From golden temples to beautiful waterfalls and ice-cold matcha, Luang Prabang is the setting for a big little adventure. This is a city where the Mekong glistens, bears scratch themselves, and even the journey to the supermarket becomes an adventure. Five days of heat, wonder and delicious food.
Day 1: Landing with a view
Our plane lands shortly before three o’clock in the afternoon, bringing us to Luang Prabang. The airport is small, but beautifully situated. When we disembark, we immediately experience that ‘wow’ feeling. Everything seems relaxed and tropical, like a hidden place.
Despite the long queue at immigration control, we are lucky and are quite far forward, so things move quickly. As the airport is tiny, we quickly grab a taxi and drive to our Airbnb. Our accommodation is cute and typical of the region. However, it’s rather dark as the curtains have to stay closed; otherwise, we have direct onlookers. After a short power nap, our first little adventure begins.
Our destination is the nearest 7-Eleven! (After our time in Vietnam, this feels like an emotional reunion.) On the way, we discover a beautiful golden temple shimmering in the evening light. Then it’s on to the Night Market. First impressions: colourful, bustling and promising.
Day 2: Temple, door drama & pizza insider tip
Our plan for the day is to visit the city’s most famous temple, Wat Xieng Thong. However, finding the entrance proves to be somewhat challenging. But our efforts are rewarded when we catch our first glimpse of the impressive Mekong. The temple itself is beautiful. With golden ornaments and a calm atmosphere, you can immediately sense the history here. Afterwards, we take a break in the café because it is very hot. We enjoy some cold matcha and iced coffee and take a deep breath.
Back at the Airbnb, the first little drama ensues when we realise that we are locked out. Carlo had left the key inside. After ten minutes of trial and error, he managed to climb through the window and open the door from the inside. What a relief!
In the evening, we head to a place recommended to us: The Secret Pizza. It’s only open on certain days and is a bit out of town, but it’s well worth the walk. The pizza is amazing, and the short walk back feels like the perfect end to the day.
Luang Prabang is really beautiful! It’s a very quiet and spiritual city, but it’s often underestimated!
Day 3: Scooter adventure & a beautiful waterfall
Today is a highlight: the Kuang Si Waterfall. We hire a scooter for the journey. The hire company tells us to be careful. I’m sceptical at first, but everything works out great in the end. I ride with Carlo and enjoy the journey. It reminds us of our time in Bali, with its green countryside, warm air and sense of freedom.
Our first stop is the Bear Rescue Centre. The cute bears have found a new home there. Everything looks very well cared for. Then we continue to the waterfall, which is simply stunning. The turquoise-blue water, tiered pools and rocks create a real jungle atmosphere. The final level is particularly impressive. You can’t swim there though — you just have to admire it. Carlo goes into the water at the lowest level, but I’d rather not as my legs are still sore from sunburn. We take lots of photos and enjoy the moment.
Wow, what a lovely day! Both the Bear Rescue Centre and the waterfall were great! We have seen many waterfalls, for example in Australia or Iceland, but this one is really impressive!
Day 4: Stairs, temples & tomato head
We start the day with a cosy breakfast in a small café. Afterwards, we take a walk to our favourite café from day three – we really like the coffee there.
In the afternoon, we make our way to Phusi Hill. There are lots of steps, but it’s not actually that difficult. Nevertheless, I’m red-faced by the time I reach the top. Typical! But it’s totally worth it — the view is amazing! You can see the green jungle, rooftops and temples everywhere. The sunset from up here is truly magical.
In the evening, we go back to the Night Market for one last visit. We look for souvenirs, but we can’t find anything. Instead, we buy a few things for the following morning and, as expected, eat at 7-Eleven in the evening.
Day 5: Farewell with a statue
The last morning begins with cornflakes at the Airbnb. It’s already hot early on. We pack our suitcases and hop in a taxi one last time, heading back to the small airport in Luang Prabang.
Shortly before boarding, we find a few perfect souvenirs: a map and a miniature statue. Our collection is growing — as always, we take little mementos of the trip home with us. I collect pins and Carlo collects stickers. Together, we always look for something to put on the shelf.
Then we see: Our first travel vlog from Seoul is online! Next stop: Siem Reap!
We spent five days in a city that didn’t feel like a city at all. It’s more like a big village with temples, waterfalls, markets and lots of charm. Luang Prabang surprised and inspired us, and slowed us down. And even though it was hot and the roads were sometimes chaotic, it was just right.
