We were there for seven ( or eight) nights, so we took everything ( except the Plain of Jars) at a leisurely pace.

I forgot to mention that the Indochine restaurant is virtually opposite the Souvannaphoum.

Where are you going after Luang Prabang?

Gill

Great coffee shop across the street as well. Laundry service weigh by kilo-had in the early am and usually get back that evening but allow 24 hours just incase you get busy.

Tiger trails costs a little more than some hence reason less touristy. However, we're talking $25-$35 depending what you do so really seems more once you're in Loas but compared with the rest of the region. Also goes towards the upkeep of their elephant conservation and eco-lodge expansion.

Surprisingly pcs sold in Luang Prabang weren't that great. Someone can make a lot of dosh if they come through with some--similar to the style of those you find in Greece.... any takers?

The residential area behind your hotel is worth a walk around just to see how every one lives there. Look out for the two hawks and tropical birds in the front drive of the house behind your hotel.

Gill and Tony, read your lovely report on epinions. You should definately copy & print on this website for other fodorites. We will be travelling in Thailand (our second trip there ) and are very excited about spending some time in LP, even though it is just for a few days. Was Indochine restaurant good? Did you have massages at Red Cross?

Thank you for your kind words. Trip reports, have become quite a hobby. That is why I was astonished that I hadn't found Fodor's before.

Dararat (trainee manager at the Souvannaphoum) is from Thailand, trained in Switzerland. She is lovely. Her parents had flown over for a short holiday to see her, so we met them too.They went to L'Elephant for their celebratory meal together. They had brought her some Nutella chocolate spread as you cannot get it in Luang Prabang. Funny the things you miss when you are away from home. The Thai language is very similar to Laos, apparently, and she speaks excellent English.

I am ashamed to say that we never actually tried L'Indochine, it always seemed fully booked and we had been so busy during the day--- well, you know how time flies on holiday, that we forgot to make a reservation. We were also spoiled for choice by the other restaurants in Luang Prabang.

Our massages were taken at the Souvannaphoum in wonderful marquee-like tents in the garden, overlooking the lotus pool.Don't forget to go and have a look , even if you don't have a massage. We had booked a special package. Normally, they are some very silly price.

Many people told us about the Red Cross and this is the place to go -very good and very reasonable, just a few dollars. We heard excellent reports of it from everyone we met.

If you had been flying on to Vientiane we know of an excellent tuk tuk driver who speaks very good English. We went to his niece's wedding. It was wonderful. Tony danced all night, Laos style ( very gentle, decorous movements,stepping round in a circle). He never dances in England, except to get near to the exit !

Best wishes,
Gill.