🇱🇦 The Ultimate 3-Day Luang Prabang Itinerary

📝 Travel Prep Visa: Apply via Taobao (~200 RMB, mail your passport). SIM Card: Unitel 7-day/30GB (35 RMB). Accommodation: Agoda (often cheaper than Booking). Transport: Minivans at the train station → hotel. Tuk-tuks (haggle hard—start at half the price!). Currency Exchange: Best rates at JC Mini Mart. 🌅 Day 1: Temples & Sunset ⛰️ Phousi Mountain Best for sunset! Enter opposite the Royal Palace, 20-min hike. Stunning city views 🌙 Night Market (Sisavangvong Rd) Must-try: Coconut pancakes🥥 & avocado shakes! Buy souvenirs like fridge magnets & coasters. 🌿 Day 2: Waterfalls & Rice Fields 🏞️ Kuang Si Waterfall Swim in turquoise pools! Optional jungle ziplining. 🌾 Sam Na Coffee (Rice Field Cafe) Best meal in Laos! Gorgeous views 🐘 Elephant Sanctuary (Optional) Ethical encounters (pricey but meaningful). ⛪ Day 3: Culture & River Serenity 🌅 Morning Alms (5:30-6:30 AM) Buy offerings at the street stalls. Then, explore the Morning Market for breakfast. 🕍 Wat Xieng Thong 30 mins max—stunning mosaics & architecture. 🏰 Royal Palace Museum No bags allowed! Free (unsecured) storage. Tag along with a tour for insights. 🌄 Mekong Sunset Cruise Dine on a boat while watching the sunset. 🍽️ Best Eats & Drinks 💐 Manda de Laos (Book ahead! Expensive but dreamy lotus pond). 🍲 Khemkhong View (Mekong-side hotpot, avg. food but great). 🥖 Le Banneton Cafe (Best croissants—near Wat Xieng Thong). 🍸 Artisan Bar (Tiny but genius mixologists). 🍦 Gelato Del Lao (Night market must-try). 💆 Massage & Extras Best Spa: Nalin Massage (Clean, no reservations—go early!). Other Food Recs (untested but hyped): Atsalin Good People Good Food Good Price (Closed Mon) Noodle Shop Popolo Pizza #LuangPrabang #TravelGuide #HiddenGems #SoutheastAsia