Hi, I’m Tara!
Welcome to Where Tara Went, a resource for travelers who aim to dive deeper wherever they go— exploring with intention, seeking off-the-beaten-path adventures, and immersing themselves in new experiences.
Since 2010, I’ve lived a thousand lives. I studied abroad in New Zealand, backpacked through South America, lived in a converted van in the U.S., and found myself living in Europe and Asia.
My travels through 65 countries across 6 continents have filled me with a wealth of knowledge I share on this site.
Here, you’ll find in-depth itineraries, detailed destination guides, outdoor adventure tips, food recommendations, and honest accommodation reviews.
as seen in…
Looking to spend a weekend in Edinburgh? This post serves as a suggested 2-day itinerary for Edinburgh, filled with recommendations including where to eat, where to stay, and what to see and do while you are there.
Looking for the best cafes in Amsterdam? This guide is curated with every unmissable cafe in the city!
This 1-week itinerary serves as the ultimate guide to Seoul, including where to stay, what to eat, and all the best things to see and do in the city.
Vegan and vegetarian travelers looking for the best food in Hoi An, Vietnam, need to look no further. This post outlines the best vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Hoi An!
This is a definitive guide to the best cafés in Zagreb. From small, smoky haunts to modern, specialty roasters, Zagreb has a café for every caffeine fiend. I’ve rounded up the 12 best cafés in the Croatian capital.
Queenstown, New Zealand is an adventure lover’s paradise. Mountains to climb, rivers to jet boat, and trails to hike— Mother Nature really showed off when it made Queenstown. Views are endless. Food is outstanding. Adventure is bountiful.
This comprehensive 3-day itinerary includes all the details you need to plan the ultimate trip to Hanoi. It includes information about where to stay, where to eat, and what to do in Hanoi.
Hanoi runs on coffee. From third-wave coffee houses to French colonial cafés, Hanoi is a city brimming with fantastic espresso options. Consider this your ultimate guide to Hanoi for coffee lovers with all the varieties you need to try the 17 best cafés in the city.
This comprehensive 2-day itinerary for Zagreb, Croatia includes everything you need to know to plan a 2-day trip. Whether you’re a traveler in search of quirky museums, great coffee, or unique history, Zagreb has something for everyone.
This itinerary details the perfect 3 days in Seville, including information about where to stay, what to do, and where to eat in the Andalusian capital.
Looking for the best brunch and breakfast spots in Kuala Lumpur? Look no further than this guide, featuring 22 of my top recommendations for every taste and budget.
This 3-day itinerary for Jaipur is perfect for first-time visitors to India’s Pink City. In it, I’ve included where to stay, what to eat, and all the best things to see and do in the city. I’ve also included an extended 5-day itinerary for those with a little more time to spare.
Wondering whether to visit Sigiriya or Pidurangala while in Sri Lanka? In this post, I detail share everything you need to know about both famous viewpoint hikes.
Explore the best of Hoi An’s coffee culture with my curated list of the best coffee and 17 cutest cafés in this enchanting Vietnamese town, offering a blend of rich flavors, cozy atmospheres, and a taste of local charm.
This guide is filled with everything you need to know before visiting Galle, a southern cultural hub on Sri Lanka’s coast. From where to eat, where to stay, and the best things to do, this article covers it all so that you can plan your perfect trip to Galle.
Searching for the perfect Antigua itinerary? This post details the perfect itinerary for Antigua, Guatemala, including information about when to visit, what to do, where to stay, and fantastic food spots!
If you’re headed to Vientiane, Laos, you’re in luck! I’ve compiled the 15 very best things to do in Vientiane and created this guide to lead you around the city so that you can have the best time while you’re there.
Let this guide be your complete guide to the best coffee in Mexico City! I’ve compiled 24 of the best cafés you can’t leave Mexico City without visiting. Whether you’re searching for the best brunch or seeking the perfect barista coffee, this guide has it all.
Looking for the best coffee, brunch, and breakfast in Lille? Consider this your ultimate guide to Lille’s best cafés and breakfast spots!
Rajasthan is the perfect destination for first-timer visitors in India. This guide includes perfected 2-week and 3-week itineraries as an introduction to India’s cultural highlights.
Planning a trip to London? This 4-day London itinerary is your ultimate guide to the city's best food, coolest markets, and most iconic landmarks (written by someone who lives there).
Looking for the best coffee and most aesthetic cafés in Oaxaca? After a month-long stay, I’ve got a list of the best cafes and coffee spots in the city.
This 2-week Guatemala travel itinerary is brimming with all the essential information you need to plan your trip, as well as tips for every stop. Don’t travel to Guatemala before reading this 2-week adventure itinerary.
Searching for the best things to do in Kandy? This comprehensive guide details all the highlights + hidden gems of Sri Lanka’s cultural capital.
Wondering how to spend 4 days in Bangkok? Look no further. This guide serves as your ultimate guide for spending four days in Thailand’s capital, including where to eat and 21 things to do!
Luang Prabang is a must for any Laos itinerary. The UNESCO town is absolutely buzzing with things to do. You won’t find a more thorough guide to Luang Prabang, Laos— I promise. I’ve compiled years of adventure in Luang Prabang into this comprehensive guide of unique things to do.
Planning a trip to Laos and wondering what to do there? Read on for an extensive guide to Laos, complete with 1-week and 2-week itinerary options, as well as practical tips.
The Festival of Lights in Luang Prabang is a magical time for visitors, but what actually is the Festival of Light? And when is it? All that vital information and more can be found in this comprehensive guide.
Searching for the best cafés and coffee in Bangkok? Look no further. This post serves as your ultimate guide to the very best and most aesthetic cafés in Bangkok, Thailand.
Looking for an affordable hotel with every luxury amenity you could hope for in Ahangama, Sri Lanka? I’ve found it in the PALM Hotel, a hidden gem that embodies the relaxing atmosphere of the southern coast.
Looking for a beautiful design hotel in Copenhagen that doesn’t break the bank? Consider 25hours Hotel— an eco-minded boutique accommodation that has every amenity and thoughtful detail you could want from a city break stay.
Looking for the perfect luxury stay in Ahungalla, Sri Lanka? I’ve found it in Ahu Bay, a beachside resort that epitomizes the relaxation Sri Lanka’s southern coast is known for.
Searching for the best place to stay in Lake Atitlán? I’ve detailed everything you need to know about the major towns in Lake Atitlán and the best hotels and hostels to book.
With 123 rooms, suites, and villas for guests to choose from, Pullman Luang Prabang is a spacious, stylish complex of world-class facilities. The 16-hectare resort features three pools, a gym, a wellness spa, and a restaurant serving a bevvy of both local and international cuisines. Put simply: Pullman is a tranquil stay in timeless Luang Prabang you will want to splurge on.
Trying to book a unique stay in Luang Prabang? The eco-focused glamping at the Nam Khan Ecolodge might just be the accommodation of your dreams.
Tucked away in a (relatively) quiet corner of Luang Prabang is Le Sen Boutique Hotel, an oasis of zen. Sustainability and hospitality meet at Le Sen, a 100% Laotian-owned and managed accommodation not far from the heart of the city. If you’re in search of affordable, luxury accommodation in Luang Prabang, then Le Sen Boutique Hotel might be the perfect stay for you.
Looking for a treehouse rental in Ohio? Call the search off! We went on a romantic glamping getaway to a treehouse in Ohio that we found on Airbnb. This post contains all the details of our stay, what you should pack, and what to expect.
Tucked away down a tree-lined driveway is Pendley Manor, Tring’s premier, luxury accommodation. Peacocks roam the pristine 35-acres the hotel sits on in rural Hertfordshire. Combine all the beauty of Pendley with its proximity to Harry Potter Studios and you’ve got yourself a winning UK getaway.
I have hoped one day I’d be able to stay the night at Calowahcan Cabin since the moment I came across it while scrolling aimlessly through my phone last year. Located somewhere between Missoula and Flathead Lake, but nowhere on any particular “path”, Calowahcan Cabin is at the foot of the Mission Mountains. I mean…it’s right at the foot.
Responsible travelers planning a more eco-friendly trip to London can rest assured; the city has a relatively new hotel that makes being green easy for visitors. Surrounded by world-famous street art and just steps away from the easy-to-navigate Underground, the Corner Hotel is the environmentally-minded design hotel the city didn’t know it needed.
I have traveled around 6 continents. I say this, not as a humblebrag, but to prove the point that I’ve stayed in my fair share of accommodation. Hostel dorms, 5-star resorts, AirBnBs— I’ve slept in some cool and quirky spots. None of the places I’ve ever stayed has been anything like The Graduate Hotel in Bloomington.
Staying in a prison cell might sound like a nightmare, but Hostel Celica is more like a dream set in the art-meets-grunge Metelkova Mesto area in Ljubljana. Cells of a military prison have been transformed into individual cell rooms designed by local and international artists. My stay at Hostel Celica was one of the most interesting and unique hosted stays I’ve ever had.
Staying in a riad while traveling through Morocco was, I’ll admit, a bit of a basic bucket list item for me {if I kept a bucket list anymore, that is}. Most riads in Marrakech are located in the medina, which is a prime location for visitors, and include home-cooked breakfasts. However, it’s for these very reasons that riads tend to be more expensive than other accommodation options. Riad Menzeh offers all the bells and whistles that other riads do, but at a more affordable price tag. It was the perfect place for me to relax and enjoy Marrakech, the last stop on my Moroccan adventure.
What’s the worst part of a long, late night layover? Finding accommodation that’s in close proximity to the airport and affordable. Luckily, passengers flying in and out of Don Muang Airport in need of a place to sleep and shower need look no further than Sloth Hostel Don Muang.
As a total surprise to me {and I can count the number of times I’ve actually been surprised on two hands}, I was told only to pack an overnight bag and swimwear, I was at an absolute loss for what to expect. Whisked away on the back of a motorbike, I was more and more confused as we got further and further south. Surely, we were heading to the waterfalls? But…there’s no place to stay the night at the waterfalls? I WAS CONFUSED. We pulled up near the gate of Kuang Si and took a turn down a dirt alleyway. Pulling up to an area filled with open seating and pools of teal water I’d never seen before, Luke jumped off the bike and said, “We’re here.” And that’s how our time at the hidden hotel I’d never heard of in all my time in Laos started— the Vanvisa At The Falls Homestay Resort.
Where’s the coolest place to stay in the coolest city in Germany? Easy. The Huttenpalast Caravan Hotel.
Arriving at the DoubleTree Resort in Penang after a 4 AM wake up in Kuala Lumpur for a 5 AM flight, I was more than a little ready to devour pancakes and down copious amounts of coffee. I walked through the stunning front lobby where I was given a warm welcome cookie by the smiling staff. The concierge grabbed my carry-on to escort it to my room and kindly pointed me in the direction of caffeine and carbs. Here’s the skinny on my stay!
I was surprised for my birthday with my inaugural night back in Laos spent at My Dream Boutique Resort. The little jungle getaway lies away from the tourist side of town and right on the river, making it feel like a hidden oasis. The driver that picked us up from the airport asked if it was our first time in Luang Prabang and we both kind of laughed to one another. No, it definitely was not. Upon learning that Luke formerly worked at the free Children's hospital and that it was my birthday, the man insisted that our accommodation be upgraded. And that's what lead to me having a Mowgli-style birthday.
Looking for the best cafes in Amsterdam? This guide is curated with every unmissable cafe in the city!
Vegan and vegetarian travelers looking for the best food in Hoi An, Vietnam, need to look no further. This post outlines the best vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Hoi An!
This is a definitive guide to the best cafés in Zagreb. From small, smoky haunts to modern, specialty roasters, Zagreb has a café for every caffeine fiend. I’ve rounded up the 12 best cafés in the Croatian capital.
Looking for the best brunch and breakfast spots in Kuala Lumpur? Look no further than this guide, featuring 22 of my top recommendations for every taste and budget.
Let this guide be your complete guide to the best coffee in Mexico City! I’ve compiled 24 of the best cafés you can’t leave Mexico City without visiting. Whether you’re searching for the best brunch or seeking the perfect barista coffee, this guide has it all.
Looking for the best coffee, brunch, and breakfast in Lille? Consider this your ultimate guide to Lille’s best cafés and breakfast spots!
Looking for the best coffee and most aesthetic cafés in Oaxaca? After a month-long stay, I’ve got a list of the best cafes and coffee spots in the city.
Searching for the best cafés and coffee in Bangkok? Look no further. This post serves as your ultimate guide to the very best and most aesthetic cafés in Bangkok, Thailand.
Kyoto has no shortage of gorgeous cafés and specialty coffee shops. This post breaks down the very best of them, detailing the coolest places for coffee in Kyoto.
Antigua may be best known for its volcanic surroundings, but coffee lovers in Guatemala will find another reason to fall in love with this vibrant town: the plentiful café options and quality coffee scene. This post details the very best coffee shops and cafés in Antigua!
Searching for the best coffee and coolest cafés in Tirana? I’ve curated this list of my favorite cafés in the Albanian capital.
Ho Chi Minh runs on coffee and brunch, and this complete guide is proof! Read to find the best coffee and brunch in Saigon.
Looking for the best brunch in Lisbon? This comprehensive guide details the 12 best places for brunch in Lisbon, Portugal, and what’s so dang good about each of them.
Searching for vegetarian food in CDMX? I’ve compiled the 28 very best vegetarian restaurants in México City into this food guide and included a map to help you find them all.
Foodies visiting Luang Prabang need look no further for a comprehensive list of the best places to eat in town for every palette. Here are the 27 best places to eat in Luang Prabang, Laos!
If you’re visiting the Christmas markets in Germany, I’ve rounded up 26 of the best foods and drinks for you to try!
This ultimate foodie guide to Pokhara shares the lowdown on the best restaurants and cafés in Pokhara, and what menu items you definitely need to try while you’re there.
Looking for the best restaurants in Udaipur? Your search ends here with my ultimate guide to the best places to eat in Udaipur. I’ve included restaurants for every budget, and include vegan and gluten-free options!
Queenstown is more than just adrenaline rushes and stunning mountain views. This buzzing southern town is brimming with cafés and coffee shops to keep you energized for all your excursions. Let this post be your guide to the best cafés in Queenstown!
Copenhagen has no shortage of aesthetic cafés and manual brew coffee. I’ve rounded up the best cafés in Copenhagen so that you caffeine fanatics can enjoy the most outstanding coffee and baked goods in the city.
Discover the 14 best vegetarian restaurants to try in Hanoi, Vietnam with this comprehensive guide. From delicious Vietnamese food to international eateries, you'll find plenty of options for plant-based dining in this vibrant city.
Finding the best cafés in Pushkar is a massive undertaking because there are so many to sort through. Breakfast joints with lake views, streetside juice stands, and no-frills eateries— Pushkar has a little bit of everything in terms of food and drink.
This definitive guide exists so that you know exactly where to eat in Jaipur. In it, I’ve included 17 of the city’s best restaurants, food markets, and cafés, as well as information about the regional food culture. By the time you finish reading, I promise you’ll have a true handle on the food scene in Jaipur.
Seoul might not be the most vegetarian-friendly city but I’ve created this guide with 25 of the best spots for vegetarian food in Seoul, and included some information about South Korean cuisine at large.
If you’re looking for the best vegetarian restaurants in Marrakech, you’ve found the right place. This article shares the vegetarian-friendly food you can’t miss in Morocco, and where to go to eat it!
Varanasi is first and foremost a place of pilgrimage for Hindu people in India, but for foodies, it’s a narrow maze of restaurants and tea stalls waiting to be salavated over. Varanasi is filled with tiny eateries that offer signature street food and classic Indian cuisine. The number of dining options in Varanasi took me completely by surprise, but I made it my mission to eat at as many of them as possible in the name of blog “research.”
Luang Prabang may be a small town, but it has more than its fair share of cafés dotted throughout. Whether you’re looking for something super vibey or a place to work, Luang Prabang has a wealth of wonderful café options to keep you caffeinated.
Nepali cuisine is a symphony of sensational spices, simple ingredients, and ancient tradition. Foodies can rest easy knowing that a visit to Kathmandu is guaranteed to be chalked full of incredible dining options. Kathmandu’s vibrancy is reflected in its lively restaurant scene, culminating in a wealth of dining experiences waiting to be had. I’ve rounded up the 14 of best eateries that offer a variety of local dishes, as well as spots for western food, so that you can get down to the fun part— eating!
Bologna is the food capital of Italy, which seems almost impossible given how immaculate the food is throughout the country. Bologna’s long history of artful dining and well-crafted cuisine makes it an absolute must-visit on any Italian itinerary, especially for foodies. Here are the 20 best places to eat in Bologna.
For a small city of 117,000 people, Sioux Falls has an impressive number of places to eat and drink that will leave you feeling full and satisfied. We’ve compiled our recommendations into this comprehensive blog post so that it’s easy for your to find your way to your next food fix.
Vegan and vegetarian travelers looking for the best food in Hoi An, Vietnam, need to look no further. This post outlines the best vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Hoi An!
This comprehensive 3-day itinerary includes all the details you need to plan the ultimate trip to Hanoi. It includes information about where to stay, where to eat, and what to do in Hanoi.
Hanoi runs on coffee. From third-wave coffee houses to French colonial cafés, Hanoi is a city brimming with fantastic espresso options. Consider this your ultimate guide to Hanoi for coffee lovers with all the varieties you need to try the 17 best cafés in the city.
Explore the best of Hoi An’s coffee culture with my curated list of the best coffee and 17 cutest cafés in this enchanting Vietnamese town, offering a blend of rich flavors, cozy atmospheres, and a taste of local charm.
A Ha Long Bay cruise needs to be on your northern Vietnam bucket list! However, this New World Wonder and UNESCO Heritage Site is a delicate ecosystem that needs to be visited responsibly, with sustainable tourism in mind. This post outlines a staple itinerary and all the details of a Ha Long Bay cruise.
Ho Chi Minh runs on coffee and brunch, and this complete guide is proof! Read to find the best coffee and brunch in Saigon.
Planning a trip to Ho Chi Minh? This 3-day Ho Chi Minh itinerary includes the city’s main attractions, hidden gems, and insider travel tips. Read on for the most comprehensive guide to Vietnam’s biggest city!
This post serves as a complete visitor’s guide to Hanoi’s famous Train Street, including getting there, train times, where to stay, and safety tips.
Discover the 14 best vegetarian restaurants to try in Hanoi, Vietnam with this comprehensive guide. From delicious Vietnamese food to international eateries, you'll find plenty of options for plant-based dining in this vibrant city.
Modern travel trends are heavily influenced by the images people see online; something I feel two ways about {but I'll save that for another post}. Hoi An is an incredibly photogenic town that often gets skipped over in favour of Hanoi or Saigon {Ho Chi Minh City}. Here are my favourite places for photos in Hoi An, Vietnam.
While doing my Hoi An research, I came across an article about a small fishing village about 40-minutes by hired car from the city filled with hand-painted murals down its many tiny alleyways and side streets. Sounds pretty perfect, right? So, I mentioned it in passing to my travel companion at the time who had no clue it existed. I then called to hire a driver, and we were off! I put together this post to give you all the insider details.
Wondering whether to visit Sigiriya or Pidurangala while in Sri Lanka? In this post, I detail share everything you need to know about both famous viewpoint hikes.
This guide is filled with everything you need to know before visiting Galle, a southern cultural hub on Sri Lanka’s coast. From where to eat, where to stay, and the best things to do, this article covers it all so that you can plan your perfect trip to Galle.
Searching for the best things to do in Kandy? This comprehensive guide details all the highlights + hidden gems of Sri Lanka’s cultural capital.
Looking for an affordable hotel with every luxury amenity you could hope for in Ahangama, Sri Lanka? I’ve found it in the PALM Hotel, a hidden gem that embodies the relaxing atmosphere of the southern coast.
Discover how to visit Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. I’ve created this guide filled with all the information you need to plan your own trip, including things to do, transportation, accommodation, and essential tips for visitors.
Looking for the perfect luxury stay in Ahungalla, Sri Lanka? I’ve found it in Ahu Bay, a beachside resort that epitomizes the relaxation Sri Lanka’s southern coast is known for.
You can’t go to Sri Lanka and not go on safari. That’s exactly why I created this in-depth guide for Udawalawe National Park. It’s the third most visited national park in Sri Lanka, offering safaris for tourists looking to catch a glimpse of exotic wildlife in its natural habitat.
Find the best things to do in Colombo in my detailed guide to Sri Lanka’s capital. Fill your time discovering Colombo’s highlights and hidden gems with the help of this comprehensive guide.
Jaffna has plenty of unique things to see and do to keep travelers busy during their time in northern Sri Lanka! From spicy local food to colorful Hindu temples, Jaffna is an off-the-beaten-path destination not to be missed.
From hiking to stunning viewpoints and exploring tea plantations to discovering the wonders of Sri Lankan cuisine, I've rounded up the 12 best hikes, activities, and waterfalls to add to your Ella itinerary.
If you’re looking to visit Diyaluma Falls, first read this comprehensive guide to hiking Sri Lanka’s second-highest waterfall and how to get there without hiring a driver.
Regarded as one of the most beautiful journeys in the world, the train ride from Kandy to Ella through the tea fields of Sri Lanka is a bucket list item you simply cannot miss out on. This article outlines everything you need to know, including how to book a ticket, which seats are best, and hacks for a less crowded ride.
Along the train tracks, up rolling hills, and through eucalyptus forests lies Ella Rock. This cliff offers gorgeous views of the valley below for those who brave the heat to climb it. The four-hour roundtrip trek up Ella Rock is one of the most famous hikes in the country, and it was one of the best things I did while in Ella. Immediately after hiking, I had messages in my inbox asking if I paid for a guide up Ella Rock or not. Many people shot me a message asking: “CAN YOU HIKE ELLA ROCK WITHOUT A GUIDE?” Absolutely.
Mirissa, Sri Lanka is a surfer’s paradise, but it’s also a great destination for art lovers thanks to its abundance of murals, graffiti, and street art. From bright peacocks to vivid lion heads, from three-dimensional surfers to footprints— Mirissa has a little mix of everything. Most of these artistic treasures are either on the main road or on the walls of guesthouses and hostels near the beach, so finding them isn’t too much of a mission. Despite how easy they can be to find, I have pinned their locations on a map at the bottom of this post!
This ultimate foodie guide to Pokhara shares the lowdown on the best restaurants and cafés in Pokhara, and what menu items you definitely need to try while you’re there.
Before you trek to Annapurna Base Camp in Nepal, read this guide for all the details about the trek, including budget breakdown, accommodation, booking a group trip, and packing information.
Looking to spend time in Chitwan, Nepal, filled with safaris and animal sightings? This guide details how to spend 3 epic days in Chitwan, what to expect on safari, and how to pack so that you’re fully prepared for all the adventure.
Nepali cuisine is a symphony of sensational spices, simple ingredients, and ancient tradition. Foodies can rest easy knowing that a visit to Kathmandu is guaranteed to be chalked full of incredible dining options. Kathmandu’s vibrancy is reflected in its lively restaurant scene, culminating in a wealth of dining experiences waiting to be had. I’ve rounded up the 14 of best eateries that offer a variety of local dishes, as well as spots for western food, so that you can get down to the fun part— eating!
If you’re headed to Vientiane, Laos, you’re in luck! I’ve compiled the 15 very best things to do in Vientiane and created this guide to lead you around the city so that you can have the best time while you’re there.
Luang Prabang is a must for any Laos itinerary. The UNESCO town is absolutely buzzing with things to do. You won’t find a more thorough guide to Luang Prabang, Laos— I promise. I’ve compiled years of adventure in Luang Prabang into this comprehensive guide of unique things to do.
Planning a trip to Laos and wondering what to do there? Read on for an extensive guide to Laos, complete with 1-week and 2-week itinerary options, as well as practical tips.
The Festival of Lights in Luang Prabang is a magical time for visitors, but what actually is the Festival of Light? And when is it? All that vital information and more can be found in this comprehensive guide.
Foodies visiting Luang Prabang need look no further for a comprehensive list of the best places to eat in town for every palette. Here are the 27 best places to eat in Luang Prabang, Laos!
With 123 rooms, suites, and villas for guests to choose from, Pullman Luang Prabang is a spacious, stylish complex of world-class facilities. The 16-hectare resort features three pools, a gym, a wellness spa, and a restaurant serving a bevvy of both local and international cuisines. Put simply: Pullman is a tranquil stay in timeless Luang Prabang you will want to splurge on.
Tucked away in a (relatively) quiet corner of Luang Prabang is Le Sen Boutique Hotel, an oasis of zen. Sustainability and hospitality meet at Le Sen, a 100% Laotian-owned and managed accommodation not far from the heart of the city. If you’re in search of affordable, luxury accommodation in Luang Prabang, then Le Sen Boutique Hotel might be the perfect stay for you.
Luang Prabang may be a small town, but it has more than its fair share of cafés dotted throughout. Whether you’re looking for something super vibey or a place to work, Luang Prabang has a wealth of wonderful café options to keep you caffeinated.
In Luang Prabang, there are more social enterprises, non-profits, and giveback-businesses than you might believe for such a small town, and that number only seems to be growing. Cafés like Saffron, textile shops like Ock Pop Tok, and tours like Orange Robe Tours all add to the Luang Prabang community.
Laos is home to an estimated 42 ethnic minority communities. Most travelers get glimpses of Khmu, Hmong, and Lao Lum culture, but very rarely do people journey up north where the Akha, Oma, and Lanten people live. During my trip to Luang Namtha Province with Luang Namtha Tourism, I was given the unique opportunity to learn more about these ethnic minority cultures in Laos in an initiative with the tourism board to broaden the economic opportunities of these communities through the tourism industry.
If you’re into travel adventures that combine local knowledge, community-based tourism initiatives, and physical activity, and rugged nature— kayaking the Nam Ha River in northern Laos is the next destination you should put on your itinerary.
Luang Namtha Province in northwest Laos is filled with natural landscapes and cultural diversity, making it an ideal place for ecotourism. Especially since it is home to the Nam Ha Biodiversity Conservation Area and various outdoor tourism initiatives.
Luang Namtha is the main city in Luang Namtha Province. Confusing, I know. It’s mostly known as a stopover town for backpackers crossing over from Thailand into Laos. However, I was recently invited by Luang Namtha Tourism with a small group of travel writers and bloggers to promote tourism in northwest Laos. After spending a week in the district and seeing all its main city has to offer, I feel as though Luang Namtha is highly underrated as a destination for cultural and ecological tourism.
Tad Thong Waterfalls is likely a place you’ve never heard of, and don’t feel bad about that! Most people come to Luang Prabang with a short bucket list that includes the stunning {albeit crowded} Kuang Si Waterfalls. Laos has no shortage of waterfalls to explore and visitors shouldn’t limit themselves to only the most visually appealing and well-known. Those looking for a crowd-less cascade of water off-the-beaten-path should head to Tad Thong Waterfalls for a jungle trek and fresh water to cool-off in. It’s also a great place to play “Jane looking for Tarzan” in.
While Luang Prabang may not be known for its hiking the way that Vang Vieng is, it only takes a ferry ride across the Mekong to find quality trekking in Chomphet. The ferry ride to the “Chomphet Hike” trailhead takes only a few minutes, but the difference between the city and its neighbouring village will make you feel like you’ve traveled hours. Chomphet’s side of the Mekong is much less developed and significantly less visited, making the hike an easy detour from tourist congestion. Though you won’t find tourists on the hike, you will discover five different temples, including Wat Long Khoune, and side of local life in Laos many visitors miss out on.
As a total surprise to me {and I can count the number of times I’ve actually been surprised on two hands}, I was told only to pack an overnight bag and swimwear, I was at an absolute loss for what to expect. Whisked away on the back of a motorbike, I was more and more confused as we got further and further south. Surely, we were heading to the waterfalls? But…there’s no place to stay the night at the waterfalls? I WAS CONFUSED. We pulled up near the gate of Kuang Si and took a turn down a dirt alleyway. Pulling up to an area filled with open seating and pools of teal water I’d never seen before, Luke jumped off the bike and said, “We’re here.” And that’s how our time at the hidden hotel I’d never heard of in all my time in Laos started— the Vanvisa At The Falls Homestay Resort.
Right before the daylight dips behind the jungle-covered mountains of Luang Prabang, tourists sit on the banks of the Mekong to witness the end of the day that was. Basking in the golden light of the low-hanging sun, Luang Prabang steps fully into its best self. It’s because of this, its “unspeakable beauty” as the late Anthony Bourdain put it, that sunset cruises along the Mekong River has become a “must-do” for most travelers visiting this tiny UNESCO town.
Long-time readers of this blog will know, ya girl is a fan of cooking classes. I think there are so many benefits to learning about the cuisine of a culture. So, when I was asked to check out Tamarind cooking school to see what they’re evening classes offer guests in Luang Prabang, I was over the moon.
Pak Ou Caves are one of Luang Prabang’s most famous tourist attractions. Limestone caves sitting alongside the Mekong as a place of pilgrimage for over a thousand years sounds like magic, amirite?
But, I simply wasn’t as dazzled as everyone else.
Wind in your hair. Dust on your face. Sun at your back. Freedom as far as the road extends. That’s the beauty of a motorbike. Renting one is popular with tourists, but there are many things they should consider before they hop on two wheels for a joy ride through a beautiful country like Laos.
For such a small little town in the middle of a country no one talks much about, there are a number of social enterprises doing big things in Luang Prabang. One of these important businesses is Laos Buffalo Dairy.
An eco-tourism haven, Nahm Dong Park is an oasis you’ve probably never even heard about right outside the city limits of Luang Prabang. Don’t worry, I knew nothing about it either! Until one day, paint fumes of a newly renovated office space dizzying my head and fingers hurting from whipping out writing work, it was suggested that I hop on the back of a motorbike and head to Nahm Dong.
Have you ever wondered where your food comes from? Maybe you make the effort to buy organic fruits and pesticide-free vegetables? But what about your rice? Do you know where it comes from? I didn’t. More than that, I didn’t know how much work it was to grow it, harvest it, and get it on my plate.
I pull another leech off my leg as Lan, my guide, sprays it with a lemongrass and water mixture he carried in a fanny pack. “You just donated blood to nature,” he says, laughing. I’m unbothered by the little leech. I’m walking in the jungle of Laos on a day when the heat isn’t insufferable…next to elephants. And all thanks to the conservation efforts of Mandalao.
I was surprised for my birthday with my inaugural night back in Laos spent at My Dream Boutique Resort. The little jungle getaway lies away from the tourist side of town and right on the river, making it feel like a hidden oasis. The driver that picked us up from the airport asked if it was our first time in Luang Prabang and we both kind of laughed to one another. No, it definitely was not. Upon learning that Luke formerly worked at the free Children's hospital and that it was my birthday, the man insisted that our accommodation be upgraded. And that's what lead to me having a Mowgli-style birthday.
Tad Sae is the lesser-visited waterfalls in Luang Prabang, but they are just as worthy of a visit as the fan-favorite, Kuang Si. Think elephant's bathing, a treehouse café, and plenty of tourist-free space to splash around. This post is your guide to one of Luang Prabang's most missed-out-on attractions.
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Kyoto has no shortage of gorgeous cafés and specialty coffee shops. This post breaks down the very best of them, detailing the coolest places for coffee in Kyoto.
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Embark on an unforgettable adventure across Costa Rica with this two-week itinerary. This itinerary offers a comprehensive guide to help you plan your dream trip through Costa Rica's cloud forests and surfy beach towns.