Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang, nestled amidst the lush landscapes of northern Laos, is a city that enchants travelers with its timeless beauty and rich cultural heritage. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed town is a harmonious blend of historical significance and natural splendor, where ancient temples stand alongside the meandering Mekong River, and saffron-robed monks move serenely through its charming streets. With its captivating history, stunning architecture, and a tranquil ambiance that invites contemplation, Luang Prabang is a destination that promises a journey into the heart of Southeast Asia's past and present. Join us as we explore the enchanting tapestry of Luang Prabang, where tradition and tranquility converge to create an unforgettable travel experience.

Travel Guides

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.

Places Of Interest

Wat Manorom

Wat Manorom, considered one of Luang Prabang's most ancient temples, is renowned for its distinctive main ordination hall, referred to as a "sim" in Lao terminology. Inside this sim, you'll encounter a bronze Buddha statue with a history that traces back to 1372, although it has undergone several restoration efforts over the years.

Wat Xieng Thong

Luang Prabang is known for its monasteries but none is more famous than Wat Xieng Thong. This temple is known for its large ordination hall, where the walls are adorned with exquisite mosaics, featuring a captivating tree of life mural at its center. Exploring Wat Xieng Thong requires ample time, as the temple grounds also house numerous stupas and smaller chapels. You'll want to set aside several hours to fully appreciate everything it has to offer. Additionally, don't miss the striking image of the Standing Buddha and the Red Chapel, a relic from the French colonial period, featuring a depiction of the Reclining Buddha within its walls.

Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham

Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham, with its lengthy name, is commonly referred to simply as "Wat Mai" by locals. This remarkable monastery and temple is distinguished by its striking five-tiered roof, and its front patio is adorned with a series of exquisite murals portraying iconic moments from the life of the Buddha and the Ramayana epic. Moreover, Wat Mai holds great significance in Laotian Buddhism as it serves as the residence of the head of the Lao Buddhist faith, known as the Sangharat. Consequently, this sacred site holds a place of utmost importance within the realm of Laotian Buddhism.

Wat Sensoukaram

Wat Sensoukaram is famed for its striking deep crimson walls adorned with intricate gold leaf decorations. Unquestionably, this temple stands as one of the most visually captivating in the city. Its name, "Sensoukaram," is derived from the legend that 100,000 Kip was dedicated to its construction from the ground up. While this might not appear substantial today, it was indeed a substantial sum during its establishment in 1718, attesting to the historical significance and grandeur of this sacred place.

Royal Palace Museum

To delve deeper into the history of the Royal Palace in Luang Prabang, a visit to the Royal Palace Museum, erected in 1904, is a must. Inside, you can explore galleries adorned with murals that vividly depict the evolution of Laotian life throughout history. Additionally, the museum features captivating exhibitions showcasing a wide array of antiques and intriguing artifacts for an enriching and informative experience.

PAK OU CAVE

Pak Ou Cave, a top attraction in Luang Prabang, is a historical and spiritual site located approximately 25 kilometers north of the city. These caverns, nestled at the confluence of the Ou River, are divided into Tam Ting and Tam Pum. Tam Ting is renowned as the "Cave of a Thousand Buddha Statues," housing around 4,000 sculptures, primarily made of wood and adorned with gold leaf, some as tall as a person. Materials also include animal horns, bronze, and ceramics. It's a must-visit for both locals and tourists seeking a glimpse into Laotian spirituality and history.

Kuang Si Waterfalls

Laos may be a landlocked country, but it sure has some of the finest waterfalls in the region. Although the waterfalls themselves aren’t in the city, they’re definitely worth the trip to get there. Kuang Si Waterfalls stand as a natural wonder and a breathtaking oasis of beauty. These cascading turquoise waters are a must-visit destination, drawing travelers from around the world to witness their awe-inspiring splendor.
  • Location: 23 km from Luang Prabang
  • Opening hours: every day from 8 AM – 5:30 PM

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