Visit Luang Prabang: Top 10 Amazing Things To Do And See

Luang Prabang is a UNESCO World Heritage city in Laos, located at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers. It is known for its rich history, cultural heritage and magnificent natural beauty. This place offers a tranquil escape for travelers looking for a unique blend of spirituality, adventure and relaxation.

It was the royal capital of the Kingdom of Laos and is home to numerous temples, monasteries, and colonial-era buildings. The city’s architecture reflects a blend of Lao and European influences.

In this article, Hanoi Voyages will give you things to do when visit Luang Prabang, the weather in Luang Prabang, local foods and where to stay in Luang Prabang.

The best time to visit Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang experiences distinct seasons, and each has its unique appeal:

• Dry Season (November to February): It’s the peak tourist season, so accommodations can be more expensive, and popular sites can be crowded, especially in January and during festivals, so be sure to book ahead if you’re traveling during this time of the year.
• Pre-Monsoon Season (March to April): It can be quite hot in Luang Prabang, with temperatures reaching up to 35°C (95°F) or higher.
• Rainy Season (May to October): While daily rainfall is common, it doesn’t typically rain all day. Showers are usually heavy but short-lived.

The best time to visit Luang Prabang is from November to March when the weather is comfortably dry with pleasant average temperatures.

Things to do in Luang Prabang

Explore the Old Town

Relaxing and taking in the sights of the historic Old Town is one of the best things to do in Luang Prabang.

Wander through the well-preserved streets of Luang Prabang’s Old Town, where colonial architecture, traditional Lao wooden houses, and vibrant markets await.

Climb Mount Phousi

When visiting Luang Prabang, you can climb to the top of Mount Phousi for panoramic views of Luang Prabang. The views are simply breathtaking, especially at sunrise and sunset, and it’s the ideal spot to take photos of the city and its surroundings.

Mount Phousi is easily accessible by foot. Start your ascent near the Royal Palace Museum at the bottom of the hill.

Discover Kuang Si Waterfalls

Kuang Si Waterfalls is a natural gem that captivates visitors with its cascading turquoise pools and lush surroundings. Kuang Si Waterfalls are approximately 29 kilometers (18 miles) from Luang Prabang, making it an easy day trip. You can hire a tuk-tuk, join a tour, or rent a scooter for a more adventurous ride.

You can purchase tickets for Kuang Si Waterfalls Park at the entrance for 20,000 Kip per person (about 2.5 USD). The park area is open daily from 8 am until 5.30 pm.

Wat Xieng Thong

Wat Xieng Thong is the oldest temple (Wat) in Luang Prabang. Wat Xieng Thong is situated in the heart of Luang Prabang’s Old Town, near the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers. There are over 30 temples spread throughout the city but this is the most popular one.

Wat Xieng Thong is surrounded by peaceful gardens and features a serene courtyard. Take your time to explore the temple grounds and appreciate the tranquility.

The entrance fee to Wat Xieng Thong is 20,000 Kip (2.5 USD) but it’s definitely worth it. It’s only a 15-minute walk from the morning market to the temple.

Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham

Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham, or simply Wat Mai, is one of the most significant and revered temples in Luang Prabang. Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham was built in the late 18th century during the reign of King Anurat, making it one of the city’s older temples. It was crucial to the religious and monastic life of Luang Prabang.

Wat Mai is still an active place of worship, and you might have the opportunity to witness traditional Buddhist ceremonies or rituals taking place at the temple. These ceremonies offer an authentic glimpse into Lao spiritual practices.

The Royal Palace

The Royal Palace Museum, also known as the Golden Palace or Haw Kham, is a historic and culturally significant site located in the heart of Luang Prabang.

It was built in 1904 to replace the old palace, which had been destroyed by mercenaries from China in 1887. It was the royal residence of King Sisavang Vong and his family during the French colonial era. Today, it serves as a museum, providing insight into the country’s royal history.

When visiting Luang Prabang, you can explore the Museum Exhibits. Inside the Royal Palace, you’ll find a series of museum exhibits that showcase the history and culture of Laos. Furthermore, explore the Throne Hall, which houses royal regalia, costumes, and artifacts.

Visit the Pak Ou Caves

Slow Boats at Pak Ou Caves in Luang Prabang – Laos family adventure with Hanoi Voyages. The Pak Ou Caves are located along the Mekong River near Luang Prabang. Exploring these caves is not only a unique adventure but also a chance to learn about Lao spirituality and heritage.

A boat trip along the scenic Mekong River is usually required to reach the Pak Ou Caves. You can arrange boat tours in Luang Prabang, and the trip itself offers breathtaking views of the river and surrounding landscapes.

The Pak Ou Caves consist of two main caves: Tham Ting (lower cave) and Tham Theung (upper cave). Tham Ting is the more accessible of the two and is filled with Buddha statues of various sizes.

Take a cooking class

The culinary scene in Luang Prabang is a delightful blend of flavors influenced by Thai, Vietnamese, and French cuisines. Taking a cooking class in this charming town is an excellent way to immerse yourself in its gastronomic traditions.

Lao cuisine is known for its aromatic herbs, sticky rice, and flavorful sauces. You can learn how to cook local dishes such as Laap (a minced meat salad), Mok Pa (steamed fish in banana leaves), and Tam Mak Hoong (green papaya salad).

Bicycle Tours

One thing you must do when visiting Luang Prabang is to rent a bicycle and explore the peaceful countryside surrounding. Ride along the Mekong River, visit local villages, and enjoy the scenic beauty of rice fields and mountains.

Start your bicycle tour in the morning when the weather is cooler, and the town is less crowded. Grab a local map, and don’t forget essentials like water, sunscreen, and a hat.

Start off by renting bikes from Tiger Trails in Luang Prabang, which costs 10 USD per day. Then go exploring in the nearby villages and towns. The sound of chickens pecking at corn husks and corn boiling over an open fire slowly awakens these towns.

Luang Prabang night market

After a day of exploring, the Luang Prabang Night Market is a great place to slow down. The market is known for its wide variety of handicrafts, textiles, jewelry, and artwork created by local artisans. It’s a great place to find unique souvenirs and gifts. Because of the French influence, there are also numerous stands selling delicious baked goods and crepes!

Local foods and Restaurants in Luang Prabang

Local foods

Luang Prabang offers a delightful array of traditional Lao dishes and international cuisine, making it a food lover’s paradise. Here are some must-try dishes and foods in Luang Prabang:

Laap (Larb)

Laap is a signature Lao dish made from minced meat (usually chicken, pork, or fish) mixed with herbs, lime juice, and roasted rice powder. It’s often served with fresh vegetables and sticky rice.

Mok Pa (Fish Steamed in Banana Leaves)

Mok pa is a delicious dish where fish, typically freshwater fish from the Mekong River, is mixed with herbs, lemongrass, and spices, then wrapped in banana leaves and steamed. The dish can be placed in whole banana leaves or small, individual-sized parcels, and it usually comes served with rice and a dipping sauce on the side.

Or Lam (Lao Stew)

This versatile Lao stew is traditionally associated with Luang Prabang. The dish usually combines chunks of meat with typical Laotian spices such as lemongrass, cilantro, dill, basil, galangal, and sakhan – the stems from wild vines which impart a peppery, spicy flavor to or lam.

Tam Mak Hoong (Green Papaya Salad)

It’s a popular side dish or snack. The ingredients used include shredded green papaya mixed with lime juice, garlic, dried shrimp, chilies, tomatoes, garlic, and Lao fermented fish sauce or padaek.

Restaurants in Luang Prabang

3 Nagas Restaurant & Bar

3 Nagas Restaurant & Bar is a classy venue within Luang Prabang’s 3 Nagas MGallery by Sofitel. Featuring cosy indoor bistro and an al fresco courtyard, you can enjoy traditional Laotian dishes with traditional folk music playing in the background.

Coconut Garden

Coconut Garden features an intimate ambience and a delightful menu of traditional Lao and Western fusion dishes. The front garden overlooks the main street, whereas the rear garden offers more privacy, with views of decorative lights and water features.

Dyen Sabai

Dyen Sabai offers beautiful views of the Nam Khan River and Luang Prabang. Floor cushions, low tables and pillows are set on wooden terraces in the dining area. There’s also an open garden for enjoying traditional Lao barbecue and individual bamboo huts for private parties.

L’Eléphant

L’Eléphant serves authentic French and Laotian cuisine in the UNESCO-listed town of Luang Prabang. The restaurant is located about 500 meters southwest of Wat Xiengthong in a 1960s colonial building.

Where to stay in Luang Prabang

Sunrise Garden House – Luang Prabang

Located less than 1 km from Mount Phousi, Sunrise Garden House – Luang Prabang offers 4-star accommodation in Luang Prabang and features an outdoor swimming pool, a garden and a terrace. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Night Market, National Museum and Wat Xieng Thong. The cost is about 62 USD per night.

Villa Ban Lakkham River View

Villa Ban Lakkham is a 3-minute walk from Night Market and Xieng Thong Temple and offers modern air-conditioned rooms with river views from a private balcony. The price per night starts at 36 USD.

Villa Maly Boutique Hotel

Located in the heart of Luang Prabang City, Villa Maly includes refurbished structures built in 1938. The rooms are elegant and comfortable with a hint of history and creative touches. The ambiance is residential, as you will feel like home. The cost is about 115 USD per night.

3 Nagas Luang Prabang – MGallery

The 3 Nagas MGallery Luang Prabang is a small charming boutique hotel comprising three restored historic UNESCO World Heritage buildings more than a century old. A beautiful courtyard garden beside the Nam Khan River plus an acclaimed fine dining restaurant, serving exquisite Laos food, make this hotel the perfect place to relax and enjoy the serene Lao lifestyle. The price ranges from 225 USD per night.

How to get to Luang Prabang

Vientiane to Luang Prabang

By plane

This is the fastest and most convenient way to travel between the two cities. Lao Airlines and other carriers operate regular flights between Wattay International Airport in Vientiane and Luang Prabang International Airport. The flight takes around 1 hour, providing a comfortable and efficient option for travelers.

By bus

If you prefer a more budget-friendly option and have time to spare, you can take a long-distance bus from Vientiane to Luang Prabang. It takes around 10-12 hours and typically offers both day and night buses.

Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang

By minivan

The only direct way to travel from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang is by minivan. Travel times vary depending on the bus company but the journey normally takes between 5-6 hours and costs 15 USD.