Day 1 : Jan 8th 2023
Depart to KLIA2 on AirAsia flight to Luang Prabang transit in Don Meaung Airport, Bangkok, with our trusted Taxi Driver, Mr Tommy.
Went smoothly , surprisingly all flight and connecting flights all on time.
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| Waiting for connecting flight in Don Meuang Airport, Bangkok |
(these few cafes in lounge looks interesting , next time)
ARRIVED at 330pm in LUANG PRABANG AIRPORT
Immigration was easy and fast. No hassle, no documents requested for covid vaccination.
walked straight out to the money changer counter... USD 1 : 17000kip.
not bad , in fact we found out later that's about the same rates we get in town.
Got a taxi van 400000 kip to our hotel which is located along the Mekong River.
SALA PRABANG HOTEL ( 3 nights )
Very peaceful, quiet little town and greeted by the reception. Very friendly and laid back ambience.
Exquisitely renovated in 2002 by its owner architect, Sinlasone Soumpholphakdy, Sala Prabang Hotel is one of the finest example of Luang Prabang colonial architecture. The Villa and the Cottage were once the residence of the first Prime Minister of Laos and later it was named as a protected structure when Luang Prabang was designated as a World Heritage Site in 1995.
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| front view of Sala Prabang |
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| in the lobby |
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| lobby area waiting to check in |
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| in the lobby/reception area |
Sala Prabang is a charming boutique style residence comprising of 5 original heritage buildings, a traditional Lao bungalow and Luang Prabang style villas. There are 36 rooms individually designed in the spirit of colonial elegance and feature a subtle blend of traditional and contemporary styles.
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| in the moon light, verandah front of hotel |
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| on the right is the traditional Lao bungalow and on the left is the villa style cottage. |
The rooms are spacious but we find the lightings could have been brighter. Wood and stone ware, making it warm and cosy feel. We even have a balcony overlooking the Mekong River. Nice to just chill in the balcony and watch the bicycles and people passing by. Unfortunately at nights, the noise of the motor vehicles can be annoying.
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| in front of Sala Prabang Hotel is the Mekong River |
After checking into our Villa Cottage style rooms, we head towards the main street to find money changer (again) and no doubt one of the best things to do in Luang Prabang is visit the incredible Luang Prabang Night Market.
It opens from 5pm to 11pm every evening. This means you have no excuse not to visit when you are in the town.
Strolling along the main street , we find delicious bakeries, cafes and eateries .... Cafe Joma, Le Benneton, Zurich Bakery, Artisans Cafe, Epoca Cafe and Tapas, Cafe Espresso.....to name a few
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| Joma Cafe |
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| Cafe Ban Vat Sene |
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Zurich Bakery Cafe
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After a very satisfying cup of coffee and a couple of pastries (could not resist), we head to Tamarind Restaurant ( facing Nam Kong River )
We were early and yet we were told we could only sit inside as the tables out on the verandah were fully booked. The ambience here was a little bit "classier" than the outside local street foods or local restaurant style.. And to our delight, the food was super delicious and tasty. its local
Laotian food presented in a fusion style.
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| Tamarind Restaurant |
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| Delicious Lao food Vegetable platter |
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| peeping at next table .... |
NEXT to the NIGHT MARKET.
There are foodstalls selling western to local Lao foods....ie baguettes , noodles, BBQ sausages, street foods with influence from its neighbours Vietnam and Thailand. Drinks are most popular with the caucasian tourists as their local beers are only USD 1 !!!!
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| just browsing .... |
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| again browsing .... |
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| and so end of DAY 1. A very pleasant cool evening air walking back to Sala Prabang to rest our feet and tomorrow we plan to visit the silk weaving craft |
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