Luang Prabang Q&A

My elderly Lao mother is currently in the hospital for heart issues and the doctors told her she needs to go on a cardiac diet. I'm not sure what that consists of but mom is refusing to eat the hospital food. Are there any low sodium Lao food that anyone could recommend? Thank you!

I'm planning to watch the sunrise from a mountain in Nong Khiaw and want to avoid big groups. I'd prefer a mountain with minimal camping or a quiet spot.

Other 4d 13h ago 4 answers • Jared Norwood

I'm planning a first long stay in Luang Prabang and I'm considering a sunrise camp at Nong Khiaw. I'd like to know what to expect.

I'm looking to try some local Lao Lao whiskey, but I've heard about the poisonings a few years ago. I'd like to know which store bought Lao Lao whiskey is good and has a nice flavor.

I'm looking for a place in Laos where I can focus on my writing with a laptop, internet, and air conditioning. I'd prefer a location that's safe for a woman traveling alone and has a chill atmosphere.

Transportation 1w ago 3 answers • Jared Norwood

I'm planning a first long stay in Luang Prabang and I'm trying to book a flight from Seoul to Luang Prabang with no layover. Laos Airlines is the only option I have, but I've never taken their A320 before. Has anyone taken it?

I recently got hair extensions removed at a salon in Luang Prabang and the hairdresser gave me a shampoo with a neck and shoulder massage that included my collarbone and breasts. I felt uncomfortable and violated, but I'm not sure if this is a normal part of the service or not. I've only been to a few salons here so far and I'm still trying to figure out the local customs.

I'm an Italian retiree living in Luang Prabang for 5 years, looking for a hassle-free departure process. I've tried using the online Laos Departure Register but it keeps giving me an error, and I'm wondering if I can still find paper departure cards at the airport.

We're planning a trip to Laos and have a tight schedule. We've booked a hot air balloon ride at 5:30 am, but we're worried about making it to the 6 pm train to Bangkok that same day. We need to get from Vang Vieng to Vientiane first, and we're not sure if we have enough time.

Transportation 2w ago 4 answers • Jared Norwood

I'm planning a first long stay in Luang Prabang and I'm curious to know what locals and expats pack for a day trip around town.

I'm an Argentine woman who visits Luang Prabang a couple of times a year, planning to cross from Thailand to Huay Xai by land border, and I'm concerned about safety due to stories of kidnapping and trafficking.

Transportation 2w ago 5 answers • Jared Norwood

I'm planning a long stay in Luang Prabang starting November 1, and I'm thinking about not bringing any rain gear. I'm considering just getting wet or finding shelter if it rains. Is this a bad idea?

I'm always making jeow for my friends/family and I'm now trying to bring it to ready-to-eat shelves. I'm testing recipes for a small-batch pantry line: a roasted tomato jeow (mak len), a roasted eggplant jeow (mak keua), a papaya salad dressing, and fish sauce, which is the heart of everything I make.

Transportation 2w ago 2 answers • elisacaruso

We're planning a 1700km+ road trip and need to know the current fuel prices and availability across the country.

My wife and I are thinking of visiting Luang Prabang for a few days in mid October with our 2-year-old son. We're a bit worried about food safety and spice / salt tolerance. We'd love some recommendations for genuinely good coffee shops and toddler-friendly cafes and restaurants.

I've noticed that many Lao cars have licence plates with recurring numbers, like 9399 or 5555. I've seen these cars in a parking lot in Thailand where many Lao people shop.

I'm visiting Luang Prabang from Chiang Mai by bus and I've been trying to submit the digital entry form for my e-visa, but it keeps throwing an error. I've tried different browsers and days, but nothing seems to work.

Other 4w ago 5 answers • Jared Norwood

I'm planning a first long stay in Luang Prabang, and I'm a bit concerned about scams. I've heard that Laos is generally a safe and honest country, but I'd like to know more about the scams that do exist. Are there any specific areas or situations where I should be careful?

I've been thinking of using Bookaway to book my trains between Vientiane, Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang, but I've never used them before.

Transportation 1mo ago 7 answers • Jared Norwood

I'll be traveling to Laos in a few months and want to check out Nam Xay viewpoint. I plan to bring my Hokas on the trip but do I need actual hiking boots too? My hiking boots are Columbia Newton Ridge.