Worth getting out of bed for
Leave the historic surrounds behind for a day and venture to Elephant Village (+856 (0)71 212 311; www.elephant-park-project.org), located in a lush valley about 15 kilometres beyond Luang Prabang. Learn the art of the mahout and help bathe the animals in the Nam Khan River, or just pootle along on your pachyderm to a nearby waterfall. The elephant experience can be combined with mountain biking or kayaking if you fancy even more adventure.
Local restaurants
For the authentic flavour of Luang Prabang, try Tamarind Restaurant (+856 (0)20 777 0484; www.tamarindlaos.com; Ban Wat Nong), famous for its whole catfish and tasting plates perfect for sampling the multi-faceted local cuisine. You might also want to sign up for one of the popular cooking courses.
Local bars
There’s an undeniably hip buzz to Hive Bar (+856 (0)20 537 7826; www.hivebarlaos.com; Kingkitsarat Road), a flashpacker spot with devilish drink promotions and a lively crowd.
Local cafés
Why wander and wonder when Le Café Ban Wat Sene (+856 (0)71 252482; Sakkarine Road) is on your doorstep? The coffee will satisfy connoisseurs and the pastries are Parisian in presentation.
Diary
Mid-April Lao New Year (or Bun Pi Mai) is the main event in the Lao calendar. As well as copious water fights and a liberal smattering of talcum powder (sadly not always in the correct bathtime order), Luang Prabang plays host to a colourful elephant procession. May Bun Bang Fai is the Rocket Festival, an ancient ritual to summon the rains. Almost as wild as New Year, it sees locals eating, drinking and making merry before firing bamboo rockets into the sky. October–November Bun Nam is the Laotian version of Cambodia’s Water Festival. Luang Prabang showcases long-boat races on the Mekong River and villagers flock to town to cheer on their local team. A sort of Henley Regatta for the masses, only with Lao Lao rice wine instead of Pimm's.
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