Nightlife in a world heritage town of Luang Prabang in northern Laos is different than in other places.

Luang Prabang may not boast the sights and sounds of the world’s big cities, but the atmospheric lighting from ancient temples, restaurants and French colonial style buildings will put you in touch with the city’s true charms.

In the same way, the nightlife in Luang Prabang may perhaps not be as energetic for visitors who want to dance to loud music and enjoy themselves in nightclubs and bars, as most locals are in bed by 10pm.

One reason is the fact they generally have to get up at 5am to prepare their food offerings for monks and novices, which they present to them along the roadsides.

However, if you want to enjoy yourself until midnight with a drink and a dance, you should step inside a nightclub by the name of Daofa, where the resident DJ plays Lao music and hip-hop.

About 3km from the city centre, a leisurely ride on a motorbike or tuk-tuk (three-wheeled taxi) will get you there within 10-15 minutes.

After dusk, the World Heritage town of Luang Prabang looks peaceful and serene, with fascination enough to attract the educated traveller or the couple who need to really relax.

Night-time in Luang Prabang is when many will discover they are truly falling in love with this town.

It is not unusual to lose track of time while you stroll around the town, with life moving at a pace not much faster than in days of yore.

Luang Prabang is romantic place if you want to have a special dinner with your partner, with restaurants mixing European and Lao cuisines with flair.

You can see lighted candles at restaurants on the peninsula formed by the Mekong and Khan rivers, which are illuminating yet not overpowering.

The best way to spend the night in Luang Prabang is to go to one of the many splendid, family-run restaurants situated on one of the main roads. It seems many homes have been converted into small businesses, restaurants and guesthouses.

While there are a variety of French and English restaurant options, travellers should make an effort to try the fascinating array of tasty Lao food, such as laab (meat or fish mixed with chopped herbs).

But don’t forget! Starting your dinner with sticky rice is necessary if you want to ensure you are really experiencing the Lao lifestyle.

You can also enjoy a refreshing cocktail with your meal. It’s at this point you know its not difficult to take in the pleasures of Luang Prabang.

If you are lucky you can hear the locals playing traditional songs in a house or on a balcony, while some restaurants will serve your dinner while a traditional dance show is performed by candlelight.

The old town boasts a remarkable number of temples, and night-time brings out another aspect of their beauty.

It is after night falls and the lights come on that you can see the beauty of the delicate, meticulously carved sculptures on the temple walls.

This sight gives you a clue to the richness of tradition, culture and religion of the Lao people over the ages.

Not to be overlooked is the night market, with the most extensive collection of handicrafts from ethnic groups. Here you’ll find a wide variety of textiles, clothing, carvings, basketry, quilts, shoes, paper, silver, bags, ceramics, bamboo lamps and more.

The market is open daily after sunset until about 10pm along Sisavangvong Road from the Royal Palace Museum when this section of the street is closed to traffic.

Taking a leisurely walk through the night market is an enjoyable experience in itself.

The heartbeat of Luang Prabang may not be thumping like those of Asia’s larger 24hr metropolises, but its relaxing tempo is sure to clear away the nervous tension of big city life as you release yourself to its evening embrace. (By Ounkham Pimmata in Vientiane/ Vientiane Times/ Asia News Network)