Under $100: Luang Prabang, Laos

Luang Prabang is steadily becoming the pride and joy of Laos, with visitors flocking to the small, northern town in droves. Thanks to affordable accommodations and food, it’s easy to explore this beautiful city in a day and stay on budget.

Start your morning early and rise with the sun to witness the daily Alms Procession, in which young monks take to the streets to receive gifts of cooked rice from locals. It’s free to watch, but if you’d like to participate you can purchase food for $1 to $2. While you’re at it, be sure to grab a pancake cooked by one of the local street vendors for an extra couple of bucks for yourself.

Alms Procession © Ttanothai | Dreamstime

From there, you’ll want to take a tuk tuk to the falls. The waterfall outside the city is a popular spot to take a dip and its beauty is unrivaled in Laos. The ride out is the most expensive part of your day and could cost you about $15 to get there and back, but make sure your driver waits for you or you might get stranded.

Once back in town, head to Tamnak Lao for lunch where you’ll find traditional Lao cuisine for less than $5 a meal. Ask for the Lao pork sausages — they’re a favorite among locals.

Elephant Village © Ross Huggett | Flickr

In the afternoon, book a trip to the Elephant Village for roughly $20 to $30, including your ticket. There, you’ll play with the elephants, feed them and help bathe them while learning about ways to help conservation efforts in the area.

Once back in town, it’s time to take in the sunset atop Mount Phousi, which is completely free. You just have to climb 100 meters to the top.

Mount Phousi © Matyas Rehak | Dreamstime

Afterward, dinner is L’Elephant for your choice of French or Lao cuisine. It’s a little pricier than most places in town, but you get what you pay for here. Except to drop between $5 and $10 a meal.

Finally, end the night exploring the local Night Market where you can spend your remaining cash purchasing handmade goods from the locals.

Night Market © Joloei | Dreamstime