Things To Do In Luang Prabang: Places Of Interest And Activities

Luang Prabang is a charming city located in northern Laos, nestled in a valley at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers. It’s renowned for its well-preserved architecture, Buddhist temples, and vibrant cultural scene. Its rich history is reflected in its numerous temples, royal palaces, and colonial-era buildings.

In 1995, UNESCO recognized Luang Prabang as a World Heritage Site for its unique blend of traditional Lao architecture and colonial influences. Between this and Luang Prabang’s lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and serene countryside, its popularity as a tourist destination has grown sharply. With its laid-back and relaxed atmosphere, it’s a great vacation spot for people who enjoy taking their time immersing themselves in culture.

Places To Visit In Luang Prabang: Attractions & Activities

Although Luang Prabang’s history as a tourist destination is relatively recent, it still delivers a plethora of attractions that cater to various interests, including history, culture, spirituality, and nature. While Luang Prabang doesn’t feature too many thrills, when it comes to these factors, it’s almost unmatched!

Living Land Rice Farm

I had a great experience learning through 13 stages of rice farming in a traditional way whilst on my ride trip in Laos.

Getting into the mud, eating local food, squeezing sugar cane using a wooden press, playing “Takraw” with the locals was worth the time spent. For me, it’s a lifetime experience. Read more about this here.

Wat Xieng Thong

This is one of the most important monasteries in Luang Prabang, known for its exquisite architecture and intricate decoration. Built in 1560 by King Setthathirath, Wat Xieng Thong features a stunning sim and intricate mosaics, including a beautiful tree of life mosaic. The temple complex includes beautifully landscaped grounds and gardens, featuring manicured lawns, shady trees, and decorative shrubs.

Kuang Si Waterfall

Located about 29 kilometers south of Luang Prabang, Kuang Si Waterfall is a breathtaking natural attraction. The waterfall cascades down limestone formations, forming turquoise pools that are perfect for swimming in. Visitors can also hike to the top of the waterfall for a beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding jungle. Read more about this here

Royal Palace Museum

Also known as Haw Kham, the Royal Palace Museum was once the residence of the Laotian royal family. After the monarchy was overthrown in 1975, the palace was converted into a museum showcasing royal artifacts, religious treasures, and cultural relics, providing insight into Laos’ royal history and heritage.

Pak Ou Caves

Situated at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Ou rivers, the Pak Ou Caves are renowned for their collection of thousands of Buddha statues. Visitors can take a boat trip from Luang Prabang to explore the caves, which serve as a sacred pilgrimage site for Buddhists.

Mount Phousi

Rising 100 meters above the city, Mount Phousi offers panoramic views of Luang Prabang and the surrounding countryside. Visitors can climb the hill via a series of stairs and pathways, passing shrines, Buddha statues, and scenic viewpoints along the way. The summit is a popular spot to watch the sunset over Luang Prabang.

Most Historic Temples in Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang is renowned for its numerous beautiful temples, each offering a unique glimpse into the region’s rich religious and cultural heritage. Some of these temples have been around since the early 1300s, serving as historic monuments of Luang Prabang. Just remember to be respectful towards local customs when you visit!

Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham

More known as simply Wat Mai, this temple is one of the largest and most richly decorated in Luang Prabang. The temple’s name translates to “New Temple of the Golden Land.” The five-tiered roof and golden bas-reliefs depicting scenes from Buddhist mythology are particularly striking.

Inside, the temple houses a magnificent gilded altar and numerous Buddha statues. The walls are adorned with murals illustrating episodes from the Jataka tales, which are stories about the previous lives of the Buddha. The temple makes for a grand spectacle during major religious festivals like Lao New Year (Pi Mai).

Wat Visounnarath (Wat Visoun)

Wat Visounnarath was established in 1512 during the reign of King Visoun (Visounnarath) making it one of the oldest temples still in use in Luang Prabang. The main ordination hall is known for its hallmark wooden structure with a sloping roof. One of the temple’s other most distinctive features is the That Makmo stupa, also known as the Watermelon Stupa because of its rounded shape.

Wat Aham

Wat Aham, which means “Monastery of the Opened Heart,” was founded in the early 19th century. The site where Wat Aham stands was originally the location of a 14th-century temple known as Wat Keo, built by King Samsenthai. Wat Aham offers a peaceful and serene atmosphere, ideal for reflection and meditation. Its less ornate design provides a calming contrast to the more elaborate temples in Luang Prabang.

Wat Manorom

Wat Manorom is one of the oldest temples in Luang Prabang, believed to be built in 1372. One of the temple’s most remarkable features is its large bronze Buddha statue, which dates back to the temple’s founding. Wat Manorom is a must-visit for anyone interested in the deep historical roots of Buddhism in Luang Prabang.

Wat Xieng Mouane

While Wat Xieng Mouane is a lesser-known temple, it does offer a unique experience focused on artistic expression. It’s renowned for its elaborate wood carvings and detailed decorations. The doors and window frames are particularly notable for their intricate designs, showcasing the skill of local artisans. Visitors can participate in or observe the traditional arts and crafts workshops held at the temple.

Night Market

Luang Prabang’s Night Market is easily the most famous among the many markets in the city. The Night Market features an extensive selection of handmade goods. Outside of things like handwoven textiles, traditional clothing and jewelry, you’ll also find local art and many food stalls here. The market can get quite busy, making for lively atmosphere.

Phosi Market

Located on the outskirts of Luang Prabang is the Phosi Market, selling a wide variety of items including fresh produce, meat, fish, household goods, clothing, and electronics. This massive market is less touristy, providing a more authentic local shopping experience. The sheer size of Phosi Market can be a bit overwhelming, so don’t hesitate to ask for help getting around.

Hmong Market

The Hmong Market specializes in traditional crafts made by the Hmong people, an ethnic group in Laos. You’ll find intricately embroidered textiles, handmade bags, clothing, and jewelry. The prices here can be quite reasonable, and it’s a great place to find unique, culturally significant souvenirs. It’s also right next to the Night Market, so you easily visit both in one trip.

Best Food You Need to Try in Luang Prabang

Laos has a rich culinary history shaped by its indigenous traditions as well as influences from neighboring countries and colonial powers. Luang Prabang in particular is renowned for its rich culinary heritage, offering a variety of delicious dishes that reflect the region’s unique blend of Lao, French, and regional influences.

Or Lam (Lao Stew)

This dish features stir-fried beef with lemongrass, garlic, shallots, and chili, creating a fragrant and spicy flavor. It’s typically served with steamed rice and fresh vegetables. All of the spices and aromatics are blended together to make Kroeung Paste, which is used to marinate the beef and flavour the dish.

Khao Soi

Khao Soi is flat rice noodles in a savory broth made with tomatoes, minced pork, and fermented soybean paste, often topped with fresh herbs and crispy noodles. It’s rich and savory, with a slight sweetness from the tomatoes and a refreshing crispness from the herbs.

Khao Piak Sen

Similar to Vietnamese pho, Khao Piak Sen is a comforting noodle soup made with homemade rice noodles, tender meat (often chicken or pork), and fragrant broth seasoned with garlic, ginger, and herbs. It’s a staple all over Laos, and this of course includes Luang Prabang.

Sai Oua (Lao Sausage)

Sai Oua, also known as Lao sausage, is a flavorful and aromatic sausage made out of ground pork and a variety of spices. The sausages are traditionally grilled over charcoal, which imparts a smoky flavor, though they can also be pan-fried or baked. It’s bold, with complex flavours that make it pair nicely with rice.

Luang Prabang Salad

A salad made with boiled eggs, lettuce, tomatoes, peanuts, and a tangy dressing made from garlic, fish sauce, and lime juice. Luang Prabang Salad is characterized by its refreshing and balanced flavors, with elements of savoury and sweet in the mix.

Khao Nom Kok (Coconut Rice Cakes)

Khao Nom Kok, also known as Lao coconut pancakes, is a popular street food snack in Luang Prabang. These small, round pancakes are made from rice flour and coconut milk, resulting in a deliciously crispy exterior and a soft, creamy interior.

Khao Jee

Influenced by French colonial cuisine, Khao Jee is a Lao-style baguette sandwich filled with a variety of savory ingredients such as grilled meat, pâté, vegetables, and spicy sauce. Whether enjoyed at a café or from a street vendor, this sandwich provides a quick, tasty, and satisfying meal.

When Should I Visit Luang Prabang?

The best time to visit Luang Prabang is during the dry season, which typically spans from November to March. During this time, the weather is cooler and drier, making it more comfortable for exploring the city and its surroundings. The months of November and December are particularly popular as they offer pleasant temperatures and minimal rainfall.

However, if you prefer to avoid the crowds and don’t mind a bit of heat, visiting during the shoulder seasons of April to June or September to October can also be enjoyable. Just be prepared for occasional rain showers during this period.

How Many Days Do You Need In Luang Prabang?

The number of days you need to fully experience Luang Prabang depends on your interests and travel style. However, for most visitors, a stay of 3 to 4 days is usually sufficient to cover the main attractions and get a good feel for the city. While 3 is typically enough to see everything, 4 days allows for a much more relaxed and leisurely trip.

Where to Stay in Luang Prabang?

Luang Prabang has a wide variety of hotels on offer, with options catering to tourists at every price bracket. We’ve compiled a list of hotels we recommend, but feel free to search yourself. Do remember to always read up on reviews before you make a decision however.

• Amantaka – A luxury hotel offering spacious suites with modern amenities.
• Rosewood Luang Prabang – A luxury resort in the jungle with unique tented villas and a riverfront pool.
• Khonesavane Hostel – A budget-friendly hostel offering clean and comfortable rooms with basic amenities.
• Cold River Guesthouse – Cozy and affordable guesthouse with comfortable rooms and a friendly atmosphere.
• Satri House – Elegant colonial mansion offering a unique colonial experience.
• Maison Souvannaphoum Hotel – A charming colonial-style hotel with a rich history, offering comfortable rooms, a swimming pool, and a spa.

How Do You Get Around in Luang Prabang?

Getting around in Luang Prabang is relatively easy, with several transportation options available to suit different preferences and budgets. If you’re looking to explore at your own pace, we recommend renting a motorcycle or bicycle, these allow you the freedom to go anywhere you’d like. Luang Prabang is also an impressively walkable city, and

Luang Prabang Wrap-Up

Luang Prabang is a captivating and one-of-a-kind tourist destination that offers a unique blend of rich cultural heritage, stunning natural beauty, and serene spirituality. Between its many museums, delectable cuisine and tons of attractions, it’s a great visit for anyone looking to get in touch with the history of Laos.