Laos Adventures - Travel To Laos

Basic Luang Prabang Information

Orientation
Luang Prabang is built on an inland peninsula at the merging of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers.  Running roughly North East - South West up the spine of this Peninsula is the main road, Th Sisavong, which becomes Th Sakkarin at its Northern end and Th Sisavangvong to the South.  To the west of this road lies the Mekong, and to the East the Nam Khan and Phu Si (a temple-topped hill that overlooks the town centre).Most of the towns main attractions and accommodation areas can be found on, or close to, the main roads.  To the south are the main bus stations and Tat Kuang Si, while the airport and Ban Phanom (weaving village) are to the north.For more information, see our interactive map.
Transport
Most places within central Luang Prabang are easily reached by foot, but if you do want to go further afield, the best way to get around is by ‘Jumbo’ (aka ‘tuk tuks’, three wheel motor taxis). A trip within the centre will probably cost around one dollar and about fifty cents per kilometre for longer distances. Travel to and from the airport or bus stations costs around 4 - 5 dollars for a jumbo carrying up to six people and takes around ten minutes.Hiring a bicycle is a popular option with basic bikes available for 10,000 Kip per day.  A decent mountain bike can be hired for around 30,000 to 50,000 kip.To get to Tat Kuang Si and the Bear Rescue Centre Jumbo drivers charge around six dollars per person for two people (this price decreases the more people there are in the group) for a return trip.  There are also usually two minibuses a day leaving around 11.30a.m. or 1.30p.m. price is around $3 if bought direct from the minibus office on Thanon Khem Khong - a little more if you buy from an agent or guest house.  It is possible to cycle, but this will probably take the best part of 3 hours each way and includes some steep sections that can be very tiring under a hot sun - go prepared!
Money
There are 3 main currencies used in Laos, and Luang Prabang is no exception.  Prices can be quoted in Kip (local currency) Baht (Thai currency) or US dollars.  As of May 2007 currency rates are approximately:$1 US = 35 Baht = 9,500 Kip.As Luang Prabang becomes increasingly popular prices and standards are both rising to meet tourist demands.  Prices will also vary according to season with peak season (and peak prices) between November and March.  Although more expensive than rural Laos, Luang Prabang is still extremely reasonable.  A budget double room can be found for around $5 and a meal for around 50 cents.  Even if you feel like a spending spree at an expensive restaurant you should get change from $10 including drinks, while $20 or so can secure a very comfortable double room with tasteful decoration, air-con, cable television and refrigerator.  The most expensive hotels in town can charge upwards of $100.Souvenirs are also good value with plenty of options on the night market while daily necessities, fruit and veg and other general products are taken care of by Phosy Market.  Haggling is a must, especially on the touristy night market, but don’t lose sight of how cheap the prices really are.  Aim for a price that you are happy to pay and that is fair for both you AND the vendor.  Remember that sellers still need to make some profit on a sale and don’t get hot under the collar for the sake of 1,000 Kip - just think what the same money would buy back home!!  Just about the only thing that is (relatively) expensive is “western style” snacks, treats and items such as dairy products.  Chocolate, crisps, cheese, wine and so on have to be imported and come with a similar price tag to back home making them expensive by Lao standards.  You could easily find yourself paying twice as much for a tube of crisps as you did for a delicious cooked meal.  To save money go for the Lao alternatives like crispy grilled sticky-rice sticks, Lao donuts and Lao whiskey.  For more spending options see the shopping section further down this page.While spending money is easy, getting more cash can be difficult in Luang Prabang.  There are 3 main banks, a Lao Development Bank and a tourist branch of BPCEL (Banque pour le commerce exterieur Lao) on the main street, Thanon Sisavangvong.  The BPCEL is easily missed as it is basic and occupies a standard “shop-front” style building.  There is also a second (main) branch of BPCEL on Th. Pha Mahapatsaman next to the Lao airlines office.  All of the banks will cash travellers cheques and exchange currency and BPCEL also allow cash to be withdrawn from Visa credit and debit cards.  The banks charge around 3% (minimum $4 per transaction) for Visa withdrawals, and can impose a maximum daily limit of $200 - take your passport with you for this type of transaction.  Visa withdrawals are also offered by a number of tour agencies, hotels and other shops in town, although commission rates can vary and are usually higher than at the banks - we have also heard of extremely unfavourable exchange rates being offered - so if the banks are shut be warned and shop around.  Opening hours can vary and the banks will often shut for festivals, closing time is usually around 3.30p.m.At present there are 2 ATMs in Luang Prabang - one at each of the BPCEL branches.  The ATMs currently accept MasterCard but not Visa for overseas accounts - there are rumours that the ATMs will soon accept Visa cards also, however at present the nearest international Visa ATM machines are in Vientiane.
Communication
Internet cafés are easy to find in Luang Prabang and connection speeds are generally fine.  Costs range from 100 to 200 kip per minute and many places also offer net based international phone calls from private “booths”.  Most places will allow you to plug in a laptop and a couple even have a WiFi option.  If you have a WiFi equipped laptop, one refined option is to combine surfing and scoffing with a meal at Café Ban Vat Sene, WiFi access here is fast and free for all customers spending over $6 on food and drink.There are a number of international payphones around town, notably near to the telephone office (next to the main post office).  A better option for calling home, if you have the luggage space, is to bring your mobile.  SIM cards are cheap and readily available all across South East Asia and Laos is no exception.  Several companies offer SIMs including ETL, Lao GSM and Tango.  Costs for international calls are around 2,000 Kip per minute, Tango also allows you to send free SMS text messages to a large number of different countries.
Shopping
Luang Prabang is undoubtedly a great place to shop!. Most things made in Laos are available here, including hill-tribe crafts, traditional textiles, jewellery and artwork. Its packed with a large variety of places to suit all budgets, from quirky and interesting antique and handicraft stores to the fabulous night market. So whether you are a seasoned shop-aholic or just want to spend some leisurely time browsing, its a fun way to while away an afternoon….or longer! We’ve listed just a few places which can very easily part you from your cash on our Sights and Activities page! Happy Shopping!
Travel / Tour Agents
There are plenty of travel and tour agencies based in the centre of Luang Prabang.  The majority of these are sited on Th Sakkarin and can be found all the way up the road going north from the Royal Palace.As well as the travel agencies, able to help with your onward travel arrangements, there are several tour companies that specialise in arranging treks and tours around the Luang Prabang area.Travelling OnAny of the travel and tour agencies mentioned above should be able to help you with your onward travel plans and tickets.If you are heading south (to Vang Vieng, Vientiane and beyond) your best bet is one of the buses or minibuses.  There are several of each every day, mostly in the morning - if you are on a budget shop around a little as prices can vary a little from one agency to the next, although the transport and options seem to remain the same!Travelling north gives you the same option of bus travel (although be prepared for travel to become more arduous the further North and away from Luang Prabang that you travel).  There is also a highly recommended option of travelling by boat on the Mekong as far as Nong Khiaw (or even further!).  This journey is spectacular and well worth the effort and expense.  Prices can vary as the boat owner will raise and lower individual prices depending on how many people are travelling.  Team up with as many other people as possible (boats should easily hold a dozen or more) to get the best price.If you have the money it is also possible to fly into and out of Luang Prabang, although carriers and destinations are limited.  Try Laos Airlines or Bangkok Air for more details.

• Weather in Laos
• Biking In Laos