I am pleased to present a new Solo Travel Destination Post from Solo Travel Society member Carol, to complement an earlier one from Don. Carol is from Australia, Don is from Canada, and each submitted reports from their solo trips to Luang Prabang. Do you have a solo travel destination that you would like to recommend? Submit your description here along with a few photos, and share it with fellow travelers!
Solo travel rating: 1.5 (1 is easiest, 4 is most difficult. Please see chart below)
Languages spoken: Lao, English, French
One of the many beautiful temples you can visit in Luang Prabang
Reasons to Visit Luang Prabang
Carol's Story
Solo travel rating: 1.5 (1 is easiest, 3 is most difficult. Please see chart below)
Costs at Destination: Reasonable (local transportation, dining, tours, events and attractions)
I have been to Luang Prabang (LP) in Laos, Southeast Asia twice now because it is so beautiful and the whole old town is UNESCO listed, making it unique. You can fly directly there from Singapore and Bangkok making easy access for solo travelers.
Luang Prabang has a long history and a rich culture of SE Asian, Buddhist, and French colonial influences. This shows itself in the multitude of gorgeously decorated golden roofed temples, palaces, and well preserved French colonial buildings; but the whole town still retains a village feel.
Stay on the peninsular (old town) where you have easy access to everything. Marvel at how people farm the fertile land exposed by the seasonal drop in river levels; watch brightly robed young monks on their way to and from the wats (temples) where they get their main chance at education; and experience the most reasonably priced French cuisine in the world. The wooden shuttered shops sell local handicrafts, exquisite textiles, and wood carvings as well as western food and attractions.
Visit the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre in town to understand the importance of these activities to Lao culture. Many companies offer tours in the area. My favorite was experiencing the cycle of rice-growing on a family owned, organic rice farm from planting to harvesting to threshing, and finally the range of products rice can make, food just being one.
The sunsets are famous as is the early morning offering to monks – but take great care to show respect if you want to witness this. My other favorite experience was spending time with English learners at Big Brother Mouse, which helps local students practice their English every morning and evening, perfect if you’re traveling solo.
Growing crops on the fertile land exposed when the river level drops in winter
Even monks have to dry their washing
Solo Travel Destination Rating System
Safety – 1 (1 very safe, 2 safe in most areas, 3 be cautious at all times.)
Language – 2 (1 English is first language, 2 English speakers easy to find, 3 English speakers rare)
Navigation – 1 (1 easy to navigate by transit or car, 2 poor transit, car necessary, 3 not easy to get around)
Culture – 2 (1 Similar to North America or Western Europe, 2 Different from above but relaxed and easy, 3 Challenging)
Average Rating – 1.5 (1 is easiest, 4 is most difficult)
The Nam Khan River from Luang Prabang Historical area.
Don's Solo Trip to Luang Prabang
Solo travel rating: 1.5 (1 is easiest, 3 is most difficult. Please see chart below)
The beautiful, serene former capital of the Kingdom of Luang Prabang is located at the confluence of the Nam Khan River and the Mekong River.
There is an abundance of Buddhist temples (wats) and many monks and novice monks wearing their colored robes in the streets of the town. Laotian people are very kind, spiritual in nature and helpful. It is highly recommended to sit in a temple and listen to the monks chant, normally in the early morning or late afternoon. This is a very moving experience, even if you are not Buddhist.
There are various activities in the near vicinity of Luang Prabang, like visits to waterfalls, caves, and elephant parks. The small city itself is very easy to navigate. The historic part of the city is actually a peninsula between the two rivers, and a UNESCO world heritage site.
The food in restaurants and in the street is very tasty, and you can see the French influence. Many guest houses welcome tourists from all over the world. As in other parts of South East Asia a single traveler will feel quite safe and secure.
Luang Prabang at dusk near the banks of the Mekong River.
Wat and vegetation in the historical area of Luang Prabang.
Solo Travel Destination Rating System
Safety – 1 (1 very safe, 2 safe in most areas, 3 be cautious at all times.)
Language – 2 (1 English is first language, 2 English speakers easy to find, 3 English speakers rare)
Navigation – 1 (1 easy to navigate by transit or car, 2 poor transit, car necessary, 3 not easy to get around)
Culture – 2 (1 Similar to North America or Western Europe, 2 Different from above but relaxed and easy, 3 Challenging)
Average Rating – 1.5 (1 is easiest, 4 is most difficult)
