🇱🇦 Luang Prabang Travel Guide (9D8N Firsthand Experience)

This condensed guide solves 80% of your trip prep! 1️⃣ Visa Location: Laos Consulate near Xishuangbanna's Jinghong Gate . Process: Bring passport only (no group needed). 10-minute pickup, cash-only (¥250). 2️⃣ Border Crossing Two checks: Exit China at Mohan, enter Laos at Boten. At Boten: Exchange ¥100 at Friendship Store (1:2,800). Buy SIM card (¥50). To city center: Minivan (40,000 LAK) to Post Office → tuk-tuk to hotel. 3️⃣ Motorbike Rental Best deal: Near JC Minimart (200m ahead). 100,000 LAK/day, Chinese-speaking owner. Passport deposit required. 4️⃣ Money Avoid cards! Hidden fees tripled our ¥450 meal to ¥900. Best exchange: Night Market area (1:2,950, Chinese-run). Use cash! 5️⃣ Hotels (See my dedicated hotel guide.) 6️⃣ Massage Lower expectations! Lighter techniques than Thailand. Avoid "cheap" places—poor hygiene & rushed service. 7️⃣ Safety & Hours Everything closes by 10 PM (even night markets). Surprising for a tropical tourist town! 8️⃣ Budget Flexible—street meals from ¥10, fancy dinners ¥100+. 9️⃣ Tipping Not expected. No pressure. 🔟 Return Tickets App: LCR Ticket (register with email, not phone). Book 1+ day ahead—only 1 daily train to China. 🚖 To Train Station Shared van: 40,000 LAK (book at Post Office mini-mart). Private car: 300,000–400,000 LAK (door-to-door). (No restaurant recs—tastes vary! Happy travels!) #LaosTravel #LuangPrabangTips #BorderCrossing