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Finding Serenity at Laos’ Ancient Capital
Luang Prabang is the crown jewel and an obligatory stop in any visit to Laos. It used to be the capital of the country up until the Communist revolution. Despite that, it has a very rural feel to it, complimented by the beautiful temples and the beautiful French colonial architecture. This made it become a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Additionally, its setting in a lush forest nestled between the mountains and at the shore of the Mekong makes it even more beautiful. Luang Prabang is a magical city, and in my opinion one of the most beautiful cities in all of Southeast Asia. If you’re wandering what to do in Luang Prabang, this is your post! I will cover the most important attractions and things to do in Luang Prabang. Let’s dive in!
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Best Things to Do in Luang Prabang, Laos
1. Watch the Sunset from Phousi Hill…
If you’ve only seen one picture in Luang Prabang it’s probably a nice picture from above with the mountains in the background and a beautiful sunset light. That’s taken from Phousi Hill, a small hill smack in the middle of the Old Town, home of an important Buddhist temple and a favourite viewpoint in the city.
The most popular time to visit is right before sunset, when tourists and locals alike congregate to watch the magical light hit the Mekong and Luang Prabang. Sunrise is also quite popular, although not everyone is willing to wake up early! For a quieter visit, climb the hill during the day and you’ll be mostly alone! (see next section).
Price: 20,000 kip (<1€); Schedule: Mon-Sun, 6am – 8pm.
2. … and Meditate at the Buddha Footprint Temple
Speaking of Phousi Hill, one of my most beautiful experiences in Laos was to meditate in the cave shrine of Buddha Footprint Temple, located in the same hill. I was completely alone, only hearing the rustle of the leaves and seeing the light filter through. Even if you don’t meditate, it is super nice to visit this temple outside of the sunrise and sunset hours, since most people will visit at that time!
Price: you don’t need to pay for this part of the hill; Schedule: Mon-Sun, 6am – 8pm.
3. Enjoy the Architecture of the Royal Palace
The Royal Palace of Luang Prabang is probably the most iconic building in all of Luang Prabang (and in all of Laos only second to Pha That Luang in Vientiane). This beautiful building was the last palace built for the Royal Family before it was overthrown by the Communist movement. Since the palace was built during the French colonial time, the building is a beautiful mix of traditional Lao architecture mixed with French Beaux-Arts style. You can visit the Royal Treasury, including the famous Phra Bang golden Buddha statue that gives its name to the city.
Price: 30,000 kip (1.3€); Schedule: Mon-Sun, 6am – 8pm.
4. Visit Wat Xieng Thong, the Holiest Temple in the City…
If you only have time to visit one temple in Luang Prabang, make it Wat Xieng Thong. This beautiful temple complex is quintessential to Laotian culture. Wat Xieng Thong, which roughly translates to the “Golden Tree Temple”, is one of the largest temples in the city and it has great historical importance, being the place of coronation of several Lao kings as well as a place for cultural celebrations.
The 16th century temple complex is composed of several buildings, including shrines, pavilions and residences, scattered in the temple gardens. You can visit the imposing funerary boat, the three-tiered main temple, the golden Tree of Life mural and many other marvels in this beautiful Buddhist complex.
Price: 30,000 kip (1.3€); Schedule: Mon-Sun, 8am – 5pm.
5. … and other Amazing Temples in Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang has no shortage of incredible temples to visit. Most importantly, being less popular than neighbouring countries like Thailand and Cambodia, spending some time exploring the lesser known temples in Luang Prabang will have you surrounded by beautiful shrines and prayer rooms mostly by yourself!
From some imposing temples like Wat Visounnarath, Wat Sensoukharam, Wat Pha Phai or Wat Hosian Voravihane, to lesser known and more intimate small temples like Wat Phonxay Xayxana SongKham, Wat Aham or Wat Pa Phon Phao, there seems to be no end of temples to explore in Luang Prabang! Make sure you save some time to get lost and explore some of them.
6. Witness the Alms Giving Ceremony (Respectfully!)
One of the most popular things to witness in Luang Prabang is the spiritual Alms Giving Ceremony (known as Sai Bat). During the ceremony, Buddhist monks stroll the city at dawn and people give them offerings (mostly in the form of rice or other foods). Sai Bat takes place every morning along the main streets of Luang Prabang.
Price: free; Schedule: 5.30-630am from March to October, 6-7am from November to February.
Travel tips: if you’re not a Buddhist, ideally enjoy the ceremony from a distance, in silence and respectfully dressed. If you wish to participate in the ceremony, buy sticky rice from the vendors around the area or in the market earlier that day and sit in line, giving your offering to the monks when they pass, without touching them, interfering with them and always staying below them.
7. Shop and Eat the Luang Prabang Night Market
While many things in Laos since largely non-touristy, there are some exceptions to this. One of them is the Luang Prabang Night Market. That’s not to say that it is not enjoyable! It is a fantastic way to unwind after a day of visiting the wonders of Luang Prabang.
The Night Market starts daily around 5pm and lasts until 10pm in the main streets of Luang Prabang (especially Sisavangvong Rd), offering many handicrafts and street foods to enjoy. It is the perfect place to find your Laos souvenirs, from scarves to hand-crafted wooden figures, to brass figurines, jewelery, hand bags… you name it! Food-wise, it is not the best place you’ll find in Southeast Asia, especially compared to some street food giants like Singapore, Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur. Still, it is a nice way to enjoy the night life in Luang Praband.
Full disclosure: it is entirely aimed at tourists, so don’t expect the most authentic Laotian experience, but it is still an enjoyable experience in Luang Prabang.
Price: free. Schedule: Mon-Sun 5pm-10pm.
8. Buy Snacks and Spices at the Luang Prabang Morning Market
Another place to sample Lao food that is a bit less oriented to tourists is the Morning Market of Luang Prabang, taking place every day from 5am to noon in the small streets between Sisavangvong Rd and Khem Klong Rd around the Wat Mai Monastery. In the market, vendors sell produce including vegetables, herbs, fish, meats and, most importantly as a visitor, snacks and spices that you can sample or bring home as a fantastic souvenir!
Travel tip: make sure to come early, as the market gets most busy around 7am!
The Luang Prabang Morning Market will allow you to sample in the same place some standard Lao foods, like Khao Piak Sen (a meat broth noodle soup), mung bean cakes or sticky rice skewers, next to some more daring items like grilled honeycomb (with bee larvae) or sun-dried pork cakes. If you are unsure what to try, it is a great idea to join a guided tour that includes some of the snacks with a local guide:
9. Cross the Nam Khan Bamboo Bridge
Despite being arguably the most popular city in all of Laos, the infrastructures are still a bit behind in Luang Prabang. It is part of its charms, so enjoy it while it lasts! One of the most obvious ways this is noticeable is that there are only two bridges that connect Luang Prabang across the Nam Khan River. Even more so is that one of them is entirely made of bamboo! Even though it is a bit nerve-wracking to cross it, the Nam Khan Bamboo Bridge is solidly built and crossing it is one of the most iconic activities in the city. I suggest you cross it at least once during the day and once at night when the lanterns are on.
Price: 10,000 kip (0,43€); Schedule: October – March
Travel tip: the bridge is only open during the dry season (October – March), and in the rainy season (April – September) it is substituted by a boat shuttle.
While this is the most famous bridge, there is another one a bit upstream that you can also visit. That being said, it is very easy to use the main bridge as part of your regular Luang Prabang itinerary, especially if your accommodation is located accross the Nam Khan river.
10. Enjoy a Boat Ride in the Mekong River
The Mekong is one of the most iconic rivers in our planet (of course, leaving room for more famous ones like the Amazon, the Nile or the Danube). There are many places to enjoy this magical river, especially the Cai Rang Floating Market or the Ben Tre canals in Vietnam, the Lao capital Vientiane or the Bolaven plateau in Laos or Phnom Penh in Cambodia. However, for me, the quintessential Mekong experience is in Luang Prabang, where the Mekong becomes part of the city.
The Mekong River is a beautiful mode of transportation for the Lao people, cutting through the lush jungles and the misty mountains that cover the landscape around Luang Prabang. This is why I believe that enjoying Luang Prabang from the Mekong is one of the best ways to understand this magical city. Not only that, but it is also one of the fastest and most beautiful ways to visit some of the best day trips from the city!
READ: Best Day Trips from Luang Prabang, Laos
11. Try Lao cuisine in Luang Prabang dining scene
While Lao cuisine is more humble than its neighbors like thai and vietnamese food, there is a plethora of delicious dishes to try. And Luang Prabang is the best place for it! Being the main vultural and touristic hotspot of the country has given Luang Prabang a whole array of dining options. From local hole-in-the-wall eateries to fancy fine dining restaurants, there’s a perfect option for every palate and every pocket. I will work on a separate post listing my favourite places to eat in Luang Prabang, but for now, make sure you try some of Laos’ most iconic dishes, such as:
- Sai Oua: laotian spiced sausage.
- Larb: minced meat salad and national dish!
- Mok Pa: fish steamed in banana leaf.
- Khao Poon: curry chicken noodle soup.
- Jeow bong: sweet & spicy chilli paste dip.
Again, a great way to discover Luang Prabang’s food is by joining a guided food tour!
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 an absolute gem and one of the most magical destinations in all of Southeast Asia. Laos is not yet as popular as neighbouring countries, so you still get to see the authentic charm of Luang Prabang without the hoardes of tourists. If you would like to see the beauty of old Southeast Asia, Luang Prabang is a perfect spot to start!
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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