Luang Prabang is loaded with bucket- list “must sees”, but the UNESCO city offers a world of activities beyond the traditional trail. Stay an extra day or two, and do something new and cool.
UNESCO Golf
Be among the first to boast playing a round of golf along the Mekong and in the green mountains of Luang Prabang. Located just 10-15 minutes from town, the Luang Prabang Golf Club presents a challenging 18 holes laid out over 7,443 yards. The well-designed par 72 championship course features undulating fairways and well protected greens among the elegance of nature.
Natural Amusement Park
Nahm Dong Park sure ain’t Disneyland, but it’s great for family fun in nature. Located 10 km outside of town, the 12-hectare green wonderland is awash with rushing waters and a waterfall. Relax on a picnic in a straw hut surrounded by flowers. Take a swim after hiking the grounds that offer amazing views. You can even hop on a zip line. The park prides itself in preserving nature, and is developing an organic farm.
Bamboozled
Bamboo is part and parcel of Lao life. Now, you can enter this world at the Bamboo Experience run by a local family in a traditional Lao house next to rice paddies. You’ll discover Lao culture through bamboo progoods ducts used as everyday household products. Take a workshop and weave a souvenir mat, or cook dishes using bamboo, which you can enjoy after class.
Stay in Nature with a Twist
Enjoy a unique respite in nature, surrounded by protected primary forest, just 12 km from Luang Prabang Town. The eco-friendly Hillside Lodge offers authentic bungalows amidst a tropical garden in a private paradise. Head off on a variety of self-guided treks to easily explore ethnic villages, waterfalls, rice paddies, mountain viewpoints, and traditional farmlands.
Classy Crafts
You’ll find plenty of handicraft shops in Luang Prabang, but how about more a more chic boutique? Queen Design Lao, owned by Melbourne designer Christine Boyle, offers sophisticated attire and accessories, from dresses fashioned out of Japanese kimono silks to wooden sunglasses, handbags, and woven hemp shrugs. Most of the clothes are one-off pieces…some a bit eccentric, but wearable.
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