A guide to the Laos-China Railway from Vientiane to Boten, including tickets, train types, station guides, onboard amenities, and transport to stations. The Laos-China Railway is a semi-high-speed railway in Laos that operates from Vientiane to Boten, with main stations in Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang, and Muang Xai. Here everything you need to know about […]
Notes on Luang Prabang in the new era of the train
I visited Luang Prabang by train from Vientiane shortly after Laos reopened in 2022. While Luang Prabang was abnormally quiet then, it was evident that Luang Prabang would be transformed by the Laos-China Railway. This is my trip report and general observations. Visiting Luang Prabang before the train My first visit to Luang Prabang was […]
Where to stay in Luang Prabang: Best areas and hotels in Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang is one of the most charming cities in Southeast Asia and a highlight for any visit to Laos. Calling it a city seems a bit of a stretch as it feels more like a big country town. And within the UNESCO World Heritage protected zone, some parts feel like it hasn’t changed for […]
Guesthouse Review: Villa Philaylack, Luang Prabang – Laos
Guesthouse Name: Villa Philaylack. Address: Watthat Village, Koksack Road, Luang Prabang, Laos. I stayed at Villa Philaylack in Luang Prabang. I booked online at the rate of $12.61 USD per night, and I booked it for its price and location in Luang Prabang. The Villa Philaylack is near the riverfront of the Mekong and not […]
Guesthouse Review: Soutikone1 Guesthouse, Luang Prabang – Laos
Guesthouse Name: Soutikone1 Guesthouse. Address: Ban Xiengmouane, Luang Prabang, Riverfront, Luang Prabang, Laos. I stayed at Soutikone1 Guesthouse in Luang Prabang. I booked online at the rate of $11 USD per night, and I booked it for its price and location in Luang Prabang. The Soutikone1 Guesthouse is in an alley that runs down to […]
Notes on Luang Prabang: Soups, trains, bad bikes, and waterfalls
The last time I visited Luang Prabang I remember leaving sooner than I would have preferred. It might just be the most charming town in Southeast Asia. Since that trip in 2010, I’ve often thought about if it would be a good base to stay for a while. It ticks the boxes of having plenty […]
The best cafes in Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang is a UNESCO World Heritage city that is filled with cool cafes in beautiful old buildings. It’s an ideal place to stay and work, or recombobulate after roughing it through provincial Laos. I was there for a week so I got to visit most of the cafes. These were the highlights of my […]
Flight Review: AirAsia – Luang Prabang to Bangkok
Flight: AirAsia FD 1031 From: Luang Prabang (LPQ) To: Bangkok (DMK) I flew with AirAsia from Luang Prabang to Bangkok. I booked it after comparing flights with Skyscanner. This was the return leg of my Luang Prabang trip, and AirAsia was the cheapest option again. Luang Prabang airport is close to the city centre, and […]
Guesthouse Review: Lakangthong 2 Friendly House, Luang Prabang – Laos
Guesthouse Name: Lakangthong 2 Friendly House Address: Noradeth Road, Ban Thuat Luang, Luang Prabang, Laos. I stayed at Lakangthong 2 Friendly House in Luang Prabang. I booked online for its proximity to the old town, and its price. I checked in and was greeted with a friendly welcome. In the reception there is a common […]
Guesthouse Review: Khonesavanh Guesthouse, Luang Prabang – Laos
Guesthouse Name: Khonesavanh Guesthouse Address: Hoxieng Village, Khem kong, Luang Prabang, Laos. I stayed at Khonesavanh Guesthouse in Luang Prabang. I booked in advance online and picked it for its location and price. I’ve been to Luang Prabang before, and I recalled that I liked the riverside area where the budget guesthouses are clustered. There […]