Tucked away in the misty mountains of northern Laos lies the tranquil town of Luang Prabang, a place that feels frozen in time. This UNESCO World Heritage site is known for its beautiful blend of traditional Lao and French colonial architecture, along with its rich cultural significance that breathes life into every corner of the town.
As I’ve shared before, my childhood was anything but ordinary—rooted in a lifestyle that was both international and, at times, wonderfully nomadic. When I was just three, my sister Arli and I found ourselves on the sun-drenched shores of Koh Samui, Thailand, living an island life with our, wanderlust driven parents. For an entire year, Samui became our home base, but it was only the starting point. Whenever the opportunity arose, we’d venture beyond, exploring the diverse cultures and landscapes of Southeast Asia.
Although those childhood memories of Laos are hazy, they’ve been brought to life through the vivid retelling of family stories and worn pages of photo albums. My early exposure to such extraordinary places sparked a lifelong passion for travel and discovery, which is why Luang Prabang holds such a special place in my heart.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve dreamed of venturing through Southeast Asia on my own, especially with a backpack in tow. This desire was sparked by the travels with my family, where I often saw groups of young backpackers navigating the region on their own. Their adventures inspired me, and I couldn’t wait to experience that freedom and exploration for myself.
The idea of revisiting Luang Prabang, with its timeless charm and rich cultural heritage, has since captivated me. The summer of 2024 presented a golden opportunity: I was set to travel to Thailand with my family on our biannual vacation. But then I began to wonder – what if I took this chance to explore further, embarking on a backpacking journey through Southeast Asia with my sister, Arli? The thought of revisiting the places of our childhood—not as wide-eyed kids but as independent travelers—filled me with excitement and anticipation.
5 Months After That Initial Idea…
After spending three wonderful weeks in Koh Samui, Thailand with our parents, Arli and I set off on our own adventure. Our first stop was Bangkok, where we stayed for two nights, immersing ourselves in the vibrant energy of Thailand’s capital. After experiencing the cities hustle and bustle, we jetted off to our next destination: Laos.
As we began our decent into Luang Prabang airport, I was glued to the window. The rolling green mountains seemed to go on forever, with clouds drifting just above the peaks. Along the winding Mekong River, the town of Luang Prabang came into view.
From the moment we landed, I felt an immediate contrast between the bustling streets of Bangkok and the peaceful mountains of Laos.
After grabbing our backpacks from baggage claim, we hopped into a $4 airport taxi to take us to the town center where our hostel awaited. As soon as we arrived, we checked in, freshened up, and headed out with eager anticipation to explore.
We spent two nights and three days in Luang Prabang, making the most of our time and checking off everything we had planned to see and do.
Hiking Mount Phousi
To kick off our adventure, we took a leisurely 10-minute walk from our hostel to the Main Street, the heart of Luang Prabang. From there, we made our way to Mount Phousi, a sacred hill that offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the town, the surrounding mountains, and the murky Mekong River.
As we climbed the 335 steps to the summit, we came across a series of unique Buddhist shrines. Each one, crafted entirely in gold and depicting Buddha in lifelike form.
Once we reached the summit, we were astonished by the views. The sky was a brilliant blue, dotted with lush clouds. The mountains stretched endlessly, creating a stunning natural backdrop. Below, the traditional Laotian-style buildings contributed to the towns peaceful charm, while the tiny ant-like motorbikes whizzing through the streets served as a reminder of the constant energy that defines Southeast Asia.
Sunset River Cruise
Later that evening, Arli and I booked a sunset cruise along the Mekong River. As we stepped abroad a traditional Laotian wooden boat, which exuded authentic charm, we were greeted with a warm welcome by the crew. For the next two hours we drifted along the Mekong, taking in the stunning views of serene mountains, ancient temples, and vibrant local life along the riverbanks—all while savoring delicious hors d’oeuvres and cocktails.
As the sun began to set over the horizon, reflecting in golden hues across the water, the sound of music filled the air. My sister and I sat at the front of the boat, watching in awe, feeling nothing but pure joy and gratitude—for the incredible day we had, this unforgettable moment, and the chance to experience it together.
Tak Bat Ceremony
One of the photographs from our first trip to Luang Prabang with our parents, shows a younger version of myself standing in the street, waiting to take part in a daily ritual ceremony led by the towns Buddhist monks. Growing up this photo always stuck out in my mind and knowing the story behind made it even more special. So, when we told our parents we wanted to return to Luang Prabang, one of the first things they recommended was that we experience the ceremony again.
On the morning of July 5th before dawn, Arli and I ventured into the dimly lit streets, making our way to the town center to participate once again in this sacred Tak Bat ceremony. This daily ritual unties locals and visitors together to offer food—such as bananas and sticky rice—to Buddhist monks.
We each purchased one canister of food to give as offerings. By the time we arrived, a crowd had already gathered, waiting in the soft hush of the early morning. Local children still dressed in their pajamas, parents, travelers and even a few dogs roamed freely, all coming together for this tradition.
To honor the ritual, we covered our shoulders and legs, removed our shoes, and knelt on mats lining the street, fully embracing the moment’s spiritual significance.
As the monks moved in a silent procession down the street, their saffron robes glowing in the soft, purple light of dawn, we carefully placed small portions of food into each alms bowl, keeping our eyes lowered as a sign of respect.
Witnessing the monks collect offerings in the peaceful morning glow, was truly special and quickly became one of those rare experiences that stays with you long after it’s over.
Yoga at the Grasshopper
After experiencing the serene ritual of Tak Bat at dawn, we continued our stroll down the Main Street of Luang Prabang. Our destination was a charming yellow property, crowned with a traditional white Laotian roof. Stepping inside felt like entering a hidden oasis. A stone pathway seemed to float above a saltwater pond where colorful Koi fish swam beneath us. The air was fragrant with the soothing scent of jasmine incense, adding to the ambiance of serenity and peace of the space.
Stepping through a large wooden door, we were welcomed by a kind woman who would guide us through our early morning yoga session. The studio felt like a sanctuary, with open windows along the back wall that let in a soft, refreshing breeze and the sound of moving water. Yoga mats were neatly arranged on the floor, each accompanied by a block.
As we settled into our practice, we began to relax both mind and body, breathing deeply into each posture and allowing ourselves to be fully present in the moment.
We spent the next hour focusing on opening our hips and hearts, releasing tension and embracing self-love. By the end of the session, I felt a deep sense of calm—balanced, refreshed, and fully prepared to embrace the day ahead.
Coffee By the Mekong
Following our relaxing yet rejuvenating morning yoga session, Arli and I decided to continue embracing the local culture with a cup of locally sourced coffee along the Mekong River. As we wandered after our class, we stumbled upon this spot called Saffron, a cozy café with riverside seating just across the street. Drawn in by the rich aroma and the laid-back ambience, we found the perfect place to soak in the morning tranquility.
Even with milk, the coffee was strong yet naturally sweet. As we sipped, two small kittens, played beside us, adding an extra touch of joy to our day. We watched traditional Laotian wooden boats glide along the Mekong, taking in the peaceful rhythm of the river and the lush greenery lining its banks. It was another one of those simple, yet perfect moments — just us, good coffee and the beauty of Luang Prabang unfolding before us.
Night Market
On the last evening in Laos, Arli and I made our way back to the Main Street to experience its well-known night market. As we wandered down the lively road, we were immediately immersed in a whirlwind of sights, sounds and smells. Stalls stretched endlessly before us, overflowing with handcrafted textiles, souvenirs, colorful paintings and tempting street food. The air was buzzing with the chatter of both locals and travelers.
After weaving our way through the maze of vendors, we were drawn in by an irresistible aroma. A food stall, lined with bubbling pots of fragrant broth. The vendor smiled warmly as we scanned the options: rich soups with an array of noodles, meats, fresh herbs and of course, fiery chilies. Feeling adventurous and extremely hungry, we each ordered a bowl, confident in our spice tolerance after three weeks of Thai cuisine. We thought we could handle the heat, but the soup proved us wrong! Our mouths were on fire, but the rich, flavorful broth and delicious noodles kept us coming back for more. As we sat there, sweating, from both the Lao heat and the spice-induced inferno in our mouths, I couldn’t help but laugh. This was the true essence of travel—stepping outside of our comfort zones, indulging in new flavors, and embracing every unexpected moment along the way.
To Wrap Things Up…
After 3 days of exploring this unique and beautiful town, we felt completely fulfilled by everything we had experienced. With our big backpacks in tow, we hopped into a taxi back to the airport. As we took off and soared above the Luang Prabang mountain range, I found myself glued to the window once again savoring the last views of this special place. Excitement bubbled within me as we jetted towards our next adventure—Siem Reap, Cambodia.
Thank you for reading a story so close to my heart! I can’t wait for you to join me on the next chapter of our journey: Exploring the wonders of Angkor Wat. Stay tuned!
Xoxo, Addi
That is So AWESOME ADDI!! I’m so impressed XOXO
Love your adventures