Luang Prabrang itinerary
Dec 21st, 2004 | 08:22 AM
#2
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 33,288
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You don't need a guide. I assume you have a good guidebook, which is all you really need. Much of the charm of LP is wandering the quiet streets and visitng the various working wats. The young monks (novices) will want to talk with to to practice their English. There are also nice markets to visit. You will probably want to take a boat to the Pak Ou caves. You can hire a boat all to yourselves for something less than US$15 for the day. I very much enjoyed the caves and the trip on the river. I don't recommend the LaoLao village across the river form the caves. The items sold there are of low quality and high price.
You will likely want to hire a car and driver for one day, perhaps to visit the waterfalls outside of town, the weaving village, or the Hmong villages. Bur don't spend all of your time away from Luang Prabang, there is so much to see in town. Do visit the museum located in hte former palace, and climb to the wat atop Phousi Hill.
You will likely want to hire a car and driver for one day, perhaps to visit the waterfalls outside of town, the weaving village, or the Hmong villages. Bur don't spend all of your time away from Luang Prabang, there is so much to see in town. Do visit the museum located in hte former palace, and climb to the wat atop Phousi Hill.
Dec 21st, 2004 | 04:32 PM
#3
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,753
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We did a day trip sea kayaking to Pak Ou Caves - was a lot of fun. We booked it locally with an agent whose name I forget but is located on the lane just behind and parallel to the main LP road - US$25 per head including thew drive to where we started kayaking, 3 hours kayaking, lunch, Pak Ou caves and drive back. If you like to bicycle definitely rent bicycles for a day - costs like US$2 per day. Is a great way to explore LP as the city is small.
Dec 22nd, 2004 | 06:09 AM
#4
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 183
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I returned from LP about 2 weeks ago, and I couldn't agree with the previous posters more.
We were also in LP for about 4 days, and basically, I think it takes at least a day to get into the slow pace of the place. the real joy is wandering and just coming upon places to visit.
There's a market every night where Hmong women sell their textiles. I'm not even a shopper, but had the best time. I also ate at the mkt almost every night, which was very good, fun, and inexpensive.
ONe of my favorite things, though, was the massage and herbal sauna at the Red Cross. (We went 2x in 3 days!) For about $3.50 you get an hour massage, and as much time as you want (or can stand) in the herbal sauna. When you take a break from the sauna, you sit around drinking some good herbal tea. I miss that place and LP already!
We were also in LP for about 4 days, and basically, I think it takes at least a day to get into the slow pace of the place. the real joy is wandering and just coming upon places to visit.
There's a market every night where Hmong women sell their textiles. I'm not even a shopper, but had the best time. I also ate at the mkt almost every night, which was very good, fun, and inexpensive.
ONe of my favorite things, though, was the massage and herbal sauna at the Red Cross. (We went 2x in 3 days!) For about $3.50 you get an hour massage, and as much time as you want (or can stand) in the herbal sauna. When you take a break from the sauna, you sit around drinking some good herbal tea. I miss that place and LP already!
Jan 27th, 2005 | 05:57 PM
#5
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 239
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Hobbes: any further thoughts on the name of the kayak outfitter was in LPB that you used to go to the Pak Ou caves. Just to check it out, I emailed one of the recommended outfitters in Let's Go SEA today and they returned with a price that is double what you quoted below for the same day. Maybe its bec. its lunar new year? but, the river will be at its lowest in mid-April and I am wondering if its possible to kayak at all. thoughts?
