Christmas in Luang Prabang, Laos

I spent Christmas in Luang Prabang Laos, a peaceful holiday away from the bustling metropolis of Kuala Lumpur – Malaysia.

Luang Prabang’s climate is different from Kuala Lumpur’s, it is much cooler in the mornings and evenings.

Unfortunately, my packing lent on the side of summer ensembles. Due to low cloud hanging in the valley the sun often didn’t appear until about 11 am and its enveloping warmth feels like a visit from a dear friend.

My packing choices meant I wore the same jeans, puffer jacket and long sleeve shirt twice daily for ten days. Once home, I swore never to wear these items of clothing again, and stored them deep in the recesses of my wardrobe.

luang prabang motorcycle — Cruising on the roads in Luang Prabang – Laos.

The people I met in Luang Prabang were genuinely lovely. Hawking, an aspect of travel I least enjoy isn’t disruptive or uncomfortable, and I found to be very low key.

The tuk-tuk drivers are plentiful, there’s always a ride available. In my experience, I found them not aggressive in their mannerisms, and they use a gentle ‘tuk – tuk’ chirp singsong sound to attract your attention. And when you refuse a ride it isn’t a war and the drivers I encountered were quite playful.

luang prabang monk walking street holding umbrella — Keeping the sun at bay

luang prabang flower vendor — Setting up for the day

luang prabang tourists walking streets — Street scene – tourists

luang prabang young girl portrait — Cheeky face

luang prabang woman knitting monks jersey — Knitting for the monks

luang prabang man gathering sticks — Choosing branches

luang prabang smiling woman street portrait — Luang Prabang resident

luang prabang mother child portrait — Mother and toddler

street portrait woman luang prabang — Neighbour to the property I was staying

luang prabang boy holding skateboard — Skate boy

luang prabang monk holding baby — Loved one

luang prabang stray dog street — Scruffy

Hospitality service was of a very good standard, the staff work hard to try and understand English. I enjoyed all my dining experiences and the food was good quality. As a vegetarian, I located enough restaurants to enjoy a variety of dishes.

Luang Prabang has plenty of very beautiful temples worth visiting and I didn’t find them too crowded.

luang prabang temple guardian statue — Temple guardian

luang prabang temple dog — Om temple dog

luang prabang monk drum stick — Drum stick

luang prabang monk drum skin — Drum skin

luang prabang monks drumming — Drumming session

luang prabang monk sitting temple — On lookout

luang prabang monk robes washing line — Washing

luang prabang temple tree life mosaic — Tree of Life

luang prabang temple naga carving — Naga

luang prabang lotus graphic hibiscus flower — Hibiscus flower

There’s plenty to do if you enjoy crafting, I made a nice anklet and bracelet at “Garden of Eden” in a jewelry workshop across the Nam Khan river.

luang prabang weaving loom — Weaving loom

luang prabang woman weaving loom — Weaving

A trip to Luang Prabang is not complete if you haven’t been on a sunset cruise on the Mekong River and it was one of my highlights, together with a trip to Chomphet a short boat ride across the Mekong on my last day.