Laos is an ideal destination for couples seeking their first cross-border adventure. The linguistic proximity facilitates communication, while the friendly locals, captivating culture, and stunning natural landscapes, particularly in the World Heritage city of Luang Prabang, create an unforgettable experience. Luang Prabang's slow pace, captivating charm, and romantic ambiance make it the perfect choice for a memorable getaway with your significant other.

DAY 1

Our journey began at Don Mueang International Airport, where we boarded AirAsia flight FD 1030 at 2:30 PM. The flight arrived in Luang Prabang at 4:00 PM, completing the 1.5-hour journey.

Currently, Thai citizens traveling abroad no longer need to complete the TM6 form. They only need to complete the arrival card for their destination country. The flight attendants will distribute the Laotian arrival card during the flight.

We soon arrived at Luang Prabang Airport. The weather was excellent today, and the plane landed smoothly.

Luang Prabang Airport boasts stunning views, surrounded by intricate mountains.

After clearing immigration, I purchased a SIM card for internet access at the exit gate. Several brands were available at similar prices, so I chose a less crowded store. Unitel offered various packages based on the duration of the stay. As we were staying for four days, we opted for the four-day package with 4 GB of data for 200 baht. The internet speed was 4G, and the signal and speed were excellent.

You can exchange Thai Baht for Lao Kip at this counter. The exchange rate is 253.70 Kip per 1 Baht, which is better than the rate in the city center (250 Kip per 1 Baht). We exchanged 4,000 Baht and received approximately 1,014,800 Kip. The friendly cashier rounded it up to 1,015,000 Kip, giving us the opportunity to hold a million Kip for the first time in our lives.

The first night, we stayed at the Sofitel Luang Prabang Hotel, so we opted for the hotel's airport transfer service. The round-trip price was 25 USD/car (850 THB), which came out to 425 THB per person for two people (airport van round-trip 400 THB/person).

The CR-V comfortably accommodated three passengers. Upon entering the vehicle, the driver offered us refreshing cold towels and chilled water. Two snacks were thoughtfully provided in a container for us to enjoy. The brownie was particularly delicious, and I indulged in it until I was satisfied.

It takes approximately 15-20 minutes to reach the hotel.

The staff rushed to open the door and struck a gong to welcome me, making me feel like a celebrity.

The staff greeted us warmly and served us welcome drinks, cool towels, and flower offerings for worship. They also took us to pay respects to the hotel's sacred objects. Many of the staff members were Thai and took great care of us, as did the Lao staff.

Upon entering the room, guests are greeted by staff offering a brief foot spa treatment with warm water and a tamarind scrub.

The Garden Suite for tonight features a large four-poster bed in the center of the room.

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Featuring two spacious bathtubs, the first located within the room, comfortably accommodating two bathers simultaneously.

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There is also another outdoor bathtub in a small private garden.

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The room is elegantly decorated and equipped with all the necessary amenities.

As evening approached, we ventured out in search of dinner near the walking street (known as "Talat Mood" by the Lao people). We took advantage of the hotel's complimentary shuttle service, which dropped us off at the entrance of the street, where a variety of restaurants awaited. Drawn by its inviting ambiance, we opted to dine at Dokmai Lao Restaurant.

The majority of the menu features Chinese cuisine. We ordered two dishes to share with plain rice, and the flavors were sure to please the palates of Thai diners.

After a satisfying meal, I took a stroll through the walking street market to find a suitable sarong for tomorrow's temple visit. After bargaining, I managed to secure one for 300 baht. Payment can be made in Thai currency, which the vendors readily accept upon recognizing my nationality. However, kip is also a viable option. For ease of comparison, remember that 5,000 kip is equivalent to 20 baht.

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After a tiring day of shopping and sightseeing, we boarded a car at the front of the 3 Nagas Hotel to return to the Sofitel Hotel. We then relaxed in our room, soaking in the warm bath and listening to music. It was a truly blissful experience.

DAY 2

The next day, we spent the morning relaxing at the hotel, starting with breakfast at the Governor's Grill.

A La Carte menu with hot and cold beverages available.

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Must-try signature dishes include Khao Soi Lao, featuring soft noodles and a rich broth, and Naem Khao, thin rice sheets wrapped around seasoned minced pork.

After finishing my meal, I took a short walk around the hotel to explore the surroundings. The layout of the guest rooms is U-shaped, with a garden and swimming pool in the center. This side of the hotel houses the Garden rooms, which have a classic exterior and elegant interior design.

Little bunnies hop freely in the garden, a delightful sight to behold.

A large emerald-green swimming pool with sun loungers.

A tranquil hotel with a wonderful atmosphere, perfect for a truly relaxing getaway.

In the afternoon, we moved to the 3 Nagas Hotel, a Sofitel affiliate, for another two nights. The hotel is located in the Old Quarter, close to major tourist attractions such as Wat Xieng Thong, the Royal Palace of Luang Prabang, and Phousi Hill.

The room we stayed in was a Deluxe room. The interior was decorated with wooden furniture, including a four-poster bed in the corner and a seating area in the center of the room.

The bed and pillows were incredibly soft, like sinking into a cloud of down.

This corner room, numbered 12 and named after French explorer Louis Delaporte, features three side windows that flood the space with natural light during the day, creating an airy and inviting atmosphere.

The bathroom is divided into three sections: the sink, the bathtub, and the toilet.

The bathtub was not very large, only big enough for one person. There was a showerhead above it. The shower gel smelled so good that I wanted to take some home with me.

The building is a classic structure made of concrete and wood, blending seamlessly with the surrounding environment.

For the afternoon of the second day, we planned to visit temples located in the old city center, which were not far from each other. We borrowed bicycles from the hotel as our means of transportation. But first, we refueled with fish sauce from Pa Tim's Som Tam restaurant, located in front of Wat Nong Sikhounmuang on Kounxoua Road, near the 3 Nagas Hotel.

The menu offers a total of 8 dishes, mostly fried or grilled options.

The highlight of this restaurant is the Luang Prabang papaya salad, which features a rich fish sauce dressing and thinly sliced, crispy papaya. Paired with sticky rice and sun-dried pork ribs, it's a truly delicious experience. The flavors were so good that we even bought another serving to enjoy at the airport before our flight. The total cost of the meal was 65,000 kip (approximately $26).

After a satisfying meal, we felt a bit sluggish, so we decided to take a nap. Just kidding! We continued our exploration, heading to the Royal Palace of Luang Prabang. Located opposite the path leading up to Phousi Mountain, the palace is open to the public every day except Tuesdays.

The temple is open to visitors in two time slots: morning from 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM and afternoon from 1:30 PM to 4:00 PM. Ticket sales for each time slot close 30 minutes before the closing time. The entrance fee is 30,000 kip per person (approximately 120 Thai baht).

This former royal palace was once the residence of Prince Souvanna Phouma. Following the change of government in 1975, the Luang Prabang Royal Palace was converted into a museum. The interior showcases the prince's meditation room, the throne room adorned with colorful mirrors on a striking red background, the royal bedchamber, and more. It also displays personal belongings and gifts from various countries. Photography is not permitted inside, so visitors must experience it firsthand.

In front of the museum stands the Ho Phra Bang, a sacred site housing the revered "Phra Bang" Buddha statue, a symbol of Luang Prabang.

The next stop is Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham, or "Wat Mai" as it is known by the locals of Luang Prabang. Located near the Royal Palace, it was once the residence of Supreme Patriarch Bounthan, the last Supreme Patriarch of Laos. It also served as the site where the revered Phra Bang Buddha image was enshrined.

The front wall of the Phra Rabieng is decorated with gilded "lai rod nam" patterns depicting scenes from the Ramayana and the Vessantara Jataka. Inside the Ubosot, a beautifully adorned Buddha statue is enshrined. On the day of our visit, there was a religious ceremony, so we were unable to enter the inner sanctum. The temple is open to the public from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The entrance fee is 10,000 kip per person (approximately 40 Thai baht).

A must-visit highlight of Luang Prabang is Wat Xieng Thong, open from 6:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Admission is 20,000 kip per person (approximately 80 Thai baht).

Built between 1559 and 1560 during the reign of King Sai Setthathirath, Wat Xieng Thong is considered the most magnificent and complete example of Lan Xang architecture. Its exquisite beauty has led archaeologists to hail it as the "Jewel of Laotian Architecture."

The sim of the temple is not very large (the sim is called "sim" in Lao). The roof of the sim has three layers of curved roofs that slope downwards. In the center of the roof, there are 17 golden finials, which the Laotians call "chofa". This is a sign that the temple was built by a king. If it were built by ordinary people, it would only have 1-7 chofa.

Beyond the striking roof and finial, another captivating feature is the exquisite gilded lacquerwork, known as "pok kam" in Lao, adorning the sim's walls both inside and out. These intricate designs narrate tales from the life of Buddha and local folklore.

The rear wall of the sim is adorned with "flower stars" or stained glass in the shape of a "golden tree" amidst various animals. Most notably, two peacocks are displaying their tail feathers under the golden tree.

Luang Prabang was once known as Chiang Thong, a city adorned with numerous golden trees. The area around Wat Xieng Thong was once home to a giant golden tree that required several people to encircle it.

During the restoration of Wat Xieng Thong, Chao Si Savang Vatthana instructed the artisans to create a floral pattern resembling a golden tree on the back of the sim, commemorating the legendary giant golden tree.

Inside the sim, the principal Buddha image, known as "Phra Ong Luang," is enshrined.

The interior is adorned with exquisite gold-leafed lacquer patterns.

Equally captivating are the two small chapels located behind and beside the sim. Adorned with floral motifs on red walls, they narrate the renowned Lao folktale "Xieulieux Xieu Svath" and depict scenes from the daily lives of Luang Prabang residents.

The first building is the Ho Phra Man, which houses the "Phra Man" statue, one of the sacred Buddha images of Luang Prabang. The Ho Phra Man is only open during the Lao New Year (Songkran) festival, when the Phra Man statue is brought down for public veneration and bathing.

Another notable structure is the "Phra Saiyasana Hall" or "Red Temple," which houses a beautiful reclining Buddha statue. Visitors can ascend to the top to pay their respects.

After paying respects to the reclining Buddha statue inside, visitors can capture the beauty of the brightly colored floral patterned walls as a souvenir.

Another striking feature, especially when sunlight illuminates its walls, is the golden-yellow, intricately carved Meun Kosi building, which served as a garage for the royal chariots used to carry the funeral urn of King Maha Chai Sri Sawangwong.

Upon entering, a magnificent golden chariot carved from wood stands in the center of the room. The chariot is adorned with five fearsome serpent heads protruding from its front.

The serene atmosphere of Wat Xieng Thong is punctuated by the sight of a lone monkey cub, seemingly lost and wandering aimlessly. Its presence, devoid of any other monkeys in the vicinity, raises questions about its origin and the circumstances that led it to this solitary state.

On the way back to the hotel, there are many small and large temples located next to each other on both sides of Sakkarin Road, allowing visitors to stop by and pay respects to the principal Buddha image in the ordination hall. The first temple is opposite Wat Chiang Thong, which is Wat Suwannakiri.

A small, Lanna-style sim is located in the center of the temple.

When I visited, it was late in the evening, and the monks were performing their evening rituals. As a result, I was unable to pay respects to the main Buddha statue inside the temple.

The next temple is Wat Si Bun Rueang.

A large, arched-roofed sim in the Chiang Khwang style, featuring a peacock-patterned facade and delicate honeycomb motifs.

Wat Sirimongkol Saiyaram is located next to Wat Si Bun Rueang, with their fences bordering each other.

The sim features a blend of Luang Prabang and Xieng Khouang architectural styles. The front hall balcony exhibits Luang Prabang artistry, while the roof structure follows the Xieng Khouang style.

And the final temple of the day is Wat Saensukharam.

Across from the Sim, there is a beautiful viharn, which houses a large standing Buddha statue.

The half-day afternoon temple tour has been successfully completed. Most of the temples in the old town of Luang Prabang are located close to each other, some even sharing the same fence. Therefore, it is easy to explore them by bicycle or on foot. The afternoon may be a bit hot, but the atmosphere in the evening is very pleasant.

After showering and changing, we had dinner at the hotel restaurant, which was located in front of our room.

A classic red vintage car is parked in front of the hotel, attracting attention from passersby who stop to take pictures.

The hotel's restaurant is divided into two sections, facing each other. The lobby side is an outdoor area under the trees.

The red car side will be an indoor colonial-style building.

The restaurant offers a wide variety of local dishes, some familiar and others with unique flavors. Some of the must-try dishes include Mieng Kuaipun (Mieng with rice noodles and mashed eggplant), Sai Oua Moo (Northern Thai sausage), and Gaeng Nho Sai Ya Nang (Bamboo shoot soup).

Taklom's favorite menu item is Gai Pad King, deep-fried chicken with sesame-coated seaweed served with buffalo chili dip.

We recommend the buffalo ping zine and the tender buffalo steak with special sauce. These are two must-try dishes.

For dessert, indulge in the renowned fried banana with sticky rice, a crispy on the outside, soft on the inside treat, served with chocolate sauce and vanilla ice cream.

After dinner, we took another stroll through the walking street. We went there every night because it was close to our accommodation.

After finishing shopping, I returned to rest, saving my energy for the next day's challenges.

DAY 3

Our plan is to visit Kuang Si Falls and Tad Sae Falls, which are located outside the city, and then return to watch the sunset at That Luang Stupa.

Motorcycle Rental in Luang Prabang

Yesterday evening, I rented a motorcycle from Galaxy Airticketing, located opposite Wat Saen Sukharam near my accommodation. The rental price was 120,000 kip (480 baht) per day, including a full tank of petrol. The rental period is 24 hours, starting and ending at the same time. Two helmets are provided, and only a passport is required for rental.

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Before embarking on your journey, fuel up with a delicious breakfast at the hotel. The menu at 3 Nagas shares many similarities with Sofitel, and everything is equally delectable. Don't hesitate to order anything that catches your eye!

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On the left is fermented rice sausage (Nam Khao), and on the right is a Lao-style omelet (Jeun Khai).

The first destination, Tad Kwang Si Waterfall, is located approximately 30 kilometers southwest of the city center. The journey by motorbike takes about 50 minutes.

The road is a two-lane, easy-to-drive route. 70% of the road is smooth, while 30% is rough. There are very steep curves and slopes on only 10% of the road. It is recommended to wear long sleeves, long pants, gloves (if available), sunglasses, and a dust and sun mask. You can then change into comfortable clothes and shorts at the bathroom behind the ticket booth.

This place is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM. The entrance fee is 20,000 kip per person. To reach the waterfall, you need to walk approximately 300 meters further. Along the way, you will pass the Kouprey Conservation Centre.

Rescued and orphaned sun bears of various ages are cared for before being released back into the wild. You can support their care by donating money or purchasing souvenirs.

As you ascend, enveloped by the cool shade of the trees, the air becomes refreshingly crisp. The ground, however, remains damp, posing a potential slipping hazard. Exercise caution, especially if you are exceptionally handsome (lest your charm becomes a slippery slope).

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The waterfall has a total of four tiers. Some tiers allow swimming, while others are closed for safety reasons. All tiers have crystal-clear water with a slight blue-green hue.

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The highlight of this place is the view of the waterfall, which is approximately 70 meters high and flows down in beautiful clusters.

A bridge stretches across the face of the waterfall, allowing visitors to walk in and experience the mist up close.

Renowned as the most stunning waterfall in Luang Prabang and the Lao PDR, Kuang Si Falls lives up to its reputation with its breathtaking beauty.

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For lunch, we ate at a restaurant near the entrance to the waterfall, opposite the ticket booth. The menu was simple, with fried rice and crispy pork belly. The pork belly was delicious.

The next destination is Tad Sae Waterfall, located approximately 40 kilometers from Tad Kwang Si. To reach it, you need to drive back into the city for about 30 kilometers and then continue east for another 10 kilometers until you reach the Nam Khan pier.

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The journey continues by boat to the waterfall, as there is no road access. The boat fare is 10,000 kip per person, and the journey takes approximately 15 minutes.

The entrance fee to the waterfall is 15,000 kip per person. The color of the water is similar to that of Tad Kwang Si, but the atmosphere is very different. It seems to be a place where Lao people and tourists relax. There are food stalls along the waterfall.

Elephant riding is available to enjoy the natural scenery, followed by a refreshing dip in the waterfall.

The highlight of our journey was sipping cool drinks amidst the cascading waterfall below.

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Mai Coffee is a coffee shop located on a waterfall, resembling a treehouse with a balcony extending over the water.

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The establishment offers a diverse selection of hot and cold desserts and beverages at moderate prices. The flavors are generally considered satisfactory.

The cool, refreshing air was accompanied by the constant sound of flowing water, lulling me almost to sleep.

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After relaxing until four o'clock, I returned to the city center and drove up to Phra That Phu Si to watch the sunset.

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Phu Si, a sacred stupa located in the heart of Luang Prabang, sits atop a 150-meter hill accessible only by a 328-step staircase. The climb is undeniably strenuous.

The climb is worth it for the breathtaking 360-degree views of Luang Prabang from above.

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We arrived too late to see the sun's face before it dipped below the horizon, but we did witness the beauty of the last light that the sun left behind.

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After a relaxing soak in the warm bath, I got dressed and headed out for dinner.

We intended to have dinner by the river today, so we drove around looking for a restaurant for a while. We ended up at The Belle River Terrace, a restaurant with a balcony extending from the shore. The atmosphere was excellent.

We ordered two simple dishes: stir-fried chicken with cashew nuts and green curry chicken. The food was delicious, and the prices ranged from 20,000 to 60,000 kip per dish. Considering the ambiance, the prices were reasonable.

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After finishing our meal, we went for a third stroll through the walking street, this time to browse for souvenirs. We then took a drive around Luang Prabang, as we had a lot of fuel left from the recent refill. Finally, we returned to our accommodation to rest.

DAY 4

Heavy rain fell throughout the night and continued into the morning, preventing us from participating in the morning alms offering ceremony in front of the hotel. However, when the rain stopped in the late morning, we went for a walk through the bustling morning market.

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Encountered live freshwater algae, "Kai Pan Jin," used in the preparation of the dish "Kai Pan Jin."

Encountered many unusual ingredients, very exciting.

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The air is incredibly refreshing after the rain, filled with pure oxygen.

Woke up for another nap and then went out for breakfast at the hotel around 10 am.

While Taklom was still enjoying the fermented pork and sticky rice, I opted for the Congee, a flavorful rice porridge, paired with shredded dried pork.

To conclude, we have a few more desserts.

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In the afternoon, after checking out of our accommodation, we left our luggage at the hotel and cycled to Joma Bakery Cafe, a renowned classic cafe in Luang Prabang, to relax.

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There are many dishes, bakery items, and beverages to savor.

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The blueberry cheesecake was incredibly delicious, and the coffee had a strong, rich flavor.

Before heading to the airport, we couldn't resist stopping by Auntie Tim's stall to buy a bag of Luang Prabang papaya salad for our dinner at the airport. The same hotel car then took us to the airport.

The return flight departed at 4:45 p.m. as Flight FD 1031, arriving in Don Mueang around 6:00 p.m. This marked the successful conclusion of a four-day, three-night trip to the World Heritage Site of Luang Prabang, leaving a lasting impression on both of us.

Travel details are as follows:

DAY 1

1. Departing from Don Mueang Airport with AirAsia, there are two flights daily:

• Departure time: 13:55 / 14:30 (flight time approximately 1 hour 25 minutes)
• Return time: 15:50 / 16:45 (flight time approximately 1 hour 15 minutes)

2. Check in to Sofitel Luang Prabang (1 night)

3. Stroll through the Walking Street (Night Market)

Day 2

1. Relocated to 3 Nagas (Mgallery by Sofitel) for a 2-night stay.

2. Lunch: Som Tum Luang Prabang at Pa Tim's Restaurant.

3. Royal Palace Museum, Luang Prabang

• Open to the public in two sessions: morning 8:00 AM - 11:30 AM and afternoon 1:30 PM - 4:00 PM.
• Ticket sales close 30 minutes before the end of each session.

4. Wat Mai Suwannaphumaram (Open from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM)

5. Wat Xieng Thong (Open from 6:00 AM to 5:30 PM)

6. Suwannachee Temple / Sriboonruang Temple / Sirimongkol Saiyaram Temple / Saensukharam Temple

7. Dinner at the 3 Nagas Hotel Restaurant.

8. Stroll through the Walking Street (Night Market)

Day 3

1. Tad Kwang Si Waterfall (Open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM)

2. Tad Sae Waterfall (Open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM)

3. Mai Coffee: A cafe nestled amidst a waterfall.

4. Enjoy the sunset view from Phra That Phu Si (open from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM).

5. Dinner by the river at The Belle River Terrace.

6. Stroll through the walking street and drive around the city.

DAY 4

1. Offering sticky rice to monks (recommended)

2. Stroll through the morning market

3. Relax at Joma Bakery Cafe

4. Stop by Auntie Tim's shop for Luang Prabang papaya salad.

5. Return to Bangkok.

Expense Details

1. Currency Exchange

• It is recommended to exchange money at the airport for the best rate of 253.70 kip/ 1 baht.
• An easy way to convert kip to baht is 5,000 kip = 20 baht.

2. Mobile SIM Card

• We chose the Unitel brand, which offers various packages depending on the length of your stay. We went for 4 days, so we chose the 4-day package with 4 GB of internet for 200 baht. It's 4G internet with excellent signal and speed.
• Most hotels offer free Wi-Fi.

3. Accommodation Costs (depending on the season)

• Sofitel Luang Prabang, Garden Suite for 1 night: 200 USD/night (6,500 baht)

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/SofitelLuangPrabang

The Dewa Koh Chang

Website: http://www.sofitel-luangprabang.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/3Nagas

Special Offer:

• 3 Nagas (Mgallery by Sofitel) Deluxe Room for 2 nights: 125 USD/night (4,000 THB)

4. Travel Expenses

• Round-trip airfare: 3,800 THB/person

This price was obtained through Traveloka, a travel agency website known for its discounts. Traveloka offers two rounds of discounts:

1. Initial discount: This discount applies to the regular price and is typically higher when booking through the mobile app.
2. Second discount: This discount is applied using a promo code during checkout. For example, domestic flights offer an additional 7% discount, up to a maximum of 150 THB.

2. Multiple payment methods are available, making it convenient for those without credit cards.

Travel Expenses in Luang Prabang, Laos

Transportation:

• Hotel Sofitel Airport Transfer (Roundtrip): 25 USD (850 THB)
• Galaxy Airticketing Motorbike Rental:
  • Daily rate: 120,000 LAK (480 THB) including full tank of gas
  • 24-hour rental period
  • 2 helmets provided
  • Passport required for rental
  • Fuel: 10,000 LAK/liter (single type available)

Entrance Fees:

• Royal Palace Museum: 30,000 LAK/person (120 THB)
• Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham: 10,000 LAK/person (40 THB)
• Wat Xieng Thong: 20,000 LAK/person (80 THB)
• Kuang Si Falls: 20,000 LAK/person (80 THB)
• Tad Sae Waterfall:
  • Boat fare: 10,000 LAK/person (40 THB)
  • Entrance fee: 15,000 LAK/person (60 THB)
• Phousi Hill: 20,000 LAK/person (80 THB)

Food and Other Expenses: As desired

Total Expenses for 4 days and 3 nights: 20,630 THB (approximately 10,315 THB per person)

Note: Prices are subject to change.

Follow our journey on: LOVE IS A JOURNEY