The early morning alms giving to the monks in Luang Prabang, Laos, is one of the main attractions that lures many travellers to the laidback Mekong River town

• The ceremony at Tak Bat is a daily event and worth getting up early for. This touching ritual is part of the monks' daily routine in which they receive food from the locals to feed them for the day.
• Please be respectful of this ceremony; this is real-life, not a photo shoot.
• When taking photos, be sensitive and keep them to a minimum.
• Get up at around 5am if you're not staying in the center of town.
• Wait until the sun rises for the best shots.

The Royal Palace Museum is also known as “Haw Kham” It houses a lot of interesting historical items. Every item tells a story

• A visit to the Royal Palace is highly recommended! The palace is situated in the heart of town and offers visitors the chance to better understand the life and history of the Laos Royal Family.
• A guide is recommended to unearth some fascinating stories as you explore this beautiful building.
• The colored mosaic glass stuck to the walls with rice glue is incredible and unexpected, and don't miss the last room where gifts presented to the Royals over the years make for a fascinating display.
• Keep your hands in your pockets just to be safe; the intricate mosaics are very delicate and should not be touched.

Wat Xieng Thong is one of the most important temples in the country of Laos. The word "wat" in Lao means temple

• Golden City is a beautifully decorated 'wat' (monastery temple) both inside and out, with stunningly painted interior walls and colorful mosaic glass decorating its exterior. The number one must-see temple in Lunang Prabang!
• Spot the Buddha by looking through one of the small keyholes in the building; the one that is directly opposite the mosaic of the tree of life.
• Dress modestly when visiting temples; and women should not touch a monk or a monk’s robes.

The Old Quarter of Luang Prabang, from which the city expanded, is situated on a peninsula bounded by these two rivers.

• A stroll around the old quarter under your own steam is both relaxing and extremely insightful. While many tourists stick close to the river, there is so much daily life to see by journeying deeper into this area's backstreets.
• Be careful if you go antique shopping, some items are copies. Shop around, ask questions, and make sure that you're getting what you pay for.
• Lose your map for an hour or two and just wander the streets.
• A good place to start is by walking down Kounxoau Road that runs pretty much down the middle, and then go where ever your senses take you.

Bamboo bridges across the Mekong near Luang Prabang are washed away each year when the river floods. They are rebuilt in within a week when the flood subsides.

• If you want to get out of the urban center and explore a little further afield, there are two Bamboo Bridges in town, and taking either one of these will lead you out into the Lao countryside.
• For a glimpse of normal life in the country, simply walk across and explore. Even more ground can be covered via bicycle, and though bikes can be taken across without a problem.
• Have some small change ready for the bridge toll.
• Be warned that there are some steps and a small hill that you will have to carry your bikes up and down.

The Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre (TAEC) is more than a museum to visit and a boutique for fine handicrafts.

• The shop has a good website that you can buy things from after returning home.
• A wonderful little museum funded by Fair Trade Laos, head here to learn all about Laos' ethnic culture and traditional handicrafts. The fantastic onsite shop also supports over 600 rural ethnic artisans and is a great place to buy authentic handmade goods.

Phousi Hill, also called Phousi Mountain is a small mountain in the center of Luang Prabang, located on the peninsula between the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers.

• The perfect vantage point for planning your next meander through the town’s streets. Actually scrap that; just go and enjoy getting lost.
• Mount Phousi is a perfect end to any day in Luang Prabang. Your climb to the top will be rewarded with great views of the town, and shows you just how small the center actually is.
• There is not a lot of standing space at the top and Mount Phousi can get crowded at peak times e.g. sunset. Try to time your visit accordingly.

The Luang Prabang Bowling Alley is famed for being a late-night drinking hole in addition to being the town’s only ten pin bowling venue.

• In this town of early to bed early to rise there are not too many options after dark. This bowling alley is only a 10 minute tuk-tuk ride out of town, and even if bowling is not your thing, it is the one place where you are guaranteed to be able to carry on the party.
• Food and drinks are also available at the bowling alley until the wee small hours.