There are some incredible outdoor activities suitable for children in Laos, from elephant trekking through hill tribe villages to cycling to waterfalls and rafting along the Nam Ou River. All of these activities can be arranged through local travel agents and can either be done independently or on a group tour.

Bear Rescue Centre
This sanctuary for rescued bears is located en-route to Kuang Si Waterfall, near the car park. Housing endangered Asiatic black bears which have been saved from poachers and traffickers, visitors can admire and photograph the caged animals. Also housed here is Phet, an Indo-Chinese tiger that was saved from a similar fate. Donations towards improving the animals’ enclosures are welcomed by the Free the Bears charity. Children can also adopt a bear. Website: www.bearlao.com/home.htm.

Elephant Trekking
Elephant treks can be easily arranged in Luang Prabang through local travel agencies. The length of treks varies considerably, as do the routes taken, so it is important to choose a trek that is right for you. Luang Prabang is surrounded by untouched jungle and hill tribe villages. Riding through the countryside on the back of an elephant is a fantastic way to experience some of the region’s more rural areas. Children can see how the elephants are cared for, feed them and watch them being washed. You may even get the chance to see a baby elephant.

Kuang Si Waterfall
Situated 30kms south of Luang Prabang, Kuang Si Waterfall makes for an excellent daytrip. Accessible by taxi or bicycle, the 650 feet high waterfall is at its most picturesque during the wet season however it can be visited year-round. Children are not recommended to climb to the top of the waterfall, but they can swim in the various pools at the bottom. Walkways and a few food vendors are present, making this a good place for a picnic. On the road out to Kuang Si Waterfall, there are a number of villages housing traditional hydro-rice mills.

The World Heritage site of Luang Prabang is a cultural gem, with its well-preserved Buddhist temples and French colonial architecture blending together remarkably well. The city’s cherished heritage can be discovered at its informative museums or experienced in the everyday traditions of the people, such as alms-giving. For many, taking part in this ancient cultural tradition is just as rewarding as admiring the well-kept religious artefacts on display in hidden corners of the city.

Monks Collecting Alms
While Buddhist monks collecting alms is a common sight across Asia, the scene is particularly spectacular in Luang Prabang, set against the backdrop of centuries-old temples and colonial heritage houses. To witness this daily scene, you will need to get up early; monks typically leave their temple at 05:00. Locals line up outside their houses and spoon rice into the alms bowls of passing monks, who make a colourful line in their saffron-coloured robes. If you are unsure of the best place to catch this sight, ask the staff at your hotel who will be happy to assist you. Visitors are also welcome to participate in this activity.

National Museum
Housed in what was formerly the Royal Palace (Haw Kham) up until the dissolution of the monarchy in 1975, the National Museum displays an impressive collection of valuable items. Highlights are the royal throne used during the Lan Xang Kingdom and other fascinating royal memorabilia such as the king’s howdah, as well as ancient religious artefacts. The building itself was constructed for King Sisavangvong between 1904 and 1909, and is of mixed French and Lao design. Phone: +856 71 212122.

Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre
A new addition to Luang Prabang’s museum scene, this well–presented collection of ethnic artefacts, including clothing, tools and religious items, provides visitors with an educational insight into the different ethnic groups of Laos. Also on-site are a museum shop and a patio café, housed within an attractive heritage building. All museum signs are in both Lao and English, and tours are available on request. Phone: +856 71 253 364; website: www.taeclaos.org.

Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham
Located on Thanon Sisvangvong, this is one of the city’s most architecturally interesting temples. Characterised by a five-tiered roof built in the traditional style, the temple also has a roofed veranda at the front which breaks from tradition with its side-facing gables (gables typically face the front). Inaugurated in the late 18^th century, the temple was the residence of the Sangkharat (Supreme Patriarch of Lao Buddhism) up the position was transferred to Vientiane.

Wat That Chom Sii
Constructed on top of the 150 metre high Mount Phou Si, which sits in the city centre, visitors will need to climb 355 steps to appreciate this religious site. While the temple is not the most spectacular that Luang Prabang has to offer, the views of the city and rivers below are breathtaking. The best time to make a trip here is in the early morning or evening, when temperatures are cooler. The gold stupa of the temple is an important landmark and is visible from most parts of the city.

Wat Wisunarat
Wat Wisunarat is no longer used as a place of worship, but instead is now a museum of religious arts. Some of the Buddha images on display here date back to the 14^th century, while the precinct houses That Makmo, an enormous stupa dating from 1503. The temple itself was constructed in the early 1500s and is famous for having once housed the Prabang, a valuable gold Buddha image that was stolen by Thai invaders in 1715, but later returned in 1866. The Prabang is now housed at the National Museum.

Wat Xieng Thong
Perhaps Luang Prabang’s most beautiful temple, Xieng Thong was built on the bank where the Khan and Mekong rivers meet. Dating from the mid-16^th century, the temple was constructed in the Lao style of that period during King Say Setthathirath’s reign. Inside, visitors can admire religious artworks and artefacts, some of which date to the 12^th century. This culturally valuable collection should not be missed by anyone with a keen interest in Lao history.

Shopping in Luang Prabang is focused on traditional handicrafts, with sellers coming from far and wide to market their wares to foreign tourists. In fact, witnessing the interesting ethnic costumes of the sellers is perhaps the most interesting aspect of any Luang Prabang shopping excursion.

Among the products you will commonly find for sale are silk and cotton scarves and phaa sin (wraparound skirts worn by Lao women), all of which are woven using centuries-old methods. Prices are low, particularly if you make a purchase directly at the source rather than at a tourist-orientated store. Antique woven items are becoming increasingly hard to find and fetch large sums. Other fabric goods available include bags, quilts and wall hangings with distinctive Lao motifs.

Silver and gold jewellery is widely available, some of which is produced by hill tribes using designs and techniques that have been passed down for generations. Morning and Dala markets are good places to look for handmade jewellery and gemstones including sapphires. For the best in workmanship, pay a visit to Thithpeng Maniphone, who used to craft silverware for the Lao monarchy.

Aside from markets, there are an increasing number of upmarket handicraft shops located in the town centre, housed in old French mansions. Although often overpriced, their selections are tasteful and well-pitched towards western tastes.

There is an excellent range of eateries suitable for all budgets in Luang Prabang, from riverside cafés to upmarket French restaurants and local diners. The majority of restaurants are clustered along the central Chao Sisophon road and in and around Sakkalin road. In addition, there are dozens of Mekong-facing restaurants along Khem Kong road, many of which have decks overlooking the river.

The staple of Lao cuisine is ‘sticky rice’, a glutinous form or rice that is served with most meals and cooked using a traditional method. Authentic Lao cuisine is easy to find, as are western dishes including French cuisine. Local favourites to try while you are here include laap, a spicy salad of ground meat and herbs; and tam mak hung, spicy green papaya salad. Both these dishes are commonly eaten with ping kai, grilled chicken, and of course sticky rice.

Also not to be missed are the French style baguettes which can be eaten with Laughing Cow cheese wedges or Lao style with salad and a meat pâté. In addition to Lao and French cuisine, Indian cuisine is becoming increasingly popular in Luang Prabang and you will find a small selection of Indian-run restaurants.

Coffee is also widely available and a favourite of the locals. Try having a glass at one of the intimate shops along the river, where locals and foreigners sit around a bar. The freshly brewed coffee is served with condensed milk, followed by a cup of hot green tea. If you want to sample the country’s alcoholic offerings, Beer Lao is hugely popular with locals and tourists alike and rated as one of the best in region.

Luang Prabang’s unspoilt surroundings are ideal for outdoor activities, with everything from waterfalls, hill tribe villages and rivers waiting to be discovered. If you have hired a bicycle to get around town, consider doing the 30km-ride to Kuang Si Waterfall and the Bear Rescue Centre. Rafting is also popular and both the Mekong and Nam Ou rivers offer beautiful scenery. If you prefer to stay on dry land, the trek from Muang Khai to Ban Na Haew offers opportunities to visit hill tribe villages.

Cycling
Cycling is a fantastic way to get around Luang Prabang, with most of the city’s major attractions just a short bike ride apart, the land is relatively flat and the roads quiet. There are several shops and guesthouses that hire bicycles of varying sizes and models. If you would rather do your explorations accompanied by a guide, consider signing up for a group cycling tour. This will allow you to see the city’s surroundings without worrying about getting lost. Cycling tours typically involve other fun activities such as rafting. A popular trip is the 30km-ride out to Kuang Si Waterfall. The best months for cycling are December and January.

Rafting
Rafting with a reputable company can be an exhilarating experience and a great way to take in the scenic Mekong and Nam Ou rivers. Many travel agents and guesthouses organise group rafting trips of varying lengths, which normally include a stop at a small village along the way for lunch. Rafting is also a great way to see the way of life of the Lao people that live along the banks of the rivers. Different kinds of rafts are available, but most tour groups use two-seater canoes. Rafters should take care to wear suitable clothing to protect them from the sun.

Trekking
There are some worthwhile treks from near Luang Prabang, including the trek from Muang Khai to Ban Na Haew. To get to Muang Khai, you will need to charter a long-tail boat from Luang Prabang. The trek will take you through the mountains to Khmou and Hmong hill tribe villages, where you can admire the colourful dress of these ethnic groups. About 30kms from Luang Prabang you will arrive at Kuang Si Waterfall, the perfect place to rest up and enjoy a picnic. Trekkers are recommended to take a guide with them as the route is not marked. More serious climbing is possible, but involves getting a permit first.