24 Hours In Laos – What To Do In Luang Prabang
Where? Luang Prabang, Laos
Exactly? Avani Hotel Luang Prabang
When? Sept 2019
Why? For the second leg of my trip Asian adventure with Avani Hotels we flew from Cambodia to Luang Prabang in Laos. We enjoyed a relaxing couple of nights there visiting the local sights and exploring nature. Keep scrolling to see where I stayed and my mini guide on ‘what to do in Luang Prabang’.
The Avani Luang Prabang
Situated right in the heart of Luang Prabang, The Avani hotel is in the perfect location for a trip to this vibrant Unesco world heritage city.
Originally the site of the French military officers quarters during colonial times, the hotel has undergone a huge refurbishment and is now a beautiful, serene double story property with a central swimming pool and courtyard. All rooms have balconies which face into the stunning pool area, pictured above.
Most of the local landmarks such as the night market, city palace and temple are within walking distance. But the hotel buggies are just as happy to drop you off if you’re feeling lazy.
The Rooms
The large, light, spacious rooms with wooden floors and furniture are decorated with a chic, natural colour palette. Balconies run along the exteriors and the rooms have a calming spa like quality and a real feeling of zen. They have perfect Feng Shui, which makes them feel like your own private haven. And of course the double sinks, rain showers and coffee machines add to the luxury feel.
A soft neutral colour palette runs through out the hotel interiors, which are mix of modern meets colonial style.
Food and Drink
Main Street Restaurant is one of the best restaurants in Luang Prabang and happens to be the hotels restaurant too, which is very handy. Enjoy a feast of Asian fusion delights and of course classic Laos dishes too. Some of the curries are quite spicy, I love the heat but even I needed a glass of water on stand by. They will cater for less spicy palettes too on request.
The breakfast is also delicious. With a huge range of healthy fresh fruit, cereal options and yummy a la carte dishes like the eggs Benedict or Asian congee and noodle dishes!
I love the basket and wicker accessories which the food is served in.
The Spa
The hotel spa is a beautiful serene haven with chic, minimal treatments rooms which you access through the balcony and veranda that faces out onto the pool area. The treatments themselves are sublime, I opted for my usual favourite, the signature massage and was really impressed. So much so I actually fell asleep half way through. They must have been doing something right.
5 things to do in Luang Prabang
Boat trip on the Mekong River (pictured above)
The Avani hotel boat provides the perfect vessel from which to float down the Mekong River in languid luxurious style. It’s an idyllic way to watch the sunset, sipping cocktails along the lazy river, listening to jazz and enjoying the lush green, hillside views.
Alms giving to Buddhist monks
This is one of the loveliest spiritual experiences you can engage in when in Laos and it happens right outside the hotel every morning at 5.30am. The hotel provides you with rice to give to all the Buddhist monks from the area who perform the morning walk and ritual. It’s an early start but well worth it, you can always go back to bed afterwards like we did.
We were asked to dress respectfully and were given a silk sash to wear before handing out the alms.
Eat at the Manda de Laos Restaurant
Surrounding a huge spectacular lily pond filled with huge gold fish and lush tropical gardens the French colonial style restaurant has a real 1930’s opium den vibe. Regal oriental parasols hang over the rattan furniture and beautiful vintage lighting creates a stunning atmosphere. It well worth a visit for lunch or dinner. (pictured above)
Kuang Si Waterfall
Take a half day trip to the famous Laos waterfalls and remember to take your swimsuit if you can brave the gushing waters. Don’t just stop at the entrance pools though, the top is short 15 minute hike and well worth the trek for the views.
Bonnie wears blue bikini by Mavele at the Kuang Si waterfalls.
Visit the Royal Palace and Temple
The royal palace and surrounding temples are steeped in cultural history and are absolutely stunning. Don’t bypass this perfect insta moment. (opening shot and pictured below).
Visit the Night Market
Situated nightly right outside the hotel the night market in Luang Prabang is a lovely experience. Unlike its Thai counterparts the Laos market is clean, super chilled out and has beautifully made handicrafts made by local artisans rather than cheap fake goods. It’s worth a stroll through.
That’s all from Laos for now. Thanks so much to Avani Hotels and Resorts for organising such an amazing press trip. Next stop London.
Bon voyage xx
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