Discover hidden bars, stunning cultural sites and learn artisan crafts
The vibrant colour palette of Luang Prabang’s markets
Whenever the topic of South-east Asian travel pops up, Bangkok seems to rank top for being the ultimate shopping and dining destination, with Siem Reap a close second for its stunning Angkor ruins.
In fact, even long-isolated Myanmar is starting to be renowned for its ancient Bagan city.
From what it seems, Laos tends to be the oft-forgotten destination — the last on the checklist of travelers hoping to visit all of South-east Asia.
With all of its undiscovered charms, Luang Prabang, the former capital of Laos, is a great place to begin your journey into this landlocked country.
Here are five things you (probably) didn’t know you could do there:
Be a farmer for a weekend
Sow the seeds of your own hard work
Singapore has its Open Farm Community — an urban farmers’ collective serving farm-to-table cuisine, but for the real deal, head to The Living Land.
The community farm in Luang Prabang gives you the chance to do a farm stay where you can live like a true blue farmer.
You’ll be able to learn everything from ploughing with a buffalo, harvesting rice and milling rice flour to even growing organic vegetables for your own meals.
More information here.
Chill out at a speakeasy bar
Have yourself a bespoke cocktail
Think cocktail bars at secretive locations are reserved for bustling cities? Think again.
525 is a luxurious bar and lounge serving cocktails and gourmet tapas, nestled in the heart of the town center; except the location makes the bar a difficult find.
When you’re there, be sure to ask for a bespoke cocktail and watch as bartender Nicolas whips up a creative drink that’s bound to make your night.
I had a potent whiskey sour with a fruity twist and it was excellent.
More information here.
Run a half-marathon
Enjoy the sights of this UNESCO Heritage town while you run
Runners know best that completing an overseas race is truly one of the best way to see local life as it is.
At Luang Prabang’s annual half-marathon, you’ll be able to enjoy scenic sights of the UNESCO Heritage town as you run through the city.
From the Royal Palace to gilded Buddhist temples like Wat Xieng Thong, your legs will bring you on the most comprehensive day tour of all.
More information here.
Get up close with adorable black bears
Sadly, these bears aren’t up for a cuddle
Zoos aren’t the only places where you can get up close and personal with a diverse variety of wild animals.
At Tat Kuang Si rescue centre, run by the Free The Bears association, near the famous Kuang Si Waterfall site, you’ll be able to meet more than 20 Asiatic Black Bears.
Most of the bears who arrive at the centre are young cubs who had been rescued by the Lao Government from illegal poachers.
More information here.
Learn to make local wine, bamboo hats and more
Learn from the best local craftsmen
There’s no better way to partake in local culture than to learn a skill from local artisans.
At Backstreet Academy, more than 400 unique experiences are made available to tourists who want to engage in something a little more hands-on.
In Luang Prabang, you’ll be able to learn skills like making Lao Wine, Hmong embroidery, weaving bamboo hats, cooking with tamarind and more.
More information here.
by Samantha Francis
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