Luang Prabang rests at the confluence of the Mekong River and Nam Khan River. Luang Prabang gained prominence in the 14th century as part of the first Lao Kingdom. The French extended their influence to Laos in the 19th century to protect against the marauding Chinese. Today, the French presence is easily recognizable whether it is the French architecture or the ease in purchasing a chocolate croissant. The French left, and the Luang Prabang monarchy fell in 1975 during a revolution. Laos remained isolated and mired in poverty. In 1989, Laos slowly reopened to tourism. And today, Luang Prabang is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It is easy to while away the day as time dreamily passes by in Luang Prabang. Strolling down the main avenue of Phothisalath Road, which stretches down the length of the peninsula, equally ubiquitous cafes and Buddhist temples dot the avenue. Mount Phou Si anchors the town and towers nearly 500 feet. The hill is adorned with a temple and beautiful views of the surrounding area. During the evening the avenue becomes a walking street with an extensive night market. And, of course, there are many options for street food, both delicious and cheap.
Besides my usual gear, I also brought my DJI Mavic Drone. Luang Prabang is an incredibly beautiful town, and the drone provided a great perspective of the town.
I would suggest staying at the Villa Maly, a boutique hotel, which was the former residence of a member of the Lao royal family. It is located on a quiet street and a brief 10 minute walk to the night market. Villa Maly has an old-school bar in the main house and a compact pool to cool off after a hot day. The rooms are very comfortable with great wi-fi!
Check out this link for a Luang Prabang Itinerary. And make sure you hit the Luang Prabang night markets.
Villa Maly
Disclaimer: I was attending as an invited guest of the Mekong Tourism Forum and my room was provided gratis. I have provided my own opinions and thoughts. And if you book a room through Agoda, I am an affiliate and I might earn a fee.
And check out the awesome Mekong River cruise Laos.
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Great photos! I like the idea of having a drone very much but I also like travelling light – decisions, decisions!!!
I would say the size/weight is the second issue you have to deal with. First issue, is trying to figure out the laws and regulations of the country you are visiting. But it is so much fun!!
I never thought of that but it’s a valid point. Think I’ll admire other’s drone shots for the time being!!
I’m totally with Mark on this – would love to have a drone but seems a bit of a pain to carry around. Plus Spanky would never let me buy another gadget…
….but the photos are so cool! 😉
Very interesting! I particularly like the picture of the own with the mountains layered in the background at almost sunset.
Thank you, so fun flying the drone around!
[…] had visited Laos many years ago in 2005. This was my second visit to Luang Prabang a UNESCO town on the banks of the Mekong River. A great place to visit in South East […]