Best Time to Visit Luang Prabang, Laos

Planning your trip to the 'city of the Golden Buddha Phra Bang' from November to March means that you'll have the chance to experience the city with relatively dry and chill weather. However, these months are known as the peak season, meaning that the area will be overcrowded and accommodation rates doubled. This is also the period to hit several important festivals and events: Pimay, Lao new year and Boun That Luang held respectively in April and October are among the most fascinating ones. An alternative to this would be visiting Luang Prabang during the rainy season (May to September) when the main chunk of tourists leaves and the weather is still pleasant enough to enjoy the city (despite the afternoon showers).

Passport/Visa

Visitors to Laos must obtain a visa from one of the Laotian diplomatic missions or online unless they come from one of the visa-exempt countries or qualify for a visa on arrival. All visitors must hold a passport valid for 6 months. Citizens of Cambodia, Indonesia, Russia, Singapore, Malaysia, Mongolia, Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, and South Korea enjoy visa-free access to Laos for a maximum of 30 days; citizens of Japan, Luxembourg, and Switzerland can visit Laos visa-free for a maximum of 15 days; citizens of Brunei and Myanmar can visit Laos visa-free for 14 days. Visitors of other nationalities may obtain a visa on arrival valid for 30 days for a fee at most of the 27 ports of entry to the country, except for Napao-Chalo (Vietnam), Subhun (China), Pakxan-Bueng Kan (Thailand), and Xieng Kok river port (Myanmar). All other citizens must obtain a visa before arrival from a Laotian diplomatic mission. Please check the following list of whether the e-Visa service is available in your country. Please find the link below:

• Web:

  laoevisa.gov.la/article/Who%20can%20Apply%20for%20Lao%20eVisa

Airport

Luang Prabang International Airport lies just about 4km from the centre of Luang Prabang and is one of the few airports in Laos handling both international and domestic flights. Bangkok Airways, Lao Airlines, and Vietnam Airlines are some of the companies operating here. Note that, unlike at most other airports, security controls are placed before the check-in desks. Fixed-rate taxis and tuk-tuks are available at the arrivals exit, as well as pre-booked hotel shuttles.

• Web:

  www.luangprabangairport.com

Taxi

Getting around Luang Prabang by taxi is inconvenient and unpopular. However, they are one way to move from the airport to the hotel or guesthouse. Taxi stands are just outside arrivals and cost around $7 to get to town. Besides taxis, tuk-tuks and pre-arranged minivans are also available.

Bicycle

Bicycle is an eco-friendly way to discover Luang Prabang's wonders. Sabaidee LuangPrabang Travel features a wide range of bikes to choose from. Prices vary based on the number of days and bike types (e.g. 1-7 days will cost around 6 USD for a mountain bike and around 2.5 USD for a regular bike). ID, passport, and cash are required to rent a bike or book your bike tour.

• Address:

  240 Sisavangvong Road, Luang Prabang, Laos

• Phone:

  +856 20 55 771 646

Boat

To live Luang Prabang to the fullest, hop on a boat and experience the most scenic and picturesque way to marvel at the city's mind-blowing scenery. The main aquatic thoroughfares are the Mekong River, Nam Ou, Nam Khan, Nam Tha, Nam Ngum and Se Kong. Boats of different sizes navigate jewel-blue streams through lush vegetation. The Mekong River is the most important route and navigable year-around. You can get from Huay Xai to Luang Prabang on the so-called 'slowboat' on a two-day journey. The fare is around 250,000K (30 USD) and it is the cheapest option. If patience is not your friend, there is also the speedboat which is slightly more expensive but takes you to Luang Prabang in 6 hours. To make it more comfortable for travellers, Mekong Cruises and Mekong River Cruises organise multi-day cruises, providing the best service on board. Contact them at the websites below for detailed information.

• Web:

  mekong-cruises.com / cruisemekong.com