LAOS
Destination | Luang Prabang
Country Code: +856
Currency: Kip, US dollars and Thai baht
FROM THE AIRPORT
Hotel mini-bus: Higher-end hotels have a shuttle service to and from the airport. Costs around $5 and takes 10 minutes.
Tuk-tuk: These can be arranged at the airport desk. One tuk-tuk costs 50,000 kip (about US$5). This is a flat rate for up to five people, to any destination.
TABLE TALK
 Cheap chic: L’Étranger, Books and Tea Enjoy many choices of international breakfasts or a midday snack with your favourite smoothie while you browse through their collection of books and magazines. Relax on the terrace or chill out in the tea lounge upstairs. Let yourself be tempted by the movie night and their delicious chocolate desserts. Kingkithsarath Road, Ban Aphay Village tel (0)20 537-7826
Mid-range magic: Café Vat Ban Sene Antique furniture and rattan chairs set the decor of this authentic French café that is the perfect place to have a snack of croissants, baguettes or other pastries. Watch people go by on their lively street terrace while sipping a genuine espresso or café au lait. The menu also includes pastas, salads and tartines. Villa Santi Hotel, Sakkaline Road, tel (0)71 252482
Gourmet: 3 Nagas In the heart of the peninsula, the two impressive Buddha faces painted on terracotta tiles call for attention at 3 Nagas, one of the only high-end Lao and French restaurants in town. Discover the best of authentic Lao food with a variety of sampling menus or share a few main dishes. Enjoy spirits, wines or Beer Lao in this restored heritage house. Sakkaline Road, Ban Wat Sene, tel (0)71 253888
AFTER DARK
Cocktail hour: Sala Café As the sun sets over the Mekong, sip your drinks in serenity at this alfresco patch on the tranquil banks of the Nam Khan. Sip on French wine, local Lao beer or a wide range of spirits. Nibble on snacks, while the kids tuck into ice-cream cones by the riverside. Kingkithsarath Road, Ban Wat Sene
Late night: Hive When most of the town is closed, Hive just keeps on buzzing with cool reggae sounds, and the garden seating is perfectly comfortable under the mango trees. Th is bar is a welcome mix of all ages and all sorts. Look out for the 5-9pm Happy Hour – and yes, one-for-one spirits! Kingkithsarath Road, Ban Aphay Village
HOTSPOTS
Sisavanvong Road Night Market: Local merchants and artisans unfold a multitude of wares onto Sisavanvong Road every evening. The number of hand-woven textiles on offer is astonishing. Pick up bargains at unbeatable prices. Haggle hard!
The Old Quarter: One-time residences of Laos’ royal family make this a charming area to wander through. The quarter is vibrant with local life, street food stalls and colonial-style cafés. Temples are on every corner, and galleries proffer handmade paper art and traditional lanterns.
INSIDER TIPS
Made in Laos: As the number of shops, boutiques and stalls at the night market grow, the variety of products available has increased in the last few years at a rate that the local artisans and producers cannot keep up with. Many turn to their neighbours in Thailand, Vietnam or China for their attractive goods. To help sustain the economy of the local community and keep the Lao culture alive for the next generations, be sure that a portion of your purchases is made in Laos.
BODY & SOUL
Spa at La Résidence Phou Vao: Just two kilometres outside of town, the Spa at La Résidence Phou Vao is everything you would expect from a luxurious spa. Th e tropical setting gets you in the mood to relax as soon as you arrive. Treat yourself to their simply divine signature treatments – the Mohom Indigo Healing Art and the Piu Nuan Lao Secret of Sensual Skin. Phou Vao Hill, tel (0)71 212194
BOUTIQUE BEDS
Sala Prabang: Overlooking the Mekong, Sala Prabang is the perfect place for a romantic romp or a family stay. Choose from a room with private terrace or a large studio, all specially designed with elegant colonial flair. Enjoy the glowing sunset by the river or treat yourself to dinner at the new Nadao restaurant (sister to the eponymous Vientiane French eatery). 102/6 Ounkham Road, Ban Xieng Mouane, tel (0)71 252460
DAY TRIPPING
Tiger Trail Outdoor Adventures and other tourism organisations have initiated new exciting tours and treks that promote tourism which benefits the villages directly. Help them in their mission by taking one of these FairTrek packages and bring home great memories too. Sisavanvong Road, tel (0)71 252655 or
(0)20 557-0221, www.trekking-in-laos.com
IN THE KNOW
Why stay only two or three nights when there is just so much to do? Spend an extra day here visiting local sights that support the community. Pick up info booklets at the airport and most hotels. Visit www.stay-another-day.org for more information.
Updated by Judith Da Sylva
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