Tourists visit the town of Luang Prabang, a UNESCO world heritage site in Laos. Esquire Philippineshas named the town as one of the 12 easiest places in South-East Asia to go backpacking. - Xinhua
VIENTIANE, Nov 10 (Vientiane Times/ANN): The profile of world heritage-listed Luang Prabang in Laos has been further raised on the tourism stage after being named by Esquire Philippines as one of the 12 easiest places in South-East Asia to go backpacking.
The American men’s magazine highlighted the key features of 12 cities for visitors who want to have unique experiences on a budget, as the region is home to centuries-old temples, interesting markets, wonderful beaches, and friendly local people.
These places are easily accessible and travel around the 12 locations is affordable due to budget airlines, ferries, buses and trains that connect one country to the next.
The 12 towns and cities on the list are Bangkok (Thailand), Penang (Malaysia), Battambang (Cambodia), Luang Prabang, Lombok (Indonesia), Chiang Mai (Thailand), Hanoi (Vietnam), Bagan (Myanmar), Hoi An (Vietnam), Bali (Indonesia), Siem Reap (Cambodia), and Krabi (Thailand).
The town of Luang Prabang, which is renowned for UNESCO’s listing of its old quarter as a world heritage site, has a history that dates back centuries, with unspoiled religious art, temples, and ancient structures.
“What makes this destination an attractive stop in Laos is its rich culture and laid-back vibe. Time slows down in Luang Prabang,” the magazine stated.
The former Lao royal capital is easily accessible thanks to the inauguration in December 2021 of the Laos-China Railway connecting Vientiane to the Chinese border.
More flights from other countries have been launched to connect with Luang Prabang, and Lao Airlines operates three flights a week from Luang Prabang to Bangkok.
Esquire Philippines recommended visitors to fly from Vientiane to Luang Prabang, but for those trying to save money there are buses between the two towns.
Some of the key attractions in Luang Prabang listed by the magazine are Kuangxi waterfall, Xiengthong temple, Mount Phousi, the night market, Pak Ou cave, and early morning almsgiving.
The must-eat foods suggested by the magazine are green papaya salad, khao soi (noodle soup), grilled meat, laap (spicy beef/pork salad) and khao piak (noodle soup).
Luang Prabang is one of the most well-known places in Laos and is a top tourist draw because of its old temples, scenic attractions and rural landscapes. In 2015, readers of Wanderlust, a leading British travel magazine, voted Luang Prabang as the world’s best city to visit, with the town similarly being cited from 2006-2008 and from 2010-2012.
The town recently received a second Asean Clean Tourism Standard award following an assessment of compliance with Asean tourism standards. It was judged to have achieved almost 93 percent of the criteria set under Asean clean tourism standards.
In addition, the Kuangsi waterfall received an Asean Sustainable Tourism Award in January. - Vientiane Times/ANN
