| Animals | Scenery | Culture | Shopping | Food |
| *** | **** | ** | ** |
| Highlights | |
| boat trip on the Mekong |
it is possible to take a boat from Huay Xai to Luang Prabang by crossing the Thailand border in Chiang Khong; the journey leads through beautiful landscape, many hill tribes can be visited on the way |
| Pak Ou caves |
the caves are situated about 25km up river from Luang Prabang; they are stuffed with Buddha images of all styles and sizes |
| Luang Prabang | this UNESCO world heritage city combines a mix of gleaming temple roofs with crumbling French provincial architecture; the temples of Wat Xieng Thong and Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham are specially recommended |
| Restaurants / Hotels | |
|
Luangsay Lodge, Pakbeng |
this comfortable lodge is situated halfway between Huay Xai and Luang Prabang overlooking the Mekong river |
| Villa Santi, Luang Prabang |
this 120 years old residence in French-Lao colonial architecture houses a hotel and a restaurant; during high season it is often booked out |
| Hotel Souvannaphoum, Luang Prabang | this building was once the official residence of Prince Souvannaphoum; note that there is a new and an old wing |
| Phou Vao Hotel, Luang Prabang |
for a taste of luxury in a more modern hotel, the newly renovated (in 2001) Phou Vao hotel is situated on a hill a bit outside of the city; it features a nice pool, spacious rooms and a good restaurant |
| Tips | |
| boat trip |
we recommend to take a slow boat which takes two days from Huay Xai to Luang Prabang; a very nice but fairly expensive choice is the Luangsay Cruise which stays overnight at the Luangsay lodge; only the more expensive boats have a toilet on board; note that it can get quite cold on the boat |
| monks |
traditions are still kept alive in Luang Prabang, every morning at sunrise about 100 monks walk along the main street for gathering rice from the villages |
| bakeries | all kind of homemade pastries are offered in Luang Prabang |
| specialties | Luang Prabang has a cuisine of its own! the more adventurous should try the dried or grilled buffalo skin on chilly sauce, whereas the dried river moss fried in seasonal oil and topped with sesame seeds can really be recommended |