BraggWorthy Adventures Laos Destination Details
Language Currency Language: Lao Lao kip (k) Top Laos Phrases ATMs in major centres. Hello/Goodbye - sabai-dee Credit cards accepted in Luang Prabang and Traditional greeting gesture is a prayer like placing Vientiane of the palms in front of the face or chest US $1 is about $8250k Yes/No - Maan/bor Thank you - Korp jai Food Do you speak English - jow bahk pah-sah ang-kit dai bor Standard Lao breakfast is fer (rice noodles) usually served in a broth with vegetables and Electronics meat of your choice Lahp is a distinctively Lao dish- a spicy salad Pre-paid SIMs available for as little as 10,000k made from minced beef, pork, duck, fish or Decent connections chicken, mixed with fish sauce, small County calling code is 856 shallots, mint leaves, lime juice, roasted ground rice and lots and lots of chillies Popular side dish is Khao naw or sticky rice Visa served in a small basket which you take and roll a small amount into a walnut-sized ball On arrival visas are valid for 30 days for U$30-$42 to dip into the food depending on which passport you hold Water purified for drinking is called nam deum
Security Tips Don’t drink the tap water. Book accommodation in advance especially from November to February and around Lao Embassy New Year in April 021-487000 https://la.usembassy.gov Always ask permission before taking photos Th Tha Deua, Ban Somvang Thai, Km 9, Hatsayfong District, Vientiane Don't prop your feet up on chairs or tables Open 7:30am-4pm while sitting
Refrain from touching people on the head or having any physical contact with monks
Remove your shoes before entering homes or temple buildings
Don’t hold hands or kiss in a Buddhist temple
Adventure Itinerary
Huay Xai
Luang Prabang
Vientiane
Si Phan Don
Si Phan Don Vientiane Luang Prabang Huay Xai
Start in Si Phan Don for Spend 5 days in Vientiane Spend 7 days exploring Take part in a 3 day 5 days the Capital of Laos waterfalls in Luang adventure at the Gibbon
Get from Si Phan Don to You can take an 11 hour Take Boat to Huay Xia Vientiane via a local bus (hopefully a sleeper with Luang Say Cruise: 2 airline out of Pakse total bus) or use another local day cruise; luxurious; last travel time will be about 6 airline ticket for a 2 hour minute bookings at the -7 hours flight to Luang Prabang office can shave more than 50% off the listed price. Departs from Galao Boat Pier (www.luangsay.com; 071- 252553; 50/4 Th Sakkarin; US $433-542; open 8:30am-7pm) Adventure Itinerary 1 Si Phan Don (5 days) The land of lotus eaters, also known as the Hammock Capital, where you’ll find postcard worthy views
About These are some of the islands: The largest Island is Don Khong Island- it has two main towns Sleepy Muan Khon on the eastern shore and the charmless market town of Muang Saen on the west Don Det- hippy esque party scene Don Khon- more serene When you cross the French bridge to Don Khon you will be asked to pay a 35,000K tourism tax at the little blue shack which helps pay for local projects and covers the entrance fee to Tat Somphamit. If your sleeping on Don Khon and want to go norther you don’t need to pay it, but check in before you cross
Activities • See all three of the below at once with a boat trip from Bang Hang Khon (55,000K open 8am-5pm) or separately A pod of Irrawaddy dolphins can be viewed along the southern shore of Don Khon Khon Phapheng Falls (250,000K open 8am to 5pm) Nook Xume waterfall (100,000K) • Tat Somphamit- river rapids (Li Phi Falls; Don Khon; 35,000K open 8am-5pm)
Hostel Options • Pomelo Guesthouse - stunning location over the river in Ban Han Khon with two spacious rooms (020- 97925893 $25) • Sala Done Khone - five hotels in one including french inspired and floating cottages (031-260940 www.salalaoboutique.com r incl breakfast $60-80)
Eating • Chez Fred et Lea - top quality Lao and western cuisine (020-2218882 mains 20,000-50,000K open 7am- 10pm) • Garden- very fresh open-kitchen restaurant with spicy papaya salad and grilled Mekong river fish (mains 20,000-65,000K open 7am-10pm) Adventure Itinerary 2 Vientiane (5 Days) The capital of Laos
Sights • Pha That Luang - the most important national monument in Laos it is a symbol of the Buddhist religion and Lao sovereignty. Legend has it a breastbone of Buddha’s is there. (Th 23 Singha; 10,000K rental of long skirt to enter temple 5,000K open 8am-5pm) • Patuxai - Vientiane’s Arc de Triomphe replica. It commemorates the Lao who died in the pre-revolutionary wars (Th Lan Xang; 3,000K; open 8am-5pm) • (Festivals - Bun Nam Boat Racing Festival in October; Bun Pha Temple Festival in November)
Activities • Vientiane Yoga Studio - located in a quiet garden down a secluded alleyway (look for signs across from Fuji Japanese Restaurant) (020-5698 4563; www.vientiane yoga studio.com; Th Nerhu; 80 min class 80,000K) • Lao Bowling Centre - Expect bright lights, boisterous bowler and equipment in bad shape. Its fun to come later in the evening for a Lao-style night out (BYO socks) (021-218661; Th Khounboulom; per game with shoe hire 13,000K; open 9am-2am) • Tuk Tuk Safari - community conscious tour gets under the skin of the city. You can go to a rice farm, a silversmith’s workshop or a premier weaving house. (020-54333089; www.tuktuksafari.com; US $70; open 8am-5pm) • Backstreet Academy - Original local encounters like a clay art class, Zen meditation or a Lao cooking class. (020-58199216; www.backstreetacademy.com)
Sleeping locations • Sailomyen Hostel - chic design, luxurious rain shower, ground floor cafe. (021-214246; www.facebook.com/ sailomyenhostel; Th Saylom; dm incl breakfast 80,000K) • LV City Riverine Hostel - Rooms include free laundry so this is great if you are returning from a jungle trek. LV has a great riverfront location and spacious rooms. (021-21463; www.lvcitylaos.com; 48 Th Fa Ngoum; r incl breakfast 220,000K-390,000K)
Eating • Doi Ka Nois - Authentic and unmissable Lao restaurant with a menu that changes daily and focuses on home recipes with seasonal ingredients. (020-55898959; 242 Sapang Mor; Mains 25,000-50,000K; open 10am -2:30pm Tue-Thu and 10am-9pm Fri-Sun) • The State of Pasta - Fresh italian pasta paired with traditional Lao flavors. (021-253322; www.thestateofpasta.com; Th Manthatourath; mains 20,000-45,000K; open 11am-10pm Sun-Thur and 11am -11:30pm Fri-Sat) • Noy’s Fruit Heaven - a juice bar that also has super fresh fruit salads and burgers. (Th Hengboun; mains 20,000K-30,00K; open 7am-7pm)
Adventure Itinerary 3 Luang Prabang (7 days) This city has it all - ancient temples, royal history, colorful monks, waterfalls, and world class French cuisine.
Sights • Wat Xieng Thong (Hor Dai; Hor Dai Pha Sai-nyaat; Phu Si) - Best known monastery. It is centered on a 1560 ordination hall. Close by are the Hor Dai which are three chapel hills shaped like a tall tomb , housing a standing buddha and the Hor Dai Pha Si-nyaat or red chapel contains a rare reclining buddha. (off Th Sakkarin; 20,000K; open 6am-6pm) • Phu Si - dominates the old city center and a favorite sunset spot. It is a lot of steps (100m high) and is topped with a 24m gilded stupa called That Chomsi. Beautiful city views as well (20,000K open 6am-7pm) • Royal Palace - this former summer royal palace was built in 1904 and was home to King Sisavung Vong whose statue stands outside. They also have a royal palace Car collections if you are interested. (Ho Kham; 071-212068; Th Sisavagvong; 30,000K; open 8-11:30am and 1-4pm with last entry at 3:30pm) • Green Jungle Park - 32 km south of the city this slice of paradise has ziplines, flower gardens, natural swimming pools an organic produce market and elephant viewing area. (071-253899; www.laogreengroup.com; Ban Paklueang; entry US $35 return boat transfer from Luang Prabang 10,000K; open 9am-4:30pm) • Tat Kuang Si (Kuang Si Rescue Center) - a many tiered waterfall with a series of cool swimmable turquoise pools. There are also picnic tables, swingin ropes and the Kuang Si rescue center where wild Adiatic Moon bears confiscated from poachers live. (20,000K; open 8am - 5:30pm; Kuang Si Rescue center- www.freethebears.org; open 8:30am-4:30pm) • Wat Mai Suwanna Phumaham - a temple that was spared destruction from teh Haw Gangs in 1887 because they found it to be too beautiful. It is home to the head of Lao Buddhism. (Th Sisavangvong; 10,000K; 8am- 5pm)
Activities • Luang Prabang Yoga - yoga classes taught at a serene locations like a lush riverside garden at Utopia and rooftop sunset views. (www.luangprabangyoga.org; classes 60min 40,000 90min 60,000K; classes at 7:30am and 5pm) • Lao Red Cross - This is apa with first-rate massages and a terrific sauna infused with medicinal plants. (071- 252856; Th Wisunarat; sauna 15,000K massage 50,000K Aroma Therapy Massage 80,000K per hr; open 1- 8pm) • Bamboo Tree Cooking Class - Chef Linda shows you 5-6 different Lao dishes in a spacious restaurant. Morning classes are from 9am-2pm and evening classes (which exclude the visit to the market) are from 5- 8pm. Vegetarian options are available. (020-22425499; [email protected]; Th Sakkarin; 200,000- 250,000K) • Tamarina Cooking Class - Join Tamarind at its lakeside pavilion for a day of Lao cuisine making classic dishes like mok phaa (steamed fish in banana leaves). Evening classes do not include a visit to the market. (020-77770484; www.tamarindlaos.com; Ban Wat Nong; full day/evening course 285,000K/215,000K) • Living Land Tour - a rice farm cooperative about 5km outside Luang Prabang where you can learn how to plant and grow sticky rice. Expect to get knee deep in mud. (020-55199208; www.livinglanglao.com; Ban Phong Van; tours per person 344,000K; 8:30am-noon) • Garavek Storytelling - animated storyteller (in english) recalls local Lao folk tales and legends. Held in an intimate 30 seat theatre. Book ahead! (020-96777300; www.garavek.com; Th Khounswa; tickets 50,000K; shows at 6:30pm)
Adventure Itinerary 3 Luang Prabang (7 days)
Sleeping locations • Fan Dee - A budget version of a luxury eco resort with bungalows and onsite activities. Private rooms have bamboo walls that open to reveal stunning river views. (Sa Sa Lao; 020-55357317; www.sasalao.net; r US $25 -35) wifi but no AC • Apple Guesthouse - english speaking owners, 24 hour front desk and shaded upstairs balcony for that luxury feel. Most rooms have lovely teak walls. Request an upstairs room for more sunlight. (071-252436; www.appleguesthouselaos.com; off Th khem Khong; US $25-35) • Asara - a pricier, but very classy boutique hotel with a lovely restaurant for romantic dinners. (071-254670; www.theaspara.com; Th Kingkitsarat; US $80-135; wifi and AC)
Eating • Le Banneton - melt-in-your mouth pastry and amazing pain au chocolate. (030-5788340; Th Sakkarin; meals 20,000-60,000K; open 6:30am-8:30pm) • Bouang Asian Eatery - A cheery new eatery with a hand-written menu of exceptional and affordable Lao revision foods. (020-55632600; Th Sisavangvong; mains 35,000-45,000K; open 11am - 2:30pm and 6-9:30pm Mon-Sat) • Icom Klub - A chill place where you can get a shake or burger, play board games, enjoy a game of volleyball or watch sunset. It is designed to look like Khmer ruins. One of the cities liveliest outdoor bars. (www.utopialuangprabang.com; open 8am-11pm) • Dyen Sabai - fabulous Lao food like the eggplant dip and fried Mekong riverweed. Most seating is on recliner cushions in a rustic open sided pavilion. (020-55104817; www.dyensabairestaurant.wordpress.com; Ban Phan Luang; mains 35,000-65,000K: open 8am-11pm)
Shopping • Handicraft Night Market - tourist-oriented but highly appealing market with all sorts of stuff to buy like silk scarves, wall hangings, shoes, clothes, ceramics and more. (Th Sisavangvong; open 5:30-10pm) Adventure Itinerary 4 Huay Xai (3 days)
Activity and Sleeping • The Gibbon Experience is an ecotourism project where a series of ziplines take you through the canopy of Nam Kan NPA – home to tigers, clouded leopards, black bears and the black crested gibbon. (084-212021, 030-5745866 www.gibbonexperience.org ; open 7am-5pm) • 3 Day Classic- zip line (check your knots, wear a helmet and slow down early in the rain), stay in 40M high treehouses were they bring you food, hikes and no electricity. Everything you bring, you must be able to carry. ($130) • One day before departure check in at the Huay Xai Gibbon experience office (084-212021; www.gibbonexperience.org; Th Saykhong; open 8am-5pm) • That night stay at Gateway Villa Hotel- comfy beds and wicker chairs. You’ll get good sleep, fast internet and an okay breakfast. (084-212180; [email protected]; Th Saykhong; 140,000K) Adventure Itinerary - Thom Kong Lor (2 days)
This is one of the off the beaten path destinations and my main reason for visiting in the 7.5km river passing through a cathedral-high limestone cave
Activities • Tham Kong Lor- this boat trip is other-worldly and can take up to an hour in both directions. Make sure to bring a flashlight/headlamp and wear rubber sandals. (10,000K cave entrance and 120,000K for 2 people boat trip, Open 8am-4pm)
Sleeping locations • Tham Kong Lor- this boat trip is other-worldly and can take up to an hour in both directions. Make sure to bring a flashlight/headlamp and wear rubber sandals. (10,000K cave entrance and 120,000K for 2 people boat trip, Open 8am-4pm)
Eating • Khounmee Restaurant – cheap local and western dishes with friendly service owned by English-speaking Mr. Dam. This restaurant has helpful information boards. (020-58190625; mains 20,000-40,000K open 7:30am to 9pm)