Riding the Laos High-Speed Train #4/10: Tam Lao, Luang Prabang 2022

Riding the Laos High-Speed Train #4/10: Tam Lao, Luang Prabang 2022

Hello, I am mr.hotsia, back with a new travel experience I want to share again. This trip I had the chance to trythe Laos high-speed trainthe route from Tam Lao heading towards the World Heritage city ofLuang PrabangIn 2022, I can say this trip was extraordinary because although Laos is still unfamiliar with high-speed trains, it allowed me to experience the charm and lifestyle of a small town that remains truly simple and natural.

Starting the journey from Tam Lao, a small town in northern Laos, reminded me of the time I took a boat from Kua city toMuang Ngoythe boat route I mentioned before, which took several hours and often depended on the number of passengers. Trying the high-speed train was an exciting new experience because it greatly reduced travel time and offered close-up views of mountains and rivers along the way.

When the train arrived in Luang Prabang, the first thing I felt was the peaceful atmosphere and well-preserved traditional lifestyle. Luang Prabang is well known to Thai travelers as one of Laos' top tourist destinations. Besides ancient temples and beautiful nature, it also has a lively fresh market calledLuang Prabang Morning Marketwhere I strolled and experienced the local way of life as people came to buy fresh goods early in the morning. This market is full of fresh vegetables, fish, frogs, and live tadpoles in cages—a rare sight in big cities nowadays but impressively preserved here.

A breakfast I never miss in Luang Prabang is Khao Jee, a long grilled bread stick popular among locals. Besides eating it plain, it is seasoned with various ingredients to create a mild and delicious flavor, perfect for those wanting a simple yet tasty breakfast that reflects local food culture.Khao Jee - Luang Prabang's breakfastThe one I tried had a rich taste with a slight hint of spices, another wonderful memory from this city.

After fueling up with Khao Jee, I wandered intothe affordable food alley and Luang Prabang night marketwhich is a hub of affordable eateries and diverse local dishes including sticky rice, spicy soup, larb, and authentic Laotian food that made me feel at home. Walking through the food alley and night market in the evening is highly recommended as it reveals the true lifestyle of Luang Prabang people and offers freshly made dishes by locals.

For those looking for convenient travel from Luang Prabang to other provinces like Vientiane or Phongsaly, you can useLuang Prabang Southern Bus Stationlocated near the city center. This station offers many bus routes and types. Although buses are not always punctual, it remains the main connection to other cities in Laos.

I still remember on the day I took the high-speed train, I talked with locals who shared how Luang Prabang has changed over the years—from a quiet small town to a popular tourist destination, yet the people have admirably preserved their culture and traditional way of life.

For anyone interested in experiencing Luang Prabang in a deep and lively way, I recommend visiting the morning market, trying Khao Jee, and strolling through the food alley in the evening. You will surely feel the warmth and simplicity of this city.

If you want to follow my journey with the Laos high-speed train further, you can watch the review video here.Riding the Laos High-Speed Train #4/10: Tam Lao, Luang Prabang 2022I guarantee this trip is full of beautiful images and real experiences I want to share with everyone.