4 Steps To Thing To Do In Laos Like A Pro In Under An Hour

Luang Prabang is best known for its multitude of ornate temples, vibrant night market and the exquisite colonial era architecture. Northern Laos is home to the fascinating and deeply historic city of Luang Prabang, which is one of only two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the country.

Luang Prabang, it seems, has changed much less than me. It is a still a place that runs on its own time, where temple drums and cymbals reverberate throughout the hills, where orange-robed monks walk the dusty pavements lined with French colonial architecture, and where the muddy Mekong River lazily loops around the old town. The slow boat is also an amazing way to meet other travellers; I kept bumping into various ‘boat friends' in Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia for months after. You will gain an appreciation for all the nature, you'll see many local fishermen along the way, and some wildlife if you're lucky.

However, I recommend taking the 2-day boat trip anyway. These days you can more easily get a bus, which will be more convenient and faster. The 2-day slow boat on the Mekong river from Huay Xai near the Thai border down to Luang Prabang used to be the only way to get into Laos proper.

Hanging out is one of my favorite things to do in Luang Prabang. I never took my camera but shot from across the river on a different day. As I mentioned earlier it closes at 1130pm due to the curfew but many people go bowling afterwards, which is odd but probably a lot of fun.

Each time I went to Utopia it was packed. During the day they encourage relaxing, yoga, drinking and sleeping and at night relatively cheap alcohol and good food at a bit above budget prices is available. Bamboo seating, woven rugs lay on day beds, communal seating, a volleyball court and good music are what to expect at this popular hangout.

High up on the banks of the fast-flowing Nam Khan River, Utopia exudes chill. The place to be on any night of the week is without a doubt Utopia. I don't really need to include this in the Luang Prabang things to do guide, you are going to end up there anyway.

And now my list is complete! This ancient capital city in north central Laos has always been on my list of places to visit; and when I heard that there was a new route added on AirAsia from Kuala Lumpur to Luang Prabang, I decided that it was time to go. Another reason I wanted to make the journey was to complete my Southeast Asia travel list — Laos was the final country I needed to visit. It was a spur of the moment decision to make a trip to Luang Prabang (seems like there has been lots of last minute travel plans in 2016).

Most people consider Pakse a transit point for Cambodia, Vietnam and Thailand but there are definitely a few Top Things to do in Laos you must check out while around the region.