1. Top things to do in Luang Prabang

Watch the Alms Giving Ceremony

Spirituality and religion play a deep role in the country of Laos, and there are plenty of old traditions that are still being practised to this very day. Dating back to the 14th century, a revered custom sees local monks embarking on a daily sunrise alms-giving procession, aimed at gathering alms to support the less fortunate. This cherished ceremony warmly invites visitors to partake, making it one of the most meaningful and engaging experiences in Luang Prabang.

Explore the City and its Spiriturality

Wandering through old, historic neighbourhoods in the city is one of the best things to do in Luang Prabang.

If you ever find yourself unsure of what to discover in this charming town, embarking on a journey through its delightful French-influenced alleys is an excellent choice.

With a notable French historical influence, Luang Prabang boasts architecture and an overall ambiance that resonate with a distinct French charm. This enduring legacy from the past infuses the city with a captivating French undertone, adding to its unique allure.

Cruise along the Mekong

One of the best ways to experience the surroundings of Luang Prabang is to take a river cruise down the stunning Mekong. It’s one of the best things to do in Luang Prabang, especially considering that you’ll be seeing a lot of the biggest highlights in the region. Touring the Mekong is best done right before sunset because then you’ll be able to truly enjoy the splendour of the surrounding nature, and you’ll be able to see the locals finishing up their daily routines.

Explore the rice fields

For a unique and distinctive experience in Luang Prabang, a visit to the living land rice farm, located on the city's outskirts, is a must.

Here you'll have the opportunity to gain insights into the traditional rice cultivation and harvesting methods practiced in Laos. Get hands-on experience by strolling through one of the many lush rice paddies on the property. For those seeking an adventurous twist, you can even try ploughing a field with a water buffalo.

Wander the Luang Prabang Night Market

One of the things that South East Asia is most known for is its markets, and Luang Prabang has one of the best in the entire region. They’re located in the centre of the town, and they’re very vibrant, colourful, and lovely.

Eat at the night food stalls

Distinguished from Luang Prabang's Night Market, the Night Food Stalls offer a unique culinary experience. These stalls come to life at sunset and are conveniently located just behind the city's primary Tourist Office.

Here, you'll discover an array of small tables offering delectable local cuisine, making it the ultimate destination for an authentic taste of Laos. If you're a fan of vegetarian dishes, you're in for a treat, as there's an extensive selection of vegetable-based options to choose from. Alternatively, indulge in seafood or fish dishes expertly prepared with fragrant lemongrass, providing a delightful burst of flavor.

2. Weather

The ideal time to explore Luang Prabang is from November to March when the weather is pleasantly dry, and the temperatures are comfortable. However, please keep in mind that this period can be quite crowded, particularly in January and during various festivals. If you plan to visit during these peak times, it's wise to make arrangements well in advance. On the other hand, from July to September, you can expect frequent and heavy downpours almost daily, so plan your visit accordingly.

3. Transportation: How to Get to & Around Luang Prabang

3.2. How to get there?

An increasing number of airlines now offer non-stop flights to Luang Prabang from nearby hubs such as Bangkok, Hanoi, Chiang Mai, Singapore, and more. Moreover, numerous major global cities are just a single stop away, making air travel the most convenient way to reach Luang Prabang.

Alternatively, travelers have the option to reach Luang Prabang by bus, originating from various Lao provinces or neighboring countries like Thailand, Vietnam, or Cambodia. However, it's important to note that this overland journey typically spans over 24 hours, and road conditions can be unpredictable. This mode of travel can be a cost-effective choice and is suitable for individuals who do not experience motion sickness.

3.2. Ways to get around the city:

Bicycle

Luang Prabang is a tiny enough town that all of the peninsula’s major sights and cafes are within walking distance. Bicycling is a popular and convenient mode of transportation. Rentals for a budget touring bicycle start at 10,000 kip per day and go up to 50,000 kip per day for a mountain bike, with some form of identification required as a deposit. Also many hotels offer bicycle rental so check with them too Cycling in Luang Prabang is quite nice because there isn’t a lot of car traffic. And if you go outside the central area, there aren’t many pedestrians either.

Motorbike

Motorbike rental is available in Luang Prabang. However, this is not highly recommended to first time rider as the road condition is not very good, especially when you drive out of the city center. Furthermore, if you are into adventure and would like to try ride yourself to local attractions, beware to keep the motorbike within your eyesight or somewhere visible. Scam does happen and it may cost you a lot of money, and you don’t want any hiccup ruin your holiday.

Tuktuk

Tourist tuk-tuk rides are expensive: they normally charge 20,000 Kip (1.74 USD; see Lao currency and Exchange Rate) for a single short journey, but you can haggle. It is even more cost effective to hire a tuk-tuk for the entire day, but you must negotiate and bargain about the price, which will range from 100,000 Kip (8.72 USD) to more depending on your route. Tuk-tuks can be hired not just for journeys about the city, but also for visits to nearby destinations, for a fee starting at 200,000 Kip.