Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
hill-tribe jewellery peddled in Luang Prabang is the handiwork of the Hmong. All of these
articles are sold in the shops on Sisavangvong/Sakkaline Road.
little jewellery shack across the bamboo bridge, with items from 39,000K, though the real
attraction is the free jewellery classes run by the friendly owner: choose your materials and
she'll teach you how to tailor to her designs.
Daily 9am-11pm.
This lovely colonial building is one of the best places to head to for antiques, as well as sil-
verware, ethnic jewellery and handicrafts.
Daily 8.30am-7pm.
DIRECTORY
Banksandexchange
Luang Prabang has ATMs in all the main tourist areas, including sev-
eral on Sisavangvong Road. There are a number of moneychangers on Sisavongvong Road,
and most banks - of which there are again several on Sisavangvong Road - will exchange
the usual range of currencies.
Hospitals and clinics
The best place for emergencies is the provincial hospital, 4km south-
west of the old city ( 071 252026), though for anything serious you'll need to go to Thail-
and.
Internet and wi-fi
Most of the travel agents on Sisavangvong Road have internet connec-
tions for around 100K/min. Almost all the hotels and guesthouses and many of the restaur-
ants have free wi-fi.
Laundry
Most hotels and guesthouses will wash clothes for you - expect to pay around
8000-10,000K/kilo.
Massage and herbal sauna
The Red Cross, opposite Wat Visoun ( 071 252856; daily
8am-8pm), has traditional Lao massage at 40,000K/hr (reserve ahead) and an excellent
sauna (from 5pm only) for 10,000K. Proceeds go to help poor villagers. For a wider choice
of massages in more comfortable surroundings, Spa Garden, Kounxoa Rd ( 071 212325;
daily 9am-9.30pm) is highly recommended - try the “Mystic Lao Massage” (1hr; 60,000K)
or an aromatherapy massage (150,000K).
Pharmacies
Bouaphanh Pharmacie on Sakkaline Road (daily 8.30am-1pm & 2-8pm;
071 252252) speaks decent English and is reasonably well stocked, as is Poppy Pharmacy
on Sisavangvong Road. Otherwise, try Dara Market.
Post office
The GPO is on Chao Fa Ngum Road, near the junction with Inthasone Road
(Mon-Fri 8am-noon & 1-5pm, Sat 8am-noon).
