Travel Journal

As a big fan of Southeast Asia, I was thrilled to finally get the chance to visit Laos, even if I only had three days to spare. My destination was Luang Prabang.

The trip started on a high note with a friendly airport manager who welcomed us right on the tarmac and chatted all the way to the terminal. Getting my visa on arrival was a breeze, taking just two minutes. I quickly noticed that the Lao people are incredibly friendly and welcoming, with a gentle and quiet demeanour.

I was lucky to be hosted by our local ground operator in Laos, staying at the 5-star Sofitel Luang Prabang, which is located in what used to be the French Governor’s Residence. The hotel was stunning, with beautiful grounds and exceptional staff, but there are plenty of great accommodation options in Luang Prabang, ranging from 3 to 5 stars. My hotel was about a 15-minute walk from the town centre, and I found it to be a safe place to walk around at night. Most hotels also offer free bike hire, which is a nice perk.

Given my limited time, I had a private guide for a day, which was a fantastic way to see and learn as much as possible about the country and its people. It didn’t take long for me to realise that I could easily spend a week in this charming town. Luang Prabang is situated at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, surrounded by hills and dense forest. The French colonial heritage is very evident here, more so than in other parts of Asia, with traditional French bakeries opening at 5:30am with freshly baked croissants.

If you have more time in Luang Prabang, there are plenty of activities and sights to enjoy, such as visiting an elephant sanctuary, exploring temples and waterfalls, taking river cruises, giving alms to the monks, joining local craft classes, relaxing in spas, and attending cooking schools. There are also excellent options for more serious biking and trekking just outside the town. But it’s also a wonderful place to simply relax, moving from café to café, browsing beautifully made Lao handicrafts, and enjoying the slow pace of life, or lounging by your hotel pool.

Here are a few tips if you’re planning a trip:

• There are many religious sites in the town, so it’s a good idea to bring light layers to cover your shoulders and knees when visiting these places.
• Laos uses its own currency, the kip, along with the US dollar.
• Singapore Airlines now flies regularly into Luang Prabang and Vientiane, with direct connections to major cities in Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand, making it easy to add Laos to any Asia itinerary.
• The most popular time to visit is from November to February, but the weather is also nice during our winter, as long as you don’t mind the heat and humidity (around 30-35 degrees Celsius). The only time to avoid is from March to May.

My brief stay in Luang Prabang was truly memorable, and I left with a strong desire to return and explore more of this beautiful town and the incredible country of Laos.