THEGUIDE
luang prabang
FAHTHAI
115
1 _
WHAT WE
RECOMMEND
Want to help improve the
local literacy rate? Simply
purchase cheap books
published in Lao and
English for local kids at Big
Brother Mouse, a non-
profit organisation next
to 3 Nagas restaurant,
before trekking into the
mountains where the
minority villages and
schools are.
2 _
KNOW THE
NUMBER
1995 — the year in which
Luang Prabang was listed
as a UNESCO World
Heritage city.
3 _
PI MAI LAO
CELEBRATION
Get wet and wild during
the annual celebration
of Pi Mai Lao (Lao New
Year) and receive plenty
of cool-water blessings!
The liveliest holiday of
the year, Pi Mai Lao is
observed from 13-15
April. Various religious and
culture-themed parades
and performances are
held throughout the city.
COUNTRY
CODE
+856
EXCHANGE
RATE
LAK8,000 = US$1
FREQUENCY
2 flights per day
CULTURE
Luang Prabang
has numerous
temples and
historical sites
T E M P L E T O W N
Top 3
insider
travel tips
Rest Your Head
AMANTAKA
Tucked to the south of Phousi
Hill, this French colonial-style
luxury hotel showcases the
glamour of pre-WWII days in
the form of its elegant rooms
and tasteful furnishings. As a
member of the Aman Group,
the service standard is excellent
and discreet.
(amanresorts.com)
Top Tables
COULEUR CAFÉ
From the food presentation to
the striking atmosphere, this
lovely bistro successfully blends
French and Lao influences.
Not surprisingly, it’s owned
by a French expatriate who
imports the ingredients for the
restaurant's scrumptious dishes
along with a selection of wines
from the old country.
(Ban Vat Sene)
3 NAGAS
Hugely popular, 3 Nagas is
the place for a superb Lao fine
dining experience (be advised:
it comes at fine-dining prices).
Spread across two dining
spaces – one a lovely garden
with candlelit tables and the
other an elegant villa – 3 Nagas
boasts a menu full to bursting
with in-season favourites.
(3-nagas.com)
Bottoms Up
LAO LAO BEER GARDEN
What more fitting place could
there be for a first taste of Beer
Lao than this reasonably priced
beer garden? Skip the so-so bar
snacks and go for the do-it-
yourself Lao barbecue, which is
an unbeatable value.
(Phousi Rd)
BOWLING ALLEY
All bars in Luang Prabang
“officially” close at 11.30pm but
Bowling Alley manages to stay
open until 4am, serving up Beer
Lao and local spirits to thirsty
night owls. The loud pop music,
bowling and cheerful crowds
help keep the party spirit alive
well into the wee hours.
(East of junction with
Potoupakmao Rd)
Luang Prabang
TEXT: YIXUAN FAN
