Lazy days in Laos: five authentic experiences in Luang Prabang

Situated on the confluence of the Mekong and the Nam Khan in northern central Laos, Luang Prabang offers a taste of a slow life that can be so hard to find in our fast-paced modern world. With a name meaning “The City of the Buddha of Fine Gold”, the province’s Buddhism and local lifestyle go hand and hand, which leaves visitors no choice but to take their time and absorb the surroundings. This place lives to a different heartbeat; things get done in their own time, and smiles fill the gaps in between.

Add the hot weather, the riverside lifestyle, an abundance of fresh fruit, and one of Southeast Asia’s finest handicraft markets, and you have a recipe for an unforgettable getaway.

1. ENJOY THE WEATHER
May, June and July are among the hottest months in Luang Prabang, but also some of the wettest. Nightly rainfall brings a respite from the hot days, giving way every morning to bright blue skies and puffy white clouds. It also washes the dust from the foliage, leaving Luang Prabang surrounded by perfect green every day. This is an ideal time to wander the town’s alleys and streets. The weather is great for a stroll among the temples, but take a leaf from the local book and pick up a sunbrella for shade. Take frequent breaks, too.

2. SHOP ‘TIL YOU DROP
With the Luang Prabang Handicraft Association’s recent push to ensure that tourists are buying genuine Lao handmade products and local craftsmen are being duly compensated for their work, shopping at the night bazaar has never been more rewarding. Lao silks, cottons, silverware, lacquerware, and bamboo are available, and all come with the association’s seal of approval. Drop by the stalls with Luang Prabang’s official signs and stickers on the products to ensure you’re getting what you pay for, and that the local industry remains sustainable.