Luang Prabang Activities
 

This question stems from a troublesome interaction with a friend. He asked "What are you going to do in Laos?". I had no response. He said "Why are you going?". I lamed out by saying we were going to soak up the ambiance.

Therefore, can anyone suggest specific activities in LP that will allow me to avoid appearing as if I were a dolt? Your positive or negative experiences will suffice.

Thanks. Even pandas attempt to retain a modicum of self-respect.

If you are just going to "soak up the ambience" then you are going to the right place. Laos is worth spending a bit of time just to smell the daisies as it were.

In Luang Prabang probably the main attraction outside of the town is Tat Kuang Si waterfall, you would be hard pressed to see one more spectacular. Also popular is the Pak Ou Caves. Both can be visited relatively cheaply as half day trips through a LP tourist agency. They will arrange to pick you up and drop you off at your hotel.

http://www.travelsinasia.com/Laos/Laos.html

You need a more Zen response to your friend.

We are going to Be.

or maybe simply "Ommmm...."

If you or your questioning friend need "actvities" then consider:

visiting wats and talking with monks and novices

visiting the old palace with its state gifts to the last King (including a chunk of moon rock from Nixon, I believe)

Walking up Mt. PhouSi

a boat trip to the Pak Ou caves, a traditional Buddhist pilgrimage site

visits to two nearby water falls

looking at and buying the traditional hand woven silk. Go to the weaver's co-op just outside of LP.

and the very traditional reason to go: to drink Beer Lao

"...will allow me to avoid appearing as if I were a dolt?"

I cannot believe that Bob is letting this go by without comment.

Thanks.

Thankfully, Bob is safely away in Romania with the other undead.

Kathie-I've mastered the art of pandahood, zen is probably beyond me.

Ah, Pandahood! What better thing for Pandas to do In Luang Prabang than to eat delicious Laotian food. Don't miss 3 Nagas. Kathie has hit most of the other delights, but just to add a few more:

A beautiful shop, Lao Caruso, that Bob recommended (oops...shouldn't have told you the source) that has outstanding wood carvings and other high quality handcrafts from local artisans.

Also, the night market which has some nice weavings.

And best of all giving rice and other food packets to the monks as they walk in a procession from the wats at sunrise.