A craft village with a more local rhythm
Ban Xangkhong lies north-east of the peninsula and is mapped as a neighbourhood in the OSM extract. It is commonly associated with textile and craft work, but it is also a lived-in village. That distinction matters: the area is not simply a shopping attraction, and it should not be judged by the same visitor density as the old town.
The street pattern feels more spacious and less continuously visitor-facing than the peninsula. That can be a strength for someone who wants ordinary daily surroundings, though it also means fewer errands are solved by a short walk. Road access and the time of day matter. A bicycle can make the centre reachable for an active resident; tuk-tuks, taxis and motorbikes are more realistic when the weather or distance turns against walking.
Who it suits
Xangkhong is worth considering if you prefer a local village setting and do not need to step out into a dense café-and-guesthouse strip. Check the exact home for flood exposure, road noise and practical services rather than assuming all of the village feels the same. Luang Prabang has no operational urban rail, and this launch pack has no defensible rent or expat sample, so the map keeps those fields open.