24 Hours In Laos – What To Do In Luang Prabang
24 Hours In Laos – What To Do In Luang Prabang
Where? Luang Prabang, Laos
Exactly? Avani Hotel Luang Prabang
When? Sept 2019
Why? For the second leg of my trip Asian adventure with Avani Hotels we flew from Cambodia to Luang Prabang in Laos. We enjoyed a relaxing couple of nights there visiting the local sights and exploring nature. Keep scrolling to see where I stayed and my mini guide on ‘what to do in Luang Prabang’.
The Avani Luang Prabang
Situated right in the heart of Luang Prabang, The Avani hotel is in the perfect location for a trip to this vibrant Unesco world heritage city.
Originally the site of the French military officers quarters during colonial times, the hotel has undergone a huge refurbishment and is now a beautiful, serene double story property with a central swimming pool and courtyard. All rooms have balconies which face into the stunning pool area, pictured above.
Most of the local landmarks such as the night market, city palace and temple are within walking distance. But the hotel buggies are just as happy to drop you off if you’re feeling lazy.
The Rooms
The large, light, spacious rooms with wooden floors and furniture are decorated with a chic, natural colour palette. Balconies run along the exteriors and the rooms have a calming spa like quality and a real feeling of zen. They have perfect Feng Shui, which makes them feel like your own private haven. And of course the double sinks, rain showers and coffee machines add to the luxury feel.
A soft neutral colour palette runs through out the hotel interiors, which are mix of modern meets colonial style.
Food and Drink
Main Street Restaurant is one of the best restaurants in Luang Prabang and happens to be the hotels restaurant too, which is very handy. Enjoy a feast of Asian fusion delights and of course classic Laos dishes too. Some of the curries are quite spicy, I love the heat but even I needed a glass of water on stand by. They will cater for less spicy palettes too on request.
The breakfast is also delicious. With a huge range of healthy fresh fruit, cereal options and yummy a la carte dishes like the eggs Benedict or Asian congee and noodle dishes!I love the basket and wicker accessories which the food is served in.
The Spa
The hotel spa is a beautiful serene haven with chic, minimal treatments rooms which you access through the balcony and veranda that faces out onto the pool area. The treatments themselves are sublime, I opted for my usual favourite, the signature massage and was really impressed. So much so I actually fell asleep half way through. They must have been doing something right.
5 things to do in Luang Prabang
Boat trip on the Mekong River (pictured above)
The Avani hotel boat provides the perfect vessel from which to float down the Mekong River in languid luxurious style. It’s an idyllic way to watch the sunset, sipping cocktails along the lazy river, listening to jazz and enjoying the lush green, hillside views.
Alms giving to Buddhist monks
This is one of the loveliest spiritual experiences you can engage in when in Laos and it happens right outside the hotel every morning at 5.30am. The hotel provides you with rice to give to all the Buddhist monks from the area who perform the morning walk and ritual. It’s an early start but well worth it, you can always go back to bed afterwards like we did.
We were asked to dress respectfully and were given a silk sash to wear before handing out the alms.
Eat at the Manda de Laos Restaurant
Surrounding a huge spectacular lily pond filled with huge gold fish and lush tropical gardens the French colonial style restaurant has a real 1930’s opium den vibe. Regal oriental parasols hang over the rattan furniture and beautiful vintage lighting creates a stunning atmosphere. It well worth a visit for lunch or dinner. (pictured above)
Kuang Si Waterfall
Take a half day trip to the famous Laos waterfalls and remember to take your swimsuit if you can brave the gushing waters. Don’t just stop at the entrance pools though, the top is short 15 minute hike and well worth the trek for the views.
Bonnie wears blue bikini by Mavele at the Kuang Si waterfalls.
Visit the Royal Palace and Temple
The royal palace and surrounding temples are steeped in cultural history and are absolutely stunning. Don’t bypass this perfect insta moment. (opening shot and pictured below).
Visit the Night Market
Situated nightly right outside the hotel the night market in Luang Prabang is a lovely experience. Unlike its Thai counterparts the Laos market is clean, super chilled out and has beautifully made handicrafts made by local artisans rather than cheap fake goods. It’s worth a stroll through.
That’s all from Laos for now. Thanks so much to Avani Hotels and Resorts for organising such an amazing press trip. Next stop London.
Bon voyage xx
Nice place! The ambiance looks welcoming and warm – I bet you have a great time, sharing this experience and pictures are very informative and inspiring.
thanks x
I’ve never been to Laos but my partner and I are planning to. This place is a great way to start – I would really love to talk to monks, I hope we get that chance when we get there. Thanks for sharing!
thank you x
Cool place, I might consider going there for the summer when my kids don’t have school or something . It’s so beautiful.
please do x
Your pictures are stunning and I for sure need to visit here ;) Thank you… adding to my list of places to visit!
thanks x
That resort looks so amazing there. I really do need to rethink taking a trip out to Laos. Just so stunning. And the waterfall, Royal Palace, and Temple would definitely be worth a visit as well.
Beautiful photos of a beautiful lady in a heavenly place. You had a lovely time and an unforgettable experience. Was nice to visit your blog for a happy share of your bliss.
how lovely thanks
x
Wow, it looks so much fun! Amazing pictures, definitely entices me to go. The Avani hotel looks so nice… and expensive!
I loved it x
We have not been to Laos before, but this resort looks amazing and the perfect getaway, I will be adding this to my places to visit
Looks amazing and peaceful. Would love to go for a nice breakaway and leave my 4 children at home. Your photos are amazing, so beautiful xx
t really is x
Oh wow, u have never been but I would really like to now. I love the rooms and the waterfall is just beautiful.
Thanks x
This looks like a very full 24 hours! I will certainly keep these tips in mind should I make it to Laos on my next trip to Asia!
That resort is gorgeous. Love those hardwood floors in all the rooms, lobby and spa. Also would love to visit that waterfall and then have dinner at the outdoor restaurant. And of course, you look radiant.
I love all your photos–and your outfits, esprecially the two-piece red dress! Laos looks like a good idea, thanks for the tip.
Thanks so much x
That’s a beautiful place. I would love to visit there. All the clicks are really beautiful
This really is such a beautiful place it looks so lovely and relaxing which is just what I need at the moment
This looks like a dream come true! Laos is so beautiful, I definitely want to take a trip there some day!
I hope so too x
Goodness gracious! I just can’t get enough of the beauty of Laos- the waterfalls and landscapes are just majestic!And again, Avena hotel is way too beautiful- I’m in awe of the outdoors and the warm interiors too. I wouldn’t forget the spa too!
Giving alms to the monks sounds too humbling- I would be waiting for that.
What a gorgeous resort (and location)! Thanks for the tips!
Your pictures are stunning and say it all. The place is beautiful and I would enjoy spending some time there.
First, I love that dress in the very first picture. Where did you buy that? Second, I have never been to Laos but it looks so beautiful! What kind of food should I eat there?
What a great place for summer vacations! Resorts like this are great, as there are lots to do for relaxing & the decor, spectacular.
Wow! This place looks amazing. Loved the interiors. It looks really comfortable and clean.
I have never been to Laos but would love to visit this vibrant Unesco World Heritage City. It would be awesome to take a trip to see the Kuang Si Waterfalls too. Thank you for sharing these tips. Bookmarked it for future reference.
The pictures are amazing
You make me want to travel more. Interesting place.
Wow thanks x
Truly an amazing place, the accommodation and nature view Laos can offer, I would never pass going and to enjoy this place. Thanks for sharing~
me either x
This is wow! The place is alluring and so do you! Good job on those OOTD! I so love the swimwear and color blends you wear, I would say you nail it!
Thanks so much x
This amazing place is a combination of their great culture and how well Laos can go along modernization. You’re picture is just perfect, capturing a life full to explore. I can’t wait to visit again.
Whoa! This place is truly promising. You can be as Royal with their linen and silks, but what capture me most is the Kuang Si Waterfall – which I would love to witness myself. Great share!
thanks for you lovely comment x
You’re like a princess in your red dress with a perfect background of Royal Palace / Temple. I am really entertain by your post with all stunning and beautiful pictures!
oh how lovely thank you x
This seems to be a great place to visit, with all your wonderful pictures of the places and shared experience, no wonder I will include this to my wishlist!
it is you must visit x