We flew into Luang Prabang, Laos from Chiang Mai on the 31st of January. Initially we were wanting to take a bus across the border but were told when we left New Zealand that we needed an exit flight to approve our visa for Thailand. We’re not sure if we really did need this but did not want to risk being deported back to NZ in our first week away.

Although Vientiane is the capital of Laos, Luang Prabang is much more popular with tourists. Luang Prabang was the former capital of Laos and has an incredible history of monarchy and religion. In 1995 33 of its 58 villages were granted the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Luang Prabang has French colonial influences, meaning the architecture is a gorgeous mix of European styling, made using local woods and materials. It is incredibly relaxed here with no one really following a timeframe for anything. We are getting used to waiting at least an hour + at restaurants before the food arrives.

It seems that a large majority of tourists here are French and Luang Prabang caters to them by offering high quality European restaurants as well as a wide range of wines in wine bars.

We love just wandering around and exploring the city. Our favourite spot is a place called Utopia, which is a like a resort for people not staying at a resort (us). You can just park up right on the Nam Khan river, order really good food and drinks to your table or squab and just read and relax for hours. A few Lao whiskey and gingerales go down well in the afternoon sun.

There is a hill named Mt Phou Si in the middle of the town which we heard was the perfect spot to watch the sunset. Luckily we listened to advice to arrive early as it became completely packed with people at around 5:30pm. We had a great spot!

Below are pictures of the night craft market, Utopia, a weird caterpillar, Matt hanging out on/by some bridges that wouldn’t pass his excel spreadsheets back home and some sunset pics up Mt Phou Si.

Back in Luang Prabang – Kuang Si Waterfalls

About half an hour out of the town centre are the Kuang Si Waterfalls. Before heading towards the waterfalls there is a moon bear sanctuary where the bears are rescued from bile farms. They were still asleep when we saw them.

We were the first to arrive at the waterfalls so had the opportunity to enjoy them all to ourselves without anyone else for a good hour and a half. The blue colour comes from the calcium carbonate rich travertine limestone. This means the base and sides of the falls and pools are pale in colour, so when the light reflects it makes the water appear bright turquoise. Unfortunately it was far too cold to swim! The photos are raw and unedited featuring Matt’s new traveller beard.

Laos has been amazing! We have loved the relaxed atmosphere and great baguettes.