By: Nicole Long – Laos country director
Occasionally I will receive a completed feedback form from a guest who has just finished their tour experience here in Luang Prabang with a note saying they wish they knew what to do on their free day.
If the guest has chosen to have a free day while they are traveling in Laos or elsewhere in SE Asia they might feel a little lost when they are now free to create a plan without their itinerary or a guide.
Once a guest arrives to one of our main travel destinations they receive a JW Cheat Sheet that offers advice on some of the best places to eat, shop, massage, etc. in that particular city. Even thought guests appreciate and are grateful for this information it may not be enough for those guests who have an entire free day.
Below are 10 suggestions I have made for guests who have a free day in Luang Prabang, Laos. If none of these sound interesting or more information is needed then I am always here for suggestions and assistance!
Grab a bike
Luang Prabang is a fantastic city for bike riding. The town is easy to navigate with a map in hand (or without) and the roads are paved and predominately flat. If your hotel does not offer free bikes for use then there are numerous shops around town with bikes available for rent for about $5 for the full day.
Hoping on a bike is a great way to see the city and get fantastic photos. You can stop and go as you please and are able to cover more ground outside of the main drag in town. Take a bike ride just 10 minutes outside of the town center and you will be able to see how most locals live day to day.
Grab a bike, a helmet, a map and a sense of adventure!
Town walkabout
Anyone can see once they arrive to Luang Prabang that it is a magical place, and what better way to examine all its intricacies than with a leisurely walk? Most guests will go on a city tour via van and pop in and out of the major tour sites and temples. If you wander by foot you can visit any number of other amazing temples in town.
One of the best things to do while walking around is to wander through the many small alleys in town. You will find the town littered with them. You will have the opportunity to study the fusion of architecture and observe local city life.
Mekong book and beverage
I don’t think this needs much of a detailed description. Go plant yourself at one of the many restaurants and watering holes along the bank of the Mekong River, order a beverage (Beerlao or fruit shake recommended) and sit back and let the Mekong relax you as you dive into your book of choice. You know what would make the experience even better? Diving into a novel placed in Laos, like Colin Cotterill’s, The Coroner’s Lunch or Brett Dakin’s, Another Quiet American.
Trip to the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Museum
If you do not have this included on your itinerary then you must make time to stop by this museum that is dedicated to some of the cultures and ethnic tribes found throughout Laos. Entrance to the museum is less than $3, if you want a 30 minute guided tour by a TAEC guide then it will be about $17. If you really want an exceptional experience then splurge for a guided tour by the TAEC Founder and Director ($35).
After your tour you can pick up last minute souvenirs from the museums gift shop. All the handicrafts are created by the ethnic tribes that are highlighted in the museum. Purchasing from the museum helps to preserve cultural traditions and handicrafts of these tribes. Once you have picked up some goodies to take home then grab a bite at Le Patio Café, located on the side of the museum. Take the opportunity to try some traditional ethnic food; it’s the only restaurant in town that offers most of these dishes.
Lounge by the pool
This suggestion is really for those guests who are staying in town on the peninsula and whose accommodation does not have swimming facilities. Wipe your worry away! There are places you can go to and soak in some sun or take a refreshing dip in a pool. The hotel in which you are staying should be able to help you get transportation to one of these locations and if not JW staff will be more than happy to assist you. Below are some swimming pool suggestions.
La Residence Phou Vao – This is one of the nicest hotels in town so along with it comes a higher price tag. If you purchase one of their spa packages then you have free reign of the pool all afternoon!
Villa Santi Resort – This resort outside of town has a shuttle service to and from town. $10 is the cost for the use of the pool for the day. The pool overlooks rice fields, mountains and the setting sun.
Paradise Resort – This option is not as nice as the other two but much more affordable. The quaint resort is located on the banks of the Nam Khan and is on the way to the airport. Use of the pool will only run you about $5. Chase lounges are available, along with a restaurant that offers a predominately Lao menu. In the afternoon on the weekends the pool is usually overrun by young Lao kids (just a warning for those seeking a little peace and quiet).
Shop, shop, shop!
Walk around town and pop into any number of the little boutiques. You can find amazing silk textiles, Buddha statues, jewelry, art work, have a personal stamp made, and much more. And we can’t forget to mention the never-ending night market!
Climb Mt. Phousi
Even if this is included in your itinerary I want to suggest that you do it again. If you climbed it in the afternoon for sunset then I suggest you do this in the morning and vice versa. Seeing the town awaken or begin to fall asleep is breathtaking from Mt. Phousi. It is also a fantastic way to get some exercise!
Massage/Spa
Guests can check the Cheat Sheet for these recommendations but the small list is limited to what there is here for massage treatment. There are also many different levels as to the quality and atmosphere that is desired.
You can have anything from a Lao Traditional Massage to a Hot Stone massage to a Coffee Scrub and Facial. Individual treatments and spa packages are available from local hot spots to luxury hotel spas.
Regardless of the choice, guaranteed to be less than anything you pay at home!
LPB Food Crawl
Another amazing feature to Luang Prabang is the food! Take the day and hop around to some of the best food in the region. If you are a foodie, make sure to venture to the local markets and restaurants. Join in with the locals and eat the real deal! If you are not that adventurous then do it with some of the restaurants located in the center of town. Hop around to a few restaurants and ask about the local favorites and try a dish or two. This doesn’t have to only be with traditional Lao food, go and try some of the amazing French breads and pastries available. Endless suggestions upon request!
Stop by Big Brother Mouse
Big Brother Mouse is a local publishing company dedicated to printing Lao and English books for Lao students. They are one of the only publishing companies in the entire country. Stop by and purchase some books as gifts to give while continuing your travels in Laos. They are also great souvenirs to bring to young ones back home.
Stop by any day of the week from 9:00am to 11:00am and join in an open conversation session held in the front room of the building. No experience necessary, just the ability to speak English! This is an opportunity for young Lao students to come and practice speaking English with foreign travelers. Not only do they get to learn from you, but you from them!