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Top activities around Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang is one of the most magical cities in Southeast Asia. While there is plenty to do in this former capital of Laos, there are some amazing day trips from Luang Prabang that will make your trip so much better! From the natural beauty of the Mekong River or the Kuang Si Waterfall to the quirkiness of the Pak Ou Caves, make sure to include a few of these amazing activities in your Luang Prabang itinerary!
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Best Day Trips from Luang Prabang, Laos
1. Witness the Many Buddha Statues at Pak Ou Caves
There are quite a few things to do around the city. However, there are two winners in the “day trips from Luang Prabang” category. One of them is Kuang Si Waterfall (which I will cover next). However, the number 1 day trip for its uniqueness is, for me, Pak Ou Caves. This groups of caves turned to Buddhist temple are located roughly 25km upstream of the Mekong from Luang Prabang. They are famous not only for having the temple inside, but for the hundreds of Buddha figures that populate the caves. There are two main caves: the lower one (Tham Ting) is the most iconic and also the most popular, while the upper one (Tham Theung) requires a bit of stair-climbing and is less decorated, but is also rarely visited by tourists.
Price: 20,000 kip (0,8€); Schedule: 8am – 5pm daily
Visiting the Pak Ou caves is not only a great trip because of the caves themselves. They say that it’s not all about the destination, but about the journey. This is absolutely true for Pak Ou Caves! The most amazing way to get there is by a longboat cruise along the Mekong River. This journey will take you through some beautiful views of the artery that crosses Laos (the Mekong) and of the beautiful lush and mountainous landscape surrounding it.
As a bonus, some of these tours stop at some villages along the way, mainly in Chang Hai. This village specializes as a distillery of laotian “whiskey”. It’s a local liquor that they bottle with snakes or lizards. To be honest, the whole village seemed like a tourist setup, but since we were the only small group there, it was quite charming and the temple is cute!
2. Dip in the Blue Water of Kuang Si Waterfall
Another extremely popular day trip from Luang Prabang is the Kuang Si Waterfall. Located roughly 30km Southwest of Luang Prabang, this beautiful array of waterfalls have become one of the most photographed scenes in Luang Prabang (and all of Laos). And it’s not random! They are such gorgeous waterfalls, with silky blue water flowing down the many terraces.
Price: 60,000 kip (2.6€); Schedule: 8am – 5.30pm daily
Travel tip: pay attention because this is important! The season when you visit the waterfalls can absolutely make a difference in your experience. Counterintuitively, visiting during the dry season (December to May) will have you looking (and bathing) at marvelously turquoise waters and will make the chance of good weather much better. Conversely, visiting during the monsoon season (June to October) will turn the waterfalls into rapids (you can’t swim) and the water will be mud-brown, changing a lot the idyllic appearance.
How to Get to Kuang Si Waterfall in Laos
It is relatively hard to get get to the Kuang Si Waterfall on your own unless you rent a scooter or pay an exhorbitant price for a tuk-tuk to drive you there. The most cost-effective way to get there is with an organized tour. That being said, Kuang Si Waterfall is probably the most visited spot in all of Laos, so all of the other tourists will want to take their instagram photo as well, so it all comes with a compromise. The good thing is that it often will include other stops or activities, which can make your itinerary in Luang Prabang easier. Here are a few options:
3. Or the Lesser Known Tad Sae Waterfall
Tad Sae Waterfall is widely overlooked as a day trip from Luang Prabang in favour of its big sister Kuang Si. While it is true that Kuang Si Waterfalls are much more spectacular, Tad Sae can make for a fantastic experience too! There are far fewer tourists visiting them and more natural pools of turquoise water to swim in. Most importantly, the best time to visit these waterfalls is the opposite as Kuang Si! During the rainy season (June to November) the pools are full and vibrant, while from December to May they tend to dry up.
Price: 20.000 kip (0.8€); Schedule: 8am – 5.30pm daily
Travel tip: you don’t need to visit both waterfalls, just choose the right one depending on when you visit!
4. Be Amazed at the Elephants at the Elephant Conservation Center
Laos is nicknamed the Land of a Milion Elephants (based on the former Kingdom Lan Xang back between the 13th and 18th centuries). While there’s definitely not that many elephants, its still one of the best places to see the Asian Elephant in its habitat, so why not use one of your day trips from Luang Prabang to see them! That being said, one needs to be careful when choosing an animal-centered touristic activity. This is especially true when it comes to elephants.
Now on the positive side, there are some great ways to see elephants in Luang Prabang without falling into animal mistreatment. One great example is Elephant Conservation Center. This is, first and foremost, a conservation effort. This means that it removes direct interactions between tourists and elephants: no bathing, no feeding and (thank god) no riding. However, you can definitely see elephants! One of the other great traits of this organization is that they educate visitors about the animals, their past and their current status. If you’re looking for an ethical way to see elephants in Laos, this is it!
Now in all fairness, this is quite an expensive activity, starting at 220 USD for one night. However, this way you are certain that your money is going into the conservation of the Asian elephant and to support the life of the local population. They also have longer stays, from 2 nights to 6 nights, which reduces the price per night. You can book your stay here with a small discount.
5. Enjoy a Cooking Class in the Lao Countryside
While Lao cuisine is not as popular as its neighbours Thailand and Vietnam, it shares a lot of background with both of them! It is important to mention that Lao cuisine is quite unassuming and more humble than Thai cuisine, resembling more Isaan food than more famous Bangkok street food. It is vegetable heavy and it uses bitter flavours really well. There are a few restaurants in that double as Cooking Classes within the city. However, for a more immersive experience, I suggest to take this also as a day trip from Luang Prabang, having half or full day in a farm in the countryside, picking up your own ingredients and learning to cook in an authentic Laotian setting. Here are a few ideas:
6. Watch the Amazing Landscapes of Vang Vieng
While I would spend more than a day in Vang Vieng, it would not be fair not to mention it in this list, since the building of the railway made this trip much easier! Only 1h away, Vang Vieng is an absolute must in a Laos itinerary, so even if you’re only planning to stay in Luang Prabang, you have no excuse not to visit this town surrounded by some of the most amazing landscapes in the country! Do not miss out on the Nam Xay viewpoint or some of the beautiful lagoons around the town.
Nong Khiaw: although technically I could also include Nong Khiaw in this list, since it is possible to go there and be back during the same day, the 4-hour bus ride to get there makes it not eligible in my opinion.
7. Learn a New Skill!
Laotian people are very crafty! Whether it’s pottery, weaving or fishing or harvesting their own food, the people of Laos have many skills and they are not shy to share them! A perfect gift to bring from Laos is a new skill that you learn in some of these day trips:
8. Hike or cycle through Luang Prabang’s Incredible Nature
While you can easily visit the Kuang Si or Tad Sae waterfalls and other landmarks around Luang Prabang, why not immerse yourself in nature? Hiking or cycling around Luang Prabang will give you a beautiful experience of the lush forests and rice fields of the Lao countryside.
One of the most beautiful hiking trails around Luang Prabang is the Thin Pha Trail. Not only it’s close to town, but it also takes you through lush jungle and picturesque villages to Tad Sae waterfalls, so you can pair it with your visit as well!
And there are of course other areas and trails to explore, including the more famous Kuang Si Falls.
If you prefer to move on wheels, there are a few cycling tours as well, which allow you to go farther and explore the beautiful landscapes around Luang Prabang.
Travel tip: if you are not that used to cycling, perhaps give this a pass. The terrain around Luang Prabang is not the easiest, with gravel paths and some hilly areas.
How to Get to Luang Prabang, Laos
By Plane
While Luang Prabang is very central within continental Southeast Asia, it is much less connected than cities in neighbouring countries. In fact, there are only a handful of international direct flights to Luang Prabang from its neighbouring countries. That is why it is much easier to get there from Thailand or Vietnam, for example. I flew directly from Bangkok and it is one of the easiest ways to get there (and the views are incredible!):
By Boat
One of the most popular and scenic ways to get to Luang Prabang is by boat from the Thai border along the Mekong River. To do that, you’ll have to make your way to the border crossing in Chiang Khong in Thailand and cross into Huay Xai in Laos, where you will be able to take a boat that will take 2 says with an overnight in the village of Pak Beng. The journey costs roughly 20 USD. To get to Chiang Khong, it is easiest and fastest to travel from Chiang Rai by bus (which takes roughly 1.5h and costs around 90 baht or 2.5€).
Take into consideration that both the boat and accommodations in Pak Beng are quite basic, so if you prefer a more luxurious option, you’ll have to opt for a more premium operator like Luang Say Cruises, with the obvious increase in price. There are also speedboats available, but I honestly can’t recommend them since they are quite dangerous (you are required to wear a helmet the whole time, if that raises any red flags).
By Bus, Minubus or Train
If you are reaching Luang Prabang from other places in Laos, chances are that it may be connected by public bus, especially Vang Vieng, Vientiane or Phonsavan. That being said, public buses take forever and are usually full to the brim. Instead, I suggest you look at minibuses that, while they can get cramped as well, tend to be faster and more comfortable.
Additionally, in recent years a very safe, fast and scenic way to reach Luang Prabang has been developed in Laos with the construction of the high speed railway. The train is quite fast, comfortable and affordable, and will take you through some beautiful landscapes. It is one of the best ways to travel in Laos.
Where to Stay in Luang Prabang, Laos
There are 3 main areas to stay in Luang Prabang depending on what you’re looking for. The most obvious one is the Old Town: with little traffic and filled with upscale guesthouses, it’s the most practical option. For those looking to splurge on some luxury, their best bet is the Mekong Riverfront, since it is home to most of the resorts. While not very well connected, most hotels offer a shuttle service. If you want the best price, then turn your eyes to the Nam Khan Riverfront, where most budget stays are. Even better, accross the Nam Khan River the neighbourhood becomes more authentic!
Budget Accommodation in Luang Prabang
For those looking for hostels at an affordable price, check out La Casa Hostel, which offers beds in 4-bed rooms for as little as 7€ and including breakfast! What a deal. If you want to add a swimming pool to your hostel game, check out the comfortable and clean shared rooms at Sabai Sabai Luang Prabang Hostel. However, if you can spend just a tiny bit more, you can get your own private room in the center of town at Khounphet Heritage House. The spacious wooden rooms (with private bathroom) start at only 15€ per night, including breakfast!
Mid-range hotels in Luang Prabang
If you’re looking for a nice room with river views without breaking the bank, look no further than Golden Lotus Namkhan View. For as little as 21€ per night, you can get a double room with a terrace overlooking the Mekong River. If you prefer the privacy of your own villa in town, check out Villa Phonethip Mekong Riverside if you’re a couple or Xiengthong Villa if you’re a family or a bigger group. If you prefer a fully serviced hotel in the center of town, have a look at Saynamkhan River View.
Lastly, if you want a comfortable and authentic experience, you’ll love Ban Vivanh Chambres d’Hotes, a beautiful country house with a beautiful space in front of the river and comfortable spacious rooms. The family that owns it is really helpful and welcoming.
Luxury hotels in Luang Prabang
On the more luxurious side, you can find hotels with views of the Mekong River and a delightful swimming pool to relax after a day of sightseeing like Sunrise Garden House Mekong River Luang Prabang, Cozy An Boutique Hotel Luang Prabang or Luang Prabang Sunrise Garden Hotel. If you’d rather have the serenity of a beautiful resort a bit secluded from the hostle and bustle of the city center, check out My Dream Boutique Resort. For the full luxury experience, book a delightful suite with a private terrace with a bathtub at Sofitel Luang Prabang. This beautiful hotel also specializes in massages and treatments for a fully relaxing experience.
Closing Statement
Luang Prabang is one of the most magical destinations in all of Southeast Asia. Enjoy some of these amazing day trips from Luang Prabang, but don’t miss out on my dedicated post to Luang Prabang itself!
READ: Magical Luang Prabang: 11 Amazing Things You Can’t Miss!
If you’re traveling to Southeast Asia, perhaps some of these posts would be interesting:
Ultimate 3 weeks Vietnam Itinerary: North to South
Chiang Mai Travel Guide: Top 12 Must-Do Activities
What to do in Bangkok: top 10 activities
Ultimate 3 Weeks Malaysia Itinerary for First Timers
Best Temples in Sukhothai: Ultimate Guide to Thailand’s Ancient Capital
What to do in Singapore: Top 11 things to do in Singapore
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