurant. Possibly the best steaks in town, certainly great cocktails. Slow service, but worth it.

    Saffron Caffè - (around the corner from L'Elephant restaurant in Wat Nong village) - The Best coffee in Luang Prabang, which comes from the surrounding mountains. The Banana Shake Macchiato is also recommended. Delicious fresh baked goods such as their Cinnamon Swirls and Banana muffins go quickly. Granola and salad wraps are good.

    Sala Café-Nice place with a view on the Nam Khan river. This restaurant-bar offers an open air terrace where you can relax while trying homemade Vietnamese, French and Lao specialities. Some people think it is a little bit expensive, but the quality has a price... Eat the chocolate brownie!

    Scandinavian Bakery- Serves western quality breakfasts, burgers and pizzas. Food must be paid for before eating. Delicious Italian style pizzas.

    Shakes & Crepes- a no name place serving delicious shakes for 5000 kip and fantastic sweet crepes starting from 7000 kip. In front of Croissant d'Or on the main street.

    Tamarind - On the banks of the Nam Khan river next door to Apsara, specialises in introducing Western tourists to Lao food, so the dishes are offered with explanations and the menu is full of information. Traditional Lao food in sampler format. Platter combinations of dips,salads etc as well as set menus. Only a small wine list but good range of fruit drinks. Popular cooking classes in a garden setting. Sells food products, recipe books etc.

    Nava Mekong Dining Cruise [13]- Nava Mekong is the exquisite dinning cruise of Luang Prabang. Dining on the on the side of the mighty Mekong is a recommended things to do when visit Luang Prabang.

    Un Petit Nid - Biblio Bistro. Very relaxing bistro serving excellant Lao and western food in nice atmosphere. Watch out for the kittens. Try the Orlam with spicy wood. Good vegetarian menu.  edit

    Riverloft Restaurant, (down the road from Tamarind), [14]. 030 200 5228 www.RiverloftRestaurant.com. Reasonably priced, high quality foods. Superb breakfast. Or for lunch or dinner you could do Lao with Northern treats like "Orlaam" or Mok Pa (steamed fish in banana leaf) or have a salad and sandwich. The amazing highlight is the 10k bottomless coffee which is true Lao Arabica unlike many other places that serve Nescafé. Free fast wifi with purchase. Fantastic place to hang for an afternoon; do ask for the manager if there is something wrong with the food. She will discount or do over

Luang Prabang Money & costs

Luang Prabang Money & costs

Several tour companies on Th Sisavangvong offer cash advances from a Visa or MasterCard. The exchange rates usually match those of the banks and the commission is around 3%.

Banque pour le Commerce Extérior Lao Central Luang Prabang (BCEL; Th Sisavangvong; 8.30am-3.30pm Mon-Sat); Luang Prabang (BCEL; Th Pha Mahapatsaman;8.30am-3.30pm Mon-Sat) Will exchange Thai baht, US, Australian and Canadian dollars, euros and UK pounds – cash or travellers cheques – for kip. The bank normally won’t change in the other direction because of a claimed shortage of these currencies. BCEL also offers cash advances, in kip only, for Visa and MasterCard.

Lao Development Bank (65 Th Sisavangvong; 8.30am-3.30pm Mon-Sat) Foreign ­exchange services; does not accept credit cards.

Lao Airlines in Luang Prabang International Airport

Lao Airlines in Luang Prabang International Airport

Lao Airlines (212172; Th Pha Mahapatsaman) operates at least three daily flights between Luang Prabang and Vientiane (one way/return US$62/118, 40 minutes), plus flights to Pakse (one way/return US$135/258, Monday and Thursday) and Phonsavan (one way/return US$40/70, Wednesday, Friday and ­Saturday).

It’s wise to confirm your flight the day before departure. Lao Airlines in Luang Prabang accepts credit cards and can book flights on THAI (between Laos and Thailand only). Most travel agents also book domestic and international flights.

Don’t forget that you’ll need to pay US$1/10 for domestic/international flights at the airport. It’s an airport tax that isn’t included in your ticket.

When flying into Luang Prabang, try to get a window seat – as the plane descends over the mountains in preparation for landing the view of the town is excellent.

The Luang Prabang International Airport (212173), 4km from the city centre, has a restaurant, Lao Airlines (212173) and Bangkok Air (253 253) offices, phonecard telephone, post office, exchange booth, a branch of Lao Development Bank, and an air-conditioned departure lounge.

Get in Luang prabang By Slow boats

Get in Luang prabang By Slow boats

Slow boats leave every day, the last one at 11AM. The trip from Luang Prabang to Huay Xai costs at least 250,000 kip (January 2012), the trip to Luang Prabang from Huay Xai costs around 900 baht/220,000 kip or 110,000 kip to Pakbeng(Nov 2012). Be sure to retain your ticket stub as they check again when you board again at Pakbeng. The slow boat leaves Luang Prabang at about 8.30, from the middle of the town, and arrive around 18.00 at Pak beng. Make sure you stock up on food and drink before travelling as the on board prices are practically double (20,000 kip as opposed to 10,000 at a restaurant). Many guest houses at Pakbeng sell small (and somewhat pricey) packed lunches for the onward journey.

In Huay Xai it's best to take a quick tuktuk from the border crossing to the boat landing (or about 15min walk) and purchase your tickets at the boat landing because all the tour agencies in town charge a commission, and agents usually don't have reliable information about the quality of the boats. It is common to have to switch to a different boat in Pakbeng, so you may end up in a boat of higher or lower quality for the second half of the journey. The two day boats have nice comfortable (car) seats and it is no longer necessary to purchase any cushions.

The slow-boat is generally packed - so much so that there may not enough seats to go round. Arriving early will mean a longer day, but most likely a better seat, towards the front and away from the engine. The best seats are located near the captain as they allow access to large open 'doors', however, this area can get cramped with locals and their belongings.

The slow boat trip proceeds in a pleasant 20-30km/h and offers nice views to the nature and village life on the banks of the Mekong river. Most of the passengers are foreign tourists. Occasional locals take the boat only for short hops between the river side villages, but prefer to take the bus for the full distance from Huay Xai to Luang Prabang. So you won't be able to observe any local boat travellers, as the boat ride offers just the usual sight of tourists drinking Beerlao but is a great way to meet other visitors and discuss route plans and travel info.

If you choose to travel on the speedboat (a light canoe with a very powerful engine), a crash helmet and life-jacket should be provided - it is not recommended to travel in a speedboat without this essential safety equipment. It is also recommended that you make your bags as waterproof/water-resistant as possible and wear a rainjacket - the boat can generate quite a bit of spray, plus any showers you might encounter along the way will sting like needles against any exposed skin. On sunny days, sunscreen is invaluable as there is no roof/shade on these speed machines. The journey to Huay Xai can be reduced to as few as 4 hours in the wet season, with a lunch stop at Pakbeng. However, some consider this means of transportation less safe, especially in the dry season. Earplugs are strongly recommended. Those concerned about their environmental impact as possible may want avoid speedboats, as they are heavier polluters than the slower options. Travel agents in LP will sell the tickets for 320-370,000 Kip, you will need a minivan to take you the 10km north to the fast boat pier.

Get in Luang prabang By boat

Get in Luang prabang By boat

One of the nicest and most popular ways to get to Luang Prabang is to cross the border at Chiang Khong in Thailand to Huay Xai and take a boat up or down the Mekong through spectacular and scenic countryside. If you take the slow boat (recommended) then it will take 2 days, with an overnight in the small town of Pakbeng, a village with basic accommodations, before arriving in Luang Prabang on the afternoon of the next day (assuming no engine trouble or other delays). In Huay Xai the slow boats leave from a pier just next to Immigration and the 2-day journey costs $20. Slow boats to Huay Xai going the other way leave from the pier at the end of Thanon Khitsarat in the center of town. Arrive early at the riverside quay. There have been complaints in the past of boat operators overloading these passenger boats. If you feel that the boat is overloaded then ask for your money back and find one that isn't. Be prepared for all kinds of discomfort, though you'll have many tales to tell afterward. The chug upriver from Luang Prabang takes up to 3 days and is not recommended.

If you want to spend considerably more money, but enjoy considerably more comfort, you can take a trip with Luang Say Cruises (50/4 Sakkarine Rd.; tel. 071/252-553; fax 071/252-304; www.luangsay.com), which offers a 2-day or 3-day luxury Mekong jaunt going in both directions. The 2-day cruise leaves Luang Prabang on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays in the high season and only Wednesdays and Saturdays in low season (May -- Sept). There is an overnight at the company's own Luangsay Lodge just near Pakbeng. This package costs $243 to $394, depending on the season. The 3-day option departs every Monday, Tuesday, and Friday in the high season, and on Tuesdays and Fridays in low season. It follows the same route with an extra overnight stop at the Khamu Lodge near an ethnic Khamu village. It costs between $343 and $525. The Luang Say Lodge and Kamu Lodge are both charming, rustic ecolodges on the banks of the Mekong. Meals are included as is wine and coffee. The boat has a fully equipped bar, but drinks apart from tea and coffee are not included in the price.

The Lao/German company Mekong Sun Cruise (2/2 Sakkarine Rd.; tel. 071/254-768; www.cruisemekong.com) also runs high-end river trips on all navigable stretches of the Mekong and indeed the Nam Ou.

Get in Luang prabang By boat

Boats ply the Mekong to and from Huay Xai at the Thai border, stopping in Pakbeng where you can catch overland connections towards the northeast and the border with China. The trip takes 2 days (both days about 9 hours) by slow boat, or 6 bone-rattling hours by speedboat. There are also operators now offering 2-day "luxury" cruises.

Expect to spend the night in Pakbeng if you're taking a slow boat (the safest option), or to arrive in Luang Prabang deaf, shaken and either exhausted or exhilarated from six hours in a speedboat. There is also a twice-weekly "one day comfortable boat" between Luang Prabang and Huay Xai, but the cost is significantly higher.

Get in Luang prabang By boat

Ferries are a major form of transport between Luang Prabang and Huay Xai on the Thai border to the northwest. The main landing for long-distance Mekong River boats, at the northwestern end of Th Chao Phanya Kang, is called Tha Heua Meh (literally ‘mail boat pier’ or 'ferry boat pier'). A blackboard at the Navigation Office announces long-distanceboat departures, but it’s all in Lao. A second pier near the Royal Palace Museum is sometimes used when the river level is too low for the main pier.

Speedboats use a landing (Charter Boat Pier) at Ban Don, 6km north of Luang Prabang. For charters, speedboat pilots usually ask for the equivalent of six passenger fares, but they’ll go if you pay for four spaces – often they have paid cargo to carry, too. If you want to share the cost of hiring a speedboat with other passengers it’s best to show up at the speedboat pier in Ban Don the day before you want to leave and see what your prospects are. Then show up again around 6am on the morning of your intended departure to queue. Speedboat fares are often quoted in Thai baht, though either kip or US dollars are acceptable payment. Travel agents in town also arrange speedboats.

Speedboat passengers are required to wear life vests and helmets but the helmets are very often substandard. Helmets or no, speedboat travel is ridiculously dangerous

Get in Louang phrabang By road, Get in Louang phrabang By Bus

Get in Louang phrabang By Road

Highway 13 connects Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng and Vientiane in the south and via Highway 1 to the north. Highway 13 is sealed and in relatively good shape during dry season all the way to Vientiane. Simply put - it is long bumpy and winding road trip. The road smacks of a lunar landscape and there are endless potholes due to poor quality grade surface, the top layer eroded to reveal the gravelly underlayer, which means a really bumpy ride. Though there have been incidents of violence along this stretch of road in the past, presently it is safe.

There are three bus stations, each a little bit out of town, which serve different directions. Tuk-tuk drivers know which bus station to go to for which destination. Ask around for bus schedules.

Tickets can be bought at every travel agent in town, which makes more sense than buying them at the bus station as there is only a difference of roughly 20,000 kip - which pays for the the shuttle ride (tuk-tuk) from place of accommodation to the bus station (impossible to walk), so it nullifies the gain. Pick those agencies which absorb the shuttle ride from the fare quote as others do not. Compare first before biting the quote. Book tickets in advance - particularly for "VIP" buses as they have reserved seats - and you don't want to end up sitting next to the toilet.

Bus & truck
Interprovincial buses and trucks – large sawngthaew – operate out of two bus terminals in Luang Prabang. In general, vehicles going to destinations north of Luang Prabang leave from the northern bus terminal (on Rte 13 about 4km north of the town centre, past the turn-off for Luang Prabang International Airport) while those going south leave from the southern bus terminal (several kilometres south of the town centre near the Luang Prabang Provincial Stadium). There are a few exceptions to this, due to the fact that different transport companies operate in each terminal, and on certain routes they compete.

The following travel times are only estimates – in Laos such factors as number of passengers, number of stops, the weather and road conditions affect travel times. Departure times may also change so check for updates when you’re in town.

Get in Louang phrabang By road, Get in Louang phrabang By Bus, Get in Louang phrabang By road, Get in Louang phrabang By Bus

Get in Luang prabang By plane, Cheap Flights to Luang Prabang

Get in Louangphrabang By plane

The airport is just north of town and has scheduled flights from/to Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Hanoi, Jinghong, Pakse, Siem Reap and Vientiane.

- Bangkok Airways offer flights from/to Bangkok.

- Laos Airlines offers flights from/to Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Hanoi, Jinghong, Pakse and Vientiane.

- Vietnam Airlines offers flights from/to Hanoi and Siem Reap. Vietnam Airlines' pricing scheme is somewhat questionnable, with tourists paying higher prices on last-minute tickets.

Visa-on-Arrival is available at the airport - price is variable based upon your nationality (US$35 for US Citizens as of Feb'12). In any case, bring along an extra $1 for processing fee on top of the Nationality Visa Fee for hassle-free payment. You need a passport picture to obtain a visa. If you don't have one, they'll scan your picture from your passport and charge you an additional $US1. Ensure you have USD otherwise you will need to negotiate getting to the exchange bureau in the airport which is a hassle and offers a poor rate as they know you have a problem.

ASEAN nationals do not need a visa to enter Laos for stays not exceeding 30 days.

Visa extensions are possible at the Immigration Office opposite the Rama Hotel. The cost is $2/day plus a $2 form fee. The process is very easy; turn up in the morning with your passport and one photo; fill in a form (in Luang Prabang they do this for you) and come back in the afternoon for your extension.

Exchange rates at the airport are reasonably competitive with the prevailing outside rates unlike in other international airports.

Taxis into town cost about $US6, whether you are by yourself or with 3 other people. There is a taxi counter just outside the arrival hall.

Get in Luang prabang By plane, Cheap Flights to Luang Prabang, Airlines that fly to Luang Prabang

Fun Luang Prabang guide

Fun Luang Prabang guide

First you have to get to Laos. Then you can enjoy the incredible temples, the charm, shopping, and laid-back lifestyle, not to mention some fine Luang Prabang boutique hotels.

THERE IS a reason why Luang Prabang remains the town that time forgot. It’s bloody hard to get to. Snuggled deep in the treacherously undulating northwest of Laos it was, until fairly recently, served by just two alarming modes of travel. The first was Lao Airlines (www.laoairlines.com) – a carrier often blacklisted by the US Embassy, the UN, and other companies that prefer their employees whole. The second was a punishing ten-hour bus journey from the capital Vientiane, at the mercy of bandits and a million sharp turns. Yet the lure of gilded spires, saffron robes and cobblestones was strong, and still the travel pilgrims prevailed.

Things are different now. In 1998 a fancy modern airport was constructed two kilometres from town, and subsequently Bangkok Airways (www.bangkokair.com), Thai Airways (www.thaiairways.com) and Vietnam Airlines (www.vietnamairlines.com) opened up the route with direct flights into Luang Prabang. Now the runway has been extended to accommodate larger jets from even farther afield. Lao Airlines still flies regularly and many like myself – pursuing this elusive Luang Prabang guide – still brave it without a hitch. The roads are still winding but they are mostly well kept, and banditry is less common. This may be because of the armed, alarming plain-clothes blokes you might find on board buses, but hey, that’s all part of the adventure. It is possible to book a VIP bus from Vientiane for around US$14. All buses run from Vientiane through Vang Vieng and range from the eight-hour air-conditioned VIP bus for US$14 (or US$11 if you are starting your trip in Vang Vieng) to a cheaper local option, which is a good three hours longer. Both come loaded with exuberant karaoke entertainment and include a stop-off for lunch.

LUANG PRABANG TRAVEL INFORMATION

Here you find selected travel information about Luang Prabang and Laos as well as some travel tips for the independent travaler.

Luang Prabang, the jewel on the Mekong, a protected UNESCO World Heritage site in the warm heart of Indochina invites visitors for a wide range of activities to explore. Take the time to read and review our independent travel information about Luang Prabang and Laos.

Luang Prabang guide online source

The best Luang Prabang City Map - Hobo Map

This is a small list of highlights which you can find in and around Luang Prabang information, Laos travel informationLuang Prabang (Luang Phabang). The selected sights and highlights can be combined in our day trips and offer individual experiences and a good way to explore the beautiful area around town. Luang Prabang offers more and more activities and sights to visit, here are just a few of them. Most things can be done by bike or with our adventure and city exploration tours. Also enjoy our videos which give visual information about Luang Prabang!





Luang Prabang information - royal palaceLuang Prabang town,
is surely a jewel in Indochina, and a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995. Once the capital of former kings and an important post along river trade lines it became a site of interest for visitors from all over the world. The ancient royal city is surrounded by misty mountains at the junction of the Mekong and the smaller Nam Khan river.

The center of town is located on a peninsula on an altitude of 300 meter above see level. Here we find ancient buildings, the royal palace, monasteries and temples. In the middle of the small city is Mount Phousi with stunning views of the surrounding temples and hills.

Luang Prabang is a provincial city where time still seems to stand still. As part of the UNESCO reconstruction plan, new buildings have been limited and old houses and streets receive reconstruction to keep Luang Prabang magical place...



Luang Prabang Kuang Si Waterfall

Following the road down south a magnificent waterfall offers a day of discovery and perfect place to hang out in the sun. The waterfall is about 30 km away from town and offers small food stalls as well as the protection project for small bears. An Luang Prabang guide information - Kuang Si waterfallAsian tiger is hold there within his huge open air cage. An amazing sight. Tuk-Tuks as well as normal cars offer services to and from the waterfalls as it is the most famous attraction out of town. Biking tours and trekking arrangements can be combined with the waterfall visit as well as multi-day tours with trekking and home stays. The perfect way to explore the Kuang Si waterfalls is on a 3 hour hike...read more on this tour idea.

Another tour that includes the Kuang Si waterfalls can be viewed here. It combines a short Mekong Cruise on the Mekong and adds the waterfall experience to it, a great day activitiy out of Luang Prabang. Enjoy a Luang Prabang Daytrip and combine a Mekong Tour, Bike Tour and Kuang Si Waterfalls.





Elephant Village - Elephant Luang Prabang

Since Luang Prabang was once the capital of the “land of the thousand Elephants” (Lane Xang) another tour and visitor highlight has come to Luang Prabang. The private project with former logging Elephants offers wonderful nature rides, Elephant walks and other Elephant interaction activity packages combined with protected Elephants. A visit to the Tad Sae waterfall is always in reach as it is just a 10 minute boat ride up the river. Nature Trails and activity options are offered within the project - see also our tour offers for Elephant tours in Luang Prabang



Luang Prabang - tad Sae waterfall
Tad Sae Waterfall


Crystal clear waters cascade over multilevel limestone formations, forming pools surrounded by tropical trees and plants. An ideal place for swimming and relaxing and also a great place to get away from the crowd. The nearby river and the lush green surrounding is just another beautiful place around town that cannot be reached by road. You might use a boat from Ban En or book one of the day trips that might include Trekking and Elephant rides. Our Lao Spirit Resort is just 15 min. away from the waterfalls.

Traditional Arts and Ethnology centre, Luang Prabang



Traditional Arts and Ethnology Center

You are interested in the ethnic cultures of Laos?
Than visit the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Center, which features information and exhibits of clothing, handicrafts, baskets and religious artifacts from 7 different ethnic groups of northern Laos.  The Center has a museum shop where you can buy a community handicraft and the Patio Cafe where you can browse books on anthropology and culture while sipping an espresso grown in Laos. Guided tours and seminars are also available. Also visit for more information the TAEC website.

Wat Pa Phon Phao

A forest temple famous for the teachings of Ajahn Saisamut. When he died in 1992, his funeral was the largest that Laos had seen in decades.

It’s Santi Chedi (Peace Pagoda) was built in 1988. This large yellow stupa contains three inside levels plus an outside terrace   with a view of the surrounding plains. The inside walls are painted with many Buddhist stories and moral admonitions. You can easily reach this temple with a bike or tuk-tuk. It is on the way to the Luang Phabang Airport .

Ban Panom Weaving Village

This village, populated by Thai Lue (a tribe with its origins in Southern China), is well known for cotton and silk hand-weaving. Most of the women come into town for the popular evening market in town, but at daytime you can see them waeving with silk and cotton. Beautiful scarves and newer patterns can be seen in Ban Panom.

Henry Mouhot Gravesite

Grave of Henry Mouhot - French explorer in Luang Prabang - Laos This is the tomb of the French explorer who showed the famous Angkor Wat to the world. Henry Mouhot perished of malaria in 1861, and the French erected a tomb over his grave six years later. The last entry in his journal was ‘Have pity on me, oh my God’. Neglected for decades, his engraved tomb was found by foreign aid staff in 1990. Today it is a nice half day trip along the riverbank of the Nam Khan and mountain bike tours as well as kayakers pass by for a short stop while exploring Luang Prabang nature. Tiger Trail also combines this site with some other adventure package tours around Luang Prabang

Whisky Village near Luang Prabang

Ban Xang Hai means jar-maker village. At one time that was the industry here. Now the jars are brought in, and the small community fills them with the white whisky (Lao Lao) made in the village. Archeologists have excavated pots beneath the village that could be 2000 or more years old. If you want to try some of the finest and strongest Lao Lao shots you should go there not to early in the morning.



Pak Ou Caves north of Luang Prabang, on the Mekong

This is an all time favorite,...travel by boat about 25 km upstream from Luang Prabang on the Mekong River to the famous Pak Ou caves, in a limestone cliff at the mouth of the Nam Ou River. Already the boat ride on the mekong is an experience and the landscape around the cave is unique as well. These two caves are crammed with a huge number of Buddha images of all styles and sizes. Both caves are accessed by stairs.The lower cave, known as Tham Ting, is naturally lit. The upper cave, Tham Phum, is deeper, - bring a torch or rent one there.

Luang Prabang - view from Phousi Mountain over world heritage town Best mountain view from Luang Prabang

Mount Phousi and Wat That Chom Sii
situated 150m and 300 steps up above the peninsula with spectacular views of the city and surrounding countryside. Even the climb might be tiring, the view is certainly worth the sweat. Looking out into the country side you can see great mountains, the Mekong river and the great location of the former kings residence. You can also see the old Royal Palace, now the Museum, the old houses and surrounding villages. The temple has a gold spired stupa that can be seen from most parts of the city.
It is surely the most favorite sunset spot but also worth seeing in the early morning - with less people.

Luang Prabang Airport Transfers, Airport shuttles

Luang Prabang Airport Transfers: The airport is just north of town and has scheduled flights from/to Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Hanoi, Jinghong, Pakse, Siem Reap and Vientiane.

Taxis into town cost about $US6, whether you are by yourself or with 3 other people. There is a taxi counter just outside the arrival hall.

Tuk tuk into town is nowhere near 15-20mins ride! Try about 5-7 mins max. You can pay the minivan service (as noted 50,000kip or $6USD) and it's ridiculously easy to walk 100m to outside the gates and grab a tuk tuk. If you have some Lao and good negotiation skills you may be able to get a ride for 20,000kip (but they may not take USD), or 30-40,000 if you're not strong on either!


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Phoukhoune District of Luang Prabang Province, Laos

Phoukhoune in Luang Prabang, Phoukhong in Luang Prabang

Phoukhoune District is a district (muang) of Luang Prabang Province in northern Laos.

Phoukhong Guest House and Restaurant: This small place, right next to Pon's, pales in comparison, and the rooms are a tight squeeze, but we can't complain about the price. They also have a restaurant across the street on the water, with the same menu as everywhere else -- a good place to sit and relax in the evening, but the food here is disappointing and the service incredibly slow.


Ban Na Elephant Explorer: (2 days trek, all seasons)

This easy trek takes the passionate walker into the elephant forests of the Phou Khao Khouay NPA. Of the two herds known to inhabit this National Park, one has quite recently chosen to roam the bamboo thickets nearby the village of Ban Na.
To protect the (wild!) elephants and to compensate the villagers for the frequent damages to their crops, a community-based tourism scheme was introduced. Trained local guides lead the visitors to remote sites within the forest of this reserve and to an Elephant Observation Tower. Ban Na is just over one and a half hours away from Vientiane.
Itinerary:

Option 1 (in the wet season, June to September)
Day 1: Vientiane – Ban Na – Elephant Tower Ban Na Tower
We will be transferred to Ban Na, which is 80 km from Vientiane. Once we arrive, we start the trek thru the secondary forest. A simple picnic lunch will be served near the Houay Loung stream.

After lunch, we take a short trek to Elephant Observation Tower, 11 m high and located at a natural salt lick. Here you spend the night. An early dinner will be prepared for us to have time to wait for the elephants in a quietly and listen to the sounds of the forest. You now have a good chance to see wild elephants in their natural habitat from close range (though no guarantee for their appearance can be given).

Approximately:1 ½ hour transfer/ 3 ½ hours trekking

Day 2: Elephant Tower - Ban Na – Wat Pra Bath – Vientiane
After an early breakfast, we will keep track with the elephants. We still may hear them cracking the bamboo. We will trek back to Ban Na, where our lunch is prepared by the local guide's family.

We will learn how to weave bamboo baskets from the friendly villagers. Before returning to Vientiane, we have a short stop at the nearby Wat Phabath, where you can see a revered footprint of Buddha, who is said to have once crossed the Mekong here.

We return to Vientiane in the late afternoon.

Approximately: 1 ½ hour transfer/ 3 ½ hours trekking

Option 2: A harder trek can be offered as alternative in case we consider there is a very small or no chance to see the elephants. The alternative itinerary is designed as below:

Day 1: Vientiane – Ban Na – Nam HiBan Na Tower
We will be transferred to Ban Na. Once we arrive in this nice village, we start trekking on a 14 km long trail sneaking through dense bushland, hiking under high canopy, or crossing sandstone plateus, mostly uphill and across several ridges.

The two waterfalls Tad Lung and Tad Fa offer good locations for breaks and lunch, before heading to the Tad Hi Kheng Khani (Waterfall of the Gibbon) on the Nam Hi where we spend the night camping.

Approximately: 1 ½ hour transfer/ 7 hours trekking

Day 2: Nam Hi – Ban Na - Vientiane
After breakfast, we follow one of the elephant trails. When heading downhill, mostly along the Nam Hi, elephant tracks and feces are often found. The animals may also be heard from a not too far distance roaming through the bamboo groves. Besides wild elephants, other animals such as wild dog (dhole), boar or the rare Sambar, barking and mouse deer are living in the area.

We can make a lunch stop at Elephant Tower. In the afternoon we continue trekking towards Ban Na, where a songthaew awaits the group for the return back to Vientiane. \

Viengkham District, Luang Prabang, Laos

Viengkham District, Luang Prabang, Laos

Viengkham District is a district (muang) of Luang Prabang Province in northern Laos.

Look up: Viengkham District, Luang Prabang

Hotel reservations deals and phone number for KIRIDARA HOTEL at 22 / 13 North Rd. Ban Na Viengkham Luang Prabang, LA in Laos

Prices and reviews for Hotel Viengkham Muagkoun Guesthouse and 296 more hotels in Luang Prabang.trivago finds the cheapest price?

Evolving relations between agriculture and forest in Viengkham District, Luang Prabang Province

The paper investigates the changes in management and trade of non timber forest products (NTFP) in northern uplands of Laos and how they are related to agricultural production from both landscape and livelihoods perspectives. Surveys were conducted in Luang Prabang province with multiple groups of stakeholders (e.g. villagers, traders, officials from different administrations) to compare the value chains of agricultural and forest products and assess their interactions. Analysis of remote sensing data and literature review complemented field investigations to describe the historical changes in land use and in the management of NTFP and agricultural commodities. The study revealed how forest and agriculture products are complementary from both an economic perspective: i.e. how they complement each other in household economics and traders businesses; and an ecological perspective: i.e. how they complement each other at the landscape level. At the landscape level, the complex mosaics of agriculture and forest patches are key assets in term of resilience of the overall system in the face of unpredictable natural events (e.g. floods, droughts, fires). The main lesson is that the on-going segregation of agricultural and forest spaces tend to increase economical and ecological vulnerability by decreasing diversity in landscapes and livelihood systems. The on-going trend of specialization of farming activities as a result of the shifting cultivation eradication policy should be buffered in such a way that multiple livelihood systems and economic development pathways can be maintained. The loss in the resilience of the socio-ecological system due to simplification of the natural landscape should be compensated by improved mechanisms for landscape governance.

Viengkham District, Luang Prabang, Laos, Viengkham District, Luang Prabang, Laos

Chomphet in Luang Prabang, Laos

Chomphet in Luang Prabang, Laos

Chomphet District is a district (muang) of Luang Prabang Province in northern Laos.  Chomphet District Luang Prabang Province

Vat Chomphet: Located across the Mekong river to the north of Ban Xieng Mene, Vat Chomphet is built on the top of a hill, and offers stunning views of Luang Prabang town and the river. The temple was built in 1888, and although currently undergoing renovation, the dragon and bird designs on the ceiling still retain their mystical power.

National Museum: The National Museum, constructed in 1904, is laid out in a cruciform shape and accessed from a side entrance. Various royal religions objects are displayed in the large entrance hall. Many gift from foreign envoys (including a rock brought back from the moon !) and religious and culture artifacts are on display including the Phabang(‘ Buddha image’), the gold standing 14th century Buddha image from which Luang Prabang derives  its name. The museum is open from 08:00 am to 11:30 am and 01:30 pm to 04:00 pm every day except Tuesday it is close for cleaning.

Wat Xieng Thong:  Built during the 16th Century by King Saysetthathirath and completed in 1560. Wat Xieng Thong temple is one of the most interesting exampl es of art and Buddhist architecture. The ornate carved and gilded funeral veh icle of the former kin g is kept in one of the buildings in the temple grounds. It is well worth visiting and paying your respects to this temple while in Luang Prabang. This temple was used to organize the highest Royal Ceremonies and houses the bones of King Sisavangvong. The intricate golden facades, colorful murals, glass mosaics and unique three-layered roof make this one of the most beautiful temples in Asia.    This temple is not only the most beautiful in Luang Prabang, but arguably one of the most spectacular in the entire country. It is a classic example of Luang Prabang style during the golden year of the Lane Xang kingdom and is noted for its gratefully sloping roof and glass murals.

Chomphet in Luang Prabang, Laos, Chomphet in Luang Prabang, Laos, Chomphet in Luang Prabang, Laos

Phonxay in Luang Prabang, Laos

Phonxay in Luang Prabang, Laos

Phonxay District is a district (muang) of Luang Prabang Province in northern Laos.

Ban Phonxay Weather, Lao People's Democratic Republic: Find information of past weather, next 15 day weather, weather text summary, monthly averages and many more to prepare yourself for an outdoor activity or a holiday or your travel to Ban Phonxay, Lao People's Democratic Republic

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Pak Seng, Pak Seng in Louangphrabang, Laos

Pak Seng District is a district (muang) of Luang Prabang Province in northern Laos

Where is Pak Seng in Louangphrabang, Laos Located?

Pak Seng is a place with a very small population in the state/region of Louangphrabang, Laos which is located in the continent/region of Asia.

Cities, towns and places near Pak Seng include Pakxeng, Ban Pakxeng, Muang Pak Xeng and Ban Houay Pag Noung.

List of Cities Near Pak Seng in Louangphrabang, Laos

The closest cities, towns, suburbs/localities and places to Pak Seng in Louangphrabang, Laos are listed below in order of increasing distance.

Pak Seng, Pak Seng in Louangphrabang, Laos, Pak Seng, Pak Seng in Louangphrabang, Laos, Pak Seng, Pak Seng in Louangphrabang, Laos

Muang Ngoi, Laos, Luang Prabang and Muang Ngoi, Laos

Luang Prabang and Muang Ngoi, Laos

Muang Ngoi: Is a cute village tucked in the mountains on a good size river.  No electricity except from 6pm to 10pm powered by a noisy generator.  No cars, trucks, or motor scooters.  No hot water.  No flush toilets.

I was amazed at how much noise chickens, ducks, pigs, dogs, and other various farm animals can make in the hours before dawn.  Whoever said escaping to the country side was peaceful, did not stay on a farm.  In Laos, every house is a mini farm complete with all the above and half a dozen children.

I guess it would have been ideal if I hadn't gotten sick the following day.  I did nothing but swing in a hammock and watch the river flow.  Not a bad thing to do, I just wish I had been feeling better.  Oh, I would also have liked a bed with some sort of padding.  If I had slept on top of the blanket, it would have been a great improvement, but then I would have frozen to death.  Ahh the choices in life.  I guess if I hadn't been feeling under the weather, I think it would have been worth the $2/night.  On the third day I was feeling well enough for the 5 hour journey necessary to escape back to Luang Probang.

Luang Prabang: Luang Probang is the tourist center of Laos.  It is surrounded by mountains and situated at the junction of the Mekong and a minor river.  As an old French colonial city; Laos cultural center with the highest concentration of Wats, Buddhist temples, in the country; and one of the few international airports, Luang Probang draws tourists from all over the world causing an economic bubble.  Its entire historical section is dedicated to tourism.  Sadly, the only locals you will see are there to sell things to or provide services for tourists. The night market has beautiful hand woven fabrics at inflated prices.  The restaurants cost 3 to 5 times more than equivalent restaurants outside the area.  In some places, the cost of eating out was the same if not more than eating at a nice place in the United States.

My friend Kirsten was disgusted with the place and left after a couple of days.  She only had a short time to travel and I think she was tired of being harassed for a tuk-tuk to the waterfall or boat across the river or to the caves.  Even the Wats, Buddhist temples, cost about 15,000 kip to see. The exchange rate is $1 to 10,000 kip. The local rate for things: 2,000 kip for a bottle of Pepsi. 10,000 kip for a 100km bus ride. 2,000-5,000 kip for a good meal. 1 liter of drinking water between 500 and 1000 kip. When we got to Luang Probang the guesthouses were asking between $10 and $25 for a room, which was a bit of a shock since the last town we were in; our very clean room with two beds and a hot shower cost $3.

After Kirsten left, I stayed a few more days exploring.  I went to the waterfalls, climbed the hilltop wat, watched the walking of the monks, went trekking in the mountains, and took a short trip to Muang Ngoi.

Walking of the Monks: Every morning at dawn, the Monks walk through the city taking handouts of food from the locals lined along the streets.  From what I saw, it was mostly rice or some morcel wapped in a banana leaf.

The Waterfalls: I joined a group of travelers staying at the same guest house for a trip to the waterfalls.  On the way, our pickup truck had some troubles and we stopped at a roadside shop.  At the shop we met the three girls pictured below.  If you look closely, you will see there is a small baby on the back of one of the girls.  The little baby did not make a noise the entire time we were there.  I was surprised a girl so young would be put in charge of a baby.

Like the Wats, the falls had a special entrance fee of 15,000 kip for foreigners.   The entire place was beautiful with hidden limestone pools, emerald green water, and even a rope swing.


http://www.jdentonthego.com/id20.html

Muang Ngoi, Laos, Luang Prabang and Muang Ngoi, Laos, Muang Ngoi, Laos, Luang Prabang and Muang Ngoi, Laos

Nambak in Laos, Nam Bak District of Luang Prabang Province

Nambak in Laos, Nam Bak District is a district (muang) of Luang Prabang Province in northern Laos.

Ban Nambak is located in Laos's Northern Laos region. It's not much of a tourist destination, and other travel spots such as Luang Prabang may be more interesting to explore in this area of Laos. If you do travel to Ban Nambak, please add your favorite places in this Ban Nambak travel guide.

Find sights & attractions below to start planning your trip! Read reviews written by real travelers. You can narrow the results using the filters to the left.

Find lodging below to start planning your trip! Read reviews written by real travelers. You can narrow the results using the filters to the left.

Ban Nambak Questions ? Ask a travel question about Ban Nambak


NAMBAK, LAOS: The Nambak Orphanage

In all the countries where we deliver, The Pencil Promise looks to understand the barriers to education in that particular educational system, and to see where we can make the most impact giving access to education through school supplies.

Barbara explained that this is how it works in Laos; the government provides free school through primary school. The reality, however, is that there are no schools in the far lying areas so the children cant get to a school. There is no transportation available to them except to walk or if several can share a bike but if the nearest school is 30 or 40 miles away and there are no proper roads, this is not possible. And if the school was within reach the students would have to pay for uniforms and school supplies and some modest fees, which their families cannot afford. In Laos 35% of the population are without means. These families live off the grid- they are farmers- they don’t have the cash to afford these expenses. In our travels we were hard pressed to find one Loa local who kept a bank account- no one trusts the banks. No one has a credit card, atm card, everyone is paid in cash, pays in cash, and keeps it at home in a metal box because if it is in a cupboard in a paper bag the mice will eat it.

So there are two other options for these families to try to obtain an education for their children. The first option is the monkhood which is an option for boys of devout families, but many of the poor are Animist not Bhuddist, and secondly the monasteries provide no options for girls. The second option is an orphanage. In Laos you require specific documentation proving that the child is indeed an orphan before he or she can be accepted into the government orphanage. Families go to great lengths to get this documentation for their children at great personal risk.

Once the child is placed in the orphanage the layers of corruption become more apparent. The government provides 2 to 3 cents a day for each student for food shelter clothing and education. Imagine the shortfall. The teacher’s salaries get paid by the Government on a 3 or 4 month delay forcing very well meaning teachers to have to leave the school to take other jobs temporarily to support their families. These realities are hard to believe.

The Nambak Orphanage has overcome so many obstacles to provide excellence for their students that you just cant help but be impressed. To provide food they have an extensive vegetable garden that the children cultivate themselves that feeds all 400 students. They also grow rabbits, which they sell at the local market in exchange for rice and tin fish to enrich the children’s diet.

As for providing the students clothing they are very industrious. At their ethnic school, which is really a vocational training program, the weaving students create all the fabric for the school uniforms, while the sewing students sew them. It’s impressive to watch in action.

“The director of the orphanage school pulled me aside and wanted to ask me about the American Prison system- Is it true in America that in prison the government gives you three meals a day and a dry place to sleep and you can get a high school degree for free? And even watch TV? Because this is what we hope to give our students.” Wow…

As industrious as the staff is at Nambak Orphanage they can’t grow pencils and notebooks, and it was with great pleasure that The Pencil Promise made a delivery to these amazing kids. We brought backpacks of all different colors and let each student pick their favorite. They then walked down the line, a bit like trick or treating, to get their backpack filled with pens pencils notebooks and a pencil sharpener.

Just a note about the pencil sharpener- this prevents the spread of AIDS. Yes it is true. In a country with epidemic sex trafficking and poor to no medical care, AIDS is a reality, and when kids share a razorblade to sharpen their pencils they cut themselves and spread the AIDS virus. We make sure each child has their own pencil sharpener and teach the Teachers why they must not use razorblades anymore.

We also brought supplies for the teachers who had no books or pens to write lesson plans and keep track of their students grades.

The students that we met were such a delight and are so hard working and driven to learn. They care so much about their education, as they know it is the only way to break the cycle of poverty that their futures would hold otherwise. They are so affectionate and warm, and they couldn’t suppress their joy and delight as they picked out their backpacks.

They proudly took The Pencil Promise team on a tour of the whole school, and when we reached the girls dormitory we saw a long platform against a grey cinderblock wall, with a thin mat where the girls sleep, and The Pencil Promise backpacks with each girls name on it were hanging in a row on the wall above each girls spot. That’s a sight I will always remember.

http://thepencilpromise.com/our-story/educating-children/namback-laos

Pak Ou Cave, Luang Prabang

Pak Ou Cave, Luang Prabang

Pak Ou Caves are a natural cave system along the banks of the Mekong River. It is not far from Luang Prabang in north-central Laos, for centuries the seat of the Kingdom of Laos.

What makes Pak Ou Caves an extraordinary sacred pilgrimage site is their treasure trove of Buddha statues inside -- over 3,000 of them. These Buddhas were carved of wood and left as offerings over the centuries by pilgrims who were traders, farmers, and even kings.

Today, Pak Ou Caves are visited by contemporary Buddhist pilgrims and by motivated travelers. Why do they need motivation? This mystical site is accessible by boat only. Travelers can take a leisurely riverboat from Luang Prabang, or rent kayaks and paddle down the Mekong, an unforgettable adventure.


Pak Ou Caves in Laos
                                 
People have been climbing into the Pak Ou caves, high above the Mekong some 25km from Luang Prabang, for maybe a couple of thousand years.

They were used for the worship of the river spirit until Buddhism spread into Laos along the southern route from India.

And gradually, over the 60 decades, more than 4,000 Buddha images – mostly the standing Buddha of the Luang Prabang style – have been placed in them.

There are two caves in a striking limestone cliff where the Nam Ou river meets the Mekong.

The lower and smaller, called Tham Ting, is open to the light some 50ft above the river; but the higher cave, Tham Phum, is deep and impenetrably black without a torch.

Most people get to the Pak Ou caves by river from Luang Prabang and make an easy landing at a little jetty under Tham Ting.

But others brave the land route – though a new road is making it far easier for jumbo (open taxis) and passengers alike.

The jumbo will take you to a small village on the opposite bank, a dozen or two wooden houses raised off the ground, a handful of watchful but friendly villagers.

A brief walk takes you to the edge of the village ... with a view across the river that is worth the journey on its own.

Below, local lads wait with their small boats to ferry Pak Ou pilgrims across to the caves, returning later to pick you up for the return journey.

As you climb to Tham Ting, you realise that it is more a shrine than a cave: there is a place to kneel before the biggest Buddha images, maybe to light a candle or burn some incense.

And there are walkways to get you closer to the accumulated images, some of which silhouette against the bright light of the Mekong, and the often-seen fortune-telling sticks – though you will need someone to read the prediction to you if you cannot understand Laotian.

A path against the face of the cliff leads up to Tham Phum, and although the outside is nothing much in comparison with Tham Ting, the cave holds the vast majority of the 4,000 Buddha images.

There, as you descend into the blackness, you will jostle with visitors from half a dozen countries but Laotians and Thais are likely to be in the majority.

By the time you reach the part of the cave where the images are located, both in a main cavern and in passages off, the engulfing blackness defeats everything except a flashlight.

You find yourself stumbling and staring briefly as a light or a camera flash illuminates the massed ranks of the images.

Oddly, the smaller Tham Ting offers the most inspiring experience. Its Buddhist serenity, between the waves of tourist boats, blends into the naturalness of the Mekong, the grey Asian sky, the greenery on the far bank.

There, then, you can feel why thousands of generations have stood where you are standing ...


Pak Ou Cave, Luang Prabang,Pak Ou in laos, Luang Prabang, Pak Ou, Luang Prabang