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
Friday, November 16, 2012
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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
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
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