On the main street, I forgot the name, there are lots and lots of guides/tour companies to chose from. I picked one randomly to go to the Pak Ou Caves and an Elephant ride and they were fine.

Thanks tansmets. Since I will be there the end of December I thought it would be a busy time and worth hiring someone in advance. I appreciate your advice.

Tiger Trails Operate some day trips out of LP http://www.laos-adventures.com/travels/?continent=all&country=all&category=CE3AEB7A-7793-4D6C-A7D1-F742638D938B&startdate=all should be easy enough to book on arrival.

To be honest you do not need a guide in Luang Prabang. The only reason for getting one would be to do treks, but not to shw you around town.

Buy a Lonely Planet and save your money. You don't need a guide unless you are going trekking, elephant riding etc.

LP -is a fairly small and accessible town.
Get one or two of those "Hobo Maps". There appear to be several covering the areas - I reckon they are way better than any other maps for visitors to Laois.

If you intend to venture outside the town to any great extent, then a guide may be of some help. But look at the maps first and see if there's anywhere that looks interesting to you.
THere's nothing worse than being dragged around by a guide whose only interest is getting a commission from the places he takes you to.

Thanks for all your replies. I have an interest in going trekking for a day outside LP. That's where the guide would come in. Please let me know if you know of someone who can provide a good hiking experience and speaks English. Thanks again.

Hi, I am visiting Luang Prabang too in November 2012.
So happy to find this thread!

I was wondering if anyone can help me with my questions.
I have narrow down my search to Tiger Trail tour. I am also considering a tour by White Elephant as a 2nd choice.

Due to my tight schedule, I wish to do the trekking on the 2nd day of arrival.

I will be arriving Luang Prabang Town Centre around 9am on a Tuesday. Does anyone know if the above 2 tour offices are still open at that timing?

If the tour offices are close, I will be considering making advanced payment through wire transfer to secure the booking. Do you think it is safe to make advanced payment?