By Evelyn Nguyen, Oct 5, 2024
Although Luang Prabang is not the capital of Laos, it is frequently referred to as a key entrance gateway for many Laos tours, thanks to its central location in northern Laos. Due to its popularity, travelers often search for "what to do in Luang Prabang", and Laos Travel Packages will list the must-see attractions and experiences in this historic city. Top things to see and do in Luang Prabang are expected to be presented in daytime and nightlife in this blog.
Luang Prabang street in the early morning
Luang Prabang in Laos is famous for its rich Laotian culture, history, and architecture. In 1995, it was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has been recognized as one of the most attractive tourist cities in Asia by Travel and Leisure magazine.
As an old city, Luang Prabang impresses visitors with its ancient buildings, including palaces from the 14th century and over 30 unique temples. Highlight places to go in Luang Prabang include Wat Xieng Thong, colorful murals showing Buddhist stories, and Wat Mai, known for its beautiful 5-tiered roof. The city’s peaceful streets are lined with traditional wooden houses, and every morning, you can see monks in orange robes walking through the streets to collect food donations.
For nature lovers, you can witness beautiful views from Mount Phou Si, especially at sunrise and sunset. You can also visit the Kuang Si Falls or explore local legends like the romantic story of Mount Phou Nhang and Phou Khao. Shoppers will love the night market with a wide variety of street food and unique handmade items from local artisans.
Luang Prabang Old Town
Is Luang Prabang worth visiting? You can visit Luang Prabang year-round, the city has a way of captivating visitors so much that they rarely come just once. The dry and cool season lasts from late October or early November to mid-February, and this is generally considered the best time to visit. The Luang Prabang weather is ideal around Christmas and New Year, although it is also the most crowded time (though still less crowded compared to neighboring Thailand).
Avoid the hot season, which spans from March to early May, as temperatures can soar above 40°C. During this time, particularly in northern Laos, the air can be thick with smog from rice paddy burning, making it uncomfortable for travelers. The smoke is at its worst in late March but usually clears up by Lao New Year (Pi Mai or Songkran), which takes place from April 13-16.
If you can choose your time to visit Luang Prabang, then create your list of things to do around Luang Prabang by relating to the below activities.
Wat Xieng Thong
One of Luang Prabang's most important and iconic temples, Wat Xieng Thong stands as a masterpiece of Laotian architecture built in 1560. At Wat Xieng Thong, visitors can admire the intricate traditional Lao architecture and the famous sweeping roof of the temple. Wat Xieng Thong is open daily from 8 A.M to 6 P.M, and the admission fee is 20,000 kip (~$1 US).
You can explore the temple grounds, which include beautiful mosaics, such as the iconic Tree of Life mural. Coming here, tourists often hire Laos traditional costumes (“Sing” for women, “Salong” for men) to take photos and enjoy the atmosphere like an authentic Laotian.
Mount Phou Si
For breathtaking city views, climbing Mount Phou Si is a must-do. Located in the heart of Luang Prabang, this sacred hill is 100 meters tall with sweeping panoramas of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, as well as the mountains beyond.
The climb takes about 20-30 minutes via a stairway lined with Buddhist statues and small temples. At the summit, you’ll find Wat Chom Si, a small golden stupa that gleams in the sunlight. The most magical time to visit is at sunrise or sunset when the view over the city and the orange-hued skies, this is one of the best things to see in Luang Prabang but be aware of crowds.
The daily Alms Giving Ceremony is one of Luang Prabang's most spiritual and revered traditions. At dawn, hundreds of saffron-robed monks silently walk through the streets to collect food offerings from locals and tourists.
To participate, visitors should dress respectfully and observe in silence. While taking photos is allowed, it's important to maintain a respectful distance. If you choose to give alms, make sure to follow proper etiquette to honor this meaningful tradition.
Kuang Si Waterfall
No visit to Luang Prabang is complete without a trip to the stunning Kuang Si Waterfall, located about 30 kilometers south of the city. Known for its multi-tiered cascades of turquoise water, Kuang Si is often considered one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Southeast Asia.
Visitors can hike to the top of the falls for a view of the entire cascade or relax in one of the many natural pools perfect for swimming. There’s also a small trail leading to a bear sanctuary nearby, where you can see rescued Asiatic black bears in a protected environment.
Cruising the Mekong River
One of the most serene ways to experience Luang Prabang’s beauty is by cruising the Mekong River. On these cruises, travelers can relax, soaking in the views of lush green landscapes, towering mountains, and traditional villages. Some cruises include stops at local villages, where visitors can observe crafts being made or visit ancient temples. If you take a longer overnight Mekong River cruise, you can explore deeper parts of Laos, connecting with the peaceful rhythm of the river and countryside.
Royal Palace Museum
Once home to Laos' royal family, the Royal Palace Museum (Haw Kham) built in 1904 during the French colonial era, the palace combines traditional Lao and French architectural styles. Inside, visitors can explore the grand throne room, royal living quarters, and a collection of artifacts, including religious objects, paintings, and gifts from foreign dignitaries. The highlight of the museum is the Phra Bang, a revered golden Buddha statue that has been a symbol of the Lao Kingdom for centuries.
At the Ock Pop Tok Living Crafts Centre, visitors can learn about traditional Lao weaving and textile art. In the center, you can join many things to do in Luang Prabang Laos such as workshops where you can participate in dyeing fabrics using natural colors or even learn to weave your scarf. Beyond the hands-on activities, travelers can explore the gallery, where beautiful woven products are displayed, and talk with the weavers to learn more about their craft.
There are also many things to do in nightlife in Luang Prabang, you can see a different Luang Prabang when the light shifts on.
Luang Prabang Night Market
Every evening, Luang Prabang Night Market transforms the city’s main street into a bustling hub of activity. From handicrafts to textiles, jewelry, and traditional Lao clothing, the shopping in market is one of the top 10 things to do in Luang Prabang for shoppers. Artisans from the surrounding villages come to sell their goods, offering visitors the chance to purchase unique, hand-made items directly from the creators.
Also, food lovers will enjoy the market, which features a wide array of Lao street food, from grilled meats and fresh fruit smoothies to the famous Lao baguettes (a delicious fusion of French and Lao cuisine).
Laotian cooking class
For a more hands-on experience, consider taking a Laotian cooking class in the evening, where participants learn to prepare traditional Lao dishes using fresh local ingredients. You’ll get to cook and eat classics like Larb (a minced meat salad) and Khao Niao (sticky rice), while also learning about the local food culture. It’s a great way to have dinner with your own cooking Laos dishes.
Luang Prabang Riverside Bar
If you don’t know what to do in Luang Prabang at night and just want to relax after a long day's exploration, you can head to night bars or coffee shops. Luang Prabang’s riverside is home to several cozy bars and cafés, where you can relax with a refreshing drink while watching the sunset over the Mekong River.
Popular spots include Utopia Bar, known for its laid-back vibe and scenic views. After dark, these bars have a chill atmosphere where you can enjoy a cocktail, Laotian beer, or mocktails while soaking in the peaceful riverside vibe.
Enjoy Luang Prabang trip
So, those are some Luang Prabang activities, which we think our beloved guests might enjoy. But truly, no description can capture the full magic of Luang Prabang, you have to experience it firsthand. With Laos Travel Packages, we’ll help you craft the perfect journey. Contact us today to book your tour and discover the true wonders of Luang Prabang in person!
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