Image via Avani Hotel

Budget dependent of course, the period including the months of November through February is by far, the most suitable time of year to be spending your holiday in Luang Prabang. Referred to as the dry-cool season, visitors will be well served with pleasing and fair temperatures, clear blue skies and green mountains to admire. As the sole caveat, know that accommodation prices will be on the higher side based on the fact that the mentioned period is high season. On the flip side, the rainy season which prevails between May to October can bring with it a few perks that can be factored in. On top of affordable hotel rates and promotions, travellers will have access to stunning verdant landscapes and will not have to bother with crowds at prominent landmarks.

Dedicated to the unique ethnicities and artisans of Laos, the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre is made up of a handicrafts shop, a museum and a learning centre where you may enjoy a deep dive into Laotian culture. Housed within a heritage building, patrons will be escorted through the diverse lifestyles of the 30 ethnic groups found across the nation. During one’s time here, you can inspect religious artefacts, traditional costumes and impressive handicrafts which have successfully moulded Laos’ identity.

The Old Town of Luang Prabang is littered with many a shop where you may pop in for a quick bite to eat and a fruit shake that will certainly spur you on towards discovering all there is to this delightful town in Laos. For instance, move along the streets of Old Town and witness the grandeur of French colonial architecture, draped across its buildings that will provide all the impetus you need to strike that favourite holiday pose. However, reserve time on your schedule for Luang Prabang’s strikingly beautiful wats (temples) that will afford a good amount of history lessons to be a part of. First up is Wat Xieng Thong that saw the light of day in the 16^th century. As one of the oldest surviving temples that you will encounter, Wat Xieng Thong holds a special place in the country’s history. This is because this place of worship was once utilised for coronation ceremonies of the kings of old and various festivals. Also, be sure to drop by Wat Haw Pha Bang which is a recent inclusion to the town’s list of temples. Constructed to house the Phra Bang Buddha statuette that comes across as the city’s namesake, Wat Haw Pha Bang can be easily identified owing to its curved golden façade which is known to glint whenever the sun is at its brightest.

Embarking on a boating excursion along the Mekong River will easily come off as one of the better pursuits of your time in Luang Prabang. With sunset & dinner cruises and day trips featuring as one’s ‘go to’ in this regard, having a local guide you on the way towards embracing the rustic ambience and natural environs of the Mekong will truly be a worthwhile escape. Glide along at a leisurely pace and watch as dense jungles and towering mountain ranges fall into view with amazing accuracy for one truly satisfying time. In order to schedule such a trip, it will be prudent on your part to stay at some of the best hotels in Laos such as for example, Avani Hotel whose staff will happily map out your travels along a water body that flows through six countries.