About 300 km away from the capital Vientiane, Luang Prabang in Northern Laos is an intriguing city that is teemed with ancient temples, colonial architecture, stunning landscapes, unique culture, and charming history. In 1995, UNESCO has listed it as a World Heritage Site, which is the first UNESCO site in Laos.
The city is nestled among the mountainous terrain where the Mekong River and Nam Khan rivers meet. From the city’s landmark Mount Phou Si, people can enjoy an incredible panoramic view of the whole city and the two rivers.
Luang Prabang once served as the royal capital of the Kingdom of Laos before 1975 and was under the control of France during the 19th and 20th centuries. Its legendary history has endowed the city with numerous time-honored monasteries, colonial architecture, royal buildings and history, and well-preserved traditions (like the daily Morning Alms Ceremony).
For relaxing, visitors can sit back on a boat and sail along the Mekong River to visit some hidden tribes and Buddha caves or spend time at the nearby waterfall.
Lucky for you, we have collected the easy-to-read Luang Prabang travel guide for you to explore this mesmerizing city to the fullest.
Top Things to Do in Luang Prabang
1. Explore Pak Ou Caves
Pak Ou Caves is a group of two caves on limestone cliffs overlooking the stunning Mekong River. The caves are local worship places and are known for their over 6,000 miniature Buddha statues of different positions, including sitting, standing, reclining, meditation, and walking. Visitors need to take a 2 hours upstream boat trip along the scenic Mekong River to get there, and the return trip is about 1 hour.
It’s easy to understand the popularity of these Buddha caves: scenic boat trip, picturesque landscape, limestone cliff, and fascinating Buddha effigies.
Entry fee: 20,000 LAK (about 2-2.5 USD)
Cost for boat ride: 65,000 LAK (3.5-4 USD) for round trip
2. Participate in the Morning Alms Ceremony
The morning alms-giving is an ancient tradition dating back to the 14th century. Each early morning, local saffron-robed monks will leave their temples, and walk in lines along the main street of the city to collect alms. This is a daily ceremony and travelers are welcomed to join the locals to give alms. Luang Prabang is one of the few places that still retain this old tradition, that why the ceremony is highly recommended on any tour to this city.
Monks leave their temple before sunrise and tourists who want to take part need to arrive at the Sakkaline Road before the monks since it is considered disrespectful to be late. To show your respect, please don’t put your camera close to the monk’s face while taking photos.
3. Climb up Mount Phousi for Panoramic Views of the City
Standing at the center of Luang Prabang, the sacred Mount Phou Si is the highest mountain in the city, with a height of about 100 meters (328 ft). The top of the mountain provides a magnificent panorama of the city’s gorgeous skyline and the Mekong River and Nam Khan rivers. You’ll need to walk up the over 300 stairs to the top, but the views are rewarding.
Though the mountain provides a spectacular view all day long, sunset is the most recommended time when the warm colors of sunset dance on the city and the buildings are lit-up by blinking lights.
Entry Fee: 20,000 LAK
4. Take a Mekong River Sunset Boat Cruise
Sitting back on a boat drifting along the stunning Mekong River is one of the most relaxing ways to see some of the best Luang Prabang highlights. There are both basic wooden boats and luxury cruises available for you to choose from. The best time to take the cruise is before sunset when you can not only enjoy the surrounding idyllic views but also meet many locals ending their busy work days.
Reference price: 100,000 LAK or more
5. Enjoy Relaxing Time at Kuang Si Waterfall
Tumbling from the verdant jungle, the Kuang Si Waterfall is a highlight of any Lao trip. A three-tiered waterfall with a drop of over 50 meters, Kuang Si Waterfall is known for its turquoise water, lush greenery, limestone pools, and surrounding scenic trails and natural beauty.
It is possible to swim in the pools and hike to the top of the waterfall for an epic view. The surrounding greenery and fresh air make Kuang Si Waterfall an ideal destination for a picnic. If you like, you can pack some snacks and fruit, and enjoy your lunch there.
Entry Fee: 20,000 LAK
6. Visit Luang Prabang’s Majestic Temples
The 34 gilded ancient temples and monasteries in Luang Prabang are the top reasons for most tourists to visit this little city. They are also the reasons why Luang Prabang is recognized as the center of Lao Buddhism, giving a serene and peaceful atmosphere to the city. These temples are known as wats in Laos, most of which are still housed by monks and novices. So, make sure to be respectful and follow the basic rules while visiting.
Wat Xieng Thong is the most recommended one among all the Luang Prabang temples.
A former royal temple, Wat Xieng Thong is the oldest temple in Luang Prabang that can date back to the 15th century. It is popular for its golden facades, exquisite mosaics, fine carvings, and rare-to-see Buddha sculptures.
7. Glimpse into Lao History at Royal Palace Museum
The museum was built in 1904, in a mixture of Lao and French architectural styles. It originally functioned as a royal palace for King Sisavang, and after the end of the royal dynasties in Laos, the local government reopened it as a museum.
A visit to the museum will introduce you to a significant number of historical items, such as murals depicting Lao traditions, paintings, chinas, precious Buddha statues, interior decorations of the royal family, and diplomatic gifts from other countries. Don’t miss it if you want to learn more about the life of the Lao royal family and the history of this country.
Entry Fee: 30,000 LAK
Opening hours: 8 AM – 11:30 AM, 1:30 PM – 4 PM
Recommended Itinerary: 5 Days the Best of Luang Prabang Tour
When to Go: The Best Time to Visit Luang Prabang
November to May is the best time to visit Luang Prabang when the weather is comfortable, the temperature is cooler than the rest months of the year (temperature hovers around 25°C /77°F in this period), and the city is relatively dry. It is also the peak season of the city, but don’t worry it will get too crowded.
The hottest months of Luang Prabang run from March to May when the highest temperature can reach 40°C (104°F). During the rainy season (from June to September), scenery along the Mekong River banks may see some minor flooding, and the muddy roads in some sections may make it impossible to explore the countryside and mountain areas.
Luang Prabang Transportation: How to Get to and Travel around
How to Get to Luang Prabang?
By Plane
People can fly to Luang Prabang through Luang Prabang International Airport, about 4 kilometers from the city center. The airport operates daily flights to/from Vientiane (about 76 USD), and 2 flights to/from Pakse each week. There are also international flights to/from Chiang Mai, Bangkok, Hanoi, and Siem Reap available.
By Bus
It is a 10 hours ride from Vientiane to Luang Prabang by bus, costing about 150,000 LAK. There are also faster minivans for alternative travel, taking about 7 hours.
You can also reach Luang Prabang by international bus from Hanoi, Vietnam, Kunming, or Loei.
By Cruise
Taking a Mekong River cruise from Chiang Khong in Thailand should be the most enjoyable way to get to Luang Prabang. You’ll be rewarded with breathtaking scenery and vivid countryside life scene. There are both 2-day (cost about 758-1,084 USD) and 3-day cruises (cost about 970-1386 USD) available, with meals included.
How to Get around Luang Prabang?
Given the small size of Luang Prabang, it’s easy to walk to any attractions in the city. Popular ways to visit places outside the city include bike/motorbike rental, tuk-tuk, and taxis.
Bike/motorbike Rental
The most common and most flexible way to travel around the little city. For bike rental, the price is about 1-2 USD per day. To rent a motorbike or scooter, you’ll need to pay about 4.5-5 USD per day.
Tuk-tuk
The price from Luang Prabang to Kuang Si Waterfall by tuk-tuk is about 40,000 – 50,000 LAK (about 2.5 USD) for a shared ride. The costs range from 20,000 – 30,000 LAK for a short-distance ride within the city.
Taxi
Usually, a taxi is only needed for a transfer between the city center and the airport, and a shared ride is about 50,000 LAK (about 3 USD).
