Southeast Asia is drawing increasing attention as a popular travel destination, with Laos being often overlooked, yet worth an adventure. Remaining far from the capital city of Vientiane, Luang Prabang has preserved its own old-fashion charms. Mount Phousi, the ancient red-roof temples and the fusion of French-Indochinese architecture are some remarkable highlights of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Best things to do in Luang Prabang
If you want to explore the city and its surroundings, check our itinerary with the best things to do and the best places to visit in Luang Prabang in one or two days.
Visit the Buddhist temple of Wat Xieng Thong
Get up early for a morning visit to one of the most important Buddhist temples in Laos. Wat Xieng Thong or “Temple of the Golden City” is located on the northern tip of the peninsula of Luang Prabang.
The temple was built in the year 1560 along the banks of the Mekong River and the Nam Khan river intersecting at the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Laos. Originally, the Royal Temple was used to hold the ceremony of crowning for the King and also as a monastery. After the fall of the monarchy, it still remains a significant symbol of religion, royalty, and traditional art and craft of Laos.
When entering the temple, you must not reveal your shoulder and knee. The local staff will ask you to rent some clothes in case you need to cover up, and a locker if you need to store your belongings.
Learn history at the Royal Palace
After filling yourself up with some of Luang Prabang’s famous and refined French cuisine, it’s time to learn about Laos past. The Royal Palace was built in 1904 during the French colonial period for the King Sisavang Vong. It was located in the city center between Phousi Hill and the Mekong river so official visitors could disembark after their river voyage and be received at the palace. In the present, it serves as the national museum dedicated to preserving the heritage of Lao’s monarchy. The museum is open from 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM and 13:30 to 16:00 every day except Tuesday.
On the grounds of the Royal Palace, visitors can admire the Haw Pha Bang, one of the most beautiful monuments in Luang Prabang. Haw Pha Bang, which translates to “Royal Temple”, was built to enshrine the Phra Bang, the most sacred Buddha image in the country.
Soak yourself in the splendid Kuang Si waterfall
If there can only be one must-do activity to pick around Luang Prabang, it should be visit the Kuang Si waterfall. Situated on the outskirts of the city, the long stunning waterfall with three tiers, leading to the main fall and plenty of blue pools, is a must-watch. On sunny days, many locals would bring their food and drinks for a picnic around the waterfall area.
You can find multiple cascading pools at different levels, all of which are amazingly picturesque and reportedly safe for swimming and bathing. We recommend that you spend a few hours trekking up and down the river stream.
Play with the elephant at an elephant camp or village
Visiting an elephant camp is a popular touristic activity in Luang Prabang. There are several camps to choose from. Watching and playing with the elephant only is more recommended than riding.
Look for the Elephant Village instead of camps, as this elephant sanctuary is focused on protection and rehabilitation of elephants in Laos. This organization rescue elephants and tourists here can only ride on their bare backs instead of seats, which is more comfortable for both.
Most elephant camps are pretty far away from the city. Find other travellers to share a tuk-tuk.
Hike up Mount Phousi
It takes only about half an hour to walk from the city center up the Phousi through a very nice path indicated with clear directions. This visit is especially recommended at sunset when you can enjoy a viewpoint from high above Luang Prabang.
The whole area around Mount Phousi is very quiet and spiritual.
Stroll around the night market
Luang Prabang’s night market offers a wide range of local clothing, street-food, and amazing atmosphere. The market is only open at night. Hence, make your way around the 1-kilometer long market at nightfall.
How to get to Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang International Airport (LPQ) serves the city of Luang Prabang with domestic and international flights from Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand. There are also bus routes connecting Luang Prabang with the major tourist destinations in Laos.
By plane
– Within Laos, Lao Airlines operates domestic flights connecting Vientiane to Luang Prabang and Pakse to Luang Prabang.
– From Vietnam, Lao Airlines and Vietnam Airlines operate international flights connecting Hanoi to Luang Prabang.
– From Cambodia, Lao Airlines and Vietnam Airlines operate international flights connecting Siem Reap to Luang Prabang.
– From Thailand, Lao Airlines, Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways and Thai AirAsia operate international flights connecting Bangkok to Luang Prabang and Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang.
For more information, check our guide of international and domestic flights in Laos.
By bus
– King of Bus operates regular bus services from Vientiane to Luang Prabang.
– Malany Transport operates regular minivan services from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang.
For more information, check our guide of bus routes in Laos.
Updated on May 12, 2019.
