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		<title>7 Things You Must Eat In Laos</title>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Mr Romance]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 11 Sep 2025 21:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
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		<category><![CDATA[Laos]]></category>
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					<description><![CDATA[<p>Sharing a border with culinary powerhouses like Thailand, Vietnam and China, it’s easy to see why food in Laos has been overlooked. In truth,...</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://mrandmrsromance.com/laos-food/">7 Things You Must Eat In Laos</a> appeared first on <a href="https://mrandmrsromance.com">Mr and Mrs Romance</a>.</p>
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										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><em><strong>Sharing a border with culinary powerhouses like Thailand, Vietnam and China, it’s easy to see why food in Laos has been overlooked. In truth, having so many culinary influences so close by, Laos’ food scene is extraordinary. Here are 7 things you must eat in Laos — though there are plenty more.</strong></em></p>
<p><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-39301" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/7-Things-you-must-east-in-Laos-MMR-2-title.jpg" alt="Things to eat in Laos" width="1000" height="1333" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/7-Things-you-must-east-in-Laos-MMR-2-title.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/7-Things-you-must-east-in-Laos-MMR-2-title-300x400.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/7-Things-you-must-east-in-Laos-MMR-2-title-700x933.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/7-Things-you-must-east-in-Laos-MMR-2-title-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/7-Things-you-must-east-in-Laos-MMR-2-title-600x800.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/7-Things-you-must-east-in-Laos-MMR-2-title-435x580.jpg 435w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<h6 style="text-align: center;"><em>Sign up to <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=29340X870985&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Feepurl.com%2Fs1X2T&amp;sref=rss" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">our free newsletter here</a> for more travel inspiration. You also get your own copy of our travel ebook — it&#8217;s on us!</em></h6>
<p><strong>If you’ve been to any of Laos’ bordering neighbours of Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar and China, or if you know anything about them, you’ll find things eerily familiar when you’re in Laos; familiar, but not the same.</strong></p>
<p>This feeling of cultural de ja vu is never stronger than in Laos’ food scene.</p>
<p>As we walk through the <a href="https://mrandmrsromance.com/inside-luang-prabang/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">night markets of Luang Prabang</a> or stop in at little local cafes in <a href="https://mrandmrsromance.com/vang-vieng-guide/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Vang Vieng</a>, there are dishes we recognise, but that maybe have different English spellings or a twist on ingredients.</p>
<p>At first it’s unsettling.</p>
<p>We wonder if these are just a Lao interpretation of a Viet soup or a Thai curry, but it eventually dawns on us that perhaps this is the original dish and that it’s these other countries who have adapted it with their own take.</p>
<p><iframe title="Come with us for a journey through Laos" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wl5a5HksBf0" width="690" height="388" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>Or maybe its one of those moments when two things can be true at once.</p>
<p>Either way, there are many dishes in Laos that you have to try. Here are seven of our favourites.</p>
<hr />
<p><em>For more of our stories and videos on Laos, <a href="https://mrandmrsromance.com/tag/laos" target="_blank" rel="noopener">click here</a>!</em></p>
<p><em>We travelled through Laos with Inside Asia Tours. <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=29340X870985&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.insideasiatours.com%2Fau%2Flaos%2Ftailormade-trips%2Flbr001%2Flaos-rail%3F59989225-Mrs%2520and%2520Mr%2520Romance&amp;sref=rss" target="_blank" rel="noopener">You can see the itinerary we took (and book it!) here.</a></em></p>
<p><em><a href="https://mrandmrsromance.com/tag/laos-hotels" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Here are the hotels we stayed in</a> while we were travelling through Laos if you&#8217;re looking for somewhere lovely yet local to stay.</em></p>
<hr />
<h2>7 Dishes To Eat In Laos</h2>
<p><img decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-39288" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/5-Things-you-must-east-in-Laos-MMR-3-duck-laab.jpg" alt="Things to eat in Laos - duck laab (and a lovely glass of BeerLao)" width="1000" height="1333" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/5-Things-you-must-east-in-Laos-MMR-3-duck-laab.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/5-Things-you-must-east-in-Laos-MMR-3-duck-laab-300x400.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/5-Things-you-must-east-in-Laos-MMR-3-duck-laab-700x933.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/5-Things-you-must-east-in-Laos-MMR-3-duck-laab-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/5-Things-you-must-east-in-Laos-MMR-3-duck-laab-600x800.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/5-Things-you-must-east-in-Laos-MMR-3-duck-laab-435x580.jpg 435w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<h3>1. Duck Laab (spicy ‘meat salad’)</h3>
<p>Made with spicy mince, lime juice, toasted ground rice, mint and chilli, <em>laab</em> is a common enough dish on the tables of Thailand. However, Thais usually make theirs with chicken.</p>
<p>The original Lao dish, which is where laab comes from btw, is made with duck.</p>
<p>The extra fat and flavour from the duck meat makes this richer and more satisfying — though I’ll take <em>laab</em> however it comes!</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-39289" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/5-Things-you-must-east-in-Laos-MMR-4-kanom-krok.jpg" alt="Things to eat in Laos - Kanom Krok at a night market in Vang Vieng" width="1000" height="750" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/5-Things-you-must-east-in-Laos-MMR-4-kanom-krok.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/5-Things-you-must-east-in-Laos-MMR-4-kanom-krok-300x225.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/5-Things-you-must-east-in-Laos-MMR-4-kanom-krok-700x525.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/5-Things-you-must-east-in-Laos-MMR-4-kanom-krok-768x576.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/5-Things-you-must-east-in-Laos-MMR-4-kanom-krok-600x450.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/5-Things-you-must-east-in-Laos-MMR-4-kanom-krok-773x580.jpg 773w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<h3>2. Kanom Krok (coconut pancakes)</h3>
<p>We first fell in love with this sweet street-food snack in a food court in Bangkok, and every time we’re in Thailand we hunt it out. Crispy on the outside, and creamy and sweet in the middle, <em>kanom krok</em> are delicious.</p>
<p>So when we discovered there’s a version of <em>kanom krok</em> in Laos, we were stoked.</p>
<p>Often, vendors will put two together creating a ball. Don’t be put off by the eyeball aesthetic; these things are the best. Literally translated as ‘sweet hotplate’, these half-spherical treats are essentially tiny coconut cream pancakes made in a special griddle.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-39290" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/5-Things-you-must-east-in-Laos-MMR-5-kanom-krok.jpg" alt="Things to eat in Laos - kanom krok being made in a special pan" width="1000" height="1333" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/5-Things-you-must-east-in-Laos-MMR-5-kanom-krok.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/5-Things-you-must-east-in-Laos-MMR-5-kanom-krok-300x400.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/5-Things-you-must-east-in-Laos-MMR-5-kanom-krok-700x933.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/5-Things-you-must-east-in-Laos-MMR-5-kanom-krok-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/5-Things-you-must-east-in-Laos-MMR-5-kanom-krok-600x800.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/5-Things-you-must-east-in-Laos-MMR-5-kanom-krok-435x580.jpg 435w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<p>Thais tend to add different toppings like crispy onion, sweetcorn or taro, whereas Laotians often leave their <em>kanom krok</em> plain. Having said that, we have found both in both countries.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-39291" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/5-Things-you-must-east-in-Laos-MMR-6-lemongras-chicken.jpg" alt="Things to eat in Laos - Ua Si Khai (lemongrass chicken) seasoned chicken mince stuffed into a split lemongrass and grilled" width="1000" height="750" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/5-Things-you-must-east-in-Laos-MMR-6-lemongras-chicken.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/5-Things-you-must-east-in-Laos-MMR-6-lemongras-chicken-300x225.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/5-Things-you-must-east-in-Laos-MMR-6-lemongras-chicken-700x525.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/5-Things-you-must-east-in-Laos-MMR-6-lemongras-chicken-768x576.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/5-Things-you-must-east-in-Laos-MMR-6-lemongras-chicken-600x450.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/5-Things-you-must-east-in-Laos-MMR-6-lemongras-chicken-773x580.jpg 773w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<h3>3. Ua Si Khai (lemongrass chicken)</h3>
<p>Quite an unusual dish, <em>Ua Si Khai</em> translates as ‘lemongrass stuffed chicken’ and is traditional Lao cuisine.</p>
<p>Basically, it’s spiced chicken mince that’s stuffed into a split lemongrass stalk and grilled. The fusion of lemongrass into the mince is delicious, though it can be frustrating to eat as extracting the chicken is a bit tricky. Worth the effort though.</p>
<p>This dish can also be made with minced pork, though chicken is more traditional and is the ‘khai’ part of the dish’s name.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-39292" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/5-Things-you-must-east-in-Laos-MMR-7-pork-noodle-soup.jpg" alt="Things to eat in Laos - Lao Khao Soi (pork noodle soup)" width="1000" height="1333" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/5-Things-you-must-east-in-Laos-MMR-7-pork-noodle-soup.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/5-Things-you-must-east-in-Laos-MMR-7-pork-noodle-soup-300x400.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/5-Things-you-must-east-in-Laos-MMR-7-pork-noodle-soup-700x933.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/5-Things-you-must-east-in-Laos-MMR-7-pork-noodle-soup-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/5-Things-you-must-east-in-Laos-MMR-7-pork-noodle-soup-600x800.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/5-Things-you-must-east-in-Laos-MMR-7-pork-noodle-soup-435x580.jpg 435w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<h3>4. Lao Khao Soi (pork noodle soup)</h3>
<p>Khao Soi is popular in northern Thailand, and there’s a similar version in Vietnam (we’ve heard it called ‘spaghetti pho&#8217;, which I think is quite funny), but the <em>Lao Khao Soi</em> — khao soi from Laos — is our favourite.</p>
<p>This hearty, spicy street food is basically a noodle soup with a rich base of chicken stock and bolognese-style tomato and pork. The noodles are usually fat rice noodles that really grip the soup well.</p>
<p>We first experienced Lao Khao Soi in the night market in Luang Prabang. We went back to the same stall every night we were there — even if we’d already had dinner!</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-39293" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/5-Things-you-must-east-in-Laos-MMR-8-aw-lam.jpg" alt="Things to eat in Laos - Aw Lam (royal eggplant stew)" width="1000" height="1333" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/5-Things-you-must-east-in-Laos-MMR-8-aw-lam.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/5-Things-you-must-east-in-Laos-MMR-8-aw-lam-300x400.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/5-Things-you-must-east-in-Laos-MMR-8-aw-lam-700x933.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/5-Things-you-must-east-in-Laos-MMR-8-aw-lam-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/5-Things-you-must-east-in-Laos-MMR-8-aw-lam-600x800.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/5-Things-you-must-east-in-Laos-MMR-8-aw-lam-435x580.jpg 435w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<h3>5. Aw Lam (royal eggplant stew)</h3>
<p>Sadly, we only found this dish in one little cafe in Vang Vieng, but <em>Aw Lam</em> is famous in Laos for being a royal dish in Luang Prabang when it was the ancient capital.</p>
<p>This stew has a rich peppery stock base, but instead of ground meat, this one uses minced eggplant to add texture and body. Traditionally, sliced beef or chicken is added to the top, but in this case, the cafe uses pork, along with snake beans and steamed greens.</p>
<p>You eat this stew with sticky rice and try to resist the temptation of ordering a second bowl when you’ve finished.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-39294" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/5-Things-you-must-east-in-Laos-MMR-9-sticky-rice.jpg" alt="Things to eat in Laos - sticky rice" width="1000" height="779" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/5-Things-you-must-east-in-Laos-MMR-9-sticky-rice.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/5-Things-you-must-east-in-Laos-MMR-9-sticky-rice-300x234.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/5-Things-you-must-east-in-Laos-MMR-9-sticky-rice-700x545.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/5-Things-you-must-east-in-Laos-MMR-9-sticky-rice-768x598.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/5-Things-you-must-east-in-Laos-MMR-9-sticky-rice-600x467.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/5-Things-you-must-east-in-Laos-MMR-9-sticky-rice-745x580.jpg 745w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<h3>6. Sticky Rice</h3>
<p>We couldn’t write about Lao food without mentioning sticky rice. As much as laab is Laos’ national dish, so sticky rice is the number one staple. In fact, it’s an addiction for most Lao people.</p>
<p>The way to eat sticky rice is to pull a chunk off with your fingers and squeeze it into shape. You can use it to dip in sauces or fashion a spoon with it to scoop up food.</p>
<p>Sticky rice adds so much texture and sweetness to a main dish, but is so important to Laotian way of life, it is its own entity as well.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-39295" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/5-Things-you-must-east-in-Laos-MMR-10-crispy-river-weed.jpg" alt="Things to eat in Laos - kaipen (crispy river weed) a delicious beer snack" width="1000" height="1333" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/5-Things-you-must-east-in-Laos-MMR-10-crispy-river-weed.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/5-Things-you-must-east-in-Laos-MMR-10-crispy-river-weed-300x400.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/5-Things-you-must-east-in-Laos-MMR-10-crispy-river-weed-700x933.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/5-Things-you-must-east-in-Laos-MMR-10-crispy-river-weed-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/5-Things-you-must-east-in-Laos-MMR-10-crispy-river-weed-600x800.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/5-Things-you-must-east-in-Laos-MMR-10-crispy-river-weed-435x580.jpg 435w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<h3>7. Kaipen (crispy river weed)</h3>
<p>One of our favourite snacks in Laos — especially in Luang Prabang — is <em>kaipen</em>. It looks like Japanese nori seaweed at first, but this is in fact dried river weed.</p>
<p>The process for making this snack is quite laborious, but after pounding and washing it for hours, then boiling it in stock and squashing it, and then drying it for several more hours, this deep green crispy morsel is covered in toasted sesame seeds.</p>
<p>It&#8217;s one of the most satisfying beer snacks we&#8217;ve discovered since we came across <a href="https://mrandmrsromance.com/taralli-recipe/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">taralli</a> in Puglia.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-39300" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/7-Things-you-must-east-in-Laos-MMR-1-feature.jpg" alt="Things to eat in Laos" width="1000" height="750" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/7-Things-you-must-east-in-Laos-MMR-1-feature.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/7-Things-you-must-east-in-Laos-MMR-1-feature-300x225.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/7-Things-you-must-east-in-Laos-MMR-1-feature-700x525.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/7-Things-you-must-east-in-Laos-MMR-1-feature-768x576.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/7-Things-you-must-east-in-Laos-MMR-1-feature-600x450.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/7-Things-you-must-east-in-Laos-MMR-1-feature-773x580.jpg 773w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<h6>We travelled as media to Laos with <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=29340X870985&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.insideasiatours.com%2Fau%2Flaos%2Ftailormade-trips%2Flbr001%2Flaos-rail%3F59989225-Mrs%2520and%2520Mr%2520Romance&amp;sref=rss" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Inside Asia Tours</a>, but our experiences and opinions remain our own.</h6>
<p>The post <a href="https://mrandmrsromance.com/laos-food/">7 Things You Must Eat In Laos</a> appeared first on <a href="https://mrandmrsromance.com">Mr and Mrs Romance</a>.</p>
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		<pubDate>Thu, 26 Jun 2025 21:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
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					<description><![CDATA[<p>Embodying Laos’ seamless blend of local culture and colonial French aesthetic, Maison Dalabua and its leafy gardens is our favourite place to stay in...</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://mrandmrsromance.com/maison-dalabua-laos/">Laos Hotels — where to stay in Luang Prabang</a> appeared first on <a href="https://mrandmrsromance.com">Mr and Mrs Romance</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><em><strong>Embodying Laos’ seamless blend of local culture and colonial French aesthetic, Maison Dalabua and its leafy gardens is our favourite place to stay in Luang Prabang.</strong></em></p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38972" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-02-title.jpg" alt="Where to stay in Luang Prabang, Laos - Maison Dalabua" width="1000" height="1333" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-02-title.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-02-title-300x400.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-02-title-700x933.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-02-title-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-02-title-600x800.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-02-title-435x580.jpg 435w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<h6 style="text-align: center;"><em>Sign up to <a href= "https://eepurl.com/s1X2T" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">our free newsletter here</a> for more travel inspiration. You also get your own copy of our travel ebook — it&#8217;s on us!</em></h6>
<p><strong>Luang Prabang is a beautiful riverside town in central-northern Laos and was once home to the Lao royal family before revolution in 1975.</strong></p>
<p>Before that, centuries ago, it was also the capital city of the country.</p>
<p>Add to that spectacular rivers and waterfalls, wildlife programmes for asiatic black bears, water buffalo and Asian elephants, and even UNESCO protection of the city, and you begin to see why Luang Prabang is such a special place.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=29340X870985&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.maisondalabua.com%2F&amp;sref=rss" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Maison Dalabua</a>, in central Luang Prabang, is a Lao-owned hotel that’s been in the family for generations. Its name is a fusion of French and Lao cultures and means House of the Lotus Princess.</p>
<p><em>Check out our video walkthrough of the Maison Dalabua:</em></p>
<p><iframe loading="lazy" title="" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nrJXqPB_92I" width="1038" height="584" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p><em>This hotel was included in our 10-day itinerary around Laos that began in the capital <a href="https://mrandmrsromance.com/vientiane-guide/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Vientiane</a> and travelled north to <a href="https://mrandmrsromance.com/vang-vieng-guide/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Vang Vieng</a> before ending here in <a href="https://mrandmrsromance.com/luang-prabang-guide/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Luang Prabang</a>.</em></p>
<p><em>You can book this same trip and its activities with <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=29340X870985&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.insideasiatours.com%2Fau%2Flaos%2Ftailormade-trips%2Flbr001%2Flaos-rail%3F59989225-Mrs%2520and%2520Mr%2520Romance&amp;sref=rss" target="_blank" rel="noopener">InsideAsia’s Laos by Rail itinerary here</a>.</em></p>
<p><em>And if you want to know what Laos is like, take a look at <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=29340X870985&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fyoutu.be%2Fwl5a5HksBf0&amp;sref=rss" target="_blank" rel="noopener">our video featuring these three very different cities</a> as we travel through them.</em></p>
<p><em>We travelled in Laos via the country’s new high-speed train, which we’ve also reviewed. <a href="https://mrandmrsromance.com/laos-train-ride/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">You can see that write-up here.</a></em></p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38989" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-20-lily-pond-and-walkway.jpg" alt="Where to stay in Luang Prabang, Laos - Maison Dalabua. Lily pond and timber walkway" width="1000" height="1333" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-20-lily-pond-and-walkway.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-20-lily-pond-and-walkway-300x400.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-20-lily-pond-and-walkway-700x933.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-20-lily-pond-and-walkway-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-20-lily-pond-and-walkway-600x800.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-20-lily-pond-and-walkway-435x580.jpg 435w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<p>Staying in Maison Dalabua, you understand that you’re staying in a part of Laos. So many hotels lose the sense of where they are, but this hotel fits so well within the culture of Laos generally and Luang Prabang specifically.</p>
<p>Even the three lily ponds in the hotel’s grounds are UNESCO-classified.</p>
<h2>Around the Grounds of Maison Dalabua</h2>
<p>Tropical plants and palm trees fill every spare metre here. Timber walkways and bridges lead you over the water from the comfortable reception all the way to the hotel’s bar and restaurant, Manda de Lao, which looks out over one of the ponds.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38987" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-18-overwater-restaurant.jpg" alt="Where to stay in Luang Prabang, Laos - Maison Dalabua. Overwater tables at the Manda da Loa Restaurant" width="1000" height="750" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-18-overwater-restaurant.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-18-overwater-restaurant-300x225.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-18-overwater-restaurant-700x525.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-18-overwater-restaurant-768x576.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-18-overwater-restaurant-600x450.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-18-overwater-restaurant-773x580.jpg 773w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38986" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-17-cabinet-and-ornaments.jpg" alt="Where to stay in Luang Prabang, Laos - Maison Dalabua. Cabinet with ornaments and Buddhas" width="1000" height="1333" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-17-cabinet-and-ornaments.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-17-cabinet-and-ornaments-300x400.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-17-cabinet-and-ornaments-700x933.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-17-cabinet-and-ornaments-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-17-cabinet-and-ornaments-600x800.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-17-cabinet-and-ornaments-435x580.jpg 435w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38991" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-22-pool.jpg" alt="Where to stay in Luang Prabang, Laos - Maison Dalabua. Hotel pool" width="1000" height="1333" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-22-pool.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-22-pool-300x400.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-22-pool-700x933.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-22-pool-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-22-pool-600x800.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-22-pool-435x580.jpg 435w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<p>As we explore more of the hotel, we find more interesting little touches like water features and lounges, cabinets full of ornaments and icons, and artworks on walls.</p>
<p>The hotel pool looks extremely welcoming in the heat of the Lao summer. It is, however, really quite cold. Call me a wimp (Christina did), but it’s a bit too chilly for me.</p>
<p>There’s <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=29340X870985&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.maisondalabua.com%2Fwellness&amp;sref=rss" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a day spa</a> here, which is much more my style, offering a range of relaxing treatments. You can also book all kinds of tours and experiences at reception, not least hiring pushbikes to get around town.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38973" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-03-hotel-detail.jpg" alt="Where to stay in Luang Prabang, Laos - Maison Dalabua" width="1000" height="1333" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-03-hotel-detail.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-03-hotel-detail-300x400.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-03-hotel-detail-700x933.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-03-hotel-detail-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-03-hotel-detail-600x800.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-03-hotel-detail-435x580.jpg 435w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<h2>The Rooms At Maison Dalabua</h2>
<p>There are several types of room here, including some beautiful studio and duplex apartments, and overwater bungalows that sit out over the lily ponds.</p>
<p>Our room — a <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=29340X870985&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.maisondalabua.com%2Frooms&amp;sref=rss" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Grand Deluxe Heritage room</a> — is on the first floor and is full of that clever blend of Lao and French colonial decor that Luang Prabang seems to have mastered.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38976" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-06-bed.jpg" alt="Where to stay in Luang Prabang, Laos - Maison Dalabua. Welcome message on bed from palm fronds says 'Welcome home'" width="1000" height="750" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-06-bed.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-06-bed-300x225.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-06-bed-700x525.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-06-bed-768x576.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-06-bed-600x450.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-06-bed-773x580.jpg 773w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38980" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-10-room-furniture.jpg" alt="Where to stay in Luang Prabang, Laos - Maison Dalabua. Bedroom furniture" width="1000" height="1333" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-10-room-furniture.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-10-room-furniture-300x400.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-10-room-furniture-700x933.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-10-room-furniture-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-10-room-furniture-600x800.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-10-room-furniture-435x580.jpg 435w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38979" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-09-room-water-station.jpg" alt="Where to stay in Luang Prabang, Laos - Maison Dalabua. Water station in room" width="1000" height="1333" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-09-room-water-station.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-09-room-water-station-300x400.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-09-room-water-station-700x933.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-09-room-water-station-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-09-room-water-station-600x800.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-09-room-water-station-435x580.jpg 435w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<p>Rich timber floors and ceilings lead to elegant French windows that open out onto a small balcony with leafy views of the grounds.</p>
<p>The room’s comfortably furnished with an enormous bed and teak cabinetry that fits in well.</p>
<p>However, the bathroom has one of those strange windows looking into the bedroom that seem popular in SE Asia. There is a blind you can pull down for privacy, but you know what makes a bathroom more private? No windows!</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38977" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-07-bedroom-decor-cotton.jpg" alt="Where to stay in Luang Prabang, Laos - Maison Dalabua. Decor of room - cotton reels above bed" width="1000" height="1333" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-07-bedroom-decor-cotton.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-07-bedroom-decor-cotton-300x400.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-07-bedroom-decor-cotton-700x933.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-07-bedroom-decor-cotton-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-07-bedroom-decor-cotton-600x800.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-07-bedroom-decor-cotton-435x580.jpg 435w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38978" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-08-bathroom-window.jpg" alt="Where to stay in Luang Prabang, Laos - Maison Dalabua. Bathroom with bath and window into bedroom" width="1000" height="750" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-08-bathroom-window.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-08-bathroom-window-300x225.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-08-bathroom-window-700x525.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-08-bathroom-window-768x576.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-08-bathroom-window-600x450.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-08-bathroom-window-773x580.jpg 773w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38981" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-11-room-balcony.jpg" alt="Where to stay in Luang Prabang, Laos - Maison Dalabua. Balcony and view" width="1000" height="1333" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-11-room-balcony.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-11-room-balcony-300x400.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-11-room-balcony-700x933.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-11-room-balcony-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-11-room-balcony-600x800.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-11-room-balcony-435x580.jpg 435w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<p>Inside the bathroom, there’s a bath, which is a nice surprise, and a large shower room too. But the modern grey concrete walls here seem at odds with the rest of the hotel’s vintage aesthetic.</p>
<p>On the whole though, this is a lovely room with nods in particular to the cottage industry of cotton textiles and weaving that’s still an important part of life in the province.</p>
<h2>Dining at Maison Dalabua</h2>
<p>Breakfast at Maison Dalabua happens in the <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=29340X870985&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mandadelaos.com%2F&amp;sref=rss" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Manda de Lao</a> restaurant.</p>
<p>You’ll find herbal teas and coffee here, and a lovely range of Lao dishes to choose from at the buffet. There are also a la carte options you can order too.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38983" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-14-breakfast-buffet.jpg" alt="Where to stay in Luang Prabang, Laos - Maison Dalabua. Breakfast buffet" width="1000" height="1333" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-14-breakfast-buffet.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-14-breakfast-buffet-300x400.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-14-breakfast-buffet-700x933.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-14-breakfast-buffet-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-14-breakfast-buffet-600x800.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-14-breakfast-buffet-435x580.jpg 435w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38984" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-15-breakfast-view.jpg" alt="Where to stay in Luang Prabang, Laos - Maison Dalabua. Manda da Lao Restaurant at breakfast time" width="1000" height="1333" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-15-breakfast-view.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-15-breakfast-view-300x400.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-15-breakfast-view-700x933.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-15-breakfast-view-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-15-breakfast-view-600x800.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-15-breakfast-view-435x580.jpg 435w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38988" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-19-restaurant-setup.jpg" alt="Where to stay in Luang Prabang, Laos - Maison Dalabua. Manda de Lao Restaurant dinner setup" width="1000" height="1333" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-19-restaurant-setup.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-19-restaurant-setup-300x400.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-19-restaurant-setup-700x933.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-19-restaurant-setup-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-19-restaurant-setup-600x800.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-19-restaurant-setup-435x580.jpg 435w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<p>In the evening, this becomes not only the hotel’s restaurant, but a dining destination for many people in the city.</p>
<p>Beautifully plated dishes combine French and Lao techniques and ingredients for tempting a la carte and set-menu formats.</p>
<p>And if you only have time for a quick drink, the bar here is the perfect spot for a house cocktail or a cheeky BeerLao looking out over the lilies and lotus flowers of the pond as the sun sets.</p>
<p><strong>We loved our time in Luang Prabang, but staying at Maison Dalabua made the visit all the more special.</strong></p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38990" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-21-happy-hour-drinks.jpg" alt="Where to stay in Luang Prabang, Laos - Maison Dalabua. Cocktail and BeerLoa at the bar" width="1000" height="1333" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-21-happy-hour-drinks.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-21-happy-hour-drinks-300x400.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-21-happy-hour-drinks-700x933.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-21-happy-hour-drinks-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-21-happy-hour-drinks-600x800.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-21-happy-hour-drinks-435x580.jpg 435w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38992" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-23-us.jpg" alt="Where to stay in Luang Prabang, Laos - Maison Dalabua. Jim and Christina twirling on a jetty over a lily pond" width="1000" height="1333" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-23-us.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-23-us-300x400.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-23-us-700x933.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-23-us-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-23-us-600x800.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Maison-Dalabua-Luang-Prabang-Mr-Mrs-Romance-23-us-435x580.jpg 435w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<h6>We stayed at Maison Dalabua as media with <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=29340X870985&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.insideasiatours.com%2Fau%2Flaos%2Ftailormade-trips%2Flbr001%2Flaos-rail%3F59989225-Mrs%2520and%2520Mr%2520Romance&amp;sref=rss" target="_blank" rel="noopener">InsideAsia Tours</a>, but our experiences and opinions remain our own.</h6>


<p></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://mrandmrsromance.com/maison-dalabua-laos/">Laos Hotels — where to stay in Luang Prabang</a> appeared first on <a href="https://mrandmrsromance.com">Mr and Mrs Romance</a>.</p>
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		<title>Laos hotels &#8211; where to stay in Vang Vieng (that&#8217;s not a backpackers)</title>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Mr Romance]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 24 Jun 2025 21:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
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					<description><![CDATA[<p>With the Nam Song River at its feet and monolithic mountains filling the horizon, the Riverside Boutique Hotel in Vang Vieng blends elegant design...</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://mrandmrsromance.com/riverside-resort-laos/">Laos hotels &#8211; where to stay in Vang Vieng (that&#8217;s not a backpackers)</a> appeared first on <a href="https://mrandmrsromance.com">Mr and Mrs Romance</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><em><strong>With the Nam Song River at its feet and monolithic mountains filling the horizon, the Riverside Boutique Hotel in Vang Vieng blends elegant design with rich Lao heritage.</strong></em></p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38923" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-02-title.jpg" alt="Where to stay in Vang Vieng - Riverside Boutique Resort" width="1000" height="1333" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-02-title.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-02-title-300x400.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-02-title-700x933.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-02-title-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-02-title-600x800.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-02-title-435x580.jpg 435w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<h6 style="text-align: center;"><em>Sign up to <a href= "https://eepurl.com/s1X2T" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">our free newsletter here</a> for more travel inspiration. You also get your own copy of our travel ebook — it&#8217;s on us!</em></h6>
<p><strong>Vang Vieng in northern Laos &#8211; about an hour from the capital on the <a href="https://mrandmrsromance.com/laos-train-ride/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">new fast train</a> &#8211; has long had a reputation for being a backpacker haven which began in the late 1990s and grew to its breaking point. But things are changing here.</strong></p>
<p>At its peak in the late ‘00s, the town’s tourism boom drew hoards of revellers until the government finally shut it down in 2012.</p>
<p>Vang Vieng had developed a reputation for a crazy, anything-goes party town. Cheap booze flowed as fast as the stony Nam Song River, which carried thrill-seeking drinkers down to waterside bars on inner tubes (aka tubing) for shots and all-night hooleys.</p>
<p>And people were willing to stay in the cheapest most squalid accommodation for the experience.</p>
<p>But since the 2012 crackdown, <a href="https://mrandmrsromance.com/vang-vieng-guide/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Vang Vieng</a> has diversified its tourism offerings.</p>
<p>You can still bob down the river in kayaks and inner tubes, but the waterside bars offering drinking games, hooch and — ahem — other consumables have all but gone or have at least cleaned up their acts.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38915" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Resort-Vang-Vieng-02-night-life.jpg" alt="Where to stay in Vang Vieng - Riverside Boutique Resort. Sign promoting drinks (and drugs) for sale in a bar and a gaudy neon sign in the shape of an electric guitar " width="1000" height="486" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Resort-Vang-Vieng-02-night-life.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Resort-Vang-Vieng-02-night-life-300x146.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Resort-Vang-Vieng-02-night-life-700x340.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Resort-Vang-Vieng-02-night-life-768x373.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Resort-Vang-Vieng-02-night-life-600x292.jpg 600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<p>Instead, Vang Vieng has brought focus back to the natural beauty and culture that attracted visitors in the first place — before things started getting out of hand.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=29340X870985&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.riversidevangvieng.com%2F&amp;sref=rss" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Riverside Boutique Resort</a> is a gleaming example of this change.</p>
<p><iframe loading="lazy" title="" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KR9BjWB_A_0" width="1038" height="584" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<h2>Vang Vieng’s Riverside Boutique Resort</h2>
<p>On the banks of the fast-flowing Nam Song River, the aptly named <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=29340X870985&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.riversidevangvieng.com%2F&amp;sref=rss" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Riverside Boutique Resort</a> is a low-key place with a pool, lush gardens, a lounge bar, restaurant and day spa.</p>
<p>From the hotel, views over the stony river follow the Nathong Valley and the magnificent towers of karst mountains that fill the horizon.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38924" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-03-gardens-and-balconies.jpg" alt="Where to stay in Vang Vieng - Riverside Boutique Resort - view of balconies and gardens in resort" width="1000" height="1333" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-03-gardens-and-balconies.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-03-gardens-and-balconies-300x400.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-03-gardens-and-balconies-700x933.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-03-gardens-and-balconies-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-03-gardens-and-balconies-600x800.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-03-gardens-and-balconies-435x580.jpg 435w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38933" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-12-view-of-river.jpg" alt="Where to stay in Vang Vieng - Riverside Boutique Resort - Christina looking out at river from balcony of restaurant" width="1000" height="1333" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-12-view-of-river.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-12-view-of-river-300x400.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-12-view-of-river-700x933.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-12-view-of-river-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-12-view-of-river-600x800.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-12-view-of-river-435x580.jpg 435w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<p>Meanwhile, its main entrance opens onto a little unsealed laneway, far from the main street and any traffic noise.</p>
<h2>The rooms at the Riverside Boutique Resort</h2>
<p>The resort has 34 rooms and suites, which means the grounds and facilities are never too busy.</p>
<p>Our room &#8211; a <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=29340X870985&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.riversidevangvieng.com%2Frooms-suites%2F&amp;sref=rss" target="_blank" rel="noopener">double deluxe</a> on the first floor &#8211; is modern, but with plenty of traditional Laos styling. In fact, the rooms here are named after and separated by eight of the 49 recognised ethnic groups of Laos: the Akha, Hmong, Katu, Lanten, Lao Lum, Tai Daeng, Tai Lee and Yao.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38925" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-04-bedroom.jpg" alt="Where to stay in Vang Vieng - Riverside Boutique Resort - bedroom" width="1000" height="1333" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-04-bedroom.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-04-bedroom-300x400.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-04-bedroom-700x933.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-04-bedroom-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-04-bedroom-600x800.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-04-bedroom-435x580.jpg 435w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38927" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-06-fabrics.jpg" alt="Where to stay in Vang Vieng - Riverside Boutique Resort - fabrics in room" width="1000" height="667" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-06-fabrics.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-06-fabrics-300x200.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-06-fabrics-700x467.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-06-fabrics-768x512.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-06-fabrics-600x400.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-06-fabrics-296x197.jpg 296w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-06-fabrics-870x580.jpg 870w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38930" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-09-room-furniture.jpg" alt="Where to stay in Vang Vieng - Riverside Boutique Resort - furniture in room" width="1000" height="1333" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-09-room-furniture.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-09-room-furniture-300x400.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-09-room-furniture-700x933.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-09-room-furniture-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-09-room-furniture-600x800.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-09-room-furniture-435x580.jpg 435w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<p>We’re in one of the Hmong Rooms, named after Loas’ third largest ethnic group, and the decor and fabrics reflect this people’s culture.</p>
<p>Batiks on the fabrics are all handmade in Hmong style, and the ink drawings are by renowned artist <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=29340X870985&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Farthouselao.com%2Fartists%2Fmick_saylom%2F&amp;sref=rss" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mick Saylom</a> from Vientiane. The drawings show typical Hmong village life within the landscape of Vang Vieng.</p>
<p>I suppose the only let-down of the room is the shower, which is in a bath and has a shower curtain. For some reason, I find shower curtains in hotels unsettling.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38926" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-05-bed-and-fabrics.jpg" alt="Where to stay in Vang Vieng - Riverside Boutique Resort - bed and furnishings" width="1000" height="750" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-05-bed-and-fabrics.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-05-bed-and-fabrics-300x225.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-05-bed-and-fabrics-700x525.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-05-bed-and-fabrics-768x576.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-05-bed-and-fabrics-600x450.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-05-bed-and-fabrics-773x580.jpg 773w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38928" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-07-tea-set.jpg" alt="Where to stay in Vang Vieng - Riverside Boutique Resort - tea and coffee set in room" width="1000" height="1333" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-07-tea-set.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-07-tea-set-300x400.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-07-tea-set-700x933.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-07-tea-set-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-07-tea-set-600x800.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-07-tea-set-435x580.jpg 435w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38929" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-08-room-balcony.jpg" alt="Where to stay in Vang Vieng - Riverside Boutique Resort - balcony of room" width="1000" height="1333" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-08-room-balcony.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-08-room-balcony-300x400.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-08-room-balcony-700x933.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-08-room-balcony-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-08-room-balcony-600x800.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-08-room-balcony-435x580.jpg 435w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<p>Otherwise, its a lovely room and very comfortable.</p>
<h2>The rest of the resort</h2>
<p>The hotel’s restaurant has the illustrious sounding name of ‘<a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=29340X870985&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.riversidevangvieng.com%2Ffood-drinks%2F&amp;sref=rss" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Restaurant du Crabe d’Or</a>’ — though in English, the Golden Crab Restaurant feels more Sponge Bob coded. The name, however, comes from one of the area&#8217;s most famous caves.</p>
<p>We don’t have chance to try the resort’s menus while we’re here unfortunately. There are just <a href="https://mrandmrsromance.com/vang-vieng-guide/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">too many places in town to check out</a>, but it looks nice enough inside.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38931" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-10-breakfast-restaurant.jpg" alt="Where to stay in Vang Vieng - Riverside Boutique Resort - breakfast spread in hotel restaurant" width="1000" height="750" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-10-breakfast-restaurant.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-10-breakfast-restaurant-300x225.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-10-breakfast-restaurant-700x525.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-10-breakfast-restaurant-768x576.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-10-breakfast-restaurant-600x450.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-10-breakfast-restaurant-773x580.jpg 773w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38934" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-13-drinks-by-river.jpg" alt="Where to stay in Vang Vieng - Riverside Boutique Resort - Jim at happy hour drinks by the river" width="1000" height="1334" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-13-drinks-by-river.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-13-drinks-by-river-300x400.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-13-drinks-by-river-700x934.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-13-drinks-by-river-768x1025.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-13-drinks-by-river-600x800.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-13-drinks-by-river-435x580.jpg 435w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<p>The hotel bar is downstairs and there’s seating by the boundary wall overlooking the river’s edge — the perfect spot for a happy hour cocktail.</p>
<p>As the sun starts to set, hot air balloons come into view, sailing low over the Nathong Valley across the water.</p>
<p>It’s a beautiful spectacle, seeing balloons so close and the sun setting low over the mountains, though we’re not sure how safe it is as some almost touch down on the river or barely scrape the resort roofs as they float by.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38936" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-15-balloon-over-hotel.jpg" alt="Where to stay in Vang Vieng - Riverside Boutique Resort - hot air balloon over hotel" width="1000" height="1333" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-15-balloon-over-hotel.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-15-balloon-over-hotel-300x400.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-15-balloon-over-hotel-700x933.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-15-balloon-over-hotel-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-15-balloon-over-hotel-600x800.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-15-balloon-over-hotel-435x580.jpg 435w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38937" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-16-lights-of-hotel.jpg" alt="Where to stay in Vang Vieng - Riverside Boutique Resort - lights of hotel at night" width="1000" height="1333" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-16-lights-of-hotel.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-16-lights-of-hotel-300x400.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-16-lights-of-hotel-700x933.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-16-lights-of-hotel-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-16-lights-of-hotel-600x800.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-16-lights-of-hotel-435x580.jpg 435w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<p>In the morning, we head back to the Golden Crab for breakfast.</p>
<p>There’s plenty to choose from, including western options like bacon and chat potatoes in clay pots, but there’s also more local options including laab, fried rice and even dumplings.</p>
<p>We sit on the veranda, enjoy a well-made cappuccino and take in the dramatic views that Vang Vieng is so famous for, well set up for a day of adventure.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38932" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-11-breakfast.jpg" alt="Where to stay in Vang Vieng - Riverside Boutique Resort - breakfast with a view" width="1000" height="1333" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-11-breakfast.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-11-breakfast-300x400.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-11-breakfast-700x933.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-11-breakfast-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-11-breakfast-600x800.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-11-breakfast-435x580.jpg 435w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38938" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-17-us.jpg" alt="Where to stay in Vang Vieng - Riverside Boutique Resort - Jim and Christina by the river" width="1000" height="1333" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-17-us.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-17-us-300x400.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-17-us-700x933.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-17-us-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-17-us-600x800.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-Vang-Vieng-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-17-us-435x580.jpg 435w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<h6>We stayed at the <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=29340X870985&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.riversidevangvieng.com&amp;sref=rss" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Riverside Boutique Resort</a> as media with <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=29340X870985&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.insideasiatours.com%2Fau%2Flaos%2Ftailormade-trips%2Flbr001%2Flaos-rail%3F59989225-Mrs%2520and%2520Mr%2520Romance&amp;sref=rss" target="_blank" rel="noopener">InsideAsia Tours</a>, but our experiences and opinions remain our own.</h6>
<p>The post <a href="https://mrandmrsromance.com/riverside-resort-laos/">Laos hotels &#8211; where to stay in Vang Vieng (that&#8217;s not a backpackers)</a> appeared first on <a href="https://mrandmrsromance.com">Mr and Mrs Romance</a>.</p>
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		<title>Laos Hotels — where to stay in Vientiane</title>
		<link>https://mrandmrsromance.com/lao-poet-hotel/</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Mr Romance]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sun, 22 Jun 2025 21:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
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					<description><![CDATA[<p>Embracing the French colonial charm of 1930s Indochina while still harnessing the long proud history of Lao culture, the Lao Poet Hotel in Vientiane...</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://mrandmrsromance.com/lao-poet-hotel/">Laos Hotels — where to stay in Vientiane</a> appeared first on <a href="https://mrandmrsromance.com">Mr and Mrs Romance</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><em><strong>Embracing the French colonial charm of 1930s Indochina while still harnessing the long proud history of Lao culture, the Lao Poet Hotel in Vientiane is a lovely place to stay in Laos’ capital.</strong></em></p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38893" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Lao-Poet-Hotel-Vientiane-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-02-title.jpg" alt="Where to stay in Vientiane - Lao Poet Hotel" width="1000" height="1333" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Lao-Poet-Hotel-Vientiane-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-02-title.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Lao-Poet-Hotel-Vientiane-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-02-title-300x400.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Lao-Poet-Hotel-Vientiane-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-02-title-700x933.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Lao-Poet-Hotel-Vientiane-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-02-title-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Lao-Poet-Hotel-Vientiane-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-02-title-600x800.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Lao-Poet-Hotel-Vientiane-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-02-title-435x580.jpg 435w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
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<p><strong>As you’d expect from any capital, Vientiane has plenty of hotel options. Not only is it the political and economic hub of Laos, it’s also the main international gateway to the country and right on the border of eastern Thailand.</strong></p>
<p>But if you’re not after a big anonymous international hotel full of business travellers or large tour groups, this 55-room boutique hotel right in the centre of Vientiane is the place for you.</p>
<p><em>Check out our video walkthrough of the Lao Poet Hotel here:</em></p>
<p><iframe loading="lazy" title="" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GWYhTaBfk7Q" width="1038" height="584" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<h2>Where to Stay in Vientiane, Laos — Lao Poet Hotel</h2>
<p>Once the home of a famous local writer, the <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=29340X870985&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.laopoethotel.com%2F&amp;sref=rss" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lao Poet Hotel</a> is a locally owned boutique hotel in the central Ban Haysoke District, surrounded by shops, markets and bars, and close to the river.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38894" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Lao-Poet-Hotel-Vientiane-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-03-lobby.jpg" alt="Where to stay in Vientiane - Lao Poet Hotel - comfy armchairs in the lobby" width="1000" height="1333" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Lao-Poet-Hotel-Vientiane-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-03-lobby.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Lao-Poet-Hotel-Vientiane-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-03-lobby-300x400.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Lao-Poet-Hotel-Vientiane-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-03-lobby-700x933.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Lao-Poet-Hotel-Vientiane-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-03-lobby-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Lao-Poet-Hotel-Vientiane-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-03-lobby-600x800.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Lao-Poet-Hotel-Vientiane-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-03-lobby-435x580.jpg 435w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<p>Everything about this hotel is quietly low-key, which matches Vientiane well. Decor and furniture reflect a comfortable, creative vibe with nods to Lao’s French influence, as well as the country’s many cultures and its close ties to Buddhism.</p>
<p>The lobby has a classical feel, full of French design and furniture, though mingled in with the European aesthetic is plenty of Laos too.</p>
<hr />
<p><em>Check out <a href="https://mrandmrsromance.com/vientiane-guide" target="_blank" rel="noopener">our guide to Vientiane here</a> for top tips on things to do, where to eat and how to get around this interesting city.</em></p>
<p><em>You can also <a href="https://mrandmrsromance.com/tag/laos" target="_blank" rel="noopener">find our full library of stories, guides and videos on Laos here</a>, including <a href="https://mrandmrsromance.com/laos-train-ride/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">our review of the state-of-the-art high-speed train</a> that&#8217;s changed tourism in Laos.</em></p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38895" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Lao-Poet-Hotel-Vientiane-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-04-restaurant.jpg" alt="Where to stay in Vientiane - Lao Poet Hotel - dramatic entrance to restaurant" width="1000" height="750" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Lao-Poet-Hotel-Vientiane-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-04-restaurant.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Lao-Poet-Hotel-Vientiane-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-04-restaurant-300x225.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Lao-Poet-Hotel-Vientiane-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-04-restaurant-700x525.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Lao-Poet-Hotel-Vientiane-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-04-restaurant-768x576.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Lao-Poet-Hotel-Vientiane-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-04-restaurant-600x450.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Lao-Poet-Hotel-Vientiane-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-04-restaurant-773x580.jpg 773w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<p>Statues of elephants and water buffalo sit next to Parisian style cafe tables and photographs of Hmong and Yao Mien Laotians in traditional dress sit in teak art deco frames.</p>
<p><em>We stayed here at the Lao Poet Hotel as part of our trip with InsideAsia Tours on their outstanding Laos by Train itinerary. <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=29340X870985&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.insideasiatours.com%2Fau%2Flaos%2Ftailormade-trips%2Flbr001%2Flaos-rail%3F59989225-Mrs%2520and%2520Mr%2520Romance&amp;sref=rss" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Check it out (and book it) here.</a></em></p>
<h3>The Rooms at Lao Poet Hotel</h3>
<p>Our room &#8211; an <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=29340X870985&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.laopoethotel.com%2Frooms-suites-urban-deluxe&amp;sref=rss" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Urban Deluxe</a> room &#8211; is small by Southeast Asian hotel standards, but well furnished and comfortable.</p>
<p>The hand-painted mural above bed is impressive and just one of the many artworks in the room and around the hotel. In fact, most of the rooms here have a unique mural above the bed, which is a lovely touch.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38896" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Lao-Poet-Hotel-Vientiane-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-05-bedroom-mural.jpg" alt="Where to stay in Vientiane - Lao Poet Hotel - hand-painted mural above bed in room" width="1000" height="1333" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Lao-Poet-Hotel-Vientiane-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-05-bedroom-mural.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Lao-Poet-Hotel-Vientiane-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-05-bedroom-mural-300x400.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Lao-Poet-Hotel-Vientiane-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-05-bedroom-mural-700x933.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Lao-Poet-Hotel-Vientiane-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-05-bedroom-mural-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Lao-Poet-Hotel-Vientiane-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-05-bedroom-mural-600x800.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Lao-Poet-Hotel-Vientiane-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-05-bedroom-mural-435x580.jpg 435w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38897" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Lao-Poet-Hotel-Vientiane-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-06-bedroom-desk.jpg" alt="Where to stay in Vientiane - Lao Poet Hotel - vintage desk in room" width="1000" height="1333" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Lao-Poet-Hotel-Vientiane-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-06-bedroom-desk.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Lao-Poet-Hotel-Vientiane-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-06-bedroom-desk-300x400.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Lao-Poet-Hotel-Vientiane-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-06-bedroom-desk-700x933.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Lao-Poet-Hotel-Vientiane-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-06-bedroom-desk-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Lao-Poet-Hotel-Vientiane-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-06-bedroom-desk-600x800.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Lao-Poet-Hotel-Vientiane-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-06-bedroom-desk-435x580.jpg 435w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<p>Attention to detail in the styling of the room makes such a difference, like traditional lantern style bed lamps and the work desk that feels like you should be penning some Hemingway-esque novel.</p>
<p>The bathroom is neat and modern with some nice design touches and sleek black marble walls around the sink and vanity.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38898" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Lao-Poet-Hotel-Vientiane-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-07-bathroom.jpg" alt="Where to stay in Vientiane - Lao Poet Hotel - bathroom" width="1000" height="1333" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Lao-Poet-Hotel-Vientiane-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-07-bathroom.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Lao-Poet-Hotel-Vientiane-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-07-bathroom-300x400.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Lao-Poet-Hotel-Vientiane-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-07-bathroom-700x933.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Lao-Poet-Hotel-Vientiane-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-07-bathroom-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Lao-Poet-Hotel-Vientiane-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-07-bathroom-600x800.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Lao-Poet-Hotel-Vientiane-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-07-bathroom-435x580.jpg 435w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38899" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Lao-Poet-Hotel-Vientiane-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-08-bathroom-window.jpg" alt="Where to stay in Vientiane - Lao Poet Hotel - bathroom with window into bedroom" width="1000" height="750" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Lao-Poet-Hotel-Vientiane-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-08-bathroom-window.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Lao-Poet-Hotel-Vientiane-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-08-bathroom-window-300x225.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Lao-Poet-Hotel-Vientiane-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-08-bathroom-window-700x525.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Lao-Poet-Hotel-Vientiane-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-08-bathroom-window-768x576.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Lao-Poet-Hotel-Vientiane-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-08-bathroom-window-600x450.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Lao-Poet-Hotel-Vientiane-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-08-bathroom-window-773x580.jpg 773w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<p>However, the wall next to the shower is just glass, so you’d better have a good relationship with whoever you’re sharing the room with.</p>
<p>There is a blind you can pull down for privacy, but this seems to be a growing trend in SE Asian hotels and I’ve got to say: I’m not a fan.</p>
<h3>What Else is There at the Lao Poet Hotel?</h3>
<p>It’s up on the roof that you’ll find the real wow factor of this hotel where the <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=29340X870985&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.laopoethotel.com%2Finfinity-pool-vientiane&amp;sref=rss" target="_blank" rel="noopener">rooftop infinity pool</a> looks out over this low-slung little city.</p>
<p>Even though you’re only up six or seven storeys, you get views out over the rooftops of Vientiane all the way to the Mekong River and the Thai border beyond.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38900" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Lao-Poet-Hotel-Vientiane-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-09-rooftop-pool.jpg" alt="Where to stay in Vientiane - Lao Poet Hotel - rooftop pool" width="1000" height="1333" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Lao-Poet-Hotel-Vientiane-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-09-rooftop-pool.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Lao-Poet-Hotel-Vientiane-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-09-rooftop-pool-300x400.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Lao-Poet-Hotel-Vientiane-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-09-rooftop-pool-700x933.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Lao-Poet-Hotel-Vientiane-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-09-rooftop-pool-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Lao-Poet-Hotel-Vientiane-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-09-rooftop-pool-600x800.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Lao-Poet-Hotel-Vientiane-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-09-rooftop-pool-435x580.jpg 435w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38901" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Lao-Poet-Hotel-Vientiane-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-10-rooftop-bar.jpg" alt="Where to stay in Vientiane - Lao Poet Hotel - rooftop bar and lounge" width="1000" height="1333" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Lao-Poet-Hotel-Vientiane-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-10-rooftop-bar.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Lao-Poet-Hotel-Vientiane-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-10-rooftop-bar-300x400.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Lao-Poet-Hotel-Vientiane-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-10-rooftop-bar-700x933.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Lao-Poet-Hotel-Vientiane-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-10-rooftop-bar-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Lao-Poet-Hotel-Vientiane-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-10-rooftop-bar-600x800.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Lao-Poet-Hotel-Vientiane-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-10-rooftop-bar-435x580.jpg 435w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38902" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Lao-Poet-Hotel-Vientiane-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-11-spa.jpg" alt="Where to stay in Vientiane - Lao Poet Hotel - day spa and massage beds" width="1000" height="750" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Lao-Poet-Hotel-Vientiane-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-11-spa.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Lao-Poet-Hotel-Vientiane-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-11-spa-300x225.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Lao-Poet-Hotel-Vientiane-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-11-spa-700x525.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Lao-Poet-Hotel-Vientiane-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-11-spa-768x576.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Lao-Poet-Hotel-Vientiane-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-11-spa-600x450.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Lao-Poet-Hotel-Vientiane-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-11-spa-773x580.jpg 773w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<p>Next to the pool is a beautiful leafy lounge perfect for a sundowner or an intimate dinner, and if you’re in need of a pampering, there’s a small <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=29340X870985&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.laopoethotel.com%2Fluxury-spa-vientiane&amp;sref=rss" target="_blank" rel="noopener">day spa</a> and massage room on the fifth floor.</p>
<p>Breakfast here is served in the sunny restaurant next to reception, where you’ll find a generous spread of the freshest fruit you’ll ever eat and a new favourite discovery: pineapple jam!</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38903" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Lao-Poet-Hotel-Vientiane-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-12-restaurant.jpg" alt="Where to stay in Vientiane - Lao Poet Hotel - main restaurant" width="1000" height="1333" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Lao-Poet-Hotel-Vientiane-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-12-restaurant.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Lao-Poet-Hotel-Vientiane-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-12-restaurant-300x400.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Lao-Poet-Hotel-Vientiane-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-12-restaurant-700x933.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Lao-Poet-Hotel-Vientiane-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-12-restaurant-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Lao-Poet-Hotel-Vientiane-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-12-restaurant-600x800.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Lao-Poet-Hotel-Vientiane-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-12-restaurant-435x580.jpg 435w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38904" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Lao-Poet-Hotel-Vientiane-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-14-breakfast-pancake.jpg" alt="Where to stay in Vientiane - Lao Poet Hotel - bahn xeo savoury pancake at breakfast" width="1000" height="750" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Lao-Poet-Hotel-Vientiane-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-14-breakfast-pancake.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Lao-Poet-Hotel-Vientiane-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-14-breakfast-pancake-300x225.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Lao-Poet-Hotel-Vientiane-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-14-breakfast-pancake-700x525.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Lao-Poet-Hotel-Vientiane-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-14-breakfast-pancake-768x576.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Lao-Poet-Hotel-Vientiane-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-14-breakfast-pancake-600x450.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Lao-Poet-Hotel-Vientiane-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-14-breakfast-pancake-773x580.jpg 773w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<p>There’s also toast and butter, and you can also order eggs a la carte, but — to my doctor’s glee — there’s no bacon in the buffet.</p>
<p>You can also order any coffee you can think of (Laos’ coffee scene is better than most European countries) and best of all, this savoury pancake.</p>
<p>Filled with chicken mince and beansprouts and somehow crispy and chewy at the same time, it’s similar to Vietnamese bahn xeo. I still have dreams about this delicious morning morsel!</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38905" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Lao-Poet-Hotel-Vientiane-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-15-temple-roof.jpg" alt="Where to stay in Vientiane - Lao Poet Hotel - view from roof of Buddhist temple" width="1000" height="1333" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Lao-Poet-Hotel-Vientiane-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-15-temple-roof.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Lao-Poet-Hotel-Vientiane-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-15-temple-roof-300x400.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Lao-Poet-Hotel-Vientiane-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-15-temple-roof-700x933.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Lao-Poet-Hotel-Vientiane-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-15-temple-roof-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Lao-Poet-Hotel-Vientiane-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-15-temple-roof-600x800.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Lao-Poet-Hotel-Vientiane-Review-Mr-Mrs-Romance-15-temple-roof-435x580.jpg 435w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<p>The Lao Poet Hotel is a great place to base yourself in this funny little city — a city where the French colonial influence is still clear to see, but that also has so much of its own culture to get to know.</p>
<h6>We travelled as media with <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=29340X870985&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.insideasiatours.com%2Fau%2Flaos%2Ftailormade-trips%2Flbr001%2Flaos-rail%3F59989225-Mrs%2520and%2520Mr%2520Romance&amp;sref=rss" target="_blank" rel="noopener">InsideAsia Tours</a>, but our experiences and opinions remain our own.</h6>
<p>The post <a href="https://mrandmrsromance.com/lao-poet-hotel/">Laos Hotels — where to stay in Vientiane</a> appeared first on <a href="https://mrandmrsromance.com">Mr and Mrs Romance</a>.</p>
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		<title>What’s It Like To Travel In Laos? Follow our 10-day itinerary</title>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Mr Romance]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sun, 15 Jun 2025 21:00:20 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Asia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Popular]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Laos]]></category>
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					<description><![CDATA[<p>From its efficient little capital to towns rich in culture to bohemian river villages surrounded by mountains, Laos and its food-focused, friendly locals is...</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://mrandmrsromance.com/laos-by-rail/">What’s It Like To Travel In Laos? Follow our 10-day itinerary</a> appeared first on <a href="https://mrandmrsromance.com">Mr and Mrs Romance</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><em><strong>From its efficient little capital to towns rich in culture to bohemian river villages surrounded by mountains, Laos and its food-focused, friendly locals is the bullseye of continental SE Asia. Here’s how to see some of the very best of it.</strong></em></p>
<h6 style="text-align: right;">Brought to you by <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=29340X870985&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.insideasiatours.com%2Fau%2Flaos%2Ftailormade-trips%2Flbr001%2Flaos-rail%3F59989225-Mrs%2520and%2520Mr%2520Romance&amp;sref=rss" target="_blank" rel="noopener">InsideAsia Tours</a></h6>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38638" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-02-title.jpg" alt="10-day itinerary through Laos" width="1000" height="1333" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-02-title.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-02-title-300x400.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-02-title-700x933.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-02-title-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-02-title-600x800.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-02-title-435x580.jpg 435w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<h6 style="text-align: center;"><em>Sign up to <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=29340X870985&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Feepurl.com%2Fs1X2T&amp;sref=rss" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">our free newsletter here</a> for more travel inspiration. You also get your own copy of our travel ebook — it&#8217;s on us!</em></h6>
<p><strong>Girt by Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, Vietnam and China, Laos is the missing central piece of the puzzle that makes up the Southeast Asian peninsula.</strong></p>
<p>Often overlooked by travellers in favour of its many neighbours, Laos is still quite new to tourism. This makes it such an attractive option for those of us in search for something different in the region.</p>
<p><a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=29340X870985&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.insideasiatours.com%2Fau%2Flaos%2Ftailormade-trips%2Flbr001%2Flaos-rail%3F59989225-Mrs%2520and%2520Mr%2520Romance&amp;sref=rss" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Book your Laos by Train journey with InsideAsia Tours here.</em></a></p>
<p>Until recently, backpackers made up the majority of visitors to Laos. But since new roads and — even better — a <a href="https://mrandmrsromance.com/laos-train-ride" target="_blank" rel="noopener">high-speed rail line</a> has come to the country, the travel demographic has expanded.</p>
<p>Taking advantage of the train means you can easily, quickly and comfortably travel between three of the most popular destinations in Laos: Vientiane, Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang.</p>
<hr />
<p><em>Check out our video that takes you through all three of these unique and beautiful destinations in Laos:</em></p>
<p><iframe loading="lazy" title="" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wl5a5HksBf0" width="1038" height="584" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<hr />
<p>Here’s a brief rundown of the full itinerary. For more detail, we’ve got separate stories on each of the three destinations — Vientiane, Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang — <a href="https://mrandmrsromance.com/tag/laos-destinations" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.</p>
<p>To skip to each town in this itinerary, click on the links below and you&#8217;ll jump down to the destination:</p>
<p>&#8211; <a href="#vientiane" rel="noopener">Skip down to Vientiane</a></p>
<p>&#8211; <a href="#vang" rel="noopener">Skip down to Vang Vieng</a></p>
<p>&#8211; <a href="#luang" rel="noopener">Skip down to Luang Prabang</a></p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38639" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-03-tuktuks.jpg" alt="Tuk tuks in Laos" width="1000" height="1333" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-03-tuktuks.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-03-tuktuks-300x400.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-03-tuktuks-700x933.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-03-tuktuks-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-03-tuktuks-600x800.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-03-tuktuks-435x580.jpg 435w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<h2>Vientiane to Luang Prabang &#8211; Laos by Rail with InsideAsia Tours</h2>
<p>We travelled with <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=29340X870985&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.insideasiatours.com%2Fau%2Flaos%2Ftailormade-trips%2Flbr001%2Flaos-rail%3F59989225-Mrs%2520and%2520Mr%2520Romance&amp;sref=rss" target="_blank" rel="noopener">InsideAsia Tours</a>, a global tour operator that creates fully tailored cultural adventures around Asia and that takes the tricky/boring bits out of visiting new places and turns your holiday into an experience you’ll always remember.</p>
<p>InsideAsia Tours is part of Inside Travel Group and sister brand of InsideJapan Tours. This award-winning tour operator specialises<span lang="EN-US"> in<span class="m_647201526857144242apple-converted-space"> </span>&#8216;cultural adventure&#8217; tourism<span class="m_647201526857144242apple-converted-space"> </span>across Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Malaysia, Borneo, Singapore, Hong Kong, and South Korea.</span></p>
<p>Focus is always on getting travellers beneath the surface of their destination and giving them a taste of local life wherever their adventure takes them. That&#8217;s certainly what we&#8217;ve found travelling in Laos with InsideAsia.</p>
<p>For the most part, you have a personal guide and driver taking you round the attractions during the day, then in the evening you’re free to do as you wish.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38640" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-04-Patuxay-Vientiane.jpg" alt="Patuxay monument in Vientiane" width="1000" height="750" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-04-Patuxay-Vientiane.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-04-Patuxay-Vientiane-300x225.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-04-Patuxay-Vientiane-700x525.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-04-Patuxay-Vientiane-768x576.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-04-Patuxay-Vientiane-600x450.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-04-Patuxay-Vientiane-773x580.jpg 773w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<h3><a id="vientiane"></a>Day 1: Flight to Vientiane</h3>
<p>Regular flights from major Australian cities fly via Bangkok to Vientiane. The connection is usually with a local carrier into Laos.</p>
<h3>Day 2: Day to explore</h3>
<p>We booked an extra day in Vientiane so we could acclimatise and explore on our own. We wander the city, check out a few nearby temples, discover strange little bars like The Office and Laodi Bar, and settle in to our hotel &#8211; the Lao Poet Hotel in Ban Haysoke District.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38641" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-05-COPE-Centre.jpg" alt="COPE Centre, Vientiane " width="1000" height="1333" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-05-COPE-Centre.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-05-COPE-Centre-300x400.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-05-COPE-Centre-700x933.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-05-COPE-Centre-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-05-COPE-Centre-600x800.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-05-COPE-Centre-435x580.jpg 435w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<h3>Day 3: Touring Vientiane</h3>
<p>Our guide Sakhoe and his driver take us around a range of Buddhist temples and the national monument, the grand Patuxay. We also visit the COPE Visitor Centre, telling the story of how Laos is the world’s most bombed country.</p>
<p>We then drive to Lao Disabled Women’s Centre that helps disabled, disadvantaged and vulnerable Lao women learn crafts and other skills.</p>
<p>Finally, we head to Buddha Park, a sculpture park with over 200 Buddhist and Hindu statues.</p>
<p>Back in the city and left to our own devices, we check out the Lao Night Market for some dinner.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38642" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-06-high-speed-train.jpg" alt="Laos high speed train" width="1000" height="750" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-06-high-speed-train.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-06-high-speed-train-300x225.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-06-high-speed-train-700x525.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-06-high-speed-train-768x576.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-06-high-speed-train-600x450.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-06-high-speed-train-773x580.jpg 773w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<h3><a id="vang"></a>Day 4: Train to Vang Vieng</h3>
<p>Sakhoe takes us to the train station from our hotel. Built in 2021, this slick high-speed rail service has improved travel through Laos hugely.</p>
<p>It takes just over an hour to reach Vang Vieng.</p>
<h3>Day 5: Ballooning and hiking in Vang Vieng</h3>
<p>At dawn, we’re picked up from our accommodation — the Riverside Boutique Hotel — for a hot-air balloon ride with Above Laos. The views from our basket of the karst mountains and rice fields are magnificent.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38643" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-07-hot-air-balloon-Vang-Vieng.jpg" alt="Hot air ballooning with Above Laos in Vang Vieng" width="1000" height="1333" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-07-hot-air-balloon-Vang-Vieng.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-07-hot-air-balloon-Vang-Vieng-300x400.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-07-hot-air-balloon-Vang-Vieng-700x933.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-07-hot-air-balloon-Vang-Vieng-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-07-hot-air-balloon-Vang-Vieng-600x800.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-07-hot-air-balloon-Vang-Vieng-435x580.jpg 435w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38644" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-08-hiking-Vang-Vieng.jpg" alt="Laos - hiking through Vang Vieng countryside with Kmhmu guide" width="1000" height="1333" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-08-hiking-Vang-Vieng.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-08-hiking-Vang-Vieng-300x400.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-08-hiking-Vang-Vieng-700x933.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-08-hiking-Vang-Vieng-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-08-hiking-Vang-Vieng-600x800.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-08-hiking-Vang-Vieng-435x580.jpg 435w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<p>Next we meet Toh, our local Kmhmu guide, who takes us on a cultural hike. We walk through rice fields, learn about his people and their way of life, meet a blacksmith and have lunch with two Kmhmu women.</p>
<h3><a id="luang"></a>Day 6: Train to Luang Prabang for a city tour &amp; an ancient Baci ceremony</h3>
<p>Our morning train ride to Luang Prabang is under an hour — a journey that can take around eight hours by bus.</p>
<p>Our guide, AK, takes us around the city to visit temples, to the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre and to look at the two rivers that converge here.</p>
<p>After lunch, he drops us off at our hotel, Maison Dalabua.</p>
<p>In the afternoon, AK takes us to meet Tiao Nith — Nithakhong Somsanith — a Lao artist and member of the former royal court.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38645" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-09-Baci-ceremony-Luang-Prabang.jpg" alt="10-day itinerary through Laos - Baci ceremony in Luang Prabang with Tiao Nith and a Buddhist master" width="1000" height="1333" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-09-Baci-ceremony-Luang-Prabang.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-09-Baci-ceremony-Luang-Prabang-300x400.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-09-Baci-ceremony-Luang-Prabang-700x933.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-09-Baci-ceremony-Luang-Prabang-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-09-Baci-ceremony-Luang-Prabang-600x800.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-09-Baci-ceremony-Luang-Prabang-435x580.jpg 435w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<p>Here, we also have a Baci (‘bah-chi’) ceremony, an ancient Sanskrit celebration that pre-dates Buddhism.</p>
<h3>Day 7: Waterfalls, rice farms and buffalo</h3>
<p>We travel into the countryside to the Living Land Farm to learn about growing Laos’ food staple: sticky rice.</p>
<p>This is a hands-on experience where we get into the mud to plant seeds, plough the paddy and harvest the crop with rice sickles. All up, there are 14 fascinating steps involved.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38646" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-10-rice-farm-Living-Land-Luang-Prabang.jpg" alt="10-day itinerary through Laos - rice farming at Living Land" width="1000" height="1333" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-10-rice-farm-Living-Land-Luang-Prabang.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-10-rice-farm-Living-Land-Luang-Prabang-300x400.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-10-rice-farm-Living-Land-Luang-Prabang-700x933.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-10-rice-farm-Living-Land-Luang-Prabang-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-10-rice-farm-Living-Land-Luang-Prabang-600x800.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-10-rice-farm-Living-Land-Luang-Prabang-435x580.jpg 435w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38647" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-11-Huang-Si-Waterfalls-Luang-Prabang.jpg" alt="10-day itinerary through Laos - Hunag Si Waterfalls in Luang Prabang" width="1000" height="1333" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-11-Huang-Si-Waterfalls-Luang-Prabang.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-11-Huang-Si-Waterfalls-Luang-Prabang-300x400.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-11-Huang-Si-Waterfalls-Luang-Prabang-700x933.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-11-Huang-Si-Waterfalls-Luang-Prabang-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-11-Huang-Si-Waterfalls-Luang-Prabang-600x800.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-11-Huang-Si-Waterfalls-Luang-Prabang-435x580.jpg 435w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<p>Next we travel to the stunning Huang Si Waterfalls where we have lunch and then a dip in the cascades. This is a busy area, especially at weekends, but our guide AK whisks us through masses.</p>
<p>Finally, we visit the Water Buffalo Dairy Farm. This ingenious endeavour ‘rents’ buffalo from locals in a form of agistment. We learn about the processes involved and get to interact with these friendly beasts.</p>
<h3>Day 8: Elephants and a sunset river cruise</h3>
<p>Our last day of the itinerary takes us to MandaLao Elephant Conservation sanctuary. This is the only ethical elephant sanctuary in Luang Prabang — perhaps in all Laos. If you want to see Asian elephants, this is the place to come.</p>
<p>We get to feed the elephants and hike with them, but there’s no riding or washing them here. This is an incredible experience in a centre is focused on the mental and physical well-being of the animals.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38648" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-12-MandaLao-elephants-Luang-Prabang.jpg" alt="10-day itinerary through Laos - MandaLao Elephant Conservation in Luang Prabang" width="1000" height="1333" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-12-MandaLao-elephants-Luang-Prabang.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-12-MandaLao-elephants-Luang-Prabang-300x400.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-12-MandaLao-elephants-Luang-Prabang-700x933.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-12-MandaLao-elephants-Luang-Prabang-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-12-MandaLao-elephants-Luang-Prabang-600x800.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-12-MandaLao-elephants-Luang-Prabang-435x580.jpg 435w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38649" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-13-sunset-cruise-Luang-Prabang.jpg" alt="Travelling through Laos - sunset cruise on Mekong River" width="1000" height="1333" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-13-sunset-cruise-Luang-Prabang.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-13-sunset-cruise-Luang-Prabang-300x400.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-13-sunset-cruise-Luang-Prabang-700x933.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-13-sunset-cruise-Luang-Prabang-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-13-sunset-cruise-Luang-Prabang-600x800.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-13-sunset-cruise-Luang-Prabang-435x580.jpg 435w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<p>After lunch, we journey back to town for a sunset cruise on the Mekong River. We spend the next hour and a half floating down one of Asia’s great rivers in our own private longboat with a bottle of good wine and delicious snacks.</p>
<p>The golden sun setting across the water is a wonderful end to our itinerary.</p>
<h3>Day 9: Day to ourselves</h3>
<p>As in Vientiane, we have booked an extra day in Luang Prabang so we can explore the town by ourselves and get to know the place a little better.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38650" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-14-Vat-Xieng-Thong-temple-Luang-Prabang.jpg" alt="Laos travel - Vat Xieng Thong Temple in Luang Prabang" width="1000" height="1223" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-14-Vat-Xieng-Thong-temple-Luang-Prabang.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-14-Vat-Xieng-Thong-temple-Luang-Prabang-300x367.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-14-Vat-Xieng-Thong-temple-Luang-Prabang-700x856.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-14-Vat-Xieng-Thong-temple-Luang-Prabang-768x939.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-14-Vat-Xieng-Thong-temple-Luang-Prabang-600x734.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-14-Vat-Xieng-Thong-temple-Luang-Prabang-474x580.jpg 474w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<p>We roam the little laneways and laid-back streets until it’s time to eat (or cool down with a beer). Little cafes and markets are all over the place, and in the evening, the night market runs through most of the town until late.</p>
<h3>Day 10: Flight home</h3>
<p>Our flight home leaves at a very civilised 2.45pm. As we soar south over the Mekong where it splits into its famous 4,000 Islands, it’s as if the shimmer of the water is waving us goodbye.</p>
<p>We hope it won’t be long before we’re back. Laos, you have our hearts.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38651" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-15-sunset-drinks-Vang-Vieng.jpg" alt="Sunset drinks in Vang Vieng next to the river" width="1000" height="1333" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-15-sunset-drinks-Vang-Vieng.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-15-sunset-drinks-Vang-Vieng-300x400.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-15-sunset-drinks-Vang-Vieng-700x933.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-15-sunset-drinks-Vang-Vieng-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-15-sunset-drinks-Vang-Vieng-600x800.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-15-sunset-drinks-Vang-Vieng-435x580.jpg 435w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://mrandmrsromance.com/laos-by-rail/">What’s It Like To Travel In Laos? Follow our 10-day itinerary</a> appeared first on <a href="https://mrandmrsromance.com">Mr and Mrs Romance</a>.</p>
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		<title>Exploring Laos — the capital city Vientiane</title>
		<link>https://mrandmrsromance.com/vientiane-guide/</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Mr Romance]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sun, 15 Jun 2025 21:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Asia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Popular]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Travel]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Inside Asia Travel]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Laos destinations]]></category>
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					<description><![CDATA[<p>Safe, low-key and humble, Vientiane embodies a lot of what makes Laos such a wonderful destination. It’s the perfect start to a journey through...</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://mrandmrsromance.com/vientiane-guide/">Exploring Laos — the capital city Vientiane</a> appeared first on <a href="https://mrandmrsromance.com">Mr and Mrs Romance</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><em><strong>Safe, low-key and humble, Vientiane embodies a lot of what makes Laos such a wonderful destination. It’s the perfect start to a journey through Southeast Asia’s overlooked heartland.</strong></em></p>
<h6 style="text-align: right;">Brought to you by <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=29340X870985&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.insideasiatours.com%2Fau%2Flaos%2Ftailormade-trips%2Flbr001%2Flaos-rail%3F59989225-Mrs%2520and%2520Mr%2520Romance&amp;sref=rss" target="_blank" rel="noopener">InsideAsia Tours</a></h6>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38654" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vientiane-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-02-title.jpg" alt="Travel guide to Vientiane, Laos" width="1000" height="1333" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vientiane-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-02-title.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vientiane-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-02-title-300x400.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vientiane-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-02-title-700x933.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vientiane-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-02-title-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vientiane-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-02-title-600x800.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vientiane-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-02-title-435x580.jpg 435w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<h6 style="text-align: center;"><em>Sign up to <a href= "https://eepurl.com/s1X2T" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">our free newsletter here</a> for more travel inspiration. You also get your own copy of our travel ebook — it&#8217;s on us!</em></h6>
<p><strong>Huggin</strong><strong>g the western bank of the Mekong River and waving at Thailand across the water, Vientiane is the official capital of Laos.</strong></p>
<p>You won’t find a throbbing night life in Vientiane or that zesty thrill that hits you from a manic, overpacked capital city.</p>
<p>Indeed, Laos’ full name ‘Laos PDR’ — or Laos People’s Democratic Republic, locals here prefer Laos Please Don’t Rush. It’s a joke, but it’s also kind of accurate. Like all of Laos, Vientiane’s pace is slower than you’ll find in pretty much any other Southeast Asian city.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38655" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vientiane-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-03-Patuxay.jpg" alt="Travel guide to Vientiane, Laos - view from the top of Patuxay monument" width="1000" height="1333" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vientiane-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-03-Patuxay.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vientiane-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-03-Patuxay-300x400.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vientiane-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-03-Patuxay-700x933.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vientiane-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-03-Patuxay-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vientiane-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-03-Patuxay-600x800.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vientiane-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-03-Patuxay-435x580.jpg 435w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<p>But with fun dive bars, thriving little night markets and hundreds of Buddhist temples alongside the ubiquitous crumbing French colonial architecture, Vientiane offers the perfect stepping-off point for Laos.</p>
<p>We travelled here with <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=29340X870985&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.insideasiatours.com%2Fau%2Flaos%2Ftailormade-trips%2Flbr001%2Flaos-rail%3F59989225-Mrs%2520and%2520Mr%2520Romance&amp;sref=rss" target="_blank" rel="noopener">InsideAsia Tours</a>, a global tour operator that creates fully tailored cultural adventures around Asia that takes care of all the tricky parts of your trip, gives you a guide and lets you relax while having an immersive experience at the same time.</p>
<p>InsideAsia Tours is part of the Inside Travel Group and sister to travel brand InsideJapan Tours. Specialising in digging deeper beneath the surface of destinations, the Inside Travel Group is all about cultural adventure tourism. This brings you so much closer to local life wherever you are.</p>
<p>InsideAsia Tours operates not just in Laos, but also Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, Borneo, Singapore, Hong Kong, and South Korea with bespoke tours to make your budget, timeframes and interests.</p>
<p>You can see <a href="https://mrandmrsromance.com/laos-by-rail" target="_blank" rel="noopener">our full itinerary in brief here</a> and also <a href="https://mrandmrsromance.com/tag/laos-destinations" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the other destinations we visited here</a>.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38656" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vientiane-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-04-train-station.jpg" alt="Travel guide to Vientiane, Laos - inside Vientiane's new train station" width="1000" height="750" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vientiane-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-04-train-station.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vientiane-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-04-train-station-300x225.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vientiane-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-04-train-station-700x525.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vientiane-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-04-train-station-768x576.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vientiane-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-04-train-station-600x450.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vientiane-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-04-train-station-773x580.jpg 773w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<p><em>This is Vientiane&#8217;s massive new train station that services the country&#8217;s new high-speed train line. <a href="https://mrandmrsromance.com/laos-train-ride" target="_blank" rel="noopener">You can read our review of the Laos&#8217; bullet train here.</a></em></p>
<h2>Vientiane — Laos’ Little Capital</h2>
<p>Vientiane is an interesting place. It’s the administrative centre of Laos, which doesn’t sound very exciting. However, it means the city’s well organised, safe and relatively clean (Laos still is a developing country), and still has plenty going on.</p>
<p>People have likened Vientiane to Canberra. There are even all the foreign embassies here, just like in the ACT.</p>
<p>I also think it feels a bit like someone’s taken several city blocks from Kuala Lumpur, stripped most of the traffic, cut down the population to 1/4 and dropped it alongside the Mekong.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38657" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vientiane-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-05-temple.jpg" alt="Travel guide to Vientiane, Laos - one of the city's many temples" width="1000" height="1333" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vientiane-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-05-temple.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vientiane-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-05-temple-300x400.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vientiane-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-05-temple-700x933.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vientiane-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-05-temple-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vientiane-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-05-temple-600x800.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vientiane-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-05-temple-435x580.jpg 435w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<h3>Temples</h3>
<p>Vientiane has the most Buddhist temples in Laos, and the oldest too. Wat Si Saket is the last remaining temple from before the Siamese (Thai) invasion of 1828, which saw the city sacked.</p>
<p>We also visited the Golden Stupa, an enormous gold monolith that tapers to a sharp point. It’s one of the most important Buddhist monuments in Laos and its surrounding walls house hundreds of Buddhist and Khmer statues and artefacts.</p>
<p>Visiting these temples with our excellent InsideAsia guide Sakhoe meant we had a much deeper understanding of what we were looking at with all the stencils and statues, the ceremonies and stupas, that surround Buddhism.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38658" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vientiane-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-06-Patuxay.jpg" alt="Travel guide to Vientiane, Laos - Patuxay victory monument" width="1000" height="1333" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vientiane-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-06-Patuxay.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vientiane-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-06-Patuxay-300x400.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vientiane-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-06-Patuxay-700x933.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vientiane-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-06-Patuxay-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vientiane-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-06-Patuxay-600x800.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vientiane-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-06-Patuxay-435x580.jpg 435w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<h3>Monuments</h3>
<p>Patuxay Monument. If this national monument and its road look familiar that’s because the Lao people modelled it on the Arc de Triomphe and Les Champs-Elysées in Paris. Unlike the French version, this arch has four, not two, archways, has five decorative towers on top and you can go inside this one. There’s a museum on Patuxay here and superb views of the city from the top level.</p>
<p>It took 11 years to build the Patuxay — between 1957 and 1968 — when Laos kicked the French colonisers out after a 60-year protectorate.</p>
<p>It is Vientiane’s war memorial, commemorating lives lost in WWII and in the war of independence against the French.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38659" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vientiane-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-07-Buddha-Park.jpg" alt="Travel guide to Vientiane, Laos - Buddha Park" width="1000" height="1333" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vientiane-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-07-Buddha-Park.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vientiane-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-07-Buddha-Park-300x400.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vientiane-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-07-Buddha-Park-700x933.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vientiane-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-07-Buddha-Park-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vientiane-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-07-Buddha-Park-600x800.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vientiane-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-07-Buddha-Park-435x580.jpg 435w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<h3>History and Culture</h3>
<p><strong>The <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=29340X870985&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fcopelaos.org%2F&amp;sref=rss" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cooperative Orthotic &amp; Prosthetic Enterprise (COPE) Visitor Centre</a>.</strong> During the Vietnam War, America dropped some 260 million bombs on Laos, making it the most bombed country in the world. Around 30% (approx. 80 mil) of these bombs did not explode.</p>
<p>COPE Visitor Centre shows the damage these UXOs (UnExploded Ordinance) can cause, while also giving access to prosthetic, orthotic and mobility devices to thousands of injured locals.</p>
<p><strong><a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=29340X870985&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Flaodisabledwomen.com%2F&amp;sref=rss" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lao Disabled Women’s Centre</a>.</strong> Helping disabled and vulnerable Lao women learn crafts and skills, the Lao disabled Women’s Centre is a brilliant enterprise. There’s also a shop here where you can buy some of the handicrafts the women make.</p>
<p><strong>Buddha Park.</strong> This unusual sculpture park, started by an ex-monk, is home over 200 Buddhist and Hindu statues. It’s interesting enough to wander around looking at the statues, but when our guide Sakhoe explains the meaning of some of them, it sheds a new light on what we’re looking at.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38660" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vientiane-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-08-night-market.jpg" alt="Travel guide to Vientiane, Laos - night markets" width="1000" height="1333" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vientiane-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-08-night-market.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vientiane-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-08-night-market-300x400.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vientiane-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-08-night-market-700x933.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vientiane-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-08-night-market-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vientiane-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-08-night-market-600x800.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vientiane-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-08-night-market-435x580.jpg 435w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<h3>Bars, Markets and Restaurants</h3>
<p>While we’re exploring Vientiane, we find so many great food options.</p>
<p>The Vientiane Night Market in Ban Haysoke is excellent, with lots of local dishes to try, including some of the more exotic unusual things like grilled crickets and khai luuk (fertilised duck egg). But the best thing we found was the shredded slow-cooked pork belly stuffed into a crispy roti.</p>
<p>There are also plenty of restaurants on every street and some very cool bars.</p>
<p>We recommend Laodi Bar, a ramshackle place right on the river and is perfect for a sunset beer, and at the other end of the spectrum <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=29340X870985&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2F525eatanddrink.com%2F&amp;sref=rss" target="_blank" rel="noopener">525 Eat &amp; Drink</a>, a slick cocktail bar in the heart of the city.</p>
<p>Also worth mentioning is <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=29340X870985&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fdoikanoi.com%2F&amp;sref=rss" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Doi Ka Noi Restaurant</a>, which was included in the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025 list.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38661" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vientiane-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-09-Laos-Poet-Hotel.jpg" alt="Travel guide to Vientiane, Laos - Laos Poet Hotel's rooftop pool" width="1000" height="1333" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vientiane-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-09-Laos-Poet-Hotel.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vientiane-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-09-Laos-Poet-Hotel-300x400.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vientiane-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-09-Laos-Poet-Hotel-700x933.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vientiane-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-09-Laos-Poet-Hotel-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vientiane-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-09-Laos-Poet-Hotel-600x800.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vientiane-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-09-Laos-Poet-Hotel-435x580.jpg 435w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<h3>Where to stay in Vientiane</h3>
<p>Because Vientiane is the diplomatic and administrative centre of Laos, there are plenty of lovely hotels here.</p>
<p>We stayed at the <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=29340X870985&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.laopoethotel.com%2F&amp;sref=rss" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lao Poet Hotel</a>, perfectly located in the Ban Haysoke District. Its elegant art deco decor inspired by 1930s Indochina, combined with all the modern trappings of a luxury hotel, make this an ideal place to stay in Vientiane.</p>
<p>There’s even a rooftop infinity pool and bar with views out over the city, and a wellness spa if you feel like a pampering.</p>
<p>This comfortable yet chic boutique hotel takes its name from a renowned poet from 19th Century Maha Keo, whose house was once where the hotel now stands.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38662" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vientiane-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-10-us.jpg" alt="Travel guide to Vientiane, Laos - Jim &amp; Christina at a temple" width="1000" height="1333" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vientiane-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-10-us.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vientiane-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-10-us-300x400.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vientiane-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-10-us-700x933.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vientiane-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-10-us-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vientiane-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-10-us-600x800.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vientiane-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-10-us-435x580.jpg 435w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://mrandmrsromance.com/vientiane-guide/">Exploring Laos — the capital city Vientiane</a> appeared first on <a href="https://mrandmrsromance.com">Mr and Mrs Romance</a>.</p>
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		<title>Exploring Laos — adventurous Vang Vieng</title>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Mr Romance]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sun, 15 Jun 2025 21:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
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					<description><![CDATA[<p>Spilling across a stony river, and surrounded fertile rice paddies and sudden karst mountains, Vang Vieng has a reputation as a place for adventures...</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://mrandmrsromance.com/vang-vieng-guide/">Exploring Laos — adventurous Vang Vieng</a> appeared first on <a href="https://mrandmrsromance.com">Mr and Mrs Romance</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><em><strong>Spilling across a stony river, and surrounded fertile rice paddies and sudden karst mountains, Vang Vieng has a reputation as a place for adventures and a landscape of dreams.</strong></em></p>
<h6 style="text-align: right;">Brought to you by <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=29340X870985&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.insideasiatours.com%2Fau%2Flaos%2Ftailormade-trips%2Flbr001%2Flaos-rail%3F59989225-Mrs%2520and%2520Mr%2520Romance&amp;sref=rss" target="_blank" rel="noopener">InsideAsia Tours</a></h6>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38676" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vang-Vieng-Mr-Mrs-Romance-2-title.jpg" alt="Travel guide to Vang Vieng, Laos" width="1000" height="1334" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vang-Vieng-Mr-Mrs-Romance-2-title.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vang-Vieng-Mr-Mrs-Romance-2-title-300x400.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vang-Vieng-Mr-Mrs-Romance-2-title-700x934.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vang-Vieng-Mr-Mrs-Romance-2-title-768x1025.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vang-Vieng-Mr-Mrs-Romance-2-title-600x800.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vang-Vieng-Mr-Mrs-Romance-2-title-435x580.jpg 435w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<h6 style="text-align: center;"><em>Sign up to <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=29340X870985&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Feepurl.com%2Fs1X2T&amp;sref=rss" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">our free newsletter here</a> for more travel inspiration. You also get your own copy of our travel ebook — it&#8217;s on us!</em></h6>
<p><strong>Once a mere post town between Vientiane and Luang Prabang, and then a backpacker haven when Laos opened to tourism in the 1990s, Vang Vieng has a humble if somewhat wayward past.</strong></p>
<p>These days, Vang Vieng&#8217;s hedonistic heritage of the ‘90s and ‘00s has all but gone. Instead, focus has moved to take advantage of the beautiful natural surroundings and its culture.</p>
<p>However, an edge of adventure and excitement still exists here.</p>
<p>Rock climbing in the stunning karst mountains, hikes through dramatic scenery, caving and even paramotoring (motorised paragliding) high above the town are all popular pursuits.</p>
<p>Kayaks slip by on the fast-moving Nam Song River, while hot air balloons reflect on its surface as they dip somewhat perilously low to the ground.</p>
<hr />
<p><em>We travelled through Laos with <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=29340X870985&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.insideasiatours.com%2Fau%2F&amp;sref=rss" target="_blank" rel="noopener">InsideAsia Tours</a> — a global tour operator that creates fully tailored cultural adventures around Asia and that creates superb itineraries around Asia and sorts out all the tricky on-the-ground bits and pieces to make your trip as enjoyable and interesting as possible.</em></p>
<p><em>Part of the Inside Travel Group and sister brand to InsideJapan Tours, InsideAsia Tours runs cultural adventure itineraries in Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, Borneo, Singapore, Hong Kong, and South Korea as well as Laos. Focus is on delving beneath the surface to explore parts of a destination that most visitors don’t get to experience.</em></p>
<p><a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=29340X870985&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.insideasiatours.com%2Fau%2Flaos%2Ftailormade-trips%2Flbr001%2Flaos-rail%3F59989225-Mrs%2520and%2520Mr%2520Romance&amp;sref=rss" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>You can book our itinerary — Laos by Rail — here</em></a><em>, which includes riding Laos&#8217; high-speed train line that&#8217;s changed the landscape of travel in this beautiful country. You can see <a href="https://mrandmrsromance.com/laos-train-ride" target="_blank" rel="noopener">our review of the Laos bullet train here</a>.</em></p>
<p><em>Find a run-down of <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=29340X870985&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fmranmrsromance.com%2Flaos-by-rail&amp;sref=rss" target="_blank" rel="noopener">our full itinerary here</a> and also the other destinations we visited in <a href="https://mrandmrsromance.com/tag/laos-destinations" target="_blank" rel="noopener">more detail in these articles</a>.</em></p>
<hr />
<h2>Vang Vieng</h2>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38677" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vang-Vieng-Mr-Mrs-Romance-3-ballooning-Above-Laos.jpg" alt="Travel guide to Vang Vieng, Laos - hot air ballooning" width="1000" height="1333" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vang-Vieng-Mr-Mrs-Romance-3-ballooning-Above-Laos.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vang-Vieng-Mr-Mrs-Romance-3-ballooning-Above-Laos-300x400.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vang-Vieng-Mr-Mrs-Romance-3-ballooning-Above-Laos-700x933.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vang-Vieng-Mr-Mrs-Romance-3-ballooning-Above-Laos-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vang-Vieng-Mr-Mrs-Romance-3-ballooning-Above-Laos-600x800.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vang-Vieng-Mr-Mrs-Romance-3-ballooning-Above-Laos-435x580.jpg 435w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<p>Vang Vieng has changed a lot in the last decade or so. Friends I’ve spoken to who visited before the 2012 government crackdown talk of a place more like a permanent Full Moon Party on a Thai beach than the quiet country village it is now.</p>
<p>The mix of tourists has turned more towards affluent visitors looking for comfort and culture than thrills and parties. There are still plenty of young backpackers coming here, but there’s not a glowstick or whistle to be seen.</p>
<p>Although the streets here aren’t as well maintained as places like Vientiane or Luang Prabang, it’s fairly clean and feels safe.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38678" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vang-Vieng-Mr-Mrs-Romance-4-Riverside-Boutique-Hotel.jpg" alt="Travel guide to Vang Vieng, Laos - where to stay - Riverside Boutique Hotel" width="1000" height="1333" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vang-Vieng-Mr-Mrs-Romance-4-Riverside-Boutique-Hotel.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vang-Vieng-Mr-Mrs-Romance-4-Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-300x400.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vang-Vieng-Mr-Mrs-Romance-4-Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-700x933.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vang-Vieng-Mr-Mrs-Romance-4-Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vang-Vieng-Mr-Mrs-Romance-4-Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-600x800.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vang-Vieng-Mr-Mrs-Romance-4-Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-435x580.jpg 435w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<h3>Where to Stay in Vang Vieng</h3>
<p>There are a surprising number of places to stay in such a small town. And there’s quite the range too.</p>
<p>Thanks to Vang Vieng&#8217;s backpacker era, there are still lots of budget options here — from homestay to hostels.</p>
<p>On top of that, there are lots of hotels too.</p>
<p>Our hotel, the <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=29340X870985&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.riversidevangvieng.com%2F&amp;sref=rss" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Riverside Boutique Resort</a>, is a beautifully laid out French colonial style resort right on the banks of the river as the name suggests.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38679" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vang-Vieng-Mr-Mrs-Romance-5-room-in-Riverside-Boutique-Hotel.jpg" alt="Travel guide to Vang Vieng, Laos - room in Riverside Boutique Hotel" width="1000" height="1333" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vang-Vieng-Mr-Mrs-Romance-5-room-in-Riverside-Boutique-Hotel.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vang-Vieng-Mr-Mrs-Romance-5-room-in-Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-300x400.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vang-Vieng-Mr-Mrs-Romance-5-room-in-Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-700x933.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vang-Vieng-Mr-Mrs-Romance-5-room-in-Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vang-Vieng-Mr-Mrs-Romance-5-room-in-Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-600x800.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vang-Vieng-Mr-Mrs-Romance-5-room-in-Riverside-Boutique-Hotel-435x580.jpg 435w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<p>The pool is surrounded by palm trees and lush gardens, and the dark timber buildings blend with the feeling of a closeness to nature.</p>
<p>Rooms are split into different cultural groups of Laos. Our Deluxe Room is in the Hmong building, and features traditional colours, textiles and art inspired by the Hmong, who make up Laos’ third largest ethnic group.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38680" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vang-Vieng-Mr-Mrs-Romance-6-ballooning-with-Above-Laos.jpg" alt="Travel guide to Vang Vieng, Laos - hot air ballooning with Above Laos" width="1000" height="1334" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vang-Vieng-Mr-Mrs-Romance-6-ballooning-with-Above-Laos.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vang-Vieng-Mr-Mrs-Romance-6-ballooning-with-Above-Laos-300x400.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vang-Vieng-Mr-Mrs-Romance-6-ballooning-with-Above-Laos-700x934.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vang-Vieng-Mr-Mrs-Romance-6-ballooning-with-Above-Laos-768x1025.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vang-Vieng-Mr-Mrs-Romance-6-ballooning-with-Above-Laos-600x800.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vang-Vieng-Mr-Mrs-Romance-6-ballooning-with-Above-Laos-435x580.jpg 435w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<h3>Things to Do in Vang Vieng</h3>
<p>Our hot air balloon ride with <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=29340X870985&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fabovelaos.com%2Fen%2F&amp;sref=rss" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Above Laos Ballooning</a> is superb. Unlike many of the other companies here, Above Loas takes safety very seriously and doesn’t do things like low swoops over the river or dip to rooftop level of hotels.</p>
<p>They also offer a range of sizes, from medium-sized eight-passenger baskets to romantic two-passenger balloons, and are the only Laos-French owned, operated and regulated by the Civil Aviation ballooning company.</p>
<p>It’s a wonderful serene way to experience the mountains and paddy fields of this beautiful area.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38681" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vang-Vieng-Mr-Mrs-Romance-7-hiking-with-Kmhmu-local.jpg" alt="Travel guide to Vang Vieng, Laos - hiking with Kmhmu local" width="1000" height="750" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vang-Vieng-Mr-Mrs-Romance-7-hiking-with-Kmhmu-local.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vang-Vieng-Mr-Mrs-Romance-7-hiking-with-Kmhmu-local-300x225.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vang-Vieng-Mr-Mrs-Romance-7-hiking-with-Kmhmu-local-700x525.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vang-Vieng-Mr-Mrs-Romance-7-hiking-with-Kmhmu-local-768x576.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vang-Vieng-Mr-Mrs-Romance-7-hiking-with-Kmhmu-local-600x450.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vang-Vieng-Mr-Mrs-Romance-7-hiking-with-Kmhmu-local-773x580.jpg 773w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<p>The half-day trek into the Vang Vieng countryside is so memorable. From our hotel, we go with our local guide Toh to his village Ban Viengsamai in the back of a Laos tuktuk.</p>
<p>In Ban Viengsamai, we meet a blacksmith and learn how he makes knives and rice sickles for the village. Toh also shows us some traditional animal traps that are still in use today. He also shows us the local Kmhmu school.</p>
<p>We hike into the rice fields and learn about the Kmhmu way of life. It’s fascinating to hear about such a different culture, down to details like why every house has an odd number of steps going up (it’s bad luck to have an even number).</p>
<p>We finally arrive back at the village, where we meet two Kmhmu women who have made lunch for us. It’s a delicious mix of crispy pork, fish steamed in banana leaves, foraged greens, omelette and a kind of pâté made with rattan palm heart. And sticky rice of course.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38682" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vang-Vieng-Mr-Mrs-Romance-8-Kmhmu-lunch.jpg" alt="Travel guide to Vang Vieng, Laos - lunch with Kmhmu family" width="1000" height="750" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vang-Vieng-Mr-Mrs-Romance-8-Kmhmu-lunch.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vang-Vieng-Mr-Mrs-Romance-8-Kmhmu-lunch-300x225.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vang-Vieng-Mr-Mrs-Romance-8-Kmhmu-lunch-700x525.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vang-Vieng-Mr-Mrs-Romance-8-Kmhmu-lunch-768x576.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vang-Vieng-Mr-Mrs-Romance-8-Kmhmu-lunch-600x450.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vang-Vieng-Mr-Mrs-Romance-8-Kmhmu-lunch-773x580.jpg 773w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<p>Finally, we’re given a rare treat: we see how the ‘Lao hai’ local rice wine is made and then we taste some. This is only usually found at important festivals and weddings and is similar to Japanese sake.</p>
<p>There are lots of other things to do in Vang Vieng if you have time.</p>
<p>Hiring your own kayak and whooshing down the Nam Song River is one option, though the river is shallow in places and the noisy long-tail motorboat tours (run by a foreign-owned company by the way) impact the experience a bit.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38683" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vang-Vieng-Mr-Mrs-Romance-9-landscape-of-region.jpg" alt="Travel guide to Vang Vieng, Laos - dramatic landscape of the region" width="1000" height="1333" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vang-Vieng-Mr-Mrs-Romance-9-landscape-of-region.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vang-Vieng-Mr-Mrs-Romance-9-landscape-of-region-300x400.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vang-Vieng-Mr-Mrs-Romance-9-landscape-of-region-700x933.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vang-Vieng-Mr-Mrs-Romance-9-landscape-of-region-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vang-Vieng-Mr-Mrs-Romance-9-landscape-of-region-600x800.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vang-Vieng-Mr-Mrs-Romance-9-landscape-of-region-435x580.jpg 435w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<p>Rock climbing around the towering karst mountains, longer hikes into the countryside and paramotoring. There’s also a huge cave down the river that has a shrine to Buddha inside.</p>
<p>There are also temples and markets to visit in town, and strolling its sometimes precarious streets are all worthy of your time.</p>
<h3>Where to Eat and Drink in Vang Vieng</h3>
<p>Like everywhere in Laos, there are plenty of places to find a feed. Perhaps because the town was such a busy backpacker thoroughfare once, you’ll find more Western style food here than other places.</p>
<p>It doesn’t make it bad, but it means you have to look a bit harder to find authentic Lao food.</p>
<p>We recommend a little Lao restaurant called Véla. Its laab is great but they also make an incredible noodle soup called ‘aw lam’, which has pork and minced eggplant that we didn’t find anywhere else.</p>
<p>Otherwise, find the lady in the market making kanom krok — wonderful little dome-shaped coconut and condensed milk dumpling pancakes. We first found these tasty treats in Bangkok and now hunt them down whenever we’re in Southeast Asia.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38684" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vang-Vieng-Mr-Mrs-Romance-10-sticky-rice-and-laab.jpg" alt="Travel guide to Vang Vieng, Laos - sticky rice and laab - typical food of Laos" width="1000" height="1333" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vang-Vieng-Mr-Mrs-Romance-10-sticky-rice-and-laab.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vang-Vieng-Mr-Mrs-Romance-10-sticky-rice-and-laab-300x400.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vang-Vieng-Mr-Mrs-Romance-10-sticky-rice-and-laab-700x933.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vang-Vieng-Mr-Mrs-Romance-10-sticky-rice-and-laab-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vang-Vieng-Mr-Mrs-Romance-10-sticky-rice-and-laab-600x800.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vang-Vieng-Mr-Mrs-Romance-10-sticky-rice-and-laab-435x580.jpg 435w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<p>As for where to drink in Vang Vieng, there are lots of bars throughout the town, but the ones along the river have the best views and are usually more chilled out.</p>
<p>We really enjoyed a couple of beers at Phubarn Restaurant right next to the rickety pedestrian bridge. The sun sets between the mountains and shines off the river.</p>
<p>And though I wouldn’t want to be in the basket with them, the reckless balloon pilots flying low over the river create quite the spectacle.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38685" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vang-Vieng-Mr-Mrs-Romance-11-lovely-photo-of-Christina.jpg" alt="Travel guide to Vang Vieng, Laos - Christina under beautiful tree" width="1000" height="1333" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vang-Vieng-Mr-Mrs-Romance-11-lovely-photo-of-Christina.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vang-Vieng-Mr-Mrs-Romance-11-lovely-photo-of-Christina-300x400.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vang-Vieng-Mr-Mrs-Romance-11-lovely-photo-of-Christina-700x933.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vang-Vieng-Mr-Mrs-Romance-11-lovely-photo-of-Christina-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vang-Vieng-Mr-Mrs-Romance-11-lovely-photo-of-Christina-600x800.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Vang-Vieng-Mr-Mrs-Romance-11-lovely-photo-of-Christina-435x580.jpg 435w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://mrandmrsromance.com/vang-vieng-guide/">Exploring Laos — adventurous Vang Vieng</a> appeared first on <a href="https://mrandmrsromance.com">Mr and Mrs Romance</a>.</p>
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		<title>Exploring Laos — culture-rich Luang Prabang</title>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Mr Romance]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sun, 15 Jun 2025 21:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
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					<description><![CDATA[<p>Protected by UNESCO Heritage listings, the historic capital of Laos, Luang Prabang, captures the very heart and soul of Lao culture. Here’s what it’s...</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://mrandmrsromance.com/luang-prabang-guide/">Exploring Laos — culture-rich Luang Prabang</a> appeared first on <a href="https://mrandmrsromance.com">Mr and Mrs Romance</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><em><strong>Protected by UNESCO Heritage listings, the historic capital of Laos, Luang Prabang, captures the very heart and soul of Lao culture. Here’s what it’s like to visit this exquisite little river town.</strong></em></p>
<h6 style="text-align: right;">Brought to you by <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=29340X870985&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.insideasiatours.com%2Fau%2Flaos%2Ftailormade-trips%2Flbr001%2Flaos-rail%3F59989225-Mrs%2520and%2520Mr%2520Romance&amp;sref=rss" target="_blank" rel="noopener">InsideAsia Tours</a></h6>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38691" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-01-title.jpg" alt="Travel guide to Luang Prabang, Laos" width="1000" height="1333" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-01-title.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-01-title-300x400.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-01-title-700x933.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-01-title-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-01-title-600x800.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-01-title-435x580.jpg 435w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<h6 style="text-align: center;"><em>Sign up to <a href= "https://eepurl.com/s1X2T" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">our free newsletter here</a> for more travel inspiration. You also get your own copy of our travel ebook — it&#8217;s on us!</em></h6>
<p><strong>Sitting on the confluence of the mighty Mekong and the crawling Nam Khan Rivers, Luang Prabang is a pretty, prosperous town, full of interesting laneways, thriving markets, fun riverside restaurants and elegant temples.</strong></p>
<p>Its colonial heritage is also well-preserved. The smart, brick-and-balcony French buildings blend with traditional Lao timber, wattle and daub architecture, which ramps up the romance of the town.</p>
<p>With the help of UNESCO protection as a place of Outstanding Universal Value, Luang Prabang’s historic riverine streets are here to stay.</p>
<hr />
<p><em>This is the last stop on our Laos by Train itinerary, organised by brilliant global tour operator InsideAsia Tours that creates fully tailored cultural adventures around Asia. <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=29340X870985&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.insideasiatours.com%2Fau%2Flaos%2Ftailormade-trips%2Flbr001%2Flaos-rail%3F59989225-Mrs%2520and%2520Mr%2520Romance&amp;sref=rss" target="_blank" rel="noopener">You can book this itinerary here.</a></em></p>
<p><em>Our trip is a perfect example of how InsideAsia Tours can create itineraries that look deep beneath the surface of a destination and bring you to experiences you probably wouldn&#8217;t find by yourself. </em></p>
<p><em>And it&#8217;s not just Laos that InsideAsia Tours travel through. They also have amazing itineraries in Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, Borneo, Singapore, Hong Kong, and South Korea, which they&#8217;ve developed since they started in 2013.</em></p>
<p><em>If you want to see our overview of our trip in Laos, <a href="https://mrandmrsromance.com/laos-by-rail" target="_blank" rel="noopener">click here</a> and if you want to see the other destinations we visited in more detail, <a href="https://mrandmrsromance.com/tag/laos-destinations" target="_blank" rel="noopener">click here</a>. </em></p>
<p><em>We have also written <a href="https://mrandmrsromance.com/laos-train-ride" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a review of the high-speed train</a> through Laos.</em></p>
<hr />
<h2>Things to do in Luang Prabang</h2>
<p>Luang Prabang was once the royal and religious capital of Laos. Civil war stripped the country of its monarchy and handed the capital to Vientiane in 1946.</p>
<p>Perhaps it because of this noble history that there’s a quiet confidence to Luang Prabang. A sense of deep pride.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38692" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-02-Maison-Delabua.jpg" alt="Travel guide to Luang Prabang, Laos - pool at Maison Delabua hotel" width="1000" height="1333" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-02-Maison-Delabua.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-02-Maison-Delabua-300x400.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-02-Maison-Delabua-700x933.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-02-Maison-Delabua-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-02-Maison-Delabua-600x800.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-02-Maison-Delabua-435x580.jpg 435w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<h3>Where to Stay in Luang Prabang</h3>
<p>With its own international airport and the new high-speed train that hurtles in from Vang Vieng and Vientiane, Luang Prabang’s tourism industry is on the rise. There’s a healthy range of accommodation here, though there’s a lean towards more upmarket hotels than budget hostels.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38693" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-03-lily-pond.jpg" alt="Travel guide to Luang Prabang, Laos - UNESCO lily pond in Maison Delabua hotel" width="1000" height="1333" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-03-lily-pond.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-03-lily-pond-300x400.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-03-lily-pond-700x933.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-03-lily-pond-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-03-lily-pond-600x800.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-03-lily-pond-435x580.jpg 435w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<p>Our hotel, the verdant <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=29340X870985&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.maisondalabua.com%2F&amp;sref=rss" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Maison Dalabua</a>, is a dreamscape of bamboo, broad-leafed tropical plants and lagoon-like UNESCO listed lily ponds. Little timber bridges and over-water walkways link the restaurant and bar to the rest of this low-key resort, and our room has a homely yet luxurious feel.</p>
<p>This is a Lao-owned hotel that’s been in the same family for generations. Its name is the perfect fusion of French and Lao cultures respectively — Maison Dalabua meaning House of the Lotus Princess.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38694" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-04-tree-of-life.jpg" alt="Travel guide to Luang Prabang, Laos - Tree of Life at a temple in the city" width="1000" height="1333" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-04-tree-of-life.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-04-tree-of-life-300x400.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-04-tree-of-life-700x933.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-04-tree-of-life-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-04-tree-of-life-600x800.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-04-tree-of-life-435x580.jpg 435w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<h3>Things to Do in Luang Prabang</h3>
<p>There’s a lot to do in and out of Luang Prabang. We have listed our favourite ‘in town’ and ‘out of town’ activities here, but for more detail, head to two separate stories:</p>
<p><a href="https://mrandmrsromance.com/inside-luang-prabang" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Things to do in Luang Prabang</a></p>
<p><a href="https://mrandmrsromance.com/outside-luang-prabang" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Things to do outside of Luang Prabang</a></p>
<h3>In Town</h3>
<p><strong>Temples</strong></p>
<p>There are over 40 temples in Luang Prabang, but our favourites are Vat Xieng Thong, Vat Sene Souk Haram and Vat Xieng Muan.</p>
<p><strong>Museums</strong></p>
<p>We really enjoyed the Traditional Arts &amp; Ethnology Centre, the former Royal Palace, now the National Museum, and the historical Huan Chuan House.</p>
<p><div id="attachment_38695" style="width: 1010px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-38695" class="size-full wp-image-38695" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-05-Baci-ceremony-Tiao-Nith-night-markets.jpg" alt="Travel guide to Luang Prabang, Laos - artist Tiao Nith showing his works published in books at his home" width="1000" height="447" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-05-Baci-ceremony-Tiao-Nith-night-markets.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-05-Baci-ceremony-Tiao-Nith-night-markets-300x134.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-05-Baci-ceremony-Tiao-Nith-night-markets-700x313.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-05-Baci-ceremony-Tiao-Nith-night-markets-768x343.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-05-Baci-ceremony-Tiao-Nith-night-markets-600x268.jpg 600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><p id="caption-attachment-38695" class="wp-caption-text">L-R: traditional Baci ceremony; artist Tiao Nith; Luang Prabang night markets</p></div></p>
<p><strong>Cultural Experiences</strong></p>
<p>Visiting local artist, bon vivant and member of Laos’ former royal family Tiao Nithakhong Somsanith, is truly incredible.</p>
<p>Taking part in a Baci ceremony, a Sanskrit celebration of the spirit that pre-dates Buddhism is a Laos highlight.</p>
<p>Luang Prabang’s night markets are awesome and take over most of the main street of the peninsula.</p>
<p><strong>Sunset cruise on the Mekong</strong></p>
<p>Our private sunset cruise on Southeast Asia’s biggest river is incredible. It’s just us, the pilot and our excellent IAT guide, AK on a traditional Lao riverboat.</p>
<p>The cruise ends with an easy walk to the centre of town and its night markets, now in full flow.</p>
<p><div id="attachment_38696" style="width: 1010px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-38696" class="size-full wp-image-38696" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-06-river-cruise-and-alms.jpg" alt="Travel guide to Luang Prabang, Laos - Sunset cruise on Mekong River and Buddhist monks taking alms at dawn" width="1000" height="667" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-06-river-cruise-and-alms.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-06-river-cruise-and-alms-300x200.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-06-river-cruise-and-alms-700x467.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-06-river-cruise-and-alms-768x512.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-06-river-cruise-and-alms-600x400.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-06-river-cruise-and-alms-296x197.jpg 296w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-06-river-cruise-and-alms-870x580.jpg 870w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><p id="caption-attachment-38696" class="wp-caption-text">L-R: us on a sunset cruise on the Mekong River; Buddhist monks taking alms at dawn</p></div></p>
<p><strong>Monks’ Morning Quest for Alms</strong></p>
<p>Known as ‘sai bat’, the giving of alms to monks at dawn is a daily ceremony around Lao. This is a very important cultural ceremony but also a fascinating spectacle.</p>
<p><strong>Finding Coffee</strong></p>
<p>The coffee in Lao is arguably the best in Southeast Asia. They grow their own beans here and have perfected the roasting process. You’ll find good filter drip coffee here, but also great espresso too.</p>
<p><em>For more detail on all of these and more, click here: <a href="https://mrandmrsromance.com/inside-luang-prabang" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Things to do in Luang Prabang</a></em></p>
<h3>Out of Town</h3>
<p><strong>Living Land Farm Experience</strong></p>
<p>Not far out of town, the <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=29340X870985&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Flivinglandlao.org%2F&amp;sref=rss" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Living Land Farm Experience</a> takes you through the complex and labour-intensive processes involved with growing, harvesting and processing rice.</p>
<p><div id="attachment_38697" style="width: 1010px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-38697" class="size-full wp-image-38697" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-07-Living-Land-Kuang-Si-Waterfall.jpg" alt="Travel guide to Luang Prabang, Laos - Living Land Farm Project and Kuang Si Waterfalls" width="1000" height="667" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-07-Living-Land-Kuang-Si-Waterfall.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-07-Living-Land-Kuang-Si-Waterfall-300x200.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-07-Living-Land-Kuang-Si-Waterfall-700x467.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-07-Living-Land-Kuang-Si-Waterfall-768x512.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-07-Living-Land-Kuang-Si-Waterfall-600x400.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-07-Living-Land-Kuang-Si-Waterfall-296x197.jpg 296w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-07-Living-Land-Kuang-Si-Waterfall-870x580.jpg 870w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><p id="caption-attachment-38697" class="wp-caption-text">L-R: us at Living Land Farm project; Kuang Si Waterfalls</p></div></p>
<p><strong>Kuang Si Waterfall</strong></p>
<p>These beautiful falls, about 30km from Luang Prabang, are one of the most popular attractions of the area. There’s also a sanctuary for Asiatic Black Bears here and an excellent restaurant.</p>
<p><strong>Laos Buffalo Dairy</strong></p>
<p>The <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=29340X870985&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.laosbuffalodairy.com%2F&amp;sref=rss" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Water Buffalo Dairy Farm</a> is a social enterprise that ‘rents’ buffalo from locals in a form of agistment, milking them for various dairy products. You also get to interact with the animals here and taste the delicious food the dairy makes.</p>
<p><strong>MandaLao Elephant Conservation</strong></p>
<p>Hike with Asian elephants in <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=29340X870985&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fmandalao.org%2F&amp;sref=rss" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MandaLao Elephant Conservation</a>, the only no-ride, no-wash elephant sanctuary in Laos and one of the few in Southeast Asia. Each group is limited to eight people.</p>
<p><a href="https://mrandmrsromance.com/elephant-sanctuary-thailand/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>How to spot an ethical elephant sanctuary</em></a></p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38698" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-08-MandaLao-Elephants.jpg" alt="Travel guide to Luang Prabang, Laos - MandaLao Elephant Conservation" width="1000" height="1333" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-08-MandaLao-Elephants.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-08-MandaLao-Elephants-300x400.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-08-MandaLao-Elephants-700x933.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-08-MandaLao-Elephants-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-08-MandaLao-Elephants-600x800.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-08-MandaLao-Elephants-435x580.jpg 435w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38699" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-09-MandaLao-Elephants.jpg" alt="Travel guide to Luang Prabang, Laos - MandaLao Elephant Conservation" width="1000" height="1333" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-09-MandaLao-Elephants.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-09-MandaLao-Elephants-300x400.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-09-MandaLao-Elephants-700x933.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-09-MandaLao-Elephants-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-09-MandaLao-Elephants-600x800.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-09-MandaLao-Elephants-435x580.jpg 435w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<h3>Where to Eat And Drink</h3>
<p>Luang Prabang is full of excellent places to enjoy a drink and a nibble. Here are some locally owned places we recommend:</p>
<p>Limkong Restaurant is a rickety riverside bar and eatery perfect for views and ice-cold beer.</p>
<p><a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=29340X870985&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fartisan.luangprabang%2F&amp;sref=rss" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Artisan Bar</a> is tiny and only sits about 10 people. Its cocktails would fit in anywhere in Sydney, Melbourne or even NYC.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38700" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-10-Laos-food.jpg" alt="Travel guide to Luang Prabang, Laos - traditional Lao food: laab, sticky rice and lemongrass chicken" width="1000" height="750" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-10-Laos-food.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-10-Laos-food-300x225.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-10-Laos-food-700x525.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-10-Laos-food-768x576.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-10-Laos-food-600x450.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-10-Laos-food-773x580.jpg 773w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38701" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-11-Laos-food-knom-krok.jpg" alt="Travel guide to Luang Prabang, Laos - traditional Laos street food - knom krok" width="1000" height="1333" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-11-Laos-food-knom-krok.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-11-Laos-food-knom-krok-300x400.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-11-Laos-food-knom-krok-700x933.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-11-Laos-food-knom-krok-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-11-Laos-food-knom-krok-600x800.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-11-Laos-food-knom-krok-435x580.jpg 435w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38702" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-12-pork-noodle-soup.jpg" alt="Travel guide to Luang Prabang, Laos - traditional Laos food - khao soi lao" width="1000" height="750" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-12-pork-noodle-soup.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-12-pork-noodle-soup-300x225.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-12-pork-noodle-soup-700x525.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-12-pork-noodle-soup-768x576.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-12-pork-noodle-soup-600x450.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-12-pork-noodle-soup-773x580.jpg 773w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<p>For food, if you don’t visit the night market at least twice, you’re missing out.</p>
<p><a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=29340X870985&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fsaffroncoffee.com%2F&amp;sref=rss" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Saffron Cafe</a> is a lovely little cafe selling tasty cakes and great coffee.</p>
<p><a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=29340X870985&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tamarindlaos.com%2F&amp;sref=rss" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tamarind Restaurant</a> serves well-developed local dishes like duck laab and chicken stuffed into lemongrass stems. It also runs a cooking school.</p>
<p><em>Find more detail on these recommendations, plus our best food experience here: <a href="https://mrandmrsromance.com/outside-luang-prabang" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Things to do outside of Luang Prabang</a></em></p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38703" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-13-us.jpg" alt="Travel guide to Luang Prabang, Laos - us at MandaLao Elephant Conservation" width="1000" height="1333" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-13-us.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-13-us-300x400.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-13-us-700x933.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-13-us-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-13-us-600x800.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-13-us-435x580.jpg 435w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://mrandmrsromance.com/luang-prabang-guide/">Exploring Laos — culture-rich Luang Prabang</a> appeared first on <a href="https://mrandmrsromance.com">Mr and Mrs Romance</a>.</p>
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		<title>Best Things To Do In Luang Prabang — Laos’ Old Capital</title>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Mr Romance]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sun, 15 Jun 2025 21:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Asia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Our Blogging Life]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Travel]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Inside Asia Travel]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Laos destinations]]></category>
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					<description><![CDATA[<p>At the meeting point of two rivers, home to the former royal family and the centre of Laos’ culture, Luang Prabang is a beautiful,...</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://mrandmrsromance.com/inside-luang-prabang/">Best Things To Do In Luang Prabang — Laos’ Old Capital</a> appeared first on <a href="https://mrandmrsromance.com">Mr and Mrs Romance</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><em><strong>At the meeting point of two rivers, home to the former royal family and the centre of Laos’ culture, Luang Prabang is a beautiful, fascinating town. Here are some of the best things to do here.</strong></em></p>
<h6 style="text-align: right;">Brought to you by <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=29340X870985&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.insideasiatours.com%2Fau%2Flaos%2Ftailormade-trips%2Flbr001%2Flaos-rail%3F59989225-Mrs%2520and%2520Mr%2520Romance&amp;sref=rss" target="_blank" rel="noopener">InsideAsia Tours</a></h6>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38828" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-in-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-02-title.jpg" alt="What to do in Luang Prabang, Laos " width="1000" height="1333" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-in-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-02-title.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-in-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-02-title-300x400.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-in-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-02-title-700x933.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-in-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-02-title-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-in-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-02-title-600x800.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-in-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-02-title-435x580.jpg 435w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<h6 style="text-align: center;"><em>Sign up to <a href= "https://eepurl.com/s1X2T" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">our free newsletter here</a> for more travel inspiration. You also get your own copy of our travel ebook — it&#8217;s on us!</em></h6>
<p><strong>Straight from the <a href="https://mrandmrsromance.com/laos-train-ride" target="_blank" rel="noopener">55-minute high-speed train ride</a> from Vang Vieng (a journey that would normally take upwards of five hours by road), we dive into a walking tour of the town.</strong></p>
<p>Our guide here, AK, used to be a monk in Luang Prabang and takes us round several of his favourite temples, telling us exactly what we’re looking at.</p>
<p>But AK’s extensive knowledge isn’t limited to just temples. He’s done everything, from rescuing Asiatic black bears to running market stalls to working for the government.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38829" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-in-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-03-around-LP.jpg" alt="What to do in Luang Prabang, Laos - mix of 1930s French colonial architecture from Indochina and classic Lao buildings" width="1000" height="1333" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-in-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-03-around-LP.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-in-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-03-around-LP-300x400.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-in-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-03-around-LP-700x933.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-in-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-03-around-LP-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-in-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-03-around-LP-600x800.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-in-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-03-around-LP-435x580.jpg 435w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<p>So from the moment AK picks us up from the train station, we can’t help but soak up the culture here in Luang Prabang.</p>
<hr />
<p><em>We’ve travelled to Laos with InsideAsia Tours on their <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=29340X870985&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.insideasiatours.com%2Fau%2Flaos%2Ftailormade-trips%2Flbr001%2Flaos-rail%3F59989225-Mrs%2520and%2520Mr%2520Romance&amp;sref=rss" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Laos by Rail itinerary, which you can book here.</a></em></p>
<p><em>You can read <a href="https://mrandmrsromance.com/laos-by-rail" target="_blank" rel="noopener">our overview of the trip here</a> but if you want more detail on each of the places we’ve been to in Laos, <a href="https://mrandmrsromance.com/tag/laos-destinations" target="_blank" rel="noopener">click here</a>.</em></p>
<hr />
<h2>Things to Do in Luang Prabang</h2>
<p>This story is all about the things you should do in town in Luang Prabang. <a href="https://mrandmrsromance.com/outside-luang-prabang" target="_blank" rel="noopener">There are also lots of things to do out of town in the countryside, which you can find here.</a></p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38830" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-in-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-04-temple.jpg" alt="What to do in Luang Prabang, Laos - Buddhist temple with monk" width="1000" height="1333" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-in-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-04-temple.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-in-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-04-temple-300x400.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-in-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-04-temple-700x933.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-in-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-04-temple-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-in-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-04-temple-600x800.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-in-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-04-temple-435x580.jpg 435w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<h3>Temples</h3>
<p>Monks in Luang Prabang are tasked with maintaining the temples using traditional methods. This is not only a self-regulating process, but one decreed by UNESCO. It’s not uncommon to see young monks doing restorative work to temples here.</p>
<p>Vat Xieng Thong is a beautiful temple at the end of the town’s peninsula. It’s Loas’ most historic temple, built in 1559.</p>
<p>Vat Sene Souk Haram is just up the road from Vat Xieng Thong and also has monks’ living quarters here. Though not quite as old as Xieng Thong, it’s still been here for over 300 years.</p>
<p>Vat Xieng Muan is a small, quiet temple but is right next to the Huan Chan Heritage House (see below) so is an easy temple to add to your list as you’re wandering around town.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38831" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-in-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-05-temple-collage.jpg" alt="What to do in Luang Prabang, Laos - collage of Buddhist temples" width="1000" height="434" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-in-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-05-temple-collage.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-in-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-05-temple-collage-300x130.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-in-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-05-temple-collage-700x304.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-in-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-05-temple-collage-768x333.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-in-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-05-temple-collage-600x260.jpg 600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<p>There are so many temples squeezed into this charming town, it’s hard not to find yourself stumbling into one. In fact, as they have many exits and entrances into the temple complex, navigating through them using what we like to call ‘Wat Way’ is a neat shortcut!</p>
<h3>Museums</h3>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38832" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-in-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-06-Arts-Ethnography-Cetnre.jpg" alt="What to do in Luang Prabang, Laos - Christina at a display at the Arts and Ethnography Centre" width="1000" height="1333" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-in-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-06-Arts-Ethnography-Cetnre.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-in-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-06-Arts-Ethnography-Cetnre-300x400.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-in-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-06-Arts-Ethnography-Cetnre-700x933.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-in-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-06-Arts-Ethnography-Cetnre-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-in-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-06-Arts-Ethnography-Cetnre-600x800.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-in-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-06-Arts-Ethnography-Cetnre-435x580.jpg 435w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<p>The <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=29340X870985&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.taeclaos.org%2F&amp;sref=rss" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Traditional Arts &amp; Ethnology Centre</a> is an excellent museum that teaches you about the multitudes of cultures and ethnic groups in Laos. This is important for any visitor who wants to understand this fascinating country better.</p>
<p>It also highlights how ethnic groups’ fabric and decorative designs have been misappropriated by things like top-end fashion houses without any credit, permission or consultation.</p>
<p>The former Royal Palace now <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=29340X870985&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tourismluangprabang.org%2Fthings-to-do%2Fculture-history%2Fnational-museum%2F&amp;sref=rss" target="_blank" rel="noopener">National Museum</a> was built during French occupation in 1904. It’s a fascinating insight into Laos before the overthrow of the monarchy in 1975 and there are many artefacts here from those times.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38833" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-in-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-07-long-boats.jpg" alt="What to do in Luang Prabang, Laos - gold painted naga on long boats at the Royal Palace" width="1000" height="1333" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-in-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-07-long-boats.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-in-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-07-long-boats-300x400.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-in-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-07-long-boats-700x933.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-in-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-07-long-boats-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-in-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-07-long-boats-600x800.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-in-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-07-long-boats-435x580.jpg 435w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<p>The historical <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=29340X870985&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.heritageluangprabang.com%2F&amp;sref=rss" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Huan Chuan House</a> is a Laos home built in the traditional style and is now a cultural museum. It has lots of objects that Lao people have used through the centuries and its layout gives you an idea of what life here would have been like.</p>
<h3>Cultural Experiences</h3>
<p><strong>Tiao Nath’s house and Baci ceremony</strong></p>
<p>Tiao Nithakhong Somsanith is a renowned artist and descendent of the former royal family. He rarely allows people into his house, which doubles as his art studio.</p>
<p>From commissions from local temples to sculptures in the Smithsonian in Chicago, Tiao Nith is a remarkable person and his house is a grotto of creation.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38834" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-in-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-08-Tiao-Nith-house.jpg" alt="What to do in Luang Prabang, Laos - inside Tiao Nith's house" width="1000" height="1333" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-in-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-08-Tiao-Nith-house.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-in-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-08-Tiao-Nith-house-300x400.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-in-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-08-Tiao-Nith-house-700x933.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-in-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-08-Tiao-Nith-house-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-in-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-08-Tiao-Nith-house-600x800.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-in-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-08-Tiao-Nith-house-435x580.jpg 435w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38835" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-in-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-09-Baci-Ceremony.jpg" alt="What to do in Luang Prabang, Laos - Baci ceremony at Tiao Nith's house with Buddhist master" width="1000" height="1333" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-in-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-09-Baci-Ceremony.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-in-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-09-Baci-Ceremony-300x400.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-in-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-09-Baci-Ceremony-700x933.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-in-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-09-Baci-Ceremony-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-in-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-09-Baci-Ceremony-600x800.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-in-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-09-Baci-Ceremony-435x580.jpg 435w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<p>While you’re here, you can also have a Baci ceremony with a Buddhist master. This celebration of the spirit pre-dates Buddhism and conducted in Sanskrit, it’s still common in Lao culture.</p>
<p><strong>Markets</strong></p>
<p>Luang Prabang’s night markets are awesome. They take over most of Sisavangvong Road &#8211; the main street that runs through the middle of the peninsula, starting at the Good Night Market open-air food court.</p>
<p>You can find all kinds of interesting things here, from clothes to woodcraft to jewellery. There are also food stalls here and in other adjoining streets. Highly recommended.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38836" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-in-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-10-night-markets.jpg" alt="What to do in Luang Prabang, Laos - night markets in the middle of the city" width="1000" height="1333" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-in-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-10-night-markets.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-in-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-10-night-markets-300x400.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-in-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-10-night-markets-700x933.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-in-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-10-night-markets-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-in-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-10-night-markets-600x800.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-in-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-10-night-markets-435x580.jpg 435w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<h3>Sunset cruise on the Mekong</h3>
<p>Winding its 4,350km way from the Tibetan Plateau, through six countries, the Mekong is the longest river in Southeast Asia. Our sunset cruise on this mighty river is incredible. It’s just us, the pilot and our excellent IAT guide, AK on a traditional Lao riverboat.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38837" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-in-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-11-sunset-cruise.jpg" alt="What to do in Luang Prabang, Laos - sunset cruise on the Mekong River with a bottle of wine and local snacks" width="1000" height="1333" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-in-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-11-sunset-cruise.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-in-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-11-sunset-cruise-300x400.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-in-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-11-sunset-cruise-700x933.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-in-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-11-sunset-cruise-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-in-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-11-sunset-cruise-600x800.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-in-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-11-sunset-cruise-435x580.jpg 435w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38838" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-in-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-12-sunset-cruise-Jim-Christina.jpg" alt="What to do in Luang Prabang, Laos - Jim and Christina at the front of a heritage canal boat on a sunset cruise on the Mekong River" width="1000" height="1333" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-in-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-12-sunset-cruise-Jim-Christina.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-in-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-12-sunset-cruise-Jim-Christina-300x400.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-in-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-12-sunset-cruise-Jim-Christina-700x933.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-in-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-12-sunset-cruise-Jim-Christina-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-in-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-12-sunset-cruise-Jim-Christina-600x800.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-in-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-12-sunset-cruise-Jim-Christina-435x580.jpg 435w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<p>While we motor along, AK plates up some delicious local canapés and opens a surprisingly good bottle of wine (with Thailand just next door, we’re not expecting a fine Valpolicella from Venezia). The views are stupendous, with the sun setting in a glorious golden bath in the sky, turning the water to filigree.</p>
<p>Our 90-minute cruise ends all to soon and we disembark on the riverbank an easy walk to the centre of town and its night markets, now in full flow.</p>
<h3>Monks’ Morning Quest for Alms</h3>
<p>Known as ‘sai bat’, the giving of alms to monks at dawn is a daily ceremony around Lao. You’ll find the streets nearby bigger temples lined with plastic chairs.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38839" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-in-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-13-monks-collecting-alms.jpg" alt="What to do in Luang Prabang, Laos - Buddhist monks collecting alms at dawn" width="1000" height="1334" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-in-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-13-monks-collecting-alms.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-in-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-13-monks-collecting-alms-300x400.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-in-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-13-monks-collecting-alms-700x934.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-in-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-13-monks-collecting-alms-768x1025.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-in-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-13-monks-collecting-alms-600x800.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-in-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-13-monks-collecting-alms-435x580.jpg 435w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<p>Locals sell sticky rice between 20,000 and 50,000 kip (AU$1.50-$3.60) that you can hand to the monks as their procession goes by.</p>
<p>This is a very important cultural ceremony but also a fascinating spectacle. It’s important to obey the rules of conduct if you’re only there to watch.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38840" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-in-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-14-coffee-in-laos.jpg" alt="What to do in Luang Prabang, Laos - little cafe in the city" width="1000" height="1333" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-in-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-14-coffee-in-laos.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-in-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-14-coffee-in-laos-300x400.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-in-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-14-coffee-in-laos-700x933.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-in-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-14-coffee-in-laos-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-in-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-14-coffee-in-laos-600x800.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-in-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-14-coffee-in-laos-435x580.jpg 435w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<h3>Finding Coffee</h3>
<p>The coffee in Lao is arguably the best in Southeast Asia. They grow their own beans here and have perfected the roasting process. You’ll find good filter drip coffee here, but also great espresso too.</p>
<p>This is not exclusive to cafes and restaurants.</p>
<p>A guy with a stall set up on the street outside his shop had a unique system of making superb espresso unlike anything we’ve seen before. After an intricate three-stage tamping process, the guy poured boiling water into a machine connected to a compressor, which he could set to different pressures.</p>
<p>The result was smooth, rich and invigorating — especially for just 20,000 kip a cup.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38841" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-in-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-15-Jim-Christina-making-paper.jpg" alt="What to do in Luang Prabang, Laos - Jim and Christina making traditional mulberry paper" width="1000" height="1341" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-in-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-15-Jim-Christina-making-paper.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-in-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-15-Jim-Christina-making-paper-300x402.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-in-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-15-Jim-Christina-making-paper-700x939.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-in-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-15-Jim-Christina-making-paper-768x1030.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-in-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-15-Jim-Christina-making-paper-600x805.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-in-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-15-Jim-Christina-making-paper-433x580.jpg 433w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://mrandmrsromance.com/inside-luang-prabang/">Best Things To Do In Luang Prabang — Laos’ Old Capital</a> appeared first on <a href="https://mrandmrsromance.com">Mr and Mrs Romance</a>.</p>
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		<title>Top Things To Do Beyond Luang Prabang</title>
		<link>https://mrandmrsromance.com/outside-luang-prabang/</link>
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		<pubDate>Sun, 15 Jun 2025 21:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Asia]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Laos destinations]]></category>
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					<description><![CDATA[<p>Luang Prabang in northern Laos, surrounded by mountains, rivers and beautiful pastures, is full of incredible things to do. Here are some of our...</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://mrandmrsromance.com/outside-luang-prabang/">Top Things To Do Beyond Luang Prabang</a> appeared first on <a href="https://mrandmrsromance.com">Mr and Mrs Romance</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><em><strong>Luang Prabang in northern Laos, surrounded by mountains, rivers and beautiful pastures, is full of incredible things to do. Here are some of our favourites.</strong></em></p>
<h6 style="text-align: right;">Brought to you by <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=29340X870985&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.insideasiatours.com%2Fau%2Flaos%2Ftailormade-trips%2Flbr001%2Flaos-rail%3F59989225-Mrs%2520and%2520Mr%2520Romance&amp;sref=rss" target="_blank" rel="noopener">InsideAsia Tours</a></h6>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38845" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-02-title.jpg" alt="What to do beyond Luang Prabang, Laos" width="1000" height="1333" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-02-title.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-02-title-300x400.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-02-title-700x933.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-02-title-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-02-title-600x800.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-02-title-435x580.jpg 435w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<h6 style="text-align: center;"><em>Sign up to <a href= "https://eepurl.com/s1X2T" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">our free newsletter here</a> for more travel inspiration. You also get your own copy of our travel ebook — it&#8217;s on us!</em></h6>
<p><strong>This was our first time to Luang Prabang — our first time to Laos. And even though we did and experienced a lot, it feels like there’s so much more to see here.</strong></p>
<p>We loved the town with its easy-going pace of life, its fascinating heritage and its riverside location. For more on all the things to see and do here in the cultural capital of Laos, <a href="https://mrandmrsromance.com/inside-luang-prabang" target="_blank" rel="noopener">click here</a>.</p>
<p>But this story isn’t about what you can do in Luang Prabang, it’s what the beautiful countryside has to offer.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38846" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-03-Christina-at-MandaLao-Elephants.jpg" alt="What to do beyond Luang Prabang, Laos - Christina at MandaLao Elephant Conservation" width="1000" height="1333" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-03-Christina-at-MandaLao-Elephants.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-03-Christina-at-MandaLao-Elephants-300x400.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-03-Christina-at-MandaLao-Elephants-700x933.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-03-Christina-at-MandaLao-Elephants-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-03-Christina-at-MandaLao-Elephants-600x800.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-03-Christina-at-MandaLao-Elephants-435x580.jpg 435w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<p><em>This is part of the <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=29340X870985&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.insideasiatours.com%2Fau%2Flaos%2Ftailormade-trips%2Flbr001%2Flaos-rail%3F59989225-Mrs%2520and%2520Mr%2520Romance&amp;sref=rss" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Laos by Rail itinerary with InsideAsia Tours</a>. This itinerary takes us through three incredible parts of Laos (which we’ve written about <a href="https://mrandmrsromance.com/laos-by-rail" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>), riding on Laos&#8217; new high-speed rail line, which <a href="https://mrandmrsromance.com/laos-train-ride" target="_blank" rel="noopener">we&#8217;ve reviewed here</a>.</em></p>
<p><em>You can also find <a href="https://mrandmrsromance.com/tag/laos-destinations" target="_blank" rel="noopener">more detailed stories on each of our destinations in Laos here</a>.</em></p>
<h2>What To Do In The Countryside Of Luang Prabang, Laos</h2>
<p>Most of these things are pretty popular with tourists coming to Luang Prabang. The difference is, having <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=29340X870985&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.insideasiatours.com%2Fau&amp;sref=rss" target="_blank" rel="noopener">InsideAsia Tours</a> organise things means your guide and the timing of the activities are on top of everything.</p>
<p>Exclusive entry, the best tables, not to mention insights from a local who’s also an experienced travel guide.</p>
<p><a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=29340X870985&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fmrsandmrsromance.com%2Flaos-by-rail&amp;sref=rss" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Check out the rest of our itinerary around Laos here.</a></p>
<h3>Living Land Farm Experience</h3>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38847" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-04-Living-Land-Farm.jpg" alt="What to do beyond Luang Prabang, Laos - Living Land Farm rice paddy" width="1000" height="1333" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-04-Living-Land-Farm.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-04-Living-Land-Farm-300x400.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-04-Living-Land-Farm-700x933.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-04-Living-Land-Farm-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-04-Living-Land-Farm-600x800.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-04-Living-Land-Farm-435x580.jpg 435w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<p>Not far out of town, the <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=29340X870985&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Flivinglandlao.org%2F&amp;sref=rss" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Living Land Farm Experience</a> takes you through the complex and labour-intensive processes involved with growing, harvesting and processing rice.</p>
<p>This is a hands-on experience, so expect to get muddy! There are several separate practice paddies at different stages of the rice-growling cycle so you get a full understanding of (and appreciation for) where the rice on your plate has come from.</p>
<p>Our guide Johnny first shows us how to plant seeds in the water-filled rice paddy, gently sprinkling them onto mud mounds. Next is harvesting seedlings.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38848" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-05-Jim-buffalo-Living-Land-Farm.jpg" alt="What to do beyond Luang Prabang, Laos - Jim driving water buffalo at Living Land Farm rice paddy" width="1000" height="1333" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-05-Jim-buffalo-Living-Land-Farm.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-05-Jim-buffalo-Living-Land-Farm-300x400.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-05-Jim-buffalo-Living-Land-Farm-700x933.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-05-Jim-buffalo-Living-Land-Farm-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-05-Jim-buffalo-Living-Land-Farm-600x800.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-05-Jim-buffalo-Living-Land-Farm-435x580.jpg 435w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<p>We move to an untilled paddy field, where a water buffalo yoked to a hand plough joins us. We take it in turns to ‘drive’ the buffalo, shouting ‘hoy hoy’ to make it go and, more importantly, ‘yood yood’ to make it stop.</p>
<p>After that, we plant seedlings and cut fully grown sheafs with a sickle. Inside the homestead, we thresh the sheafs, mill the rice and many other processes. It’s a fun way to learn about Lao culture, but we’ll also never take a bowl of rice for granted again.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38849" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-06-Kuang-Si-Waterfalls.jpg" alt="What to do beyond Luang Prabang, Laos - Kuang Si waterfall" width="1000" height="1332" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-06-Kuang-Si-Waterfalls.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-06-Kuang-Si-Waterfalls-300x400.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-06-Kuang-Si-Waterfalls-700x932.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-06-Kuang-Si-Waterfalls-768x1023.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-06-Kuang-Si-Waterfalls-600x799.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-06-Kuang-Si-Waterfalls-435x580.jpg 435w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<h3>Kuang Si Waterfall</h3>
<p>These beautiful falls, about 30km from Luang Prabang, are one of the most popular attractions of the area.</p>
<p>To get to these stunning cascades, which fall 60m down the limestone cliffs into the blue pools below, you have to take the electric cart up the hill to the entrance. This is part of your ticket.</p>
<p>You’ll also find the <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=29340X870985&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Ffreethebears.org%2Fpages%2Flaos-sanctuaries&amp;sref=rss" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Asiatic Black Bear Sanctuary</a> here. Rescued from poachers as cubs, these bears cannot be released into the wild and so live happily in the specially built sanctuary.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38850" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-07-Carpe-Diem-Kuang-Si-Waterfalls.jpg" alt="What to do beyond Luang Prabang, Laos - Carpe Diem Restaurant at Kuang Si Waterfall" width="1000" height="666" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-07-Carpe-Diem-Kuang-Si-Waterfalls.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-07-Carpe-Diem-Kuang-Si-Waterfalls-300x200.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-07-Carpe-Diem-Kuang-Si-Waterfalls-700x466.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-07-Carpe-Diem-Kuang-Si-Waterfalls-768x511.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-07-Carpe-Diem-Kuang-Si-Waterfalls-600x400.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-07-Carpe-Diem-Kuang-Si-Waterfalls-296x197.jpg 296w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-07-Carpe-Diem-Kuang-Si-Waterfalls-871x580.jpg 871w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<p>There is also a restaurant — Carpe Diem — near waterfall that’s very much worth stopping at. Positioned over the tumbling stream as it continues down its course after the main waterfall, it adds a unique and beautiful aspect to a tasty lunch here.</p>
<h3>Laos Buffalo Dairy</h3>
<p>Also in the area, we visit the <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=29340X870985&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.laosbuffalodairy.com%2F&amp;sref=rss" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Water Buffalo Dairy Farm</a>. This social enterprise is the brainchild of two women — Susie Martin from Sydney and Rachel O’Shea from New York State.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38851" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-08-Buffalo-Dairy-Farm.jpg" alt="What to do beyond Luang Prabang, Laos - Christina &amp; Jim at Buffalo Dairy Farm" width="1000" height="1333" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-08-Buffalo-Dairy-Farm.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-08-Buffalo-Dairy-Farm-300x400.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-08-Buffalo-Dairy-Farm-700x933.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-08-Buffalo-Dairy-Farm-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-08-Buffalo-Dairy-Farm-600x800.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-08-Buffalo-Dairy-Farm-435x580.jpg 435w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<p>Essentially, this ingenious endeavour ‘rents’ buffalo from locals in a form of agistment, milking them for various dairy products.</p>
<p>Deeper than this though, when the buffalo go back to the local families, they’re healthy and vaccinated, and they get a new, healthy calf as well. Locals also learn about best practice for animal care, which many have never had before.</p>
<p>Visiting this farm, we see how the buffalo are cared for, but we also learn how to hand-milk one of them. It’s a disturbing yet oddly satisfying process. We also get to wash and feed some of them, and we discover how affectionate and gentle they are, in spite of their intimidating horns.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38852" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-09-rabbits-at-Buffalo-Dairy-Farm.jpg" alt="What to do beyond Luang Prabang, Laos - rabbits at Buffalo Dairy Farm" width="1000" height="1333" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-09-rabbits-at-Buffalo-Dairy-Farm.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-09-rabbits-at-Buffalo-Dairy-Farm-300x400.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-09-rabbits-at-Buffalo-Dairy-Farm-700x933.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-09-rabbits-at-Buffalo-Dairy-Farm-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-09-rabbits-at-Buffalo-Dairy-Farm-600x800.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-09-rabbits-at-Buffalo-Dairy-Farm-435x580.jpg 435w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38853" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-10-food-at-Buffalo-Dairy-Farm.jpg" alt="What to do beyond Luang Prabang, Laos - food at Buffalo Dairy Farm" width="1000" height="662" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-10-food-at-Buffalo-Dairy-Farm.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-10-food-at-Buffalo-Dairy-Farm-300x199.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-10-food-at-Buffalo-Dairy-Farm-700x463.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-10-food-at-Buffalo-Dairy-Farm-768x508.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-10-food-at-Buffalo-Dairy-Farm-296x197.jpg 296w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-10-food-at-Buffalo-Dairy-Farm-600x397.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-10-food-at-Buffalo-Dairy-Farm-876x580.jpg 876w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<p>We bottle feed some young buffalo and then check out the piglets the farm is raising as well as the rabbits and their kits.</p>
<p>Later, we get to taste the products from the diary. Brilliantly crafted in house, the different types of cheese &#8211; mozzarella, blue, curds, ricotta and marinated feta — as well as the ice cream (black sesame is wonderful) and the indulgently rich cheesecake.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38854" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-11-elephant-at-MandaLao-Elephants.jpg" alt="What to do beyond Luang Prabang, Laos - MandaLao Elephant" width="1000" height="1333" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-11-elephant-at-MandaLao-Elephants.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-11-elephant-at-MandaLao-Elephants-300x400.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-11-elephant-at-MandaLao-Elephants-700x933.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-11-elephant-at-MandaLao-Elephants-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-11-elephant-at-MandaLao-Elephants-600x800.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-11-elephant-at-MandaLao-Elephants-435x580.jpg 435w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<h3>MandaLao Elephant Conservation</h3>
<p>The only no-ride, no-wash elephant sanctuary in Laos and one of the few in Southeast Asia, <a href="http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=29340X870985&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fmandalao.org%2F&amp;sref=rss" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MandaLao Elephant Conservation</a> is an incredible project that holds the needs and welfare of these Asian elephants as their ultimate priority.</p>
<p>Many of the elephants here — MandaLao currently has 12 (11 cows and one bull) — have been rescued.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38855" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-12-Christina-at-MandaLao-Elephants.jpg" alt="What to do beyond Luang Prabang, Laos - Christina at water's edge at MandaLao Elephant Conservation" width="1000" height="1333" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-12-Christina-at-MandaLao-Elephants.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-12-Christina-at-MandaLao-Elephants-300x400.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-12-Christina-at-MandaLao-Elephants-700x933.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-12-Christina-at-MandaLao-Elephants-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-12-Christina-at-MandaLao-Elephants-600x800.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-12-Christina-at-MandaLao-Elephants-435x580.jpg 435w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38856" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-13-Prasop-Tipprasert-MandaLao.jpg" alt="What to do beyond Luang Prabang, Laos - Prasop Tipprasert at MandaLao Elephant Conservation" width="1000" height="1333" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-13-Prasop-Tipprasert-MandaLao.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-13-Prasop-Tipprasert-MandaLao-300x400.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-13-Prasop-Tipprasert-MandaLao-700x933.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-13-Prasop-Tipprasert-MandaLao-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-13-Prasop-Tipprasert-MandaLao-600x800.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-13-Prasop-Tipprasert-MandaLao-435x580.jpg 435w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<p>Upon arrival, we chat with the impressive Prasop Tipprasert, a Thai man who has worked with elephants for many decades and is the project manager here at MandaLao. Then we climb aboard a longtail boat and pop across the river.</p>
<p>Waiting for us are two beautiful elephants ready for a feed.</p>
<p>We hand-feed them bananas, which is the only direct contact that visitors are allowed. Even their mahouts — their handlers — are supposed to touch them occasionally, and there are no hooks or hammers used here, an ugly feature in many elephant centres.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38857" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-14-MandaLao-Elephants.jpg" alt="What to do beyond Luang Prabang, Laos - beautiful Asian elephant at MandaLao Elephant Conservation" width="1000" height="1333" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-14-MandaLao-Elephants.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-14-MandaLao-Elephants-300x400.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-14-MandaLao-Elephants-700x933.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-14-MandaLao-Elephants-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-14-MandaLao-Elephants-600x800.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-14-MandaLao-Elephants-435x580.jpg 435w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38858" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-15-Jim-Christina-MandaLao-Elephants.jpg" alt="What to do beyond Luang Prabang, Laos - Jim &amp; Christina at MandaLao Elephant Conservation" width="1000" height="1333" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-15-Jim-Christina-MandaLao-Elephants.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-15-Jim-Christina-MandaLao-Elephants-300x400.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-15-Jim-Christina-MandaLao-Elephants-700x933.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-15-Jim-Christina-MandaLao-Elephants-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-15-Jim-Christina-MandaLao-Elephants-600x800.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-15-Jim-Christina-MandaLao-Elephants-435x580.jpg 435w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<p>From there, we hike into the woodland of the sanctuary, where the elephants are free to roam and enjoy natural behaviours like eating (they eat around 18 hours a day and some 300kg of food per elephant), scratching and going down to the river to drink and bathe.</p>
<p>It’s wonderful to watch these giants in as close to their natural environment as possible. To see them happy, to see them thrive.</p>
<p>There are two types of trip you can do here: a half day, which is what we did, or a full day. Full-day participant numbers are limited to four people and each group will not exceed eight people.</p>
<p>This is an amazing place. If you want to see Asian elephants, it doesn’t get much better than this.</p>
<p><em><a href="https://mrandmrsromance.com/elephant-sanctuary-thailand/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">For more information on how to spot an ethical elephant sanctuary in Thailand, click here.</a></em></p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38844" src="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-01-feature.jpg" alt="What to do beyond Luang Prabang, Laos " width="1000" height="750" srcset="https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-01-feature.jpg 1000w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-01-feature-300x225.jpg 300w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-01-feature-700x525.jpg 700w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-01-feature-768x576.jpg 768w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-01-feature-600x450.jpg 600w, https://mrandmrsromance.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-to-do-beyond-Luang-Prabang-Laos-Mr-Mrs-Romance-01-feature-773x580.jpg 773w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://mrandmrsromance.com/outside-luang-prabang/">Top Things To Do Beyond Luang Prabang</a> appeared first on <a href="https://mrandmrsromance.com">Mr and Mrs Romance</a>.</p>
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