Think Luang Prabang has nothing for the family? LYNN WEE uncovers the many kid-friendly places and activities that this Laotian city has to offer.
Backward, provincial and outdated – these were the words that came to mind when I imagined what Luang Prabang would be like. Who’d have thought this city ensconced in northern Laos would be family-friendly? My recent trip to this ancient town proved me wrong.
Declared a Unesco World Heritage Site in 1995, Luang Prabang is said to be an outstanding example of a fusion of two cultures, which can be seen in its traditional Laotian urban structures and European colonial design. My stay at The Grand Luang Prabang hotel (pictured right) certainly reflected this.
The hotel, rebranded by the Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts group, sits in the 59,000 sq m estate of Xiengkeo Palace, the formal royal residence of the first prime minister, Prince Phetsarath Ratanavongsa. Its rooms – furnished tastefully with wooden furniture and a touch of Laotian design, capture the magical blend of the city’s rich heritage beautifully.
The radiant sunlight greeted me every morning as I opened my balcony door to the stunning panoramic view of the Mekong River. The hotel is situated on the banks of this trans-boundary river, and breakfast at its in-house Xiengkeo restaurant comes with the same scenic view.
With a multitude of activities ranging from tree planting and table tennis, to a bike tour, there was never a dull moment during my time there. The resort also hosts a myriad of kid friendly activities catered to the little ones, where they can participate in various art-and-craft activities, paint their own T-shirt, or even learn basic Lao.
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