Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
lightful cafe. TAEC is within a former French judge's mansion, which was among the
city's most opulent buildings of the 1920s.
RESPECT THE BAT
The Tak Bat, when apprentice monks form a line down Luang Prabang's Th Sisavangvong to receive
alms at dawn, has become a cause for concern. In their hunger for a photogenic keepsake, some
Western visitors consider it OK to get uncomfortably close to the monks during this ancient and sol-
emn ceremony. Consider these basic courtesies: observe the ritual in silence and at a respectful dis-
tance; only make an offering if it means something personal to you and the food is fresh; and do not
make physical contact with the monks or talk to them. Finally, do not follow the monks.
Activities
The best way to really explore the city is by bike, meandering through the peninsula past
scenes of monastic life and children playing. Once you've got your bearings, head out
beyond Talat Phosy, toward the Kuang Si waterfalls and through some particularly spec-
tacular scenery. Basic/mountain bikes cost 15,000/30,000K per day and can be hired along
Th Sisavangvong. For easier journeys, automatic one-gear scooters cost around US$20
per day. Motorcycle rental typically costs US$15 a day or US$20 for 24 hours.
KPTD
(
071-253447; Th Kitsarat)
has a wide range of scooters as well as a Honda CRF (US$65) for
motocross riders only.
Luang Prabang is also about pampering, and what better way to ease those trekked-out
muscles than sampling the city's affordable spa parlours. Try a basic herbal sauna, or a
traditional Lao, Swedish or hot-stone massage (to name a few).
Some of the most popular activities in Luang Prabang are based in the countryside bey-
ond, including trekking, cycling and kayaking tours. Another popular activity is visiting
one of the elephant camps beyond town and learning the art of the mahout (elephant train-
er) for a day or more.
Luang Prabang Yoga
MAP
YOGA
( 020 2388 1771;
www.luangprabangyoga.org
;
Utopia Bar, off Th Phommatha; 30,000K per hr;
7.30am-8.30am Thu-Fri & Sun-Tue, 5.30pm-6.30pm Tue, Thu & Sat; )
Based in the lush river-
side gardens of Utopia bar, there are daily sessions to clear your cocktail haze and sync
your spirit with the city's Buddhist vibe.
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