Top 15 Best Things To Do In Luang Prabang, Laos

1. Overview

Luang Prabang is located at the junction of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, 300 km north of Vientiane capital. Luang Prabang is the ancient capital of Laos and is famous for many Buddhist temples and monasteries. Luang Prabang City is part of Luang Prabang District in Luang Prabang Province and is the capital and administrative center of the province.

The city of Luang Prabang in Laos was recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage Site in 1995. Luang Prabang is a place to preserve the heritage of art and architecture, with more than 30 magnificent palaces, most of which were built in the middle of the world. 14th century; about 40 ancient temples were built by different dynasties; Hundreds of beautiful old wooden houses were designed in their own style; etc.

Luang Prabang has great weather, unique cuisine, affordable accommodation, and many beautiful attractions, making it the most visited place in Laos. When you come to Luang Prabang, you will have the most unforgettable experience of your trip.

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2. Top 15 Best Things To Do In Luang Prabang

2.1. Exploring the old town

Luang Prabang’s old town, nestled on a small peninsula surrounded by the Nam Khan and Mekong rivers, is a beautiful area for an evening stroll. The Old Quarter seems to have little traffic and is quiet.

Luang Prabang Old Town is home to the ancient cultural quintessence of this city, with a combination of Buddhist architecture and French colonial architecture. The old town is surrounded by lush greenery and tall trees; many of the historic buildings in this area have been converted into luxury hotels and restaurants. You can rent a bicycle to roam around the small streets here. Bicycle rental here is only about 0.41–0.82 USD for 1 day.

2.2. Climbing Mount Phousi to enjoy the view

Mount Phousi is about 150 meters high and is located in the center of the ancient capital of Luang Prabang. You will climb 329 red brick steps to conquer this delicious mountain. From the top of the mountain, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views, especially at sunrise and sunset, and it’s the perfect spot to photograph the city and surrounding areas. At the top of the hill there is a Buddhist temple, Wat Chom Si, and a small cave with a Buddha statue.

• Open: 5:30 a.m – 6:00 p.m
• Ticket price: 1.03 USD

2.3. Observing the alms-giving ceremony (Tak Bat ritual)

Begging, or Tak Bat, is an important and significant part of Lao culture, and there are many old traditions that are still practiced today. Starting in the 14th century, local monks left their temples at sunrise to go for alms.

The ceremony starts on the main street of the city and then moves to many side streets in Luang Prabang. Since the ceremony begins at sunrise, you should be there before the monks arrive. You are allowed to observe and participate, but it is important to act respectfully.

2.4. Exploring Kuang Si waterfall

Kuang Si Waterfall, about 37 kilometers from the center of Luang Prabang, is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world. The impressive point of the waterfall is that the water from the large waterfalls pours down to the foot of the waterfall, forming white foam. There are also small cascades like terraced fields that store water in a long lake and turn into a very unique natural swimming pool. In front of the waterfall area, there are private beaches for tourists. You will have a wonderful and relaxing experience when you come here.

• Open: 8:00 a.m – 17:30 p.m
• Admission is 1.03 USD, and a van ride to the falls will cost around 1.80 USD.

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2.5. Taking a boat ride and watching the sunset on the Mekong River

This is one of the fun things to do in Luang Prabang and has a wide selection, from basic boats to luxury boats. Visiting the Mekong River is recommended before sunset because then you will be able to really enjoy the splendor of the surrounding nature and you can see the locals completing their daily chores.

You can take a boat to explore the Mekong River with a short journey of one hour or half a day to go upstream, have fun, and explore the mountains and forests, then float on the water to watch the sunset and end the trip with a delicious meal. right in the old capital. Price for a ride starts at 5.15 USD.

2.6. Tasting Traditional Whiskey at Whiskey Village

The whiskey village, also known as Ban Xang Hai, is located about 30 kilometers north of Luang Prabang city. When coming here, visitors will be free to sip rice wine soaked with all kinds of species, such as snakes, centipedes, scorpions, and wasps, explore the village, and admire many traditional crafts.

Whiskey Village is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Luang Prabang. This traditional wine has brought fame to the village and is a specialty drink of the villagers to be enjoyed when guests come to visit.

2.7. Visiting Luang Prabang Royal Palace

The Royal Palace in Luang Prabang, also known as the Golden Palace or Haw Kaum and today known as the Royal Palace Museum of Laos, was the residence of King Sisavang Vong and his family during the French colonial period. It was built in 1904 to replace the old palace that was destroyed by mercenaries from China in 1887.

Now there are many relics of the Kingdom and precious cultural relics at the national level on display here. Visitors are not allowed to wear shoes or take pictures inside the buildings and must dress modestly and politely.

• Address: 27 Ounheun Rd, Luang Prabang, Laos
• Open: 8:00 a.m – 11:30 a.m., 13:30 p.m. – 16:00 p.m., closes 30 minutes in advance on Tuesday afternoon, closed on Sunday.
• Ticket price: 1.54 USD.

2.8. Visiting Xieng Thong Temple

Wat Xiengthong is one of the most famous Buddhist temples in Luang Prabang. Built in 1559–1560 by Lao King Setthathirath, this was the coronation place of all kings until 1975. This is the most important, beautiful, and ancient temple in the ancient capital. When entering this place, you will be surprised by the surrounding architecture and landscape.

The most impressive feature of this temple is the glass mosaics that decorate the outer walls. Miniatures of people, palm trees, and animals form intricate scenes from everyday life and sparkle in the sunlight. Wat Xieng Thong is a place of pilgrimage and worship for many locals and tourists.

• Address: Soulignavongsa Road, Th Sisavang Vatthana Old Town, Laos
• Open: 8:00 a.m. – 17:00 p.m
• Ticket price: 1.03 USD.

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2.9. Visiting a traditional silk weaving workshop in Ock Pop Tok

Visiting the traditional silk weaving factory in Ock Pop Tok, you will discover each stage of the Lao people’s process of making smooth, colorful silk. Not only a place of production, this place also has a restaurant, cafeteria, coffee shop, and classes for visitors who want to dye fabrics and weave silk by themselves.

Pop Ock Tok is a village and handicraft center in Ban Saylom (Laos), where young people come to learn traditional weaving. Located on the banks of the Mekong River, just 2 km by Tuk Tuk to the south of Luang Prabang city, visitors will encounter Pop Ock Tok, a 700-year-old village. Here, the Katu tribe continues to maintain the nation’s long-standing hand-weaving profession.

2.10. Shopping at Luang Prabang night market

Luang Prabang Night Market is a great place for you to experience shopping. Located along Sisavangvong Street, close to the Royal Palace Museum, Luang Prabang Night Market has about 500 stalls.

Coming to Luang Prabang night market, visitors will enjoy traditional Lao dishes. Visitors can also find many traditional handicrafts sold throughout the market, such as textiles, ceramics, antiques, paintings, handicrafts, traditional umbrellas, or lanterns made from “do” paper.

• Open: 17:00 p.m – 23:00 p.m

2.11. Enjoying local delicacies at Food Street

There is a small alley adjacent to the local market, which is the mecca of local food in Luang Prabang. You can enjoy the local food of Luang Prabang here for a very cheap price of a few dollars.

With mouthwatering local dishes such as grilled fish, steamed fish, coconut pancakes, Lao Khao Soi, Laos Laap, fried insects, grilled Kanom Krok, and homemade smoothies in all flavors, colors, sizes, and prices. There is a vegetarian buffet in the middle of the road; it only costs 2.5 USD for all you can eat.

2.12. Visiting Living Land farm

One of the best experiences in Luang Prabang you can take part in is learning how to harvest rice at Living Land Organic Farm. You can become a rice farmer for a day here, where you will be able to try your hand at each step of manual rice making. No modern machines are used on the farm. You will be taught how to plant and grow rice in the traditional way. Price: 14.16 USD/person.

2.13. Explore Pak Ou cave

Pak Ou Cave is located north of the ancient capital Luang Prabang on the Mekong River and can be reached by boat or by other means of land transportation. Pak Ou Cave is famous for its small Buddha statues, including hundreds of wooden Buddha statues displayed on the cave walls. The system of Buddha statues in Pak Ou is very diverse, showing many different forms of Buddha.

Pak Ou Cave contains more than 4000 ancient Buddha statues dating back more than 300 years, of all sizes and shapes. For the Lao people, Pak Ou Cave is a sacred place associated with the history of the country’s formation and construction.

• Open: 8:00 a.m – 17:00 p.m
• Ticket price: 1.03 USD.

2.14. Seeing a performance at the Garavek theater

You will learn more about Lao history and traditions when you come to the Garavek Traditional Lao Music and Story Theater at 18:30 to watch a fascinating performance with folk stories. As well as stories explaining the mythological origins of some of the natural landmarks around Luang Prabang, such as the Nam Khan River, Kuang Si Waterfall, and Mount Phousi. 

The theater is in the same neighborhood as Wat Sene, close to Scandinavian Bakery and Big Brother Mouse. Tickets are 2.57 USD and start selling an hour before the show.

2.15. Exciting experience at Green Jungle Park

Lao Green Jungle is a newly opened tourist attraction. The Park is surrounded by a forest and a beautiful waterfall. This is one of the beautiful places you should experience when coming to Luang Prabang. You can visit and enjoy adventure activities such as Zip lines, rope courses, and exciting Trekking. 

To get to the park, you can take a boat ride from behind the Royal Palace in Luang Prabang for about 30 minutes, then walk the rest of the way.

• Address: Waterfall at Paklueng Village, Jomephet District, Luangprabang Province, Laos
• Open: 7:00 a.m. – 18:00 p.m
• Ticket price: 1.03 USD, excluding extra costs for other activities.
• Tel: (+85) 671 253 899
• Website: https://greenjunglepark.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreenJunglePark/?locale=vi_VN

3. Conclusion

Above is the information suggested about the top most interesting things in Luang Prabang that Metta Voyage shares, hoping to help you with your upcoming trip. You can contact us immediately to plan the most detailed itinerary for your trip.

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