Posts labeled the POSH Guide to Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang is a tiny little town with a rich, and royal, history. It was granted World Heritage status in 1995, and so its rich store of colonial and vernacular building has been preserved. Strict building codes help ensure that the character of the city is maintained, but they also mean there are no large hotels within the old city as well. But that doesn't mean you'll have to stay in some grotty guest-house. There are several decidedly POSH accommodations within the old city.

So, is Luang Prabang for you? There's plenty to see if you're into architecture and history, but not much else to do if you're not. Luang Prabang seems to attract those with a keen interest in Asian cultures and religions. It also appeals to those looking for a place to slow down and relax.

Getting to Luang Prabang

By far the easiest way to get to Luang Prabang is by air. Thailand's Bangkok Airways flys almost daily from Bangkok to Luang Prabang. For domestic air travel, Lao Aviation is the only carrier, and flies to Luang Prabang from both Vientiane, Phonsavan and other places. Lao Aviation had a somewhat spotty safety record in the past, but has taken steps to improve the situation and upgrade its fleet. See my review of Lao Airlines as well the guide to Luang Prabang Airport.

Road travel used to be only for the most adventurous, as few highways were paved for their full distance. The road between Vientiane and Luang Prabang is now completely paved, and there is regular bus service between the two cities, as well as Vang Vieng in between. Note however that even with the roads paved, the trip from Vientiane to Luang Prabang or vice-versa is nine hours.

Boats up and down the Mekong are an increasingly popular mode of travel. You can travel downriver from Thailand to Luang Prabang as well as upriver from Vientiane. Although speedboats can make the trip from the Thai border in just a few hours, this is probably a trip best taken slowly. Various operators offer two and three day cruises between Chiang Kong in Thailand and Luang Prabang.

Luang Prabang Hotels

Strict preservation rules makes large hotels impossible within the old city of Luang Prabang. The heritage area is full of small hotels and guest houses. Some are quite fancy. Ideally, you want to stay within the old city, so that all the sights and restaurants of the town are within easy walking distance.

Luang Prabang Overview

Luang Prabang sits on a narrow finger (or, perhaps more precisely, a thumb) of land formed by the confluence of the Khan River with the much larger Mekong. The old city, where most of the sights are, is just 300 meters (1,000 feet) wide and about one kilometer (0.