Senior travel: Luang Prabang
An easier pace for an older traveller: how many stops fit in a day, which places are step-free, and what the guide says about getting around, medicines and stairs.
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Pace for a day
About 3 stops a day. 5 h out − 45 min rest, divided by an average visit of 41 min (from this city’s guide) + 30 min to move.
Places, easiest access first
- Wat SenStep-free: partial (check before you go) · about 20 minSteps at the hall; earth paths.
- Wat MaiStep-free: partial (check before you go) · about 25 minSteps at the main hall; open forecourt.
- Wat HosianStep-free: partial (check before you go) · about 30 minSteps at the hall; flat courtyard.
- Wat ManoromStep-free: partial (check before you go) · about 30 minSteps at the hall; earth paths.
- Royal Palace Museum (National Museum)Step-free: partial (check before you go) · about 60 minA few steps at the entrance and between halls; ground-floor rooms are mostly level.
- Wat Xieng ThongStep-free: partial (check before you go) · about 60 minSteps at the hall entrances; packed earth paths.
- Phou Si (hill and viewpoint)Step-free: no (check before you go) · about 60 minAbout 330 steps; no alternative route.
Getting around in Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang is demanding on wheels. Pavements are narrow and uneven, temples have steps, and Phou Si has about 330 steps; the main road and the riverside are the flattest areas.
- Pavements:
- Narrow, sometimes broken or occupied by parked motorbikes.
- Getting around:
- Tuk-tuks and vans need a step up; a private car can be arranged through hotels.
- Hotels:
- Boutique hotels may have lifts and ramps; small guesthouses often have steps.
- Toilets:
- Accessible toilets are rare; cafés and larger hotels are the best bet.
Medicines and health on the ground
The Laos guide lists no medicine paperwork. Check the official customs page for your medicines.
- Dengue:
- Present in the wet season; use repellent day and evening.
- Malaria:
- Low risk in town; ask a travel clinic about prophylaxis for rural trips.
- Rabies:
- Street dogs are common; avoid touching them and seek care after any bite.
- Heat:
- Shade and water every hour; avoid midday exertion.
- Food and water:
- Bottled or filtered water only; eat hot food.
- Care:
- Serious cases usually go to Thailand; carry insurance with evacuation.
More: how much medicine to pack, medicine times across time zones.
Ask your insurer
Age limits and prices differ by policy and the guides do not hold them, so put these to the insurer before you buy.
- What is the oldest age the policy covers, at purchase and on the last day of the trip?
- Does the price or the cover change after a certain age?
- Are existing conditions covered, and what must be declared?
- Does the cover include medical evacuation and trip interruption?
Not medical advice. This page does not know anyone’s health. Ask a doctor before the trip, and carry a list of medicines and conditions.