GUIDE TO: HOW TO TRAVEL TO LAOS FROM THAILAND?

GUIDE TO: HOW TO TRAVEL TO LAOS FROM THAILAND?

By sdvthuongmai   9:55 PM   No comments:

 Traveling between Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos is pretty common among seasoned travelers. But for those who’ve just the beginners of of this new long journey, preparation is necessary. And one important part of the preparation phase is consider: how to travel between these countries? If you get to Thailand first, the more detail question is: ‘how to travel from Thailand to Laos?’. So here we are, guide to: How to travel to Laos from Thailand?

But before we go into the details, let’s take a short look at how Laos Visa works? Or Laos Visa on arrival in particular.

Visa on Arrival Laos

Just like in our ‘guide to: how to obtain Visa to Laos?’, mostly we come to Laos with Visa on arrival. Thanksfully, getting Visa to Laos is quite easy. Places to get Visa on arrival are: international border crossings, Luang Prabang and Vientiane’s International Airports, and Friendship Bridge between Vientiane, Laos and Nong Khai, Thailand.

Visa on arrival to Laos has validity within 30 days, other countries can have different allowed times. To get the Visa, people have to pay fee. However with countries on Visa exemption list, Visa won’t be necessary (so if you have Thailand passport then… hurray!).

The Visa on arrival process is pretty quick so there is not much to worry about. But for more details on Visa on arrival to Laos, take a look at Guide to: How to Obtain Visa to Laos?

With that done, let’s get on with our main topic!

Travel via Air

It is quite curious that there are two ways to travel to Laos from Thailand with airplanes. The first way is conventional way: from Bangkok International Airport to Vientiene, Luang Prabang, or Pakse. As always, the air trip is convenient, fast, and pleasant in exchange for the high price around 205 $USD.

This price can be unnerving. But if you still want to take flight to Laos from Thailand then we still have a second way: Flying from Bangkok to Udon Thani, then cross the Friendship Bridge. There are many flights from Bangkok to Udon Thani. You can book one-ticket with the total cost of 35 $USD, including taxes and luggage. As you arrive at Udon Thani Airport, you can take a bus to Vientiene with about 3 $USD. Vientiene is approximately 17 kilometers away from Friendship Bridge, so it only takes 40-minute bus ride.

Travel via Train

With the international railway from Bangkok to Vientiene opened since 2009, it has become more convenient to travel to Laos from Thailand via train.

The over-night train ride will take you about 12 hours, start from 8:30 PM to the next morning. From Hualamphong Railway Station, we will stop at Nong Khai Train Station in the next morning. From here, we just need to travel via shuttle train to Thanaleng Train Station in Laos for 15 minutes. Finally, we catch a van to Vientiene which takes about 30 minutes.

For those who wonders about train classes, here we have: 1st Class Sleeper (38 $USD), 2nd Class Sleeper with air-conditioner (23$ USD), 2nd Class Sleeper with fan (16$ USD). You can choose from upper bed or lower bed (though the price will differ). Of course there are common class with seats only, however, it is mostly recommended to book 1st or 2nd class. The entire trip from Nong Khai Train Station to Vientiene is cheap in total of 5 $USD (including van and shuttle train).

The train trip is quite pleasant. The train car is quite clean and nicely arranged, also each bed has curtain to ensure tourists’ privacy. The trail is not rough so you can have a decent sleep at night.

Travel via Bus

There are many border crossings between Thailand and Laos, however, mostly people choose to go via Friendship Bridge to Vientiene. That said, you can go to Laos via other locations like Chiang Khong (Northern Thailand) or Ubon Ratchanthani. Buses regularly travel between these parts so you can easily catch a bus to Laos.

The price range is often between 2 to 3 $USD. Depend on the weathers, the road can be rough or smooth but overall, your bus trip will not be that rough like in Laos.

* One note: Some visitors reported that sometimes there’s tuk-tuk scamming, which involves in claming that they can give you a fake visa for about 80 $USD. Though not sure how accurate or how things turn out recently.

Travel via Boat

Out of the four options, this one can be the best experience for those who prefer adventurous trip.

The trip starts from Chiang Khong, where travelers go to Laos from Thailand via Mekong River route to Luang Prabang. Commonly the trip will take about 2-3 days, in which people spend to time to visit town and other location like Pak Ou Cave. There are lots of transportation options for tourists, from common boats to luxurious cruises. Average cost for a boat is around 30 – 40 $USD, depends on boat’s quality. On the other hand, luxurious cruises can take quite the money, about 120 – 130 $USD.

While cruises are pretty good, it is not really that recommended to book a cruise ticket. Especially when you want to focus on travel to Laos from Thailand. Or, you just want to have decent boat trip experience, then cruises are not really that necessary. That said, feeling the atmosphere and sights of Mekong River from cruises is a fantastic experience.

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BEST PLACES FOR SHOPPING IN LUANG PRABANG

BEST PLACES FOR SHOPPING IN LUANG PRABANG

By sdvthuongmai   9:53 PM   No comments:

 Night Market

Luang Prabang’s night market is the place for visitors to Laos spend the quality night for shopping, eating at the small stalls or watching extensive collections of the national handicrafts. The night market is located right along the Sisavangvong Road, beginning from the Wat Mai Temple and ending at the town centre – Settathilat Road. Every night from 5 p.m the street is closed off to the heavy traffic and turned into a walking street for shopping. 

There are more than 300 different products in which most of them are hand-made by the vendors themselves. A wide range of products including textiles, ceramics, antiques, painting, shoes, clothes, bags, jewelry, quilts, coffee and tea and even rare spices are put on display in the market. In addition, the selling products here are also cheap with acceptable quality. 

Most of the vendors come from minor ethnic communities so when you shop here, you are not only buying for yourselves but you can also be proud that you are helping the traders to earn a living and get out of poverty. Food and drinks are always available. If you want to grab a bite at the night market, you can find a small stall selling noodle stuck away in a small lane or a street stall offering BBQ chicken with sticky rice and nearby are the cafes serving drinks and Beer Lao.

There are more than 300 different products in which most of them are hand-made by the vendors themselves. A wide range of products including textiles, ceramics, antiques, painting, shoes, clothes, bags, jewelry, quilts, coffee and tea and even rare spices are put on display in the market. In addition, the selling products here are also cheap with acceptable quality. 

Most of the vendors come from minor ethnic communities so when you shop here, you are not only buying for yourselves but you can also be proud that you are helping the traders to earn a living and get out of poverty. Food and drinks are always available. If you want to grab a bite at the night market, you can find a small stall selling noodle stuck away in a small lane or a street stall offering BBQ chicken with sticky rice and nearby are the cafes serving drinks and Beer Lao.

• Location: Sisavangvong Road, Luang Prabang, Laos.

• Opening hours: 5 p.m – 11 p.m (the road is often crowded after 8 p.m)

Morning Market

Morning market will be totally different from what you can see in the evening at night market. In the morning market, tourists will be driven off from the city’s lights, colorful paintings, antiques and souvenirs and indulge in the life of a real local. Morning market is not the place to shop for souvenirs for family and friends, rather than that, it is the place to buy ingredients for everyday meals which selling from rice, vegetables, fruits to fish and even frogs, grilled insects, anything which is the catch of the day.

You might need to note down that you should go early to see the bustle of the people and the diversity of products. And here, you can only use cash to pay.

• Location: Ban Pakham Road, Luang Prabang, Laos or Photisalath Road, south of Phou Vao Road

• Opening hours: 5:30 a.m – 4 p.m

Ock Pop Tok Living Crafts Centre

Ock Pop Tok means “The East meets the West” in English and it is a store which sales a lot of products relate to textiles such as bags and scarves. The products are hand-woven by the local women. Therefore, the Ock Pop Tok Living crafts centre help to promote fair trade and encourage the women of minor ethnic groups and Laotian women through their handicraft products and progression in their artistic skill.

• Location: Ban Vat Sene, Sakkarine Road, Luang Prabang, Laos.

• Opening hours: 8 a.m – 9 p.m

L’Etranger Books and Tea

The bookstore is situated right next to the Nam Khan River. This is a two-storied wooden bookstore comprise with a café. The books here are in a wide range of languages and subjects including arts, culture, travel, novels from Luang Prabang and South East Asia. The upper level, which is a café, offers beverages with a variety of fruit juice and tea with a simple setting. There is also a movie show in the evening around 7 p.m, hence, early come gets a more comfortable seat.

• Location: Phousi Road, Luang Prabang, Laos.

• Opening hours: 7 a.m – 10 p.m (Monday to Saturday), 10 a.m – 10 p.m (on Sunday)

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WAT SENE TEMPLE – RENOWNED ATTRACTION IN LUANG PRABANG

WAT SENE TEMPLE – RENOWNED ATTRACTION IN LUANG PRABANG

By sdvthuongmai   9:48 PM   No comments:

 Discovering the old town of Luang Prabang is considered one of the most interesting things to do in Laos. The city is an ancient town which is a cluster of about 33 Buddhist temples and many old structures. Thanks to its ancientness and historical values, the city has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Mentioning famous temples in Luang Prabang, Wat Sene is a prominence which is known as the oldest temple in the town, maintaining a lot of unique structures.

History of Wat Sene

Wat Sene Souk Haram, also called Wat Sen is a Buddhist temple located in the heart of the ancient town. It is famous for the name “Temple of a 100,000 treasures” and its ancientness. The Wat Sene Temple was constructed in 1718 under the mandate of King Kitsarath with 100,000 stones from the Mekong River. The name has been dubbed from then. Wat Sene was once restored in the year 1957 commemorating the Buddha’s birthday dating back to 2500 years ago. Now, the temple was named as one of the best places to visit in Luang Prabang.

Explore the oldest Wat Sene Temple in a Luang Prabang travel

Wat Sene was built up of a temple, a stupa, many koutis, a pirogue shelter, and a drum tower. This is the first monastery in the town whose vihan was covered with golden and red tiles, following the modern style of the Thai.

The façade and doors of the temple are heavily gilded and every detail of the walls and columns is covered with stenciled balusters. Wat Sene is truly a masterpiece of Buddhist architecture with the harmony of human-made structures and natural landscapes in a complex.

Together with Wat Xieng Thong, Pha That Luang, and Wat Sisaket, The renowned Wat Sene Souk Haram is truly a pride of Buddhists in the country, as well as a should-not-missed attraction in a Laos travel.

More information:

Location: in the central of Luang Prabang ancient town, Laos

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WAT SISAKET – HOME OF NEARLY 7000 BUDDHA STATUES

WAT SISAKET – HOME OF NEARLY 7000 BUDDHA STATUES

By sdvthuongmai   5:10 AM   No comments:

 Wat Sisaket is a sacred Buddhist temple located in the town of Vientiane. The temple is famous for its cloister walls housing nearly 7000 tiny Buddha images and hundreds of seated ones. Visiting the temple and discover its mysteries is truly one of the most worthwhile things to do in Laos.

The story of Wat Sisaket Temple

The temple Wat Sisaket, also called Vat Sisaket by the locals, was built in 1818 by the mandate of King Anouvong and totally completed in the year 1824. Thanks to its splendor, the temple has been the favorite place where the Lao Kings meet the aristocracy.

Being the only survivor after the invasion of the Siamese in 1828, Wat Sisaket has become the oldest temple that still remains the original structure to Sisaket. The temple is designed in the Thai style, although it was twice restored, the last in the year 1930.

The structure of Wat Sisaket

Wat Sisaket Temple blends the mixture of Thai and Laos traditional architecture. The main building, called the Ordination Hall, is covered by a 5-level roof which supported by long columns. All the levels of the roof are decorated with beautiful wooden carvings.

The local believed that this similarity to Thai temples was the reason why the Siamese decided not to raze the monument. There is a Board of Management in the Wat Sisaket Temple, people can access to the area but not allowed to take any picture.

Wat Sisaket features a complex building called the library, years ago was the place where guarded the manuscripts of palm leaves and Buddhist philosophical books. These documents were brought and hold in Bangkok, Thailand during the war.

The campus of Wat Sisaket Temple

Before stepping into the entrance gate of the temple, visitors will see a large garden with many benches to sit and shaded fruit trees. You will also see a lot of vendors selling coconut milk and street foods.

At the main entrance to Wat Sisaket, there is a vertical architecture called the Drum Tower. It is a Doghouse with 2 stories, in which the upper floor featuring an immense drum.

Nearly 7000 Buddha images in Wat Sisaket Temple

The most highlight of the Sisaket Temple would be the cluster of 6840 Buddha statues found in the courtyard galleries of the complex. These statues along with the murals represent different stages in the life of Buddha. Most the images are mounted in the cloister walls in different levels.

The Buddha images are mainly wooden carving, although some of them are constructed from bronze, silver, or ceramics.

More information:

Opening hours: daily from 08:00 – 12:00 and 13:00 – 16:00

Entrance fee: 0.5 USD (5000 Laotian Kip)

Location: Intersection of Lane Xang and Setthathirat Roads, Vientiane Downtown

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THE MOST FAMOUS VANG VIENG CAVES TO DISCOVER

THE MOST FAMOUS VANG VIENG CAVES TO DISCOVER

By sdvthuongmai   5:15 AM   No comments:

 For adventurers traveling in the town, its cave formations are truly one of not to be missed things to do in Vang Vieng. Caving adventure in Vang Vieng will offer chances to explore not only the mysterious world but also Buddhist temples, Lao artifacts, and beautiful natural landscapes.

The most famous Vang Vieng caves

Tham Phu Kham (in Blue Lagoon)

Tham Phu Kham is a large cave located in the area of the famous Blue Lagoon, where containing a sacred Buddhist temple inside. Boating over the turquoise water, travelers will reach the cave after a stiff climb. The main space is the location of a Thai bronze reclining Buddha image, and leads to a deeper galleries into the mountain. After discovered the cave, travelers can spend relaxing time at the beautiful lagoon or visit the SAE Lao charity just 300m from the cave.

Tham Chang Cave (Tham Jang)

After conquered hundreds of steps up the Pha Lao Mount, travelers will see the mystical Tham Chang. The grotto is considered one of the most important Vang Vieng Caves because it has been a refuge during the Chinese invasion in 19th century. Being one of the most famous caves in Vang Vieng, Tham Chang is not only a historical but also a miracle cave. Inside the grotto, there are a lot of beautiful stalactites and stalagmites, creating a lively paint of Lao history.

Tham Sang (Elephant Cave)

This is one of worth to see Vang Vieng caves where travelers will see the magic of Mother Nature. Tham Sang is a little grotto located just on the west bank of Nam Song River, around 6km north of Vang Vieng town. The Elephant Cave is given the name because of a stalactite inside the cave has the shape of a Lao elephant. There are also some small Buddha statues and a Buddha footprint in this cave.

Water Cave

Tubing the Blue Lagoon Vang Vieng and discovering the Water Cave is named one of the best things to do in Laos. The cave is not the most famous cave in the town but exploring it on a tube is still a worth to try experience. Located near the Tham Sang, The Water Cave is the place visitors can reach only in dry season because the entrance gate is filled with water in rainy season.

Besides, there are also a number of Vang Vieng caves you should make a visit, including the famous Tham Loup and Tham Hoi grottos.

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INCREDIBLE GIBBON EXPERIENCE IN LAOS

INCREDIBLE GIBBON EXPERIENCE IN LAOS

By sdvthuongmai   5:14 AM   No comments:

 As an adventurous travelers, an adventurers, we always seek extraordinary things, something thrilling, exciting to our core. In that case, why not join in the Gibbin Experience while you are in Laos? Once you are ready for it, what you get in this wonderful will be an experience of your lifetime. So here we are: Incredible Gibbon Experience in Laos!

What is Gibbon Experience?

Gibbon Experience is originally a innovation plan created by the local people to preserve and protect the Bokeo Nature Reserve, located near Huay Xai, Laos. Later on it also knowned as Nam Kan National Park. Bokeo Nature Reserve is green pristine forest, also the home of the Black-Crested Gibbon – an endangered specie of monkey and other wild animals like black bears, tigers, elephants and wild water buffalos. Of course, in such a forest enriched with wildlife and natural resources. Some people will find a way to exploit the forest, but not in a truly good way.

In the past, the local people were used to follow the old exploitation method for agriculture, which was burning a part of the forest. Also, hunters and poachers tended to go into the forest and hunted beasts. And as mentioned, in this forest enriched with wildlife, animals here would be the hunters’ target, including the rare Black-Crested Gibbon. Under this situation, the local people, NGOs, and other conservationists came up with a solution. And that is: Gibbon Experience Project.

The aim of the Gibbon Experience Project is to conserve the Bokeo Nature Reserve, helping the local people to protect the area. These locals themselves, including hunters and poachers, have become the area’s rangers, and guides for the travelers. In addition, they built treehouses and installed ziplines throughout the forest. This new addition made the trip become far more interesting, while not doing any harm to the forest. In this way, their finance income mostly comes from the Gibbon Experience service, where visitors come and enjoy the primal beauty of this preserved forest. With the zipline aspect, this experience has become much more fascinating to the outsiders, thus making it one of the most attractive activities in Laos.

What do we do?

Visitors can enjoy the sights and the wildlife of this green lush forest (typically seeing the Black-Crested Gibbon) simply by hiking. It is truly an unforgetable experience. However to enjoy this experience to the fullest, it’s best to take part in the ziplining aspect. In the Gibbon Experience, travelers can choose from these 3 options: Classic trip (3 days, 2 nights) – considered to be the easiest one, and also provides the best chance to see the gibbons; Waterfall trip (3 days, 2 nights) – considered to be harder trip, traveling through and a charming waterfall and a fresh-water swimming pool but also requiring some fitness; Express trip (2 days, 1 night) – The faster trip, but will be hard to spot the gibbons since travelers will be on the zipline for most of the time.

The trip will mostly begin at a small village. Tourists will have a short time to prepare stuffs, after the exciting Gibbon Experience starts to kick off. Tourists will have to both trek and zipline continuously at daytime. The hiking path and ziplining will be longer as they travel deeper into the forest. The ziplining will also be more exciting as the tourists travel in the faster speed. The feeling of moving between areas on air with the camera on hand is simply incredible.

When the mid-afternoon comes, it’s time to ziplined to the new home: the world’s highest treehouses. And unlike what travelers mostly expect, the treehouses are all in pretty good shape: clean, running water, solar electricity for lighting, a toilet, cool shower, cutlery, plates and beds. From here, tourists rest and call it a day, while enjoying the gorgeous view from these high standpoint. The night rest is confortable, however, adventurers will have to beware of the wild rat (you will be warned by the locals before the journey begins) as they can creep up to your food box.

In the early morning, visitors will have breakfast and continue the journey. For those who choose the Classic or Waterfall trip, early morning will be the best time to see the gibbons as they start to sing and come out.

Of course there are more to this Gibbon Experience, but it’s better to find out by yourselves.

Should we go for it?

First of all, the price of Gibbon Experience is around 300$ in total, 100$ for each day, and most of the money will be used for preservation project. In some manners of speaking, the price is relatively high, however, what we get from this trip is totally worth it. However, it does not mean that the Gibbon Experience can be suitable for anyone because there will be hard work. Also since we will stay in a natural world, wild rats and night habitat can be disturbing for those who are not ready or used to it.

In the end, Gibbon Experience is a magnificient trip, and by far one of the most exciting trip in Laos, if not, the Most exciting trip. It may not be for everybody. But once you ready for it and accept it in a possitive way, it will be totally worthwhile.

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LUANG PRABANG’S TASTING EXPERIENCE – TOP 10 MUST-TRY DISHES BEFORE LEAVING

LUANG PRABANG’S TASTING EXPERIENCE – TOP 10 MUST-TRY DISHES BEFORE LEAVING

By sdvthuongmai   5:07 AM   No comments:

 Larb

This special dish can be found mostly in Luang Prabang. It can be made from chicken, beef, duck, fish, pork or mushrooms. The meat is minced and then flavored with lime juice, fermented fish sauce, sticky rice and fresh herb. You can add some chili peppers to richer its flavor.

Location:

• Coconut garden, Sisavangvong Road, Luang Prabang, Laos (serving 8.00 am to 11.00 pm)

• Pak Houay Mixay, Ban Mano Road, Luang Prabang, Laos (serving 10 a.m to 9 p.m)

 Sien Savanh

To Lao people, Sien Savanh tastes best when served with warm sticky rice and tomato dipping sauce. Sien Savanh, also known as Lao Beef Jerky, is one of the Laotian snacks which is made up from marinated beef in soy sauce, garlic, pepper, sugar and oyster sauce. Then the beef slices are dried under the sun then smoked to turn them into crispy beef pieces. Sien Savanh is regularly sold by the street vendors or on bus rides.

 Lao Sausages

Unlike Western sausages, Lao-style sausages – Sai Uah and Sai Gok – are herb-infused meat that you’ll be surprised with the first bite. Inside the sausage, the pork is mixed with lemongrass, galangal, kaffir leaves, shallots, cilantro, chilies and fish sauce. Lao sausage is one of Luang Prabang most famous specialities and served with sticky rice and fresh slices of ginger. Lao sausages often appear in Laotians’ marriages, religious ceremonies and many other festivities.

Location:

• Mango Tree, Sakkarine Road, Luang Prabang, Laos (serving 9 a.m to 10 p.m)

Ping Gai – Grilled chicken

A fillet of chicken is marinated in black pepper, garlic, coriander root, fish sauce and salt the cook over hot coals. The chicken then is crispy, flavorful roasted with dipping sauce and fresh herbs. The dish can be found in restaurants or even at streets’ stalls.

Location:

• Some BBQ stalls in Luang Prabang night market, Sisavangvong Road, Luang Prabang, Laos (serving 5 p.m to 11 p.m)

Or Lam

Or Lam is the Laotians’ favorite soupy dish which is known as Laotian stew. Or Lam originally comes from northern Luang Prabang which has less spicy flavor and aromatic fragrance. The main ingredients in Or Lam are dried buffalo meat, beef, chicken, lemongrass, Sa Khan – a bitter root herb, chilies, mashed eggplants, wood ear mushrooms and yard long beans. Normally, old people enjoy Or Lam more than young people and since it takes a long time to stew, Or Lam is only made for special ceremonies only.

Location:

• Tamarind restaurant, Ban Wat Sene, Old Town, Luang Prabang, Laos (serving 11 a.m to 10 p.m)

 Tam Mak Houng – Green Papaya Salad

This dish is the combination of five main distinctive local taste: sour lime, hot chili, salt, savory fish sauce and palm sugar sweetness. The unripe papaya is shredded into strings then pounded together with the combination above in a traditional mortar and pestle. The dish has a similar taste with Thailand’s Som Tam but without crushed peanuts.

Location:

• Tamnak Lao Restaurant, Sakkaline Road, Luang Prabang Laos

• On the roadside stalls.

Khao Piak Sen

Khao Piak Sen is noodle soup with thick handmade rice flour noodles and delicious broth. This top-notch noodle dish is probably the most common Lao food that became a staple food in Lao, similar to Pho in Vietnam. Khao Piak Sen is good for breakfast but it is served the whole day. Khao Piak Sen, like Pho, is usually accompanied with beef or chicken and bean sprout, long bean, holy basil and cilantro.

Location:

• Xiengthong Noodle near Wat Xiang on the far east of town’s main peninsula (serving 7 a.m to 2 p.m)

• Cafetoui, Sisavangvatthana Road, Luang Prabang (serving 10 a.m to 11:30 p.m)

Khao Jee – Baguettes

Lao was a part of French Indochina for about 60 years of history, thus it can’t be ignored that Khao Jee has become a French-inspired dish but commonly eaten in Lao. Khao Jee is sold at small, street side stalls in every city, hence you can put anything inside as filling but never forget paté which made from pork liver.

Mok Pa – Steamed fish in banana leaves

Similar to Fish Amok in Cambodia, the fish is also cooked with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, fish sauce and lots of chilies. It is then wrapped up in banana leaves then steamed until the fish is soft. The only difference between Mok Pa and Amok is that Amok is added with coconut milk; however Mok, Pa can still retain is a buttery flavor in it and tastes even better.

Location:

• Coconut garden, Sisavangvong Road, Luang Prabang, Laos (serving 8 a.m to 11 p.m)

Naem Khao Tod – Crispy Rice Salad

Deep fried balls, peanuts, grated coconut, dried chilies and a large chunk of pork sausage make up the famous dish – Naem Khao Tod. Traditionally, when having Naem Khao Tod, Laotian often take a bed of lettuce and then wrap the mixture and add some fresh herbs. This dish is usually considered an appetizer and slowly gaining its popularity in the West. Naem Khao Tod should be first taste with the local for the utmost authentic experience of the dish.

Location:

• L’elephant, Luang Prabang, Laos (serving 10 a.m to 10 p.m)

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WAYS OF GETTING TO KUANG SI WATERFALL

WAYS OF GETTING TO KUANG SI WATERFALL

By sdvthuongmai   5:04 AM   No comments:

 The distance from the centre of Luang Prabang to Kuang Si waterfall is approximately 25 kilometers. Therefore, there are many ways to travel to the waterfall. Here are our tips to get to Kuang Si waterfall. 

Tuk Tuk

A two-way tuk tuk ride might be an easiest and simplest way to get to Kuang Si waterfall. The tuk tuk driver will take you to the fall and wait for you when you want to go back to town. Tourist will pay for the ride at the end of the trip. The ride is rather longer than expected, between 45 to 50 minutes each way. The advantage that you have when taking tuk tuk is that you can choose to go and to come back whenever you like.

However, the price for a single tuk tuk ride is relatively high ranging from 180,000 Kip to 200,000 Kip, around US $22 to $25.

If you are traveling in a group of 3 to 4 people. The tuk tuk ride is the most suitable way as you can split the cost equally in a group. Hence, the price for each person will be reduced to only 50,000 Kip per person.

You can find tuk tuk in big intersections where usually in front of the post office, stalls like fruit shake or baguette stands.

Minivan

Another option to get to Kuang Si waterfall is to book a seat on a minivan through travel agencies. However, they cannot ensure the quality of the minivan, sometimes you might end up with a minivan with no air conditioner.

Should you choose this option, you won’t have to travel anywhere to get on the minivan, the driver will pick up every passenger at their own hotel. The cost of minivan seat is quite cheap, about 60,000 Kip per person.

One downside of using minivan is that your schedule will not be as flexible as choosing a tuk tuk ride, departure times are fixed. The minivan will start the wheel in Luang Prabang at 11:30 a.m and leave Kuang Si waterfall at 1:30 p.m, thus, the time that you can spend at the fall is limited.

Boat

Banana boat is our highest recommendation for transportation to Kuang Si waterfall. By traveling by a banana boat, tourists will have a chance to experience a perfect combination of the view of the Mekong River and the Kuang Si waterfall. The boat ride takes about an hour, during the trip, tourists can enjoy stunning views of the scenic mountains and locals’ life. Unfortunately, it is impossible to take tourists straight to Kuang Si waterfall, therefore, there is always a pickup truck at the nearest stop to the fall to take tourists there, it would a few-kilometer fun ride.

Using this type of transportation, you will have a lot of time in both Kuang Si waterfall and Bear Rescue Center as the departure time for the way back is around 5 p.m. At this time of the day, the boat ride would be as romantic as it could be, you can contemplate the sunset on the gentle Mekong River.

Motorbike

For intrepid travelers, riding motorbikes to Kuang Si waterfall might be the most exciting experience. Normally, a motorbike for rent in Luang Prabang is around US $20 per day (although you would need a driving license for motorbike first).

One thing that motorbikers should notice about Laos’ traffic is that the road doesn’t seem too dangerous to ride, however, do watch out for kids and animals jumping to the street out of nowhere. You might be able to handle the situation without hurting them but you might hurt yourself and it is hard to find a proper medical assistance in the area.

Cycling

Cycling is as fun as riding a motorbike and tourists can have a chance to enjoy the view on two sides of the road. Best time for a bicycle ride to Kuang Si waterfall is during the rainy season from May to October as the weather would not be too hot to ride a bike.

The journey to Kuang Si waterfall is rather exhausting as it’s a bit hilly and bumpy. It would be best to rent a good bike with gears and a bike map – Hobo map of Luang Prabang. The price for bike rental is exclusively cheap at around US $1-2 per day.

Car

If you want a private tour to Kuang Si waterfall, you’d better hire a private vehicle with a driver. The price, of course, will be quite expensive at around 600,000 Kip, approximately US $70 for a day. But you’d get to choose your schedule when and where to pick you up as well as drop you off.

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EXPLORE WONDERFUL RELAXING WATERFALLS IN LUANG PRABANG

EXPLORE WONDERFUL RELAXING WATERFALLS IN LUANG PRABANG

By sdvthuongmai   5:02 AM   No comments:

 Tad Sae Waterfall

Tad Sae waterfall – locating 20 kilometers away from the centre of Luang Prabang – is best to visit during the rainy season in Laos which runs from May to October. At this time of the year, the flow of water is much stronger and abundant which creates the pounding sounds against numerous levels of limestone formations. For each level of water flow, there is a large pool hole to store water which makes it fantastic to swim in. 

Tad Sae waterfall’s surrounding is covered by the rainforest giving the impression of the wild nature and the cool fresh air from the shades of the green trees. The color of the water is best in August. There are many picnic spots for tourist to spend those relaxing hours to grab a bite from the small restaurant serving meals and drinks, especially Beer Lao. Changing rooms and public toilets are also available on the site. Apart from swimming, tourists can have a chance to play, ride, feed or give a bath to the local elephants. In addition, zip-lining over the waterfall is in service.

Option to travel to Tad Sae waterfall is limited, it can only be accessed tuk-tuk and then by boat. The tuk-tuk will take you to the river bank of Nam Khan River then a boat will take you to Tad Sae waterfall. The total cost of the ride takes about 50.000 Kip in which boat-ride is 10.000 Kip, approximately U.S $6.

Entrance fee is 15.000 Kip per adult, around U.S $1,81, and free entrance for children under 8 years old.

Opening hours: 8 a.m – 5:30 p.m

Kuang Si Waterfall

Kuang Si waterfall is a much larger and taller fall in Luang Prabang than Tad Sae waterfall. Traveling about 30 kilometers to the southwest of Luang Prabang, from afar, you can hear the drizzling sound of water amongst the green forest. As coming closer to the waterfall, you will be impressed by how majestic the Kuang Si waterfall is with its extraordinary multiple levels of waterfalls dropping down to large pools of bright turquoise water. Then level after level, the water gently tumbles over limestone edges. If you climb up to the deeper and larger pool, you can try swinging on the vine like in Tarzan movie and enjoy the rest of the fun.

One of the pool, however, is closed from swimming as being a sacred site, so be careful and read the signs first. There is also a small trail to climb on top of the waterfall, it can be extremely slippery in the rainy season.

On the site, there is also an Asiatic Black Bear Rescue Center, they are in the fight of rescuing Asiatic black bear, also known as moon bear, those are endangered species due to the fact that they are being hunted for their bile used in Chinese medicine. Now, people at Kuang Si waterfall and the Rescue Center are joining hands to keep them safe.

In January 2014, two Dutch men started a project to create a research centre studying and publishing about Laos butterflies and host plants to raise awareness of the beautiful and vulnerable nature of the area.

There are changing huts, public toilets and stalls selling food and drinks near the entrance of the fall.

Transportations to get to Kuang Si waterfall are many.

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BEST PLACE TO JOIN ALMS GIVING CEREMONY IN LUANG PRABANG

BEST PLACE TO JOIN ALMS GIVING CEREMONY IN LUANG PRABANG

By sdvthuongmai   4:57 AM   No comments:

 Alms Giving Ceremony is one of the most attractive events in Laos. Many tourists came to Laos wanted to observe this sacred ceremony as a symbol of Laos Buddhism culturral values. But where’s the best place for this activity? If that’s what worrying you then please don’t worry, here we are: Best Place to Join Alms Giving Ceremony in Luang Prabang!

What is Alms Giving Ceremony?

Alms Giving Ceremony, or also known as Tak Bat or Morning Alms giving ceremony, is one of Laos sacred ceremony. It is said that this ceremony first began at the very first arrival of Buddhism in Laos, some estimated the time around 14th century.

This ceremony, or ritual, is about the alms giving activity in which Buddhism faithful gives the food for the monks walking throughout the street of Luang Prabang. Since this practice has began for a very long time since the first establishment of Buddhism, it is considered to be sacred in Laos tradition. The ritual takes place every early morning (around 5:30 – 6:00 AM), the devotees will prepare the food beforehand, then they get to the street early. Prepared foods are mainly sticky rice, others can be fruits, biscuits or gifts such as incense. Hundred of monks in orange robe from all temples throughout Luang Prabang will start walking around Luang Prabang silently, each monk carries a metal vessal. When the monks come by, devotees will put the food onto the metal vessal. Received food will be used for that day.

As mentioned, the entire event takes place in a silent and peaceful atmosphere, which gives out a solemn feeling to all attendees, and even to the observers. For that reason, it is quite an interesting event to watch and also it is one of the most anticipated events in Luang Prabang from the perspective of tourists.

Best Place to Join?

As the ritual is conducted in every morning throughout Luang Prabang, you can easily watch in at any town’s spots, ideally the streets where temples reside.

That being said, one of the best ideal spot is at Wat Mai temple on Sisavangvong road. The temple, considered to be the most popular temple, along with the spacious street which is also a historic centre, makes it as the nice spot to watch Alms Giving Ceremony.

Another suitable spot would be the Th Kamal and Th Sakkarin’s main routes, where many main temples situated. However, since there are lots of tourists interested in this ceremony, some may want to observe it in quieter atmosphere. In that case, side streets between Th Kamal and Th Sakkarin is another optimal option as they are less crowded.

What should we do?

Before we get to things we can do, there are things we have to take note before joining Alms Giving Ceremony.

First and foremost, this activity is an daily activity for Luang Prabang citizens, mainly Buddhism faithful and local monks. It is an ancient practice that has existed for many centuries and by any mean, it’s purpose is not for tourists’ entertainment. Despite all that, lots of… unhappy cases happened as many tourists behaved in a disruptive and rude behaviour. They kept getting near the monks and the devotees, photographing regardless of how these monks and devotees felt. As the results, these behaviours ruined the silent and solemn atmosphere, leaving awkward, and sometimes, embarrasing moments.

So based on the core concept and what happened, we would like to share some suggestions of what we should do if we decide to take part in Alms Giving Ceremony:

Research about the ceremony and related cultural values: though this might be troublesome, but this is probably the best way to understand the ceremony, and also what an outsiders should do and can do. There is no rule stated that forbid foreigners or outsiders from participating in the event, but an overall understanding can atleast help us respect the custom.

Observe the ritual in a distance: this is vital, by all mean if we decide just to watch then it is necessary to watch the ritual silently, and in a distance as a way to respect the locals’ custom, and also make them feel comfortable. Most of the cases bring annoyance because visitors stand too close to the monks and devotees.

Do not use flash camera.

Wear appropriate clothes with body and legs covered.

Consider carefully whether you should taking part in the ceremony directly or not: this is where the first suggestion comes in. According to the custom, this practice is for Buddhism faithful, so it is essential to consider whether we should directly take part in or not. Also, there are other rules while participating directly in the ceremony, so a small research about the custom is always recommended.

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TOP 5 MOST SPIRITUAL TEMPLES IN LUANG PRABANG

TOP 5 MOST SPIRITUAL TEMPLES IN LUANG PRABANG

By sdvthuongmai   4:59 AM   No comments:

 Luang Prabang is known as a dense concentration of temples that are called as ‘wats’ in Laos’ language. Until now, there are about 34 the most well-known wats in Luang Prabang. Discovering these places, the travelers can spend their time to experience the numerous temples, understand the Buddhist culture and gaze with the old royal palace. These below are top 5 the most spiritual and worth visiting temples in Luang Prabang.

1. Wat Xieng Thong

The tourists come to Luang Prabang can not miss the precious chance to visit the most historic and splendid temple – Wat Xieng Thong. This temple was built in 1559 and situated at the tip of the peninsula where the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers run across. Because of its special location, Wat Xieng Thong becomes once the ceremonial gateway to the town. In the visitors’ minds, the temple are nice, elegant and wonderful with beautiful decoration as famous magnificent tree-of-life glass glittering mosaic, gilded teakwood panels and low, elegant sweeping tiered roofs. The wat is the highest symbols of Buddhism in Laos.

2. Wat Mai

Wat Mai, located at Sisavangvong Road, which is in front of the night market and beside the Royal Palace. Therefore, this template is most visited temples of this ancient royal town. Wat Mai owns a distinctive five-tiered roof and spacious compound with a prime location on the main street near at the night market and morning market. From time to time, the wat has had ue structure that remained relatively unchanged.

3. Wat Visoun

Wat Visoun, constructed in 1513, is the oldest operating temple in Luang Prabang. It impresses the tourists with its huge stupa called That Makmo, which in on the temple compound. Because of its odd shape, this stupa is commonly known as the watermelon stupa in stead of its official name. The temple owns ancient Buddha imagesmade of precious materials and other sacred items, including the Luang Prabang sacred Emerald Buddha. However, some destroyed during Chinese invasion in 1887, a number of them are now preserved in the Royal Palace Museum and others are housed displayed in the sim of the temple. The travelers coming to here can not forget its beautiful multiple roof architecture with Sinhalese style, the only stupa of this shape in Laos.

4. Wat Aham

Wat Aham is known as an ideal place for mediation and meetings between spiritual culture and Buddhist practice. Visiting this wat, the travelers can see 2 stylised stucco tigers guarding the pagoda, and the statues of the temple guardians Ravana and Hanuman which stand at the Southern and Eastern corners of the front porch. The locals here beleive that these guardians are the spirits of Luang Prabang. 

5. That Chomsi

That Chomsi, situated at the top of Mount Phousi, is the heart of the town. It is the symbol of Luang Prabang’s spiritual significance to Laos. Taking 300 steps to the wat, the visitors can enjoy various temples, beautiful shady trees and a magnificent panoramic view of the town. At the sunset, the travelers can live in peaceful atmosphere, when the temple reflects the last light rays on one of its face.

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CHAMPASAK – THE TRANQUILITY ON THE LAND OF LAOS

CHAMPASAK – THE TRANQUILITY ON THE LAND OF LAOS

By sdvthuongmai   4:52 AM   No comments:

 Champasak is a province in the southern Laos, near the shared borders with Thailand and Cambodia. Its rich cultural ruins include around 20 temples bearing the traditional Khmer, and numerous French colonial structures. The capital town of Champasak is Pakse, which has become a famous destination of Laos tourism.

History of Champasak

In the period of 1st to 9th centuries AD, the province of Champasak was a part of the Funan and then the Chenla kingdoms. Then it was part of the Khmer Empire from the 10th to 13th centuries. The Angkor Empire came to decline when it was annexed by the Lan Xang before the independence of Laos Kingdom. Pakse, the capital of Champasak, was controlled by the French in the year 1905 as an administrative station in the region.

After the establishment of Laos PDR, Champasak became an important part of the country near the borders with the two neighbors including Thailand and Cambodia.

Things to see and do in Champasak

Surprisingly, the Champasak is not really a tourist destination despite home to a World Heritage Site – Wat Phu and the attractive Pakse. It’s also on the way to Si Phan Don (4000 Islands) with the famous Don Khong, Don Khon, and Don Det, making the region being one of the most popular Laos destinations

The most famous attraction in Champasak would be the UNESCO World Heritage Wat Phu (also called Wat Phou). This AC. 12th century Hindu temple was built in hey days of the Khmer Empire, followed the style of Angkor. However, the temple is still in use as a Buddhist one by the Laotian.

Its layout is absolutely impressive, consisting of 2 massive barays, numerous old crumbling structures and a range of ancient steps leading to the slope of the mountain where a stunning cluster of other buildings stands. From the top of Wat Phu Temple, travelers will have an astonishing view of Champasak harmony with the mighty Mekong River.

Additionally, the town of Champasak also features other interesting attractions including the renowned Khone Phapheng Waterfalls, the Lingaparvata sacred mountain, To Mo ruins, and Wat Nang Sida Temple…

How to get to Champasak?

From the transport hub of the region – Pakse, travelers can easily reach the town in different ways. You can take a bus service, a minivan or even a boat trip along the Mekong to get to other attractions in Champasak Laos. Besides, riding a motorcycle on the dirt roads of the region will be an amazing experience for adventure lovers. You can rent a motorbike in the town of Pakse, go south and cross the Mekong River via the Lao-Nippon friendship bridge. After around 1.5km, turn left into a quiet road to reach the destination.

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