Our journey continued as we arrived in the enchanting town of Luang Prabang, Laos. Nestled in the heart of Southeast Asia, Luang Prabang welcomed us with its unique charm and serene beauty. From the moment we arrived, we knew our stay would be filled with unforgettable experiences.
During our time in Luang Prabang, we explored elephant sanctuaries, discovered stunning waterfalls, and enjoyed delicious local treats. This hidden gem had a special allure that made it a destination we will always cherish. Overall, Luang Prabang offered us a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.
Journey to Luang Prabang
Our adventure with the “Sleeping Bus” started when we decided to travel to Luang Prabang, Laos by bus. We had several interesting options for getting there.
One choice was the Slow Boat, which offered a relaxing two-day journey down the river. Another option was the Sleeper Bus, which would take us on a full day of travel. Finally, we could take a short flight that would get us to our destination in less than an hour. Wanting to add a bit of adventure to our backpacking trip, we happily chose the Sleeper Bus, with tickets costing $50 per person each way.
The Sleeper Bus was unique, featuring flat beds instead of regular seats. Unfortunately, we ended up at the back of the bus, squeezed in with three other backpackers. Space was tight during the 11-hour journey. To make matters worse, I quickly felt motion sickness as soon as we hit the road.
Our Adventure on the Sleeper Bus
There were about 40 people on the bus, mostly fellow backpackers. Surprisingly, even though we were strangers, we quickly formed a close-knit group and looked out for one another.
The 11-hour bus ride turned into quite an adventure, with unexpected rain, bumpy roads, and uncomfortable sleeping positions. We met many travelers from around the world, many of whom were young adventurers on journeys lasting from 3 to 6 months.
One interesting traveler was a young man from Santa Barbara, California. He had rented a motorbike for just 100 baht a day ($3.20). However, his cost-saving choice came with a downside when the bike’s back brake failed during a ride, causing him to crash. Fortunately, he only suffered minor cuts and bruises and learned a valuable lesson about being cautious.
Discovering Luang Prabang, Laos
Day 1: Arrival and Settling In
We finally arrived at the bus terminal around 6 am the next day. The morning weather was cool, with temperatures in the low 60s, but it quickly rose to the high 90s by the afternoon.
Luang Prabang is a small town in Northern Laos with a population of about 55,000. It reflects the country’s status as one of the poorest in Southeast Asia, with many dirt roads, shacks, and rundown buildings. Like Thailand, the landscape is filled with numerous Buddhist temples, adding to its unique charm.
On our first day in Luang Prabang, we checked into the Jumbo Guesthouse, located just 5 miles from the city center. After settling in, we took a walk into the city, crossing the iconic Bamboo Bridge.
Luang Prabang, a quaint town nestled on a peninsula by the Mekong River, welcomed us with its simplicity. With only four main streets, it felt much calmer compared to the bustling streets of Chiang Mai. The roads were lined with restaurants, street vendors, massage parlors, and guesthouses catering to tourists.
Day 2: Exploring the Town
On our second day, we ventured deeper into Luang Prabang. We enjoyed the town’s charming atmosphere and its blend of traditional and modern elements.
Strolling through the streets, we experienced the local culture and sampled some delicious street food. Additionally, we rented bikes to get around, which added a lot of fun to our exploration.
Day 3: Elephant Sanctuary Experience
Our adventure took an exciting turn when we pre-booked a tour with Mandalao, a well-known elephant conservation group. This experience focused on education and animal welfare rather than riding elephants. Priced at $100 per person, the 4-hour tour included a delicious lunch at Mandalao’s restaurant, located by the picturesque Nam Khan River.
The journey to the sanctuary was a short 30-minute bus ride. Upon arrival, we were greeted by the stunning view of the sanctuary next to the serene Nam Khan River. Then, one of the directors from the Thailand Elephant Conservation Center provided valuable insights into the elephants’ history.
The sanctuary was home to 40 elephants, most of which had been rescued from difficult situations like logging camps. Learning about the struggles these gentle giants faced was a touching experience.
After that, we ventured into the jungle to meet the elephants, including a young male named ‘Kit,’ who was just 2 years and 8 months old. Feeding the elephants bananas and sharing special moments with them was truly heartwarming. Overall, the entire experience deepened our appreciation for these magnificent creatures.
Day 4: Kuang Si Waterfalls
On our fourth day, we visited the renowned Kuang Si Waterfalls, located about 18 miles south of Luang Prabang. This popular attraction offered breathtaking views of spectacular waterfalls and inviting pools for a refreshing swim.
The entrance fee for this excursion was a reasonable $7 per person, and the waterfalls proved to be one of the most stunning natural wonders I’ve ever witnessed.
Afterwards, we rode our rental bikes to The Novelty Café, our favorite spot in the city. Over the past few days, this charming café had become our go-to place in the mornings.
They served delicious vegan almond croissants and a colorful fruit plate that included dragon fruit, mangoes, and watermelon.
Day 5: Sunset Cruise
On our final day in Luang Prabang, we made our way back into town for a satisfying lunch before embarking on a Sunset Cruise. Priced at $15 per person (dinner not included), the cruise took us down the beautiful Mekong River.
The boat ride was a delightful experience, with a small group of about 20 people on board, guided by a friendly French host. In addition, the service was excellent, and the sunset in the evening was simply breathtaking.
Our Unforgettable Trip
As our trip to Luang Prabang came to an end, we were filled with wonderful memories. We enjoyed exploring the charming town and visiting the elephant sanctuary, as well as marveling at the breathtaking waterfalls.
The beautiful sunset cruise added even more to our amazing time. Luang Prabang’s unique charm and friendly atmosphere made it a special place for us. We left feeling grateful for all the adventures we had and hope to return someday.
Be sure to read my earlier posts about our adventures in Bangkok and Chiang Mai, which were part of our journey through Southeast Asia.
