Ski And Snowboard Ride: A Journey Into The Heart Of Winter Adventure

BY  Sibashree Nov 4, 2025

I was having sticky rice with steamed hot freshwater fish cooked in banana leaves at Tamarind Restaurant. I took the first bite and I closed my eyes. It was a moment to cherish, to feel! The taste was similar yet distinctly different from what I usually have at home. Sticky rice is the soul of Lao cuisine, and it is related to community sentiment, as every village has its own rice field. And the fish was a game of perfect balance, and the spiciness was just right to titillate the taste buds, but not overpowering.  Furthermore, as I explored the villages and went a little way away from the town center, I found food cooked in bamboo hollows. Another important aspect of Lao cuisine is the art of fermentation.  From sun-dried fish and meat to fermented vegetables and salted lime, a Lunag Prabang food tour is an experience curated with love. Also, to cherish the authentic flavors of Laos, you have to try the street food here. It’s not Vietnamese, not Thai, but simply Laotian.  I will talk about these street food delicacies shortly. However, before that, let’s find out what makes the food in Luang Prabang Special.  Cooking Techniques And Ingredients That Make Food In Luang Prabang Special  Food in Luang Prabang and Laos stands out for its distinctive techniques and ingredients. Check out the table below for a brief understanding. Techniques/IngredientsUse in Luang Prabang FoodFermentation• Key to Local Laos Flavors• Used in Picked Vegetables, Soy, and Fish SauceGrilling• Grilling over Charcoal Gives the Fish or Meat a Distinct FlavorHerbsCommon Herbs Used Are:• Mint• Lemongrass• Coriander• Kaffir Lime• GalangalSticky Rice Steaming• Rice is Cooked in Bamboo Baskets over Boiling Water.  What Is The Best Street Food In Luang Prabang Laos?  Have you tried something as “interesting” as a honeycomb cooked and charred in banana leaves? I have. And the smell of charcoal and honeycomb got blended with the whiff of lemongrass and grilled fish.  This is what my senses caught first as the tuk-tuk dropped me at the morning market in Luang Prabang. Another thing I found special about the morning market was the presence of women in large numbers. Most vendors were women.  I saw a lady whose face looked like a painting with all the creases, but her smile was all about silent resilience. I went to her stall and ordered a bowl of khao soi. It was bliss with the right amount of pork, herbs, and tomatoes.  The sky was still pale pink, and I saw monks in saffron robes pass quietly collecting alms. My breakfast moment suddenly became about discovering everyday spirituality in the rhythm of food. I closely felt that breakfast is not just food for the people here, it’s about gratitude, humility, and connecting to the origin.  Now, my stories of Luang Prabang will never end. It’s like the silent river that flows and does its magic by touching the lives on its route. So, let me share with you brief details about the best street food in Luang Prabang you cannot miss. 1. Khao Soi Luang Prabang Everyone loves Khao Soi in Luang Prabang. This pork soup with fermented soy and tomatoes is the perfect breakfast delicacy here.  2. Lao Sausage (Sai Oua) It is a pork sausage delicacy. In these sausages, the pork meat is infused with lemongrass, galangal, and herbs.  3. Sticky Rice (Khao Niew) You cannot imagine a complete Lao meal without sticky rice. I love to have sticky rice with fish.  4. Grilled Mekong Fish In Luang Prabang, they use fresh riverwater fish to make this dish. They marinate the fish using local herbs and grill it on charcoal for a distinct flavor.  But do you know why grilled fish in Luang Prabang tastes even better? Mr. Somchai, a Mekong fish griller, said, “We catch fish at dawn and grill them by sunset. No freezer, just fire.” 5. Coconut Pancakes (Khanom Krok) The coconut pancakes are also the most unique in flavor. It has a crispy outer layer, which is complemented by the creaminess inside.  These pancakes are served with spring onions.  6. Papaya Salad (Tam Mak Hoong) If you love the pungency of fermented fish, this crunchy salad will be your instant favorite. The raw papayas used in the salad give the dish the right crunch.  Furthermore, the fermented fish sauce and the use of lemon add the right balance of flavors to the salad.  7. Larb (Laap) Larb is a comfort food. It’s a salad with minced meat, lime, mint, and rice powder. It has the right balance of salty, sour, and spicy flavors.  It is the national dish of Laos and a common staple in everyday food and festivals.  8. Jaew Bong Jaew Bong is more like a condiment or a side served with dishes like fried seaweed. It is a smoky chilli paste with strong flavors of garlic and buffalo skin.  9. Fried Seaweed (Khai Paen) I liked the umami flavors of the fried seaweed or Khai Paen here. It was served with roasted sesame seeds, which added just the right amount of nutty balance to the dish.  Also, the fried seaweed dish came with Jaew Bong. 10. Spring Rolls Spring rolls are my favorite, and I love the ones with fish stuffing the most. So, at Luang Prabang, a hub of freshwater fish, I had to try these spring rolls.  I had the fried ones with the vermicelli, giving the outer layer the right amount of crunch.  11. Banana Roti Traditionally, a banana roti is a flatbread with banana slices and a condensed milk topping. The bread's crispiness balances the banana filling's moisture.  The banana rotis are also served with chocolate syrup and sugar. I even tried the ones with an egg filling. 12. Grilled Chicken Skewers Now, the grilled chicken skewers here are different, mostly because of the prominent presence of lemongrass. And honestly, the amount of lemongrass used was a bit too much for my taste.  However, it’s the way the locals love it.  13. Lao Coffee Lao coffee, for me, was like the desert I could have every day and not get bored with. It is rich and sweet as it uses condensed milk.  However, the use of condensed milk does not overpower the strong aroma of coffee. 14. Fruit Shakes           View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Escaping Abroad (@escapingabroad) The food stalls in Luang Prabang have some amazing fruit shakes. I loved the dragon fruit shakes here the most. However, mango and pineapple shakes are also easily available.  15. Rice Cakes With Coconut If the morning market treated me with the best khao soi, the night market treated me with the best rice cakes with coconut.  The Sun dipped, and the night market became alive with gold and red lanterns adorning the stalls. I could smell a mix of chili smoke, coconut milk, and sticky rice roasting on bamboo skewers. At a stall, I was sitting on a wooden bench with the locals, and I was waiting for my vegetarian buffet with stir-fried greens, bamboo shoots, and pumpkin curry to be served. Suddenly, the lady vendor of the stall smiled and nodded, and handed me a few rice cakes with coconut.  The dessert was as delightful as the night air in Luang Prabang, and despite many requests, the lady did not take any money for the rice cakes. Rather, we started having conversations and shared a laugh. Some soft Lao music was being played at a distance. So, my dinner moment at the night market became an act of bonding.  Almost one year later, I read an article about the distinct nature of food in Laos in the South China Morning Post. I could relate to what Saeng Douangdara, a Lao-American chef based in Los Angeles, said,  “For Lao people, food holds a central place. It serves as a unifying force that brings people together.”  Overall, I think the way people approach food here stems from the fact that it is a Buddhist land. It’s all about gratitude and mindful consumption.  How To Take The Best Food Tours In Luang Prabang? (Some Ideas To Explore) My local guide and the tuk-tuk drivers completely curated my food exploration journey in Luang Prabang. I became friends with Seng, a local tuk-tuk driver. He said,  “The best food isn’t in restaurants—it’s in the alleyways. Follow the locals.” My morning food tour in Luang Prabang to the market became all the more special by participating in the alms-giving ceremony.  You have to experience the profound meaning behind the restraint and silence of the entire experience to understand why it is spiritually elevating. Also, the night market has a charm of its own, and the morning and night markets both need to be explored on foot.  However, if you want a more luxurious tour, you can opt for something like Marriott Bonvoy Tours and Activities. Professional food guides conduct these tours, and the tour includes more than 15 tastings. It is a movable tour with many spots around the Old City. Furthermore, Asia Tours conducts a food tour in Luang Prabang with organic farm visits and learning to cook from a local chef. Also, Thrillophilia conducts a tour with a street food walk, cultural storytelling, and exploring vegetarian-friendly options.  Street Food Map & Walking Route In Luang Prabang If you ask me, I will tell you to keep the Luang Prabang food tour spontaneous, and you must listen to your local guide.  However, you can also follow this simple walking route map for a Luang Prabang food tour.  Taking a tuk-tuk or a walk to the Morning Market near Wat Mai Heading to Ban Phanluang for grilled fish stalls Exploring the night market at Sisavangvong Road Trying local drinks and Lao Tapas at Utopia Bar Morning Vs. Evening Market Guide Luang Prabang Here is a brief comparison between the morning and night markets in Luang Prabang. CriteriaMorning MarketNight MarketTiming• Opens at 5:30 AM• Starts around 5:00 PMBest for• Fresh Produce• Herbs• Breakfast Items• Grilled Meat• Souvenirs• DessertsMust Try Items• Khao Soi• Sticky Rice• Coconut Pancakes• Lao Sausage• Banana Roti• Grilled Fish A 2-Day Luang Prabang Food Tour Itinerary  Making an itinerary for a food tour is difficult, as you cannot rush it. The idea is not to consume as much as you can. It’s about cherishing the flavors, the cultural content, the bonding, the tradition, and the people behind it.  Still, here is a 2-day itinerary for the Luang Prabang food tour.  DaysActivitiesDay 1• Exploring the morning market at Phousi Road and participating in the alms-giving ceremony• Having coffee at Le Banneton• Lunch and cooking class at Tamarind Restaurant• Exploring the Night Market Food AlleyDay 2• Mekong Breakfast Cruise• Dara Market Visit• Lunch at Khaiphaen Restaurant• Visiting Whisky Village and trying Lao Lao Whisky• Dinner at Manda de Laos Luang Prabang Food And Buddhist Rituals  The Tak Bat Ceremony, or the alms giving ceremony, makes the food tour in Luang Prabang associated with Buddhist rituals. Monks are offered fruits and sticky rice at dawn.  Furthermore, food becomes the core of community celebration during festivals such as Pi Mai Lao or Lao New Year. In these festivals, the local people prepare food for monks.  In addition, food tour organizers such as A Chef’s Tour organize a Luang Prabang Food Tour, including a Monk Blessing Ceremony. Vegetarian Options In Luang Prabang Food  The vegetarian food options in Luang Prabang are many due to its Buddhist roots. You have to just say “Bor Sai Nyam” or “No Meat” to vendors to get vegetarian food.  Here are the alternatives or vegetarian versions for the popular staples in Luang Prabang.  Common FoodVegetarian AlternativeLarb• Options with mushrooms and tofu are available. Papaya Salad• Request not to use fish sauce in the dressingSpring Rolls• Use veg fillingsFruit Shakes• Avoid dairy products in the fruit shakes Sticky rice, the staple item in the Luang Prabang food, is already a vegan item. You can have it with any veg side or fried seaweed without the chilli and buffalo skin paste.  Estimated Food Prices In Luang Prabang  The budget of your food tour will depend on the places you eat. For example, the same dish brought from a street stall will cost at least 10000 LAK when you eat at a top-grade restaurant.  Furthermore, some delicacies such as the coconut pancakes or coconut rice cakes may not be available at all restaurants.  DishStreet Stall PriceRestaurant PriceKhao Soi10,000 LAK (\$0.50)30,000 LAK (\$1.50)Lao Sausage15,000 LAK (\$0.75)40,000 LAK (\$2.00)Grilled Fish25,000 LAK (\$1)60,000 LAK (\$3.00)Larb25,000 LAK (\$1.25)70,000 LAK (\$3.50) Things To Keep In Mind For A Delightful Luang Prabang Food Tour Arrive at the morning market before 6 AM to talk to the local vendors and have freshly made coconut pancakes, steamed sticky rice, and khao soi. Arriving before the crowd helps to have authentic conversations with the local vendors.  You must follow where the locals are heading. A smart tip: Find the food stalls in the alleys near the temples. You will often notice long queues in front of those shops.  Also, most street foods cost between 5,000 and 20,000 LAK. So, carry small change.  Make sure that the vendor at the food stall you visit is wearing gloves, and use clean utensils.   Keep your behavior respectful while taking part in an alms-giving ceremony or food tours blessed by monks.  Luang Prabang Food Tour: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Here are the frequently asked questions and answers about the Luang Prabang food tour.  1. What Is The Most Famous Street Food In Luang Prabang? Khao Soi, or the pork noodle soup, is the most famous street food in Luang Prabang. It is a popular breakfast item. However, it is a wholesome dish with pork, tomatoes, and subtle flavors. Unlike traditional Thai Khao Soi, the Luang Prabang Khao Soi does not use coconut-based curry. Instead, it has fermented soybean paste.  2. Is Street Food Safe In Luang Prabang? Yes, street food is safe in Luang Prabang. However, you have to visit food stalls that locals frequent. Also, drink bottled water. Most importantly, when trying local liquors at the Whisky Village or local stalls, take your guide's suggestions.  3. Can I Join A Food Tour As A Vegetarian? Yes, you can join a food tour as a vegetarian. You can always replace the minced pork or fish in springroll stuffing or choose tofu and mushrooms in larb. Just mention, Bor Sai Nyam or no meat to the vendor. In addition, you can customize the spice level in your food with adjustments in spice levels or ingredients. 

BY  Rishab Dey Dec 30, 2023

Are the gloomy skies driving you to desperate measures? Can a massive blowout break be called desperate? You do have a choice. A secluded road trip across the globe, an incredible once-in-a-lifetime adventure, or a truly tropical beach break. If you want all three, you will need to look for warm places to visit in February. It becomes more difficult to find intense, short-haul sunshine as winter drags on. A carefully planned trip separates a reasonably priced island stay and a mild-weather city break from the US. Both of these can provide much-needed rest as well as relaxation. However, there are plenty of far-flung options that best suit this month. And don't forget to check government travel advice for every destination.  Warm Places To Visit In February  Yes, Februaries are cold. But the warmth it brings with Valentine's is hard to contend against. If you are planning to visit warm places with your special someone to get away from the biting cold of your home country, here are some of your best options. Take a peek into some of the warm places to visit in February.  Morocco  The Miami of Morocco, Casablanca is the modern center of Morocco. The nation's largest city highlights modern Morocco, a humming mix of big finance as well as creative chops. It has been overlooked for lacking Tangier's rich history of bohemian revelry or the romantic chaos of Marrakech. Even better, it's a nearby, mild winter city break. Explore the district's Art Deco area, which is home to iconic buildings like the Cinema Rialto. Indulge in freshly shucked oysters at the Central Market. Get a taste of the past in the untouristy, donkey-filled medinas. You can end the day at a chic restaurant or rooftop café. Sea views, as well as a delicious seared duck breast with honey, are served at Le Relais de Paris. Morocco is probably one of the best warm places to visit in February. Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of this North African country.  Koh Yao Noi  Koh Yao Noi is the Thailand island of your dreams, just a 30-minute speedboat ride from Phuket and a world apart from its boisterous tourist attractions. There are more water buffaloes, traditional rubber farms, serene beaches, as well as fewer inebriated backpackers. Phang Nga Bay's surroundings are dotted with striking limestone karsts. Boho-chic Cape Kudu, a Small Luxury Hotel of the World, features white, bright rooms and a dreamy sea view from the pool. It also has a spa designed with hanging rattan chairs. Kayaking through the mangroves and island hopping are options, too.  Kenya  Kenya has seen a decline in tourism following a spate of terrorist attacks earlier this decade. However, most beach retreats and safari destinations in the nation are generally safe. Government travel advisories, too, are not too stringent. In February, you can combine two of the best trips into one. The southern coast's whale shark swimming season is in full swing. The Masai Mara's low rainfall causes big game to congregate in large groups at rivers and waterholes.  New Zealand  Want some delicious privacy? February, the last month of summer, is the best time to see the vistas along New Zealand's eastern seaboard by car. Few landscapes are as untamed and wild as those found there. Here, a volcanic headland meets the shimmering ocean, and multiple opulent lodges bask in seclusion. The North Island's Helena Bay Lodge is spread out over a tidy lawn near the South Pacific's edge. Its exclusive beaches, coves, as well as woodland hikes only see your own footprints. Next, travel to the South Island's Banks Peninsula, a picturesque volcano skeleton ringed with glistening bays and secluded little settlements. Annandale Farm is a mystical haven offering endless views of the ocean as well as locally sourced food. It is nestled in 4,000 acres of serene coastal pasture.  Carnival  It's crazy when you stand amidst a carnival. Still, isn't that the reason you're here? The streets stay marinating in wild revelry, and the beaches teem with a hot, toned young crowd. There is also the sound of samba pulsing everywhere you go. The Rio Music Carnival, an accompanying electro-music festival, takes place alongside the Sambadrome's parades to create the biggest party on Earth. Past performers such as Afrojack, Diplo, and Tiesto have left the crowds completely insane.  Honolulu  Here is another one of the warm places to visit in February. Between its capital, Honolulu, and its more sedate northern and eastern beaches, Oahu presents a compelling blend of big-city conveniences and quintessential tropical beauty. Additionally, locals get together for banter and bragging rights during the Buffalo Big Board Surfing Classic in February. This isn't your typical Kelly Slaters competition. Instead, teams of up to seven individuals compete in historical and unique events like SUPsquatch, where they ride enormous inflatable stand-up paddle boards.  Miami  Miami isn't for the timid, but it has a vibrant art scene in addition to its nightclubs, music, and traffic. You can check out the Yinka Ilori-designed café at Superblue or the Yayoi Kusama exhibits at the Rubell Museum. There is also a fun dining scene, and we recommend Itamae, a Nikkei restaurant.  Singapore  Singapore is one of the greenest cities in Asia. Trails, lush parks, and gardens dominate the area. According to The Singapore Green Plan 2030, it even aims to become the world's green champion. Nearly half of the city is covered in greenery. Visit during a hot, dry February to take in all of this. You can also visit Chinatown's markets, immerse yourself in the culinary scene, and learn about the local way of life.  Wrapping Up  Unless you really want to, there's no reason why you should stay inside this February. There are carnivals and even New Year's celebrations that combine Chinese and Mayan customs. In the end, this list of warm destinations in February should satisfy your need for warmth. This place has beaches, hikes, mountains, caverns, and volcanoes. If these don't motivate you, you can visit animals, museums, and a lot more places without having to worry about the dress code. If you have thoughts to share or questions to ask about warm places to visit in February, please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you! Read Also: Florida Dreams: RV Camping Along the Sunshine State’s Shore Top 7 Places To Visit For An Asian Solo Traveler Wonders of the Waves: RV Camping Along Oregon’s Coastal Beauty

BY  Sibashree Jan 18, 2025

Plainfield, Indiana is a great place to live as a couple and grow as a family. Despite being a village, Plainfield offers decent job opportunities in the fields of healthcare, nursing, and food.  Further, Plainfield offers delightful shopping experiences thanks to the presence of local boutiques, antique shops, and outdoor shopping facilities. You will also love collecting chocolates.  However, if you are living here as a couple and into full-time occupations, you will look for relaxation during the weekend. So, at Tour and Travel, we thought of creating a guide on the things to do in  Plainfield Indiana, for couples this weekend. Things To Do In Plainfield Indiana For Couples This Weekend | Attractions You Can’t Miss With an area of 25.8 square miles, Plainfield Indiana is a favorite of tourists, and the locals also enjoy the weekend activities here.  Further, during the summer months of June to August, the weather here remains warm and sunny. So, it is the best time to visit the Indiana village.  Nevertheless, as promised, here is the curated list of the things to do in Plainfield Indiana, for couples this weekend. 1. A Visit To The Sodalis Nature Park https://www.instagram.com/p/DDXUJiZOs_U/ Address: 955 E. Main Street, Danville, Indiana Contact Number: (317) 718-6188 Hours Open: 6 AM to 9:30 PM The Sodalis Nature Park gets its name from Myotis Sodalis, the endangered bat species of Indiana. It is a popular picnic spot for families and couples with a pond. You can go fishing at this pond of 5.5 acres.  Further, the 3.5 miles of nature trails here are great for hiking and exploring the park. These are loop trails and are connected to each other. Each trail will take you to different parts of the park. Some popular trails here are Bat Ridge and Beaver Loop. Also, this park has long stretches of reforestation area and mature woodlands. As a result, the park has become the home to many wildlife species in Indiana. The Sodalis Nature Park is now known as the Echo Hollow Nature Park. Even if you don’t want to participate in the activities here, you can just sit and talk with your partner. It is the ideal place for a low-key romantic date.  2. Exploring The Country Heritage Winery https://www.instagram.com/p/DCrfr3JR9JK/ Address: 185 Co Road 68, Laotto, IN  Contact No: +1 260-637-2980 Hours Open: Sunday to Thursday (11 AM to 8 PM) and Friday to Saturday(11 AM to 9 PM) Generations of family heritage, a vast wine field, and a thorough journey of wine processing! You can experience all these at the Country Heritage Winery.  Jennifer and Jeremy Lutter are now at the helm of this winery and have a deep passion for winemaking. Today, the largest winery in the state has seven varieties of grapes. So, naturally, the wines you will get to taste here are eclectic, from dry red to sparkling rose. Overall, this 101 acres of winery is a complete wonder for connoisseurs. 3. Relax At The Swinford Park Address: 1007 Longfellow Lane, Plainfield, Indiana Phone Number: +1 317-839-7665 Hours Open: 6 AM to 9 PM This 25-acre park in Plainfield, Indiana, is a great outdoor place for relaxation. Further, you will find the following outdoor activities here. 8 Pickleball Courts Horseshoe Pits Baseball Diamonds Shelter House Another great thing about Swinford Park is that it is a dog-friendly park. You can take your furry friend on a leash for a walk here. There is even a subscription-based dog park on the south of Swinford Park.  However, you must ensure your dog does not enter the baseball diamonds.  4. Visiting The W.S. Gibbs Memorial Park Address: 4521 Gibbs Road, Danville, Indiana Contact Number: +1 317-718-6188 Hours Open: 6 AM to 9 PM Entry: Free W.S. Gibbs Memorial Park is one of the newest additions if you want to know the best things to do in Plainfield Indiana. This park, currently spanning over an area of 70 acres, has two ponds and a hill.  You can hike to the top of the 30-foot high hill, artificially made with pond soil. Further, once you reach the hilltop, you will find resting benches and young plants welcoming you. You can relax there, enjoy the vista, and take photographs.  Further, the ponds here look beautiful with the docks. These are ADA-accessible, and you will find a couple of picnic tables here.  Moreover, the park has a disc golf course. This 18-hole disc golf course has players and visitors from dawn to dusk. It is also fun to navigate through the native prairie grasses grown here, and the wooded area will take you to the artificial hill in the park. Do you want a more calming experience at the park? The ponds here have redear fingerlings, bluegill, bass, and channel catfish. The fish here have already reached harvestable size.  So, you can relax on the pond docks and try catching some young fish. 5. Spending Quality Time At Friendship Gardens Park Address: 900-932 E County Road 750 East, Plainfield, Indiana Hours Open: 7 AM to 9 PM Contact Number: (888) 795-3475 Home to a Veterans' Memorial, the Friendship Gardens Park is one of the most peaceful places for a weekend hangout in Plainfield Indiana. Further, the landscape of this park and the stone waterfall add to the appeal of Plainfield Park.  However, the Gazebo Pavilion at the park's center is the biggest attraction for regular visitors. Many small gatherings or wedding events are organized here. It can accommodate up to 75 guests.  Moreover, when at the park, don’t forget to visit the iron truss bridge.  6. Enjoying A Food Tour Of Plainfield, Indiana  A lot can happen at Plainfield over good food and coffee. So, trying the specialties like brisket sandwiches can be one of the best things to do in Plainfield Indiana, for couples this weekend.  Beef briskets, chicken burgers, and pizza are some of the other delicacies you will love to try in Plainfield.  Can’t decide where you will eat out at Plainfield this weekend? Here are some of our favorites. Best Restaurants In Plainfield IndianaAddressContactThe Garage Food Hall906 Carrollton Avenue Indianapolis(317) 556-1252Stone Creek Dining Company2539 Perry Crossing Way Ste 150 Plainfield, Indiana(317) 837-9100LumberjAXE351 Marketplace Mile Ste 140 Plainfield(317) 742-7207 Enjoy your meal at these places and enjoy quality time with your S/O.  Also read Why Include Whale Watching In Your LA Itinerary. Traveling On A Budget: Tips For Affordable Adventures. From Cocktails To Kickflips: Must-Try Activities In San Diego.