My trip in Luang Prabang (Laos): Let's get started!

Are you ready? GO!

How to get there
We started our trip from Bangkok with promotion price tickets from Bangkok Airways when we purchased it in advance in September 2012. Normally, the round trip tickets from BKK-LP would cost you $450-$600. The seats could be filled up very quickly due to a high demand during New Year, weekends, and Thai holidays. From BKK to LP, our flight took about two hours. I think the flight schedules are very good because you will get there before noon. Foods on board are delicious. Services from the ground staff and air crews are excellent. Overall, I was very satisfied. :)

I love to bike & a colorful Tuk-Tuk!

How to get around

From LP Airport, you can buy a ticket for airport shuttles and limousine services. It costs 50,000 KIP for 2-3 people. If you have four person I guess you can get in one shuttle, but you need to pay 80,000 KIP.

To go around within the city, it is simple enough and easy to go from one place to another by walking, biking, or hiring a Tuk-tuk. It’s also a good idea to ask local people around you before getting in a Tuk-tuk how much they usually pay so that you wouldn’t end up with over priced charges.

When I made a day trip to Kwang Si Waterfall, Tad Sae Waterfall, and Hmong villages, I hired a taxi for 300,000 KIP. The price and places where they will take you are listed on a wood board where the drivers park their taxis. I spotted them when they were waiting to take customers along the road near Mae Khong River.  

View from Streets in Luang Prabang

Money

Almost everything goes cheaper if you could pay in KIP currency. I felt very rich when we exchanged some money from a money exchange stand. Can’t believe, I was once a millionaire in Luang Prabang with all those cash in my hands. Did I mention one million Kip is less than $125?  LOL 

Become rich and richer here. :)

Best time to go

I would say winter (November - February) is the best season to go LP due to cool weather and you won’t get exposure to too strong sun during daytime. New Year is also the peak time because we (Thai people and all Buddhists) really wish to do alms giving ceremony first thing of the year for good fortune, good health, and success. Therefore, alms giving ceremony in LP at that moment would be very special for us. Anyway, when I had a chance to talk with local people, they said during mid April which is Thai & Laos’ New Year would be a great fun too since they are going to have parades, religious ceremony, beauty competition (Miss Song Kran), and tons of fun activities for 7 days!! Interesting, right? 

Bamboo Bridge over the Khan River in Luang Prabang