18 Things To Look Out For In Luang Prabang, Laos

Scoot makes its debut to Laos with an inaugural flight to Luang Prabang, Laos. I am honoured to be their “first customer” on this maiden flight and was very excited to re-visit Laos once more. (I used to be sitting at Row 1, so actually I must be the primary one who arrived in Luang Prabang by Scoot! haha) It has been four years since I last visited Vientiane, the capital metropolis of Laos. In my opinion, Laos stays some of the enjoyable and calm nations in South East Asia. Learn my past Vientiane’s article: 10 Things To Do In Vientiane, Laos

Scoot launched its inaugural flight to Laos on April’s Idiot Day! Guys, it’s real! 🙂

It was my first go to to Luang Prabang. The traditional capital of the country lies between two main rivers, Mekong River and Nam Khan River. Like all historic capital metropolis that’s situated in the valley surrounded by natural assets, Luang Prabang has a historical past of being a strong and rich metropolis. In the present day, Luang Prabang is outstanding for its rich and inventive heritage that reflects the fusion of Laotians’ conventional urban architecture, and has develop into a UNESCO World Heritage Website.

Where waterfalls marry the luxurious greenery in Luang Prabang!

When requested about Laos, some individuals confused it as being part of China, Thailand, Vietnam, or most individuals assume is somewhere in South East Asia. This landlocked nation is just like slightly gem that located in between the 4 big neighbours (China, Thailand, Vietnam and Myanmar), and has so much to supply. Listed here are 18 issues to look out for in Luang Prabang, Laos.

#1 Get Up Close & Personal With The Elephants

Elephants are one of the superb animals on the earth. I have discovered about their affections in the direction of human beings and have wonderful reminiscences. Sadly there are lots of threats in the direction of one of many biggest mild mammals on earth. The evil poachers are gunning for their tusk, and business actions comparable to elephant driving and circus captivity are hurting these lovely creatures.

The Lovely Elephant Village Sanctuary Luang Prabang

I’m grateful that elephants are treated very nicely in Laos. There are lots of elephants sanctuary and conservation tasks to help these animals survive by means of the tough threats. In case you visit Luang Prabang, you need to come visit one of the elephants village, where you’ll be given a chance to return up shut and personal with them, which I didn’t had the prospect in Africa. Additionally, you will be given a chance to walk the elephants around the village and have an in depth contact and reference to these lovely mammals.

Up close and private with the most important mammals on Earth, the elephants! 🙂

They’re my pals! haha (Do you assume this photograph exhibits a love shape?) 🙂

If you walk a canine, the poor canine needs up maintain to you, but once I walk an elephant, poor me has to keep up with them! Haha Please say no to elephant driving! 🙂

Stroll with Elephants Luang Prabang wasn’t a simple activity. It is advisable to walk even quicker than them! haha

#2 Plitvice Lakes In South East Asia

Keep in mind seeing this photograph in 2016 from my Instagram?

Read: How To Plan For 14 Days Japanese Europe Journey Inside €1000 Price range

At the moment, you don’t should fly all the best way to Croatia to visit the Plitvice Lakes to expertise the gorgeous turquoise waterfalls and rapids! Seeing these chilly and crystal clear water fall gently on the rocks and stones in Kuangsi Waterfalls, assist cleanse my thoughts and refresh my soul. I highly advocate you spend no less than half a day right here to enjoy the waterfalls absolutely as it is a giant area with a unique sections. The world is nicely outfitted with primary changing amenities and bogs, so you don’t should go residence moist. Keep in mind to seize your go-pro for some bounce photographs, this waterfall is a must go to!

Among the best things to do in Luang Prabang is to relax at Kuangsi Waterfalls! 🙂

Kuangsi Waterfall Luang Prabang

#3 Help Some Rescued Bears

Situated inside the Kuangsi Waterfall premises is a bear sanctuary, where guests can spend some cash to help these pretty bears which were rescued from illegal pet trades and was previously dwelling in extremely small cages. It was heartening to satisfy the dedicated sanctuary employees and a bunch of fantastic volunteers who cared for the bears. The workforce supplies a protected and natural setting for these bears to stay in peace. Bears lovers, this can be your thing. 🙂

Guys, that is NOT a teddy bear! No hugging please!

#four Squeeze Some Buffalo Milk

Sure, it’s buffalo, not cow! This is not a typo error. I met the CEO of Laos Buffalo Dairy, Ms Susie Martin, who shared her inspiring story of how she arrange the buffalo dairy business in Laos. It began with a mid-life crisis state of affairs in Singapore, the place Susie needed to pursue more significant tasks as an alternative of chasing after the fabric wishes. An concept struck Susie on a family vacation trip to Laos, the place she saw that this nation has so many buffaloes, but nobody seems to know what to do with it, e.g. producing milk, cheese and yogurt. Buffalo milk yogurt was a delicacy she learnt from her earlier journey to Sri Lanka. With a grit and willpower, Susie took a leap of religion and set up a buffalo dairy farm business in Luang Prabang, which is now an enormous success in Laos. Creating employment alternatives and building an business to help educate the locals to leverage on this market potential. 🙂

Buffalo Dairy Farm CEO Susie Martin

I’ve seen African Cape buffalos in Africa before, but this time round, I obtained the prospect to go up shut and private with the Asian Water Buffalos. I was advised that buffalo milk is creamier and has a thicker texture compared to cow milk. There are actually many well being benefits from consuming buffalo milk as an alternative to cow milk because it has larger calcium, lower cholesterol and has much less lactose (good for people who find themselves lactose illiberal).

By some means, the buffalo loves my touch, perhaps its because we’re both vegetarians! Knuckles! 🙂

And, it’s attainable to take a selfie with my buddy! haha

#5 Attempt The Ice Cream & Cheese Made From Buffalo Milk

At present, the farm produce not simply milk, but in addition cheese, cheese muffins and ice lotions, all comprised of buffalo milk. Creating more job alternatives and benefiting the locals. Be certain you test it out, especially the ice cream! (Tip: GET THAT COFFEE FLAVOUR!) Yummm 🙂

Buffalo Milk Ice Cream! Yummm (Keep in mind is COFFEE Flavour) 🙂

Cheese and yogurt created from Buffalo Milk!

#6 Expertise The Alms Giving Ceremony

For the early risers, this could be a cool and galvanizing thing to do in Luang Prabang. The alms giving ceremony dated back to the 14th century, is an extended stand tradition in Laos Buddhist tradition. The locals get up very early in the morning to organize the food for the monks and waited quietly and patiently by the roadside for the monks to collect alms. This every day peaceful, religious and traditional ceremony is an excellent expertise to watch or to take part, but please respect the monks and the culture.

Alms Giving Ceremony In Luang Prabang

Alms Giving Ceremony Begins as early at 4am

#7 Acquired Blessings From The Baci Ceremony

Baci ceremony has been apply for tons of of years in Laos. This ceremony includes the tying of white cotton strings round a person’s wrists for blessings and nicely needs. The locals consider human have spirits to protect 32 organs. An individual will fall sick if any one of many spirits wander outdoors the body. Tying the white strings symbolise tying the 32 spirits to the physique and to convey concord, health and prosperity!

The Baci Ceremony In Luang Prabang

Right before the top of the Baci, individuals attain ahead to the touch the center of the Baci referred to as the “Pha Khuan”. This is your cue to succeed in ahead too. Should you can’t reach the Pha Khuan, gently put your hand on the individual in front of you. Laos individuals believed this channels the luck via everyone. One thing like a Jedi transmitting power by means of everybody! Make sure to participate on this distinctive and fascinating ceremony earlier than dinner.

Once we gathered for blessings and peace!

#eight Visit The Gifted Weaver

Renowned for its custom of weaving in Laos, Luang Prabang has grow to be a hub for textiles. This custom and talent was handed down although generations. Feast your eyes on the totally different and fascinating handcrafted weaves and hues of Laos silk.

The dyeing of colors in the silk

It was heart warming to see the youthful era learning diligently from the skilled weavers, who’re often their mothers or aunts. This switch of expertise ensure a booming local silk business and ensures that this historic art won’t be lost with occasions.

A tough working weaver, skillfully warp and filling threads interlace with one another.

#9 Chillax In The Pullman Infinity Pool

You could be a fan of Singapore Marina Bay Sands Lodge’s infinity pool, however the infinity pool in Pullman Luang Prabang provides a completely totally different sensations. Overlooking lush greenery with a backdrop of an attractive mountain view. Imagine chilling out amongst paddy fields and a meandering streams in the rustic countryside, truthfully, that is so awesome!

Among the best things to do in Luang Prabang is to relax within the pool! haha

#10 Examine Out The Library In Sofitel Luang Prabang

I feel an ideal trip is when you’ve gotten time to chillax in a big personal guide collection library, where you’ll be able to snuggle up with a glass of wine and sit beside a hearth together with your favourite ebook.  The Lounge in Sofitel Luang Prabang is a small cosy lodge library for friends. It also doubles up as a restaurant and bar. Food, wine and a guide is a stupendous combination. Sadly immediately, lots of us not often visit a library. Most of us are conveniently counting on Dr Google to answer most of our queries. Regardless that the web has taken over the best way individuals search for info and studying. It still feels good to go to the library now and again to refresh our mind.

An final enjoyment at the Sofitel Luang Prabang Library

#11 Discount In The Night time Market

After a sumptuous dinner, a visit to the night time market to do some purchasing, or continue to fill your tummy with the native snacks. What makes Luang Prabang night time market nice to go to is that they’ve good cleanliness and never so crowded as compared to other Asian night time markets.

A cushty stroll within the Luang Prabang Night time Market

Situated alongside the primary and aspect streets, the bustling night time market in Luang Prabang has with a lot of good meals, clothing, arts and craft gadgets on sale. Strolling down the night time market is pleasantly calm, as you flick through the stalls, the stall house owners have been all very pleasant and not pushy at all.

The cost of a tee shirt $2 USD!

#12 Survived The Day Market

This was a dilemma to me, after a peaceable alms giving morning, your morning is incomplete with no go to to the Luang Prabang day market.

A visit to the Luang Prabang Day Market was a heart-broken expertise.

That being stated, it was a horrendous experience for me once I visited the day market. As an alternative of continuous a peaceful morning after the alms giving, I assumed that I was watching a gory movie like The Saw, with blood, lifeless carcasses and poor creatures everywhere in the market. You get to see the whole lot from recent fish to lifeless fish, eel fish struggling to escape, reside frog with broken legs next to their lifeless counterparts, to barbecued rats, fried bats, grilled squirrels, baby owls struggling in captivity in a particularly small cage. This place is the definition of animal cruelty! As a vegetarian, I used to be truthfully struggling to finish this go to. 🙁

Content Warning: Viewers Discretion Is Suggested! As you view this part of the article, I advise that you simply train some discretion!

The legs of the frog have been damaged to stop it from escaping! 🙁

On the flip aspect, there have been colourful vegetables and fruits out there as nicely, from mango sticky rice, to honeycombs, fried bananas, fritters, coconut pancakes, deep-fried mug beans, and paper rolls. There are plentiful of vegetarian options out there too. 🙂

Such smoothing scene! 🙂

#13 Grab A Coffee

Situated on the busy road next to Mekong River, Saffron Coffee Luang Prabang presents delicious espresso to offer your day by day increase! There are tables inside the shop and dealing with the street overlooking the Mekong River. You’ll be able to sip your espresso and watch the world and river goes by. There’s air conditioned at second degree and what impressed me most was their social duty effort of giving again to the Laotian espresso farmers.

Take pleasure in a cup of espresso at the famend Saffron Espresso before you start off your day!

The home-made desserts and brownies! Yummm

#14 Cross A Bamboo Bridge

The bamboo bridges throughout the Mekong in Luang Prabang are washed away annually when the river floods. Inside every week, the Laos individuals will rebuild the bridge when the flood subsides. Nothing very special, however in case you are a photographer or instagrammer, this spot is certainly rewarding! 🙂

Morning Sunrise At Mekong River

Crossing The Bamboo Bridge, Luang Prabang Mekong River

#15 Odor The Mekong River

The Mekong River is the lifeline of Laos and travelling down this river offers you a greater understanding of how the locals reside. Fun Reality: The Mekong River is the seventh longest river in Asia!

Overlooking the Mekong River, Luang Prabang!

The Mekong River at Luang Prabang is gorgeously adorned with large mountains as the backdrops, lush green vegetation full of both palm timber, banana timber or corns. To complete the expertise, do take a sunset cruise or sluggish boat cruise to really benefit from the Mekong River.

Sunset cruise is likely one of the good methods to to see Luang Prabang!

#16 Attempt The Laotian Snacks & Meals (Vegetarian Recommendations)

Laos is vegetarian friendly country! From sticky rice with conventional Laotian sauce manufactured from tomatoes, eggplants, peanuts, and different vegetables to Khanom Krok (Laotian Coconut Desserts), Yaw Khao (Laos Spring Roll, which was influenced by the Vietnamese paper roll with recent greens and mushrooms), Thai curries and Western food. Perhaps, this is a bonus of being a landlocked nation surrounded by the various “neighbours” which affect a few of their culinary cuisine.

Many snacks in Laos are vegetarian pleasant!

Conventional Laotian food and snacks, principally vegetarian and even vegan. (Laotian Fashion Spring Rolls, Coconut Pancakes, Tofu Mushrooms) Present in: Many road stalls and eating places

Laos Thai Food (Spicy Papaya Salads, Thai Curry & Thai Tom Yam), all vegetarian and vegan pleasant! Present in: Pullman Luang Prabang

Laos Chinese Meals, principally vegetarian and vegan friendly as properly. (Tofu with soya sauce, Stir fry vermicelli and vegetables & mushroom salads) 🙂 Found in: Pullman Luang Prabang

Laos western meals influenced by the French! (Grilled vegetables, Pumpkin Soup and Risotto) All are vegetarian and vegan friendly! 🙂 Present in: Sofitel Luang Prabang

#17 Play With The Silk Worms

As a continuation from the accountable weaver tour, don’t miss the prospect to teach yourself on the silk worms. The silk worm is definitely the larvae, or caterpillar stage, in the life cycle of the silkworm moth. The silk worms life stage embrace larvae to pupa to a creamy white moth patterned in brown. Silk worms eat mulberry leaves and will spin cocoons manufactured from silk threads.  Fun Reality: It takes roughly 2000 cocoons to make one silk gown!

Silkworms eating Mulberry leaves!

When the silkworms developed into pupa type!

#18 Catch Scoot’s Promo For Direct Flights To Luang Prabang, Laos

to go to Luang Prabang now? Hold a glance out for Scoot’s promotion! Scoot has three weekly flights from Singapore to Luang Prabang & Vientiane and at present is the only airline providing direct flight providers from Singapore to Laos. Singaporeans rejoice! Pricey Scoot, please scoot us to more locations please! haha

Take a look at Scoot’s web site: https://www.flyscoot.com/en

Scoot Inaugural Flight To Laos

“We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm, and adventure. There is no end to the adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open.” – Jawaharial Nehru

Until next time by Journey Inspiration 360

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