Luang Prabang’s library is a chance for tourists to come to the aid of poor children in Luang Prabang. You can make a donation here which will fund the library’s purchase new books for the children. You can even ride on a boat and deliver books to the children living yourself. This can be quite a fulfilling experience. Religion is very important in Lunag Prabang as evidenced by the locals giving alms to the 200 or so monks who gather at Luang Prabang's main street at sunrise every single day. The alms giving ceremony dates back centuries. Tourists can participate in the ceremony as well. The entire experience can be surreal and you are expected to be on your best behavior throughout. Remember to dress modestly and not get in the way of anyone if you are not taking part in the ceremony.  A holiday in Luang Prabang can be an opportunity to give back to the world for some.

Entering the village of Ban Phanom on the banks of the Nam Khan River in Luang Prabang is almost like cutting yourself off from the modern world. The village’s chief source of income is textile and so you will see all the families here working away at their looms during the day as they weave products for the night market. Once upon a time, Ban Phanom used to supply goods to the royal family and even now the hand-woven products made here now have retained their high quality as the same techniques and materials are still used. Buying items directly from the villagers is a better alternative to buying them at a higher price from the night market. If you wish to avoid the crowds, the best time to visit Ban Phanom will be in the afternoon. The Pak Ou caves situated right where the Mekong River meets the Nam Khan is seen as a holy site by many of the locals. The two caves between them contain over 4000 Buddha relics as well as a shrine to the river spirit. It is pitch black inside the caves so you are going to need a torch to find your way through them. The fascinating Royal Museum near Thanon Sisavangvong Boulevard is well worth a visit. The museum was established inside a building that was built to serve as a palace for King Sisavangvong in the 20th century. The museum has multiple exhibits that will take you on a trip through Laos’ checkered past starting from the volatile times of the Lane Xang Empire, through the colonial era right to the formation of the communist government that now governs Laos. The museum also displays the different branches of Laos’ culture and history, Open on all days except Tuesdays, you have to see this museum during your holiday in Luang Prabang.

So, why is there such a big fuss over Luang Prabang’s natural beauty? Well for a place that claims to be the "Jewel in Laos Crown", Luang Prabang sure does deliver. Kuang Si Waterfall, the biggest waterfall in Luang Prabang, is testament to that fact. 29km south of the main city of Luang Prabang, the waterfall is three-tiered with amazing bright blue pools at the bottom of the 50feet drop. Trekking through the tropical jungles surrounding the waterfall can be a fun experience as well. The journey to the waterfall is quite enjoyable as it gives you the unique opportunity to meet many of the locals who have stuck to their ancient traditions. Mount Phousi represents a 150feet climb to the top. The view from the top especially that of the sunset, is awe-inspiring. A lot of people come here to watch the sunset so you should consider an early morning climb and see the sunrise if you wish to avoid the droves. The Elephant Sanctuary Village, 15km Southeast from Luang Prabang, is a great place to meet elephants that have been rescued from poachers. Here, you can get up close and personal with these magnificent creatures. If you wish you can ride the animals, go on day-long excursions, and even bathe the elephants.

Luang Prabang mostly offers traditional Lao cuisine. That means the dishes here will contain sticky rice, many different kinds of paste and sauces and delicious desserts. Fish and pork are extremely popular too. The herbs, spices, and ingredients used in the food here can get you salivating just from the smell. During the course of your holiday in Luang Prabang, you will come across your fair share of restaurants that serve delicious food at cheap prices. You have the likes of Tamnak Lao that offer dishes at reasonable prices whilst also serving mildly flavored dishes suited to foreign palates. Upscale restaurants such as Apsara Restaurant & Bar offer local cuisine as well as a taste of French cuisine among various others cuisines.

The end of May signals the start of the rainy season as this is when the monsoon first hits Laos. During the first few months, rain does not last longer than a few hours each day. The average temperature loiters around 27 °C. When August begins, it starts raining more often. The rainy season reaches its peak in September. This when there is rainfall throughout the day. The temperature falls to the lower 20s. You should not plan your holiday in Luang Prabang during the rainy season as it is very likely that the rain will interfere with your plans. If you are willing to risk it, tickets cost less during this time of the year and hotels are available.

The dry season starts from November, lasting till April of the following year. Weather in Luang Prabang is as good as it gets during these months, making it the perfect time for a holiday in Luang Prabang. With rainfall so rare, things do get hotter especially in April which is the hottest month of the year. But, as long as you carry plenty of sunscreen, water, and a hat, you will be fine. As this the best time of the year for a holiday in Luang Prabang, tickets are more expensive. Many of the hotels are booked to their maximum well in advance. If you do wish to go for a holiday in Luang Prabang then you have to act quickly and get all the booking issues sorted out.

As the sun rises in Luang Prabang around 200 Buddhist monks depart from their various temples to gather their daily meal. The tradition of alms gathering dates back to the 14th century, yet still today locals wake early to prepare the food for the monks and wait quietly by the roadside to give their gifts. Although the main purpose is for locals to give alms to the monks, you will also notice small children kneeling with baskets in the hope that the monks will share some of their alms with them so that they can take food back to their family.

This daily ceremony is both peaceful and spiritual and gives you a wonderful opportunity to experience an ancient Lao tradition. The procession is quite lengthy and therefore not suitable for very young children or those who cannot sit quietly for more than a few minutes. If you are taking photographs it is best to step back from the front of the line to avoid causing offence. If you are not making an offering maintain an appropriate distance and do not under any circumstances get in the way of those making an offering. Visitors should also remember to be there before the monks arrive and never ever to follow the procession.

There are many unspoken rules regarding etiquette when attending an Alms Giving Ceremony, firstly shoulders, chests and legs must be covered in modest clothing as a mark of respect. You should also remain at a suitable distance from the monks and do not interrupt the procession under any circumstances. Therefore photographs may be taken, but from a distance and never use a camera flash.

When seated, shoes and socks must be removed with your feet tucked underneath as you observe the ceremony in absolute silence. Female attendees must keep their head lower than the monks when giving alms and they must not talk to or touch the monks at any time, even when making an offering. Suitable offerings include some simple food which you can probably arrange at your hotel or buy from a local market en-route, if you buy alms on the street do not negotiate on price as this is also considered highly disrespectful.

Tourists are invited to keep the Luang Prabang Library boats on the water and delivering books to schools. You can participate by dropping off a book which the library will then sell on to raise more funds. Alternatively you can buy a map or a souvenir at the library or even buy books to go in a book bag that will be sent to a village.

If you want to bring some books for the children then try and make sure they are school text books. In addition to the boats there are also book bags given to more than 100 surrounding villages with weekend reading activities also taking place for the Khmu schools. The book bags are made from quilted material with pockets in which to place the books, there is a strap attached for the bag to be hung from a tree as there are often no shelves available at the school or village.

Location: The library is located close to the main Luang Prabang night market on Sisavangvong Road opposite the Mai temple and next door to the radio station.

Remarks: Luang Prabang Library also receives some government and foreign charity funding to help Lao children to read. You can also make a donation with 100% of the funds directly given to the children’s library. The library is run by a Head Librarian who is also the Programme Coordinator for Community Learning International, she will be happy to answer any questions you may have and is also responsible for scheduling the boats in addition to running an online blog so you can follow the library’s progress after you’ve departed.

Tad Sae waterfall can be reached by hiring a tuk tuk to take you to the banks of the Nam Khan then renting a boat across to the waterfall. Prices vary so it’s best to check before you leave as you may be able to share transportation but you can expect to pay around 200,000 kip for the tuk tuk which will include waiting time and the return journey back. Tour operators will be the best people to talk to as they usually organise mini-van excursions during the rainy season at the cost of about 50,000 kip per person which is considered good value. You may have to pay an additional 10,000 kip for the boat across.

Luang Prabang’s library is a chance for tourists to come to the aid of poor children in Luang Prabang. You can make a donation here which will fund the library’s purchase new books for the children. You can even ride on a boat and deliver books to the children living yourself. This can be quite a fulfilling experience. Religion is very important in Lunag Prabang as evidenced by the locals giving alms to the 200 or so monks who gather at Luang Prabang's main street at sunrise every single day. The alms giving ceremony dates back centuries. Tourists can participate in the ceremony as well. The entire experience can be surreal and you are expected to be on your best behavior throughout. Remember to dress modestly and not get in the way of anyone if you are not taking part in the ceremony.  A holiday in Luang Prabang can be an opportunity to give back to the world for some.

Entering the village of Ban Phanom on the banks of the Nam Khan River in Luang Prabang is almost like cutting yourself off from the modern world. The village’s chief source of income is textile and so you will see all the families here working away at their looms during the day as they weave products for the night market. Once upon a time, Ban Phanom used to supply goods to the royal family and even now the hand-woven products made here now have retained their high quality as the same techniques and materials are still used. Buying items directly from the villagers is a better alternative to buying them at a higher price from the night market. If you wish to avoid the crowds, the best time to visit Ban Phanom will be in the afternoon. The Pak Ou caves situated right where the Mekong River meets the Nam Khan is seen as a holy site by many of the locals. The two caves between them contain over 4000 Buddha relics as well as a shrine to the river spirit. It is pitch black inside the caves so you are going to need a torch to find your way through them. The fascinating Royal Museum near Thanon Sisavangvong Boulevard is well worth a visit. The museum was established inside a building that was built to serve as a palace for King Sisavangvong in the 20th century. The museum has multiple exhibits that will take you on a trip through Laos’ checkered past starting from the volatile times of the Lane Xang Empire, through the colonial era right to the formation of the communist government that now governs Laos. The museum also displays the different branches of Laos’ culture and history, Open on all days except Tuesdays, you have to see this museum during your holiday in Luang Prabang.

So, why is there such a big fuss over Luang Prabang’s natural beauty? Well for a place that claims to be the "Jewel in Laos Crown", Luang Prabang sure does deliver. Kuang Si Waterfall, the biggest waterfall in Luang Prabang, is testament to that fact. 29km south of the main city of Luang Prabang, the waterfall is three-tiered with amazing bright blue pools at the bottom of the 50feet drop. Trekking through the tropical jungles surrounding the waterfall can be a fun experience as well. The journey to the waterfall is quite enjoyable as it gives you the unique opportunity to meet many of the locals who have stuck to their ancient traditions. Mount Phousi represents a 150feet climb to the top. The view from the top especially that of the sunset, is awe-inspiring. A lot of people come here to watch the sunset so you should consider an early morning climb and see the sunrise if you wish to avoid the droves. The Elephant Sanctuary Village, 15km Southeast from Luang Prabang, is a great place to meet elephants that have been rescued from poachers. Here, you can get up close and personal with these magnificent creatures. If you wish you can ride the animals, go on day-long excursions, and even bathe the elephants.

Luang Prabang mostly offers traditional Lao cuisine. That means the dishes here will contain sticky rice, many different kinds of paste and sauces and delicious desserts. Fish and pork are extremely popular too. The herbs, spices, and ingredients used in the food here can get you salivating just from the smell. During the course of your holiday in Luang Prabang, you will come across your fair share of restaurants that serve delicious food at cheap prices. You have the likes of Tamnak Lao that offer dishes at reasonable prices whilst also serving mildly flavored dishes suited to foreign palates. Upscale restaurants such as Apsara Restaurant & Bar offer local cuisine as well as a taste of French cuisine among various others cuisines.

The end of May signals the start of the rainy season as this is when the monsoon first hits Laos. During the first few months, rain does not last longer than a few hours each day. The average temperature loiters around 27 °C. When August begins, it starts raining more often. The rainy season reaches its peak in September. This when there is rainfall throughout the day. The temperature falls to the lower 20s. You should not plan your holiday in Luang Prabang during the rainy season as it is very likely that the rain will interfere with your plans. If you are willing to risk it, tickets cost less during this time of the year and hotels are available.

The dry season starts from November, lasting till April of the following year. Weather in Luang Prabang is as good as it gets during these months, making it the perfect time for a holiday in Luang Prabang. With rainfall so rare, things do get hotter especially in April which is the hottest month of the year. But, as long as you carry plenty of sunscreen, water, and a hat, you will be fine. As this the best time of the year for a holiday in Luang Prabang, tickets are more expensive. Many of the hotels are booked to their maximum well in advance. If you do wish to go for a holiday in Luang Prabang then you have to act quickly and get all the booking issues sorted out.

As the sun rises in Luang Prabang around 200 Buddhist monks depart from their various temples to gather their daily meal. The tradition of alms gathering dates back to the 14th century, yet still today locals wake early to prepare the food for the monks and wait quietly by the roadside to give their gifts. Although the main purpose is for locals to give alms to the monks, you will also notice small children kneeling with baskets in the hope that the monks will share some of their alms with them so that they can take food back to their family.

This daily ceremony is both peaceful and spiritual and gives you a wonderful opportunity to experience an ancient Lao tradition. The procession is quite lengthy and therefore not suitable for very young children or those who cannot sit quietly for more than a few minutes. If you are taking photographs it is best to step back from the front of the line to avoid causing offence. If you are not making an offering maintain an appropriate distance and do not under any circumstances get in the way of those making an offering. Visitors should also remember to be there before the monks arrive and never ever to follow the procession.

There are many unspoken rules regarding etiquette when attending an Alms Giving Ceremony, firstly shoulders, chests and legs must be covered in modest clothing as a mark of respect. You should also remain at a suitable distance from the monks and do not interrupt the procession under any circumstances. Therefore photographs may be taken, but from a distance and never use a camera flash.

When seated, shoes and socks must be removed with your feet tucked underneath as you observe the ceremony in absolute silence. Female attendees must keep their head lower than the monks when giving alms and they must not talk to or touch the monks at any time, even when making an offering. Suitable offerings include some simple food which you can probably arrange at your hotel or buy from a local market en-route, if you buy alms on the street do not negotiate on price as this is also considered highly disrespectful.

Tourists are invited to keep the Luang Prabang Library boats on the water and delivering books to schools. You can participate by dropping off a book which the library will then sell on to raise more funds. Alternatively you can buy a map or a souvenir at the library or even buy books to go in a book bag that will be sent to a village.

If you want to bring some books for the children then try and make sure they are school text books. In addition to the boats there are also book bags given to more than 100 surrounding villages with weekend reading activities also taking place for the Khmu schools. The book bags are made from quilted material with pockets in which to place the books, there is a strap attached for the bag to be hung from a tree as there are often no shelves available at the school or village.

Location: The library is located close to the main Luang Prabang night market on Sisavangvong Road opposite the Mai temple and next door to the radio station.

Remarks: Luang Prabang Library also receives some government and foreign charity funding to help Lao children to read. You can also make a donation with 100% of the funds directly given to the children’s library. The library is run by a Head Librarian who is also the Programme Coordinator for Community Learning International, she will be happy to answer any questions you may have and is also responsible for scheduling the boats in addition to running an online blog so you can follow the library’s progress after you’ve departed.

Tad Sae waterfall can be reached by hiring a tuk tuk to take you to the banks of the Nam Khan then renting a boat across to the waterfall. Prices vary so it’s best to check before you leave as you may be able to share transportation but you can expect to pay around 200,000 kip for the tuk tuk which will include waiting time and the return journey back. Tour operators will be the best people to talk to as they usually organise mini-van excursions during the rainy season at the cost of about 50,000 kip per person which is considered good value. You may have to pay an additional 10,000 kip for the boat across.