Overview
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1. Royal Palace
The Royal Palace in Luang Prabang is the former Royal Palace of Laos. It is also known as ‘Haw Kham’, which literally means ‘Golden Palace’. The palace has an open courtyard with several buildings that you can visit. One of these buildings is the Royal Palace Museum or National Museum, where you can find some historical items and learn more about the Lao history and culture.
Another building is the Haw Pha Bang Temple arguably the most beautiful temple in Luang Prabang.
Practical
30.000 kip
Daily: 08:00 am - 11:30 am, 01:30 pm - 04:00 pm
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2. Mount Phousi
One of the most famous things to do in Luang Prabang is climbing the 300 stairs to Mount Phousi. This is a 100m high sacred hill, from where you’ll have a spectacular 360° view over Luang Prabang city and its surrounding valley.
It is a perfect spot to watch the sunset, but you will be surrounded by many other tourists during that time. That’s why we have better suggestions for watching the sunset a little further in this blog.
Note that this is a sacred place to dress appropriately and don’t drink alcohol at the top. Also don’t buy birds to release for good luck, because by doing so you support this cycle of animal cruelty.
Practical
20.000 kip
Daily: 06:00 am - 07:00 pm
3. Tak Bat: Alms Giving Ceremony
If you get up really early, before sunrise, you can witness the Tak Bat or Alms Giving Ceremony. At 5.30 in the morning, monks line up in the streets, where local people are waiting on the pavement to put gifts and food like rice into the bowls of the monks.
It is a local and serene ritual, part of Laos’ culture, and is done in silence. Both the locals and the monks don’t speak. During their walk, the monks are in meditation and should not be disturbed.
Unfortunately, this ceremony has become extremely popular and commercialized. In the morning, entire minivans are dropped off with tourists who show little respect for the ritual. They even allow tourists to participate in the ritual. This is mainly at the location indicated on Google Maps.
Do you want to experience the ritual as serenely as it should be? Then, look in the smaller streets for locals who are also sitting on their chairs waiting for the monks. Always show respect, dress appropriately, keep a sufficient distance, and do not disturb the monks, turn off your flash and be quiet.
It’s definitely something you must see, but please, don’t ruin it.
4. Night and Streetfood Market
In the evening, you find an enormous night market in the center of Luang Prabang. It’s without a doubt one of the best things to do in Luang Prabang. Sisavangvong Road turns into a big, cozy lit walking street with tents selling different goods such as handcrafts, clothing, jewelry, and souvenirs.
On Lart Leng square, you find many stalls selling local foods like different kinds of sandwiches, fresh fruits, pancakes and so much more. Get yourself a drink at the bar, choose a table, and enjoy some delicious Laotian street food
Tip: Besides the night market, you should also visit the Luang Prabang morning market. Get up early and look for delicious fresh fruit and vegetables and watch the early morning life of Luang Prabang’s locals, before the entire city wakes up. Nice to combine with the Tak Bat if you wake up so early.
5. Wat Xieng Thong
Practical
20.000 kip
Daily: 08:00 am - 06:00 pm
6. Kuang Si Falls
One of the most famous highlights in Laos is without a doubt the Kuang Si Falls. The turquoise blue water, flowing from natural pool to pool, will give you the feeling of walking into a fairylike world.
Practical
Entrance fee: 60.000 kip
Parking: 10.000 kip
Daily: 08:00 am - 05:00 pm
“#nofilter” Is the exact way to describe the color of the water: It has the exact same blue color as you see in the pictures. In the lowest pools, you can take a swim, where little fish will come tickling your feet.
After a little walk upstream, passing many small curtain-like waterfalls, you will be amazed by this mighty 50-meter-high fall of crystal-clear water. You can even climb up the hill, into the forest, to the top of the waterfall, and overview the whole surrounding.
Make sure you wear proper shoes, because the climb is very steep.
Tip: Kuang Si Falls is about an hour’s drive from Luang Prabang. However, the road there is very bad and slippery, and many people have had accidents with their scooters. Either you have to drive very, very carefully, otherwise it is better to book a tour.
On the domain of the Kuang Si Falls, you will also find a bear sanctuary of the organization Free The Bears. These bears are rescued from captivity and being neglected. They rescue bears from illegal wildlife trade and bear bile farms, and give them a better place to live.
7. Phak Ou Caves
Where the Nam Ou river flows into the Mekong river, you’ll find the Pak Ou caves in the limestone mountains. There are two caves: the entrance of the first cave is directly next to the river shore. The entrance of second one is 60 meters higher. Inside the caves, you’ll find thousands of wooden and golden buddha statues.
This is why the caves are also known as the Buddha caves. The only way to visit the caves is by boat. You can either book a normal tour or a kayak tour.
Practical
20.000 kip
Daily: 08:00 am - 05:00 pm
8. French Bakeries
In the past, Laos was a French colony. You will notice this not only in the architecture but also in the many French bakeries and coffee houses in Luang Prabang.
You can enjoy some delicious croissants, baguettes, and many other pastries while sipping a coffee in the morning.
Hotels
Book your stay in Luang Prabang and enjoy this beautiful city!
Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang
via Booking.com
9. Living Farm Land
At the Living Land Farm, you can learn everything about the traditional rice farming in Laos. It is an organic farm, located around 6 kilometer from Luang Prabang. You can spent half a day at the farm, experiencing the real life on a rice farm and learn the whole rice farming process from planting seeds to harvesting. It is certainly a unique experience that teaches you a lot about how hard you have to work for all the rice that you will probably eat in Asia.
10. Wat Hopping
Since Luang Prabang used to be the capital of Laos, you will find quite a few temples in the center: 33 to be precise. That’s why wat hopping is one of the best things to do in Luang Prabang. You can stroll or bike through the city and look for the most sparkling and lavishly decorated temples.
At the same time, you can also see the French-influenced architecture throughout the Old Town. Other temples worth a visit are Wat Wisunarat, Wat Pa Pai, and Wat Mai.
11. Watch the sunset along the river side
Are you looking for a quieter place to watch a beautiful sunset than Mount Phousi? Then head to the riverside and find yourself a good spot in one of the bars. You can enjoy a drink while you watch the sunset behind the mountains. It is a magical and relaxing way to end the day.
Practical Information
Best Time to visit Luang Prabang
The best time to visit Luang Prabang is between November and March, during the dry season, when the temperature is pleasantly warm and sunny. Know that this is also high tourist season and expect the biggest crowds.
Temperatures and humidity start to rise in April and from late May, the rainy season begins. You can expect higher temperatures and frequent rain showers.
How to get there
By slow Boat – From northern Thailand, you can take a slow boat to Luang Prabang. The journey takes 2 days and it’s a great way to slow down and see the local life along the riverside.
By air – Luang Prabang has an international airport, with flights arriving from other major cities in Asia. From the airport, it is a 10-minute drive to the city center.
By bus – Buses run to Luang Prabang from other places in Laos and the neighboring countries of Thailand and Vietnam. However, these rides are often long and very unpleasant with many bumps and bends.
By train – The north of Laos has recently been provided with a comfortable train network as far as Vientiane. So if you come from another place in the north, such as Vang Vieng or Vientiane, you can also reach Luang Prabang by train. We found it a pleasant, fast and affordable way to travel in Laos.
Transport in Asia
The best way to travel around Asia is through 12GoAsia. It is very user-friendly and easy to organize your trips.
How to get around
You can easily explore Luang Prabang on foot. Cycling is also a fun way to cover slightly further distances. You can often rent a bicycle at your accommodation for a smaller price.
To reach places a little further from the center, like Kuang Si Falls, you can rent a scooter. Prices for a scooter rental are usually between 100,000 and 150,000 KIP per day. Note that the roads around Luang Prabang are not in good condition. The road to Kuang Si Falls in particular can be slippery, especially if it has rained. If you prefer not to drive the moped yourself, you can always join organized private or group tours or take a tuk-tuk/taxi.
How many days
It is possible to see all the best things to do in Luang Prabang in 2 days. However, the city has a very pleasant atmosphere and in order to enjoy the town at a more relaxed pace, you should stay at least 3 days. This way you also have an extra evening to try some more delicious food on the food market.
Where to Stay
From hotels to guesthouses, you’ll find plenty of accommodations in the center of Luang Prabang for every budget.
Win-Win for everyone
Did you know that, if you buy or book something through our links, we receive a small commission?
However, you still pay the same and therefore have no extra costs! So a win-win for everyone. This way, we can continue to add even more travel inspiration and tips to this blog for your next adventure. Thanks a lot!
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Win-Win for everyone
Did you know that, if you buy or book something through our links, we receive a small commission?
However, you still pay the same and therefore have no extra costs! So a win-win for everyone. This way, we can continue to add even more travel inspiration and tips to this blog for your next adventure. Thanks a lot!
