Laos' BEST Kept Secret: Luang Prabang Bakery & Guesthouse!
Luang Prabang Bakery & Guesthouse: My Messy, Wonderful Love Letter to Laos' Best Kept Secret (and Why You NEED to Go!)
Okay, so I've just come back from Luang Prabang, and honestly, I'm already plotting my return. Like, right now. And you wanna know the biggest reason? Luang Prabang Bakery & Guesthouse. Forget the temples, forget the monks (okay, maybe not entirely), this place is pure, unadulterated magic. And I’m about to gush all over it. Prepare yourselves. This is gonna be a long review, because frankly, they deserve every single word.
First off, let's get the boring stuff (kinda) out of the way: SEO Stuff! (And Yes, It's Actually Accessible!)
(Accessibility & Practical Matters - because, let's be real, you need to know!)
- Accessibility: This is a huge win! While not perfectly accessible (it is Laos, after all!), they’ve put in genuine effort. I saw ramps, and the staff were super helpful to anyone who needed it. Accessibility is definitely a plus, not a problem.
- On-site accessible restaurants / lounges: Yes, and they're beautiful! Think breezy terraces and comfy cushions.
- Wheelchair accessible: Some areas are wheelchair accessible. Call ahead to confirm specific room details, but they seemed genuinely willing to help.
- Internet Access: Oh, Glorious Internet! They nail this!
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (Thank. The. Gods.) And it actually worked! Believe me, this is a feat in Southeast Asia.
- Internet: (I.e. the rest of the tech stuff): Worked flawlessly.
- Internet [LAN]: Not sure I used LAN, but it's there if you need it.
- Internet services: Printing/scanning at reception (useful!)
- Wi-Fi in public areas: Strong everywhere I went!
- Safety and Cleanliness: HUGE priorities. This is HUGE post-COVID.
- Air Conditioning in Public Areas: Yes – bliss!
- Anti-viral cleaning products: They use them. Peace of mind is priceless.
- Cashless payment service: Handy.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Yep.
- Doctor/nurse on call: Always good to know!
- First aid kit: Check.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere. Thank goodness!
- Hot water linen and laundry washing: Important!
- Hygiene certification: Probably (didn't see it specifically, but the cleanliness spoke volumes).
- Individually-wrapped food options: Yup, for buffets.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: Easy to do.
- Professional-grade sanitizing services: Clearly.
- Room sanitization opt-out available: Nice touch for those who are environmentally conscious.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Definitely.
- Safe dining setup: Thoughtful.
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: A given, it feels.
- Shared stationery removed: Good call in this brave new world.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: They seemed well-trained and genuinely cared.
- Sterilizing equipment: I assume, given the cleanliness.
- Security/Safety:
- CCTV in common areas: Yes.
- CCTV outside property: Yes.
- Fire extinguisher: Got it.
- Front desk [24-hour]: Helpful.
- Safety deposit boxes: In every room.
- Security [24-hour]: Peace of mind.
- Smoke alarms: Present.
Okay, now let's dive into the good stuff. The stuff that makes Luang Prabang Bakery & Guesthouse sing.
(Dining, Drinking & Snacking - Oh, My Sweet Tooth!)
This is where it gets messy, because my love affair with this place began with the food. And it was a deep, passionate love affair.
- Restaurants: Plural! Several gorgeous spots, all with their own charm.
- Asian breakfast: AMAZING. The khao piak sen (rice noodle soup) was the stuff of dreams. I ate it every single day. Seriously.
- Asian cuisine in restaurant: Obviously. Wonderful curries, fresh spring rolls… all the good stuff.
- Bar: Perfect for sunset cocktails. (More on this later).
- Breakfast [Buffet]: A fantastic spread. From pastries to fresh fruit to those amazing Asian breakfast options.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: Yes, and GOOD coffee. I'm a coffee snob, and even I was impressed.
- Coffee Shop: For those daily caffeine fixes.
- Desserts in restaurant: Oh. My. Sweet. Tooth. The bakery is attached. Need I say more? The croissants were flaky heaven. The cakes were beautiful and delicious. I gained 5 pounds. Worth it. All of it.
- Poolside Bar: Sip a cocktail by the pool. Ideal.
- Room service [24-hour]: Amazing after a long day.
- Snack bar: Perfect for those mid-afternoon cravings.
- Vegetarian restaurant: Plenty of vegetarian options, and they were delicious.
- Western breakfast: If you must. But seriously, try the Asian breakfast!
- Western cuisine in restaurant: Burgers, pasta,… all well-executed if you are homesick for these.
Let me tell you about this pool, though… (Rambling ahead! This is where things get real… and emotional…)
(Ways to Relax & Unwind - Paradise Found?)
Let's talk about the pool. Now, I'm not usually a "pool person." I consider myself more of a "beach person" (sand, waves, the whole shebang). But this pool… This pool converted me.
- Pool with view: YES! The view is breathtaking. Rice paddies stretching out to the mountains. It's pure serenity.
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: Gorgeous, refreshing, and clean.
- Body Scrub, Body Wrap, Foot Bath, Gym/Fitness, Massage, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom: Didn't personally use all these, but they are there and I saw people enjoying them. The spa looked divine. Next time, I'm booking a massage for sure.
- Happy hour: Yes, good prices. I spent hours lounging by that pool, reading, sipping cocktails, and just breathing. It was the ultimate reset button. I remember one afternoon, a light rain started falling. It enhanced the experience, honestly. The air was cooler, the colors were richer. The whole place felt magical. I ended up falling asleep on a sunbed, woke up feeling like a new human, and vowed to return. I still crave that feeling. It was like all the stress of life just melted away.
(Services & Conveniences - They Thought of Everything!)
- Air conditioning in public area: Yes! A lifesaver in the Luang Prabang heat!
- Airport transfer: So convenient.
- Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business Facilities, Business Facilities: They cater for events.
- Cash withdrawal: ATM on-site. Handy!
- Concierge: Helpful and friendly.
- Contactless check-in/out: Easy and efficient.
- Convenience store: For snacks and essentials.
- Currency exchange: Easy.
- Daily housekeeping: Immaculate.
- Doorman: A nice touch.
- Dry cleaning: Useful.
- Elevator: If you need it.
- Essential condiments: yes
- Facilities for disabled guests: Very Good.
- Food delivery: Local options.
- Gift/souvenir shop: Perfect for finding those last-minute gifts (or treating yourself!).
- Indoor venue for special events, Outdoor venue for special events: Wedding venue, anyone?
- Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage: All top-notch.
- Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery: If you're combining business with pleasure.
- On-site event hosting, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars: They’re prepared for everything.
- Terrace: Perfect for a sundowner.
(My Room - A Sanctuary of Sweetness:)
- **Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed,Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor
Alright, buckle up buttercups, 'cause you're about to enter the swirling, sticky-rice-filled, mosquito-buzzing heart of my absolutely Un-Perfect trip to Luang Prabang, Laos. Restaurant Luang Prabang Bakery & Guest House? Oh honey, we're living there. This ain't your sterile, Instagram-filtered travel guide, this is the real deal. Grab a Beer Lao (or three) and let’s dive in.
Day 1: Arrival - Bless This Mess!
- Morning (8:00 AM – 10:00 AM, Subject to Delayed Flights and Existential Dread): Flight lands (eventually). Landing in Luang Prabang is like… well, it's like a movie. Lush green mountains, a tiny airport. Okay, maybe a little too charming. Passport control? Smooth as silk. Baggage claim? Let the games begin. One suitcase mysteriously MIA. (Don't worry, I develop a deep, personal relationship with the airport staff by the end of the week.)
- Mid-Morning (10:00 AM – 11:00 AM, Taxi Tango): Taxi ride to Restaurant Luang Prabang Bakery & Guest House. The tuk-tuk driver? Absolutely gleeful about navigating the narrow, chaotic streets. Think Mario Kart, but with more motorbikes and less track. Arrive sweating, disoriented, but alive.
- Late Morning (11:00 AM – 12:00 PM, Room Revelation and Panicked Assessment): Check into the guest house. The room… well, it’s rustic. Charming, someone called it. I call it "potential". The bed is… low. Very, very low. The mosquito net, inexplicably, has a hole large enough to admit a small family. Assess supplies: First-aid kit, bottled water, essential oils (because, let's be honest, I'm going to need them).
- Afternoon (12:00 PM – 2:00 PM, Bakery Bliss (and a Near-Collapse)): Lunch! Right downstairs at the bakery. Oh. My. GAWD. The baguettes! To Die For. Crispy, airy, the perfect vessel for the fresh, tangy sandwiches. I practically inhale one. Then, another. And a pastry… perhaps a slightly excessive amount of pastry here. I almost faint from the sheer deliciousness (and the oppressive humidity).
- Late Afternoon (2:00 PM – 4:00 PM, Temples and Trepidation): Explore the local temples. Magnificent! Gold leaf! Intricate carvings! I'm immediately overwhelmed by the sheer scale and beauty of it all. Wat Xieng Thong is breathtaking. But wait… is that a pack of aggressive stray dogs? Deep breaths. Remember the essential oils.
- Evening (6:00 PM – 8:00 PM, Riverside Dinner and Mosquito Warfare): Dinner at a riverside restaurant. The view! Stunning! The sunset! Majestic! The mosquitoes? Merciless. I swear they're wearing tiny, blood-sucking combat boots. Multiple applications of bug spray. Contemplate buying a mosquito net for my head. The food, thankfully, is worth the bites. Sticky rice. Laap. Everything seasoned to perfection.
- Night (8:00 PM – 9:00 PM, Guesthouse Gossip and Bedtime Blunders): Back to the guest house. Chat with other guests. Turns out, the missing suitcase phenomenon is, shall we say, "common." Attempt to rig the mosquito net like a pro. Fail. Thoroughly. Resign myself to being mosquito-bait. Sleep. (Or, at least, try to).
Day 2: Alms Giving & The Waterfall of My Dreams
- Early Morning (5:30 AM - 6:30 AM, Wake Up Call to Reality (and Sticky Rice)): Attempt to participate in the alms giving ceremony. Get up before the sun (which, frankly, is an achievement in itself). Buy sticky rice. Realize the monks are incredibly stoic and the whole thing is more humbling than I expected. Also, the sticky rice is everywhere. On my hands, in my hair, it's a sticky-rice avalanche.
- Morning (7:00 AM - 10:00 AM, Market Mayhem and Pastry Redemption): Wander through the morning market. Experience overload! Exotic fruits I can't even name, live animals, and the smell of spices wafting through the air in a glorious, dizzying haze. Buy a bag of mangosteens. The bag breaks. Mangosteens roll everywhere. The locals, however, are lovely and help me gather them. Breakfast round two: back to the bakery. More baguette. More pastry. More happiness.
- Late Morning (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM, Transport Trouble and a Tourist Tantrum): Hire a tuk-tuk to go to Kuang Si Falls. Negotiate the price with a charming (and completely unreliable) driver. Get hopelessly lost. Get a little irate. Question life choices. Finally, finally, arrive at the waterfalls. The humidity is… well, it is a character. The road is bumpy. My patience is wearing thin.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 3:00 PM, Waterfall Wonder): Kuang Si Falls. OH. MY. GOD. This is the real reason I came. Turquoise water cascading down multiple levels. It’s like something from a dream. Swim in the cool water. Feel the tension melt away. Eat lunch (packed in a delightfully leaky plastic container). This is the moment, the reason, I flew halfway across the world.
- Late Afternoon (3:00 PM - 5:00 PM, Butterfly Park and Bear Appreciation): Visit the Kuang Si Butterfly Park - a tranquil oasis of colorful wings. Visit the rescued bears at the adjacent bear sanctuary (the name is escaping me right now, but you'll find it). Witness their goofy antics. Feel a pang of guilt that this trip is almost over (wait, is it?).
- Evening (6:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Cooking Class Cravings): Take a cooking class. Learn to make Laotian dishes. Accidentally set my noodle-making machine on fire (okay, not really but it felt like it). Eat the fruits of my (questionable) labor. The food is delicious. I vow to make more Laotian food when I'm back home.
- Night (8:00 PM - 10:00 PM, The Market and Final Food Frenzy): Back to the night market. Sample street food at every stall. Consume everything. Buy souvenirs (mostly silk scarves). Realize I have zero room in my suitcase. Decide to wear all my new clothes on the flight home. Problem solved!
Day 3: Farewell (and the Quest for the Missing Suitcase!)
- Early Morning (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM, Breakfast and the Ultimate Baguette Farewell): One last, desperate attempt to find the missing suitcase. Breakfast at the bakery. Order all the baguettes. Eat them. Wonder if I can just stay here. Consider getting a visa. Decide against it.
- Morning (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM, Packing Panic and Postcards of Regret): Pack. Attempt to Tetris-arrange all my purchases (and my clothes, now worn) to fit in the suitcase. Fail. Pack everything else into a small bag. Vow to buy another suitcase. Buy postcards. Write the postcards. Curse myself for not bringing more stamps.
- Late Morning (11:00 AM - 12:00 PM, Last-Minute Temple Run (again) and Souvenir Scramble): Visit another temple. Admire the beauty (again). Grab last-minute souvenirs. Realize I haven't bought a single thing for myself. Find the perfect silk scarf. Buy it. Feel momentarily content.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM, Airport Adieu and the Suitcase Saga): Head to the airport. Pray for the baggage gods to be kind. Pray that my flight won't be delayed. Pray that someone, somewhere, finds my missing suitcase. Check-in. Go through security. Stare longingly at the Bakery for one final time.
- Flight Home (2:00 PM onwards, A Final Fling and a Future Fervor): Flight departs (finally!). Reflect on the trip. Miss the food, the temples, the waterfalls, the chaos, and the charm. Make a mental note to return. And to always pack a spare pair of underwear.
And that, my friends, is a glimpse of the messy, beautiful, slightly chaotic human adventure that was my time in Luang Prabang. It was sticky, it was mosquito-ridden, at times it was a disaster… and I wouldn't have traded it for the world. Now, about that suitcase…
Concordia Celes Hotel: Alanya's ALL-INCLUSIVE Paradise Awaits!
Luang Prabang Bakery & Guesthouse: The Whole Dang Truth (and maybe a little bit of crumb!)
Okay, okay... Why all the hype about Luang Prabang Bakery? Is it *really* that good?
Alright, buckle up Buttercups, because here comes the brutally honest truth, straight from the, ahem, *source*. Yes. It's THAT good. And I say this as someone who's probably eaten a lifetime's worth of croissants (don't judge, my travel karma is good!). It's not just the pastries, though – though the pain au chocolat... OH MY GOODNESS. I swear I saw angels. But the *vibe*, the little courtyard, the way the birds chirp in the morning… it’s pure magic. It feels like you’ve stumbled into a secret society of happy bellies and caffeine addicts. The smells alone are enough to make you weep with joy. Just…trust me. Go. Pack your stretchy pants. You’ve been warned. Seriously, don't be surprised if you find yourself planning a second trip *while you're still eating your first croissant*. I did. Don’t tell my bank account.
Is it just pastries? Or do they have other stuff to eat? I’m not *always* in the mood for a sugar coma.
Good question! (Unlike the questionable life choices of the woman who once ordered *three* pain au chocolats in a row. I’m not naming names… but it might have been me on a particularly rough Tuesday). They do indeed offer more than just sweet treats to induce your insulin levels to skyrocket. Think breakfast staples like eggs & bacon, amazing sandwiches (the baguette is *chef’s kiss*), fresh salads, and even some Lao dishes for when you need to get your cultural fix alongside your carb fix. The coffee is *strong*, which is a critical factor after a sunrise alms giving (more on *that* later...). And honestly, the portions are generous, so you can probably share and *not* have to go get your own insulin! Ahem…moving on...
The Guesthouse part… is it any good as a place to *sleep*? I'm a light sleeper. And a grumpy one.
Okay, so the guesthouse… it’s… charmingly rustic. Look, it's not the Ritz. It's not going to have Egyptian cotton sheets and a butler who brings you pre-dawn chamomile tea. (Though, honestly, I'd kill for the pre-dawn chamomile tea). But! It’s clean, the rooms are spacious enough, and the atmosphere is incredibly relaxed. Yes, there might be the occasional rooster serenade at 4am (WELCOME TO LAOS!), but hey, that's part of the charm, right? Bring earplugs if you're a super light sleeper. But, honestly? After a day of exploring Luang Prabang, and fueling up on their delicious food, you’ll sleep like a baby – even if that baby is a very tired, very happy croissant-eating baby. They *do* have AC, which is a blessed relief in the heat. I speak from experience: one sweltering evening without AC… never again.
Okay, let's talk about the *location*. Is it central? Do I need to walk a million miles?
The location? PERFECT. Arguably. Okay, maybe not *perfect*. But very, very good. It’s right in the heart of Luang Prabang's old town, which means you're close to everything. Temples, the Mekong River, night market… all within easy walking distance… or a quick tuk-tuk ride if your legs are screaming from exploring. It’s a bit of a walk from the airport, but honestly, it’s such a beautiful walk through old town, you won't mind. You can easily explore the main attractions on foot and then stumble back to your room for a nap after a particularly grueling sightseeing session (trust me, it happens). And, and, AND… you can grab a coffee and pastry there before heading out for the day! Best. Breakfast. Ever. Just sayin’.
What's the crowd like? I like to, you know, *people watch*.
Oh, the people-watching is *fantastic*. You get a real mix. Backpackers with slightly sunburned noses, seasoned travellers with thousand-yard stares (like they've "seen things"), solo adventurers hunched over their journals, couples blissfully in love, families wrestling with jet lag… the whole shebang! It's a wonderfully diverse group, united by a shared love of good food and maybe a little bit of existential curiosity. The staff is super friendly, and creates a welcoming vibe. You'll find yourself eavesdropping (don't tell anyone you heard it from me!) and, hey, maybe even making some new friends. Just don't hog the best table! Which, by the way, is the one in the corner with the best view of the courtyard.
The sunrise alms giving... is it really worth getting up for? Because, you know, sleep.
Alright. This is a big one. The sunrise alms giving ceremony… It's… well, it's *sacred*. And it's beautiful. And honestly? Yes. It's worth getting up for. Even if you want to punch the alarm clock (I did). It's an incredibly moving experience, witnessing the monks collecting alms. However, there's a MASSIVE caveat here: *be respectful*. This isn't a photo op. It's a religious ceremony. I once saw some tourists, bless their cotton socks, practically *clambering* over the monks to get a photo. Seriously cringeworthy. Do your research, understand the customs. Dress modestly. Don't get too close. Don’t be loud. Be present. And yes. Be prepared to weep a little. I did. And then, head back to Luang Prabang Bakery for a much-needed coffee (and maybe another croissant for the road).
Let's get down to brass tacks. What's the price point like? Is it budget-friendly?
So here is the part where my budget-conscious little heart sings! Luang Prabang Bakery & Guesthouse is, thankfully, quite kind to the wallet. The guesthouse rooms are very reasonable. For the location, the cleanliness, the charm, it's, in a word, a steal. Seriously, go price around the other places in town; you’ll get a real appreciation of how great a deal it is. The food, well, it's fantastic quality for the price. Especially when you think about what a croissant *should* cost. And coffee is probably the best bargain of all, giving your mornings a boost for a very reasonable cost. It's possible to live very well there without breaking the bank! Think of it as investing in happiness...with a side of pastry.
Okay, spill. Any *horror stories*? Anything I should be worried aboutPremium Stay Search
