Top 10 Business Travel Booking Platforms of 2024

BY  Sibashree Nov 6, 2025

On 15th August, 2025, Bounleua Sinxayvoravong, the Deputy Governor of Luang Prabang, announced that Luang Prabang had around 2.15 million visitors in the first seven months of the year.  So, the number of visitors increased to 983,483 or around 83.8 percent YoY. Thus, the city has already earned a revenue of LAK 1,108 billion or USD 52.76 million, which is 92.2 percent of the set target for the year.  Along with the temples and waterfalls of Luang Prabang, the Luang Prabang Night Market is one of the main attractions prompting this tourism boom.  As I was reading the news on the Laotian Times, published in August, I was quickly transported to my time in Luang Prabang in 2022. I vividly remembered what Mai, a Hmong Textile Weaver, told me.  She said, “I learned to weave when I was 12 from my mother. Each scarf tells a story of our village and ancestors. Tourists who ask about the patterns make me happy—they care about our culture.” She also added that her expertise was in hand-dyed indigo fabrics and detailed embroidery. Also, often she worked for long hours at the stall weaved on-site to show visitors the craft in action. She even mentioned that she did not mind working hard to support the education of her daughter.  However, Mai is alone. Beaming with more than 250 vendors, most of whom are women, the Night Market of Luang Prabang has such heartwarming stories scattered everywhere.  In this Tour and Travel Blog, I will share the stories of Mai, Chansy, Khamla, and Nou, the vendors I talked to at the Luang Prabang Night Market. I will also discuss the Luang Prabang Night Market tips about what to buy, what to eat, and more.  What Makes Luang Prabang Market Special?  The Night Market at Sisavangvong Road welcomed me with the scent of grilled meats and the hum of bargaining. Also, the market was decked out with colorful lanterns.  Furthermore, the area was bustling with more than 250 stalls set up side by side. However, despite the presence of so many vendors and buyers, the Night Market was peaceful and respectful. I was amazed to see how they did it!  Another thing that struck me was that most of the stalls sold local, handmade items. I found the vendors very passionate about preserving their traditions and building their livelihood based on them.  I also learned that many vendors here are from the Hmong group.  History Of the Night Market: From Candlelight To Culture Usually, the origin of the Luang Prabang Night Market is said to be in the 1990s. However, it has a strong connection with the Vietnam War.  After the Vietnam War, the displaced Hmong community started making and selling handicrafts for a livelihood. Over time, it evolved into a nightly cultural showcase, attracting travelers from around the world. Finally, in the 1990s, a modest “Candle Market” was set up, and local artisans mostly sold textiles and candles here.  Today, the Night Market is much beyond a commercial hub filled with vendors and buyers. It is a place of economic empowerment, especially for women. Moreover, it is an important element in the recognition of Luang Prabang as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Luang Prabang Night Market Tips: What To Buy?  Deciding what to buy is the biggest challenge at the Luang Prabang Night Market. Here is a curated list of items that are the main attractions in the market. Handicrafts • Handmade and naturally-dyed scarves and tapestries• Sustainable and stylish bamboo straws and eco-bags• Silver jewelry with tribal motifs and intricate designsUnique Finds • Recycled bomb metal crafts made from war scrap metal• Lao Lao whisky bottles infused with snakes or scorpions• Hand-painted masks and bookmarksTextiles• Lightweight and colorful elephant pants• Tapa cloth made from Mulberry silk  Where To Buy Souvenirs & Artisan Crafts At the Luang Prabang Night Market? The main Night Market, stretching from the Tourism Office to the Royal Palace Museum, is the epicenter of the shopping experience. The main market stretch on the Sisavangvong Road has many stalls where artisans actively weave and carve.  1. Silver Jewelry Shop At Night Market  Don’t miss these stalls, and here the products sold are the most authentic. At one such stall, I met Chansy, a Lao Silver Jewelry Artisan, who was engrossed in making bracelets.  I liked something at her stall and I asked her if she uses a machine or not! She said,  “Silver work is delicate, but it connects me to my grandmother. Every bracelet is handmade. No machines. Sometimes visitors don’t realize the hours of work behind it.”  Chansy also had earrings and rings in her stall, and she added that coping with the demands of customers who do not want to wait and pay the right money was a challenge for her.  2. Eco-Friendly Bamboo & Recycled Crafts "I use bamboo and recycled materials because I want our children to have a clean future. It’s hard work, but I feel proud when someone buys my bags or straws knowing they are helping the environment." - Khamla, A Local Artisan and Vendor at the Luang Prabang Night Market.  Today, when Luang Prabang wins so many accolades in sustainable tourism, including the “Green Destinations Silver Certification,” it is these craftsmen and people of Luang Prabang who play a vital role.  I spent the most time at Khamla’s stall. Customers were standing in a queue in front of her shop to buy handmade soaps, eco-bags, and bamboo straws.  She was exchanging pleasantries with everyone, and she was sharing tips about using sustainable items, turning each sale into a small lesson in environmental care.  3. Paintings And Bookmarks I met another amazing woman vendor at a painting store at the Luang Prabang Night Market. Her name was Nou, and indeed, a great storyteller she was.  Nou focuses on storytelling through art. She said, “I started painting to earn extra money, but I fell in love with it. Each mask reflects a spirit or animal from our stories. Sometimes tourists just take photos without asking—it feels like sharing our culture.” When I visited her stall, she was working on a hand-painted bookmark inspired by Lao folklore. She said the only challenge she found was conveying the folk stories and their cultural significance to the younger generation and foreign visitors.  4. Recycled Bomb Metal Cutlery And Ornaments I visited the store selling cutlery and ornaments made of bomb metal. It is a reminder that Laos is the most heavily bombed country in the world in terms of per capita assessment. Furthermore, it has experienced major crises, including the Vietnam War and colonization.  If you loved visiting the UXO Luang Prabang Center, you must also explore a stall selling recycled bomb metal cutlery and ornaments for a full-circle experience.  5. Indigo-Dyed Fabric I have mostly seen women vendors at the stalls of indigo-dyed fabric in the Luang Prabang Night Market. Also, these women are from hill tribes, and they are really passionate about preserving their heritage.  You will get beautiful and sustainable cotton scarves at these stalls, and the tribal-style wraps and bags are quite stylish.  6. Artisan Alley Beside Indigo Café This lane is quieter, and some of the items here are cheaper than the stalls at the main stretch of the Night Market. It may be so as fewer tourists visit here.  I collected some miniature masks and wood-carved souvenirs from here.  7. Specialty Artisan Shops Nearby You will find some especially artisan and boutique shops near the Night Market. These are not technically a part of the Night Market, but they also have brilliant handicrafts and local artisan products.  Artisan ShopsSpecialtyMapsGarden of EdenHandmade Artisan JewelryClick HereNaga Creations Art JewelryLao art and jewelryClick HereKhinThong Lao SilkGarments and luxury silk scarvesClick Here Where To Eat: Street Food & Local Restaurants At Luang Prabang Night Market  The Night Market is a must-visit if you are on a Luang Prabang food tour. Don’t forget to try the following items at the market food stalls.  Grilled chicken skewers Sticky rice with mango Coconut pancakes Papaya salad with chili & lime Furthermore, if you are a vegetarian or vegan, you can visit the Buffet Alley near the Luang Prabang Night Market. Here, you will find diverse options at affordable prices.  You will get spring rolls, noodles, and curries here. The cost for the same will be around 15,000 LAK.  Restaurants Near The Luang Prabang Night Market Once you are done exploring the street food at the Luang Prabang Night Market, you can visit any of the restaurants nearby.  RestaurantsSpecialtyGoogle MapBlue LagoonUpscale Lao-European fusionClick HereCoconut GardenLocal Dishes with a Modern TwistClick HereIndigo CaféRooftop views and cocktailsClick Here Luang Prabang Night Market Insider Tips  Check out the table below for the best time to visit the Night Market, bargaining tips, and safety tips.  The Best Time to Visit the Luang Prabang Night Market• Visit between 5 PM and 7 PM for fewer crowds and better lighting for photos.• Visit after 9 PM to get the best deals from the vendors. Bargaining Tips• Start 20–30% below the asking price• Be polite and smileSafety Tips• Keep cash in a money belt.• Watch your step as there can be uneven pavement and cables.  Plan a visit to the Night Market after a hike to Mount Phousi. Thus, you will have an amazing sunset to market experience.  Ethical Shopping: Supporting Local Women & Sustainable Crafts Choose handmade products to support local artisans whose livelihoods depend on the heritage art or craft they are pursuing.  Talk to the vendors and try to figure out the story behind their art and craft.  Support stalls run by cooperatives and avoid buying mass-produced products from China or Thailand.  Avoid buying ivory trinkets and any products made from endangered animals.  Is The Luang Prabang Night Market Accesible For Seniors Or Visitors With Special Needs?  No, I did not find the Luang Prabang Night Market to be an accessible place for the people concerned. In many cases, the pavements are uneven, and there are cables scattered here and there.  Also, the wheelchair facilities are limited in the market, and maneuvering them can be a challenge, considering the market space remains crowded.  Furthermore, there are very few in the Night Market. So, you can bring a foldable stool if you need to sit and rest while exploring the market.  Seasonal Highlights & Festival Nights The Luang Prabang Night Market gets specially decked up during festivals such as the Lunar New Year, Pi Mai Lao (Lao New Year), and Naga Fireball Festival. Lanterns, dragon dances, the display of special crafts, and live music performances bring the market alive.  How To Be A Responsible Shopper At Luang Prabang Night Market?  See, I come from a place where many markets are developed around the art and craft of indigenous people. So, the Luang Prabang Night Market, with most vendors from the hills or the Hmong community, felt familiar.  Also, if you must understand that these people are preserving the cultural heritage and some art forms that go back centuries, furthermore, their livelihood depends on selling these crafts.  So, you have to be respectful toward them when bargaining. Gently ask whether they agree with the price you offered. If not, move to the next stall. Collecting handicrafts from the local artisans is a process of cultural exchange.  Moreover, carry a reusable and eco-friendly bag for carrying the essential items procured at the Luang Prabang Night Market. Thus, you will be able to avoid the use of plastic bags and leaving waste at the market.  Luang Prabang Night Market: A Checklist To Avoid Scams  My local guide accompanied me through the Night Market like a shadow. So, I did not have to worry about the scams and frauds. However, he kept me alert about the possible scams.  1. Fake “Handicraft Certificates” Many vendors display false certificates claiming a product's authenticity. There have been many instances where a vendor has labelled a mass-produced synthetic product as rich silk.  So, ask vendors about the product's origin and look for signs of actual handcrafting.  2. Overpricing For Tourists Many vendors often charge inflated prices for souvenirs and food. Some also sell Chinese or Thai products as local handicrafts.  Get a local guide or explore the stalls and compare the prices before buying a particular handicraft product.  3. Fake Charity Collectors Individuals may approach tourists claiming to collect donations for local schools or temples. These are often unverified and unaffiliated with any real organization. So, only donate through registered NGOs, official channels, or you can get in touch with the temple authorities.  4. Gemstone & Jewelry Scams If you are buying jewelry with precious stones, choose the boutique shops or the reputed sellers, who will provide you with a certificate of authenticity.  5. ATM Dispensing Issues ATMs here dispense large notes, or you may also find local ATMs occupied or running out of cash. Also, when you carry large notes, the vendors may refuse to give you change.  So, always carry cash and small coins when exploring and buying something from the Night Market.  6. Low-Quality Food & Hygiene Concerns Not every food stall at the market is safe. Also, you cannot try every seafood you come across. Many travelers complain about upset stomach or allergic reactions. Also, the local rice whisky, infused with snake or scorpion, contains many highly toxic elements.  The best thing is to eat at the stalls where locals visit. The Luang Prabang Night Market Of Your Dreams! The Luang Prabang Night Market is much more than a shopping experience. Exploring the market is like knowing the true soul of the country.  Every corner of the market tells a story. The local crafts and art present local traditions in the most interactive way. On the other hand, vendors who make a living from them have stories about how they want to keep the tradition alive while supporting their families.  In addition, the women vendors are the soul of these Night Markets, and they are the boss ladies, nurturing their art and skills, earning bread for the family, and spreading awareness about the heritage and sustainable practices.  So, follow the Luang Prabang Night Market tips as I have shared here, and read the stories of local vendors I have met to have the right heads up before the market visit.  Luang Prabang Night Market Tips: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Here are the frequently asked questions and answers about the Luang Prabang Market tips. 1. Is The Luang Prabang Market Open Every Day? Yes, the Luang Prabang Night Market is open every day. The market remains open from 5 PM to 11 PM. 5 PM to 7 PM is the best time to avoid the crowd, enjoy the lights, and take photos. On the other hand, 9-11 PM is the ideal time to get the best discounts.  2. Can I Use Credit Cards At The Luang Prabang Night Market? No, you cannot use credit cards at the Luang Prabang Night Market. There are ATMs near the market.However, ATMs often only accept big notes, and scams are common when exchanging them for change. So, be prepared and carry small notes when visiting the Luang Prabang Night Market.  3. Is Luang Prabang Night Market Safe For Solo Travelers? Yes, the Luang Prabang Night Market is safe for solo travelers and women. The market remains well-lit, and most of the vendors are women. Furthermore, the crime rate in Luang Prabang is pretty low. However, the market area remains crowded, and that can always lead to petty crimes. So, carry your essentials in a money belt and dress modestly to avoid garnering attention unnecessarily.  4. Are Prices Fixed At The Luang Prabang Night Market? No, prices are not fixed at the Luang Prabang Night Market. In fact, bargaining is customary at the Night Market. If you want the best prices, visit the market after 9 PM. The vendors then offer cheap prices as they are in a hurry to close the shops.  5. Can I Take Photos At The Luang Prabang Night Market? Yes, you can take photos at the Luang Prabang Night Market. However, you have to ask and seek permission before taking the photos. As Nou, a stallowner, was saying, “They click our pictures without our permission and post them everywhere. We would be happy to be in their photos, as we know it is like representing our culture. But we also don’t want stereotypes.”

BY  Sibashree Oct 22, 2025

I’ve got to say that recovering from any kind of addiction is a messy business. It’s never just about flushing things out of your system. It’s about fighting your thoughts, your habits, and all those little triggers.  Lately, I’ve noticed more people stepping outside to heal. Camping, of all things, has become one of those hidden gems in detox. Being out there, far from traffic noise and glowing screens, surrounded by trees and honest silence? It hits differently. Some even find it just as helpful as staying in a structured facility like the detox clinic. The Therapeutic Power Of Nature Have you ever stepped outside and just felt your shoulders drop? Nature does that.  Science loves to back this up, and Harvard even found that twenty minutes in fresh air can lower cortisol, the nasty stress hormone that spikes during detox. And honestly, that relief matters. Stress is like gasoline poured straight on withdrawal. When you’re camping, you can’t help but notice how calm things get. No alarms, no rush. Just breathing, listening, thinking.  It’s almost strange how fast you start noticing yourself again. For folks coming out of a storm of substance use, that reconnection to your emotions, your body, your thoughts isn’t just nice, it’s necessary. Camping Facilitates Natural Drug Detox By Improving Sleep Cycles  Camping improves your internal body clock as you are continuously exposed to the natural light cycle. So, by regulating your internal clock, you will get more sleep.  Furthermore, during camping, you remain busy with physical activities. You are hiking through trails, setting up the tent, cooking, and doing other recreational activities or survival chores. This is also crucial for improving your sleep cycle and quality.  Moreover, when camping in remote areas, you cannot use your phone, and you are also away from the daily stressors. With no pressure of deadlines and ETAs and all the chaos in your head vanishing in the thin air, you actually get a better sleep.  Community And Support There’s something wild about how people open up under the stars. I’ve seen it, how those late-night talks by a campfire, voices crackling right alongside the flames, do the magic. That’s a real connection, and it’s gold during detox. A big part of healing is not doing it alone. Most programs preach about support networks, but in the woods, that happens naturally.  You gather wood together, laugh over burnt marshmallows, and share your stories without judgment.  The National Institute on Drug Abuse even says social support can make or break recovery. Makes sense as feeling seen keeps you anchored when cravings hit or the loneliness creeps in. No clinic room can fully replace that kind of bond. Physical Activity And Mindfulness Camping gets your body moving, whether you plan it or not. You set up a tent, haul water, and climb a hill.  Little things that make you tired in a good way. That movement pumps out endorphins, which do wonders for mood, especially when detox brings anxiety or sadness along for the ride. Then there’s the quiet stuff, too. You find yourself being mindful without calling it that! Staring at a lake, flipping fish over a grill, sitting in silence until time just fades! It grounds you.  That kind of focus pulls you away from cravings and teaches you how to ride emotions instead of running from them. Funny how stillness can feel like a workout for your mind. Disconnecting From Technology Let’s be honest. We live glued to screens now. Scrolling when we’re bored, anxious, lonely, or anytime you name it. But camping forces a break.  The first few hours feel weird, almost twitchy without your phone, then a calm sets in. You start talking more, thinking more. Maybe even remembering what silence sounds like. People in recovery deal with enough mental noise already, and research shows that too much screen time can make anxiety and depression worse.  So, cutting that off, even for a weekend, resets something inside you. Suddenly, you’re aware of how addicted we all are to distraction more than anything else. Structured Activities And Goal Setting Some camping programs add a bit of structure, such as goal setting, small group reflections, maybe even creative tasks.  It’s not rigid like rehab, just guided enough to keep you focused. When done right, it helps you rebuild a sense of direction. There’s actually data from the American Psychological Association saying people who set specific, meaningful goals reach them more often.  And out there, surrounded by nature, those goals feel a bit more real. People talk about dreams they’d forgotten or things they want back in life. It’s refreshing—and it sticks. Camping: Setting The Rick Backdrop For Healing After Addiction Recovery Camping won’t magically erase struggle, but it changes the backdrop in a way that makes healing possible. It mixes nature’s quiet strength with genuine community and gentle self-discipline. It is kind of the opposite of everything that fed addiction in the first place. For many who’ve tried both, it’s a beautiful complement to formal detox options like those at the Detox Clinic.  Out there, in the dirt and sunlight, recovery starts to feel less clinical and more human again. Maybe that’s why so many find clarity under a canopy of stars instead of beneath a roof. Furthermore, camping boosts your self-sufficiency. If you are a solo backpacker, you have to dig the soil and set up the tent, light the fire, and do everything else. So, camping is a great confidence booster. You understand that you survive on your own and how strong you are.  All these help us create a positive image of ourselves in our minds. So, you don’t need to rely on any external stimulator or drugs anymore.  In addition, an inclination toward drugs arises from negative thoughts about our capabilities. Camping helps us overcome logistical and physical challenges. So, we become more confident about our abilities. 

BY  Arnab Sep 29, 2022

We’ll go on jeep safaris to explore wildlife closely. But if you want a true wildlife experience that enriches you physically, mentally, and even spiritually, then you must try bush walks. Bush walk takes you on a walking safari to national parks that are havens for unique flora and fauna. These let you immerse into a healthier and happier community. In this blog, we're going to tell you how a walking safari can change your life. But First, What Is A Walking Safari? A walking safari takes you on less-traveled paths, bringing you the most authentic safari experience. On your journey, you’ll experience many things that are easy to miss on a vehicle. Instead of simply gazing at animals and vegetation, you can examine these wildlife entities closely. You get the opportunity to track the footprints of animals on the ground. Watch lovely beetles roll the dung and hear birds singing melodically. If you happen to be in South Africa, you're in luck. The land has a lot to offer for bushwalkers. You typically start in the morning. Some walking safari camps also run in the afternoon. But if you’re after an incredible experience, then head out at the crack of dawn. At this time of the day, animals are most active, and the crisp morning air simply touches your soul. Walking becomes even easier during the African dry winter, mainly because of low temperatures and humidity. Also, dry vegetation increases your chance of spotting animals. So, it’s the best time to go on bush walks in South Africa. Top Reasons To Book A Bush Walk: While there are many reasons to book a bush walk, key benefits are: 1. Connect with Nature You don't need to confide in a vehicle. Instead, you can walk on foot and have an intimate experience with the wild. You’ll get to see lots of fascinating animals, soaking your eyes in their incredible beauty. You can see, smell and feel things around you. It’s not possible to experience this from a distance. All in all, a safari on foot lets you connect with nature on different levels. 2. See Finer Details While exploring the African bush on a walking safari, you'll be able to discover every single detail of your surroundings. These include plants, animals, birds, insects, and even some wonderful landscapes. So, you'll be able to slowly absorb your surroundings so that you can easily drive straight passed while driving a vehicle. 3. Learn a New Skill In addition, you’ll learn a new skill, that is, tracking. Your tour guide to bush walk will teach you to read tracks in the sand and successfully follow animals. This wonderful skill will improve your overall wildlife experience in the bush. You may spot wild giraffes, wild elephants, and hippos playing in the woods. By going on a walking safari in African woods or national parks, you can expect a lot of immersive experiences. You can travel solo, with your family, friends, or in a group of other travelers. So, book a bush walk tour in South Africa. Read Also: 10 Best Things To Do In San Diego (USA) 10 Best Places To Travel In July – Travel Guide 2022 Which Is The Best Time To Visit Sikkim? – Travel Guide