Luang Prabang, a sleepy town in northern Laos, is the perfect spot to spend a relaxing holiday. Quiet streets lined with French colonial architecture and historic temples will take you back in time. In general, the pace of life is slower in Laos. So, it’s the perfect place to sit back, drink a Beerlao, and let your worries drift away. In this article, I'll share some of the fun activities Luang Prabang has to offer.
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This article was originally written in 2019 and updated in July 2024 to include more information and various updates.
A Bit about Luang Prabang
Nestled in the mountainous region of northern Laos, Luang Prabang sits on a peninsula between the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers. Historically, the Luang Prabang was the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Lan Xang (Kingdom of a Million Elephants) and was also the former royal capital of Laos.
Since 1995, Luang Prabang has been a UNESCO World Heritage site due to the well-preserved blend of traditional Lao architecture and the colonial architecture from the 19th and 20th centuries. This architectural fusion, as well as the laid-back vibes of the town, make it seem like you've stepped back in time when visiting Luang Prabang.
How to Get to Luang Prabang
Traveling to Luang Prabang seems to get easier each year. You can reach Luang Prabang through several modes of transportation.
Pro Tip: When booking transportation in Southeast Asia, 12Go is a great place to start your search. It returns all modes of transportation (buses, vans, trains, flights, etc.) for a specific route and allows you to compare prices easily.
Flying to Luang Prabang
If you're coming from abroad (regional) or want the quickest way to Luang Prabang, the easiest way is to fly into Luang Prabang International Airport (airport code: LPQ). We've flown to Luang Prabang from Bangkok and from Luang Prabang to Vientiane and both flights went smoothly.
Train to Luang Prabang
A relatively new and exciting way to travel to Luang Prabang is on the Laos–China Railway (LCR), which opened in December 2021. This high-speed rail train runs between Vientiane, the capital of Laos, and Boten, a town on the Laos-China border in northern Laos.
When we lived in Vientiane back in 2010, it was an all-day journey on a bus to reach Luang Prabang if you didn't want to fly. Now, you can travel from Vientiane to Luang Prabang on the train in under 2 hours! I can't even explain how wild that is to me.
Bus or Van to Luang Prabang
Finally, you can always reach Luang Prabang by bus or shared van from other towns in Southeast Asia. Check out routes on 12Go to get an idea of what options are available from your travel points.
Pro Tip: The roads leading to Luang Prabang are mountainous, which means curvy and often bumpy due to the effects of rainy season. If you suffer from motion sickness, be prepared. I've never been so nauseous on a journey as I was on our shared van ride from Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang back in 2011.
When to Visit Luang Prabang
Although Laos does not have the same 4 seasons many of us are used to, it does have 3 sort-of distinct seasons:
Best Time to Visit Luang Prabang
In my opinion, the best time of year to visit Luang Prabang is in the dry, cool season right after rainy season ends - November to December. Temperatures are pleasant, the mountains are still green, and skies are clear. This is high season though so hotels will be more expensive and it might be more crowded.
However, rainy season also has a certain appeal as the clouds hanging over the mountains and vibrant greenery create beautiful landscapes. Since rainy season is low tourist season, hotels cost less and places are less crowded. The downside is the rain. Usually it only downpours in spurts throughout the day, so bring a poncho (or buy one there), and you can still see all the sights!
Luang Prabang in July
I've visited Luang Prabang three times - once in July and twice in December - and I've loved it each time.
When Not to Visit Luang Prabang
The only season I would avoid is the hot, dry season. Not only are the surroundings brown because it's the end of the dry season, but it's also burning season.
In April and May, farmers in this reason slash-and-burn their fields to get rid of any leftover vegetation from the harvest. The smoke causes the air quality to be TERRIBLE throughout northern Laos (and Thailand). I think it's pretty much the worst time to visit the region.
Want more planning ideas? Check out my 'Ultimate Guide to Preparing for International Travel'!
Where to Stay in Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang has a wide range of beautiful places to stay. From home stays to boutique guest houses, hostels and luxury resorts, you'll be sure to find something that fits your budget.
Below are a couple of the hotels in which we've stayed over the years in Luang Prabang that I would recommend checking out.
Mekong Riverview Hotel
Since we enjoy a view when we travel, the Mekong Riverview Hotel was perfect for us, albeit a bit expensive.
Located just across the road from the Mekong River, their rooms have generous balconies overlooking the river where you can relax and have a beer in the evening.
Although it does not have certain amenities, like a pool, the Mekong Riverview felt very luxurious and the staff is wonderful. One of the highlights for me was the delicious breakfast at the hotel's restaurant overlooking the Nam Khan River.
Another nice perk is on certain weekdays, they have a free wine happy hour where you can meet and mingle with other guests, plus meet the hotel's owner.
Hotel Villa Deux Rivieres
Nestled back at the end of the old town peninsula, Hotel Villa Deux Rivieres is a charming mid-range hotel with spacious rooms. Although it is on the Nam Khan river, most of the rooms do not have river views.
We only stayed for one night in between our river cruise and leaving for Nong Khiaw. The hotel staff was great and helped us to arrange our bus and pick-up to go to Nong Khiaw.
Luang Prabang Accommodations Map
If you're trying to find the perfect hotel in Luang Prabang, use the map below to get idea of what is available. Filter by your individual preferences and input your travel dates to see what places are available and what their nightly rates are.
Best Activities in Luang Prabang
1) Kuang Si Waterfall
Kuang Si Waterfall will be the highlight of your holiday to Luang Prabang. Several tiers of falls plunge down the hillside. When it's sunny, the pools at the base of the falls turn a beautiful turquoise. Although it's best to arrive early if you want to avoid the crowds, the falls are most spectacular in sunlight. If mornings are cloudy, it's worth it to wait and go in the afternoon.
To get there, you can hire a van (shared or private) from your hotel or one of the travel companies in town. The falls are a 45-minute drive from Luang Prabang by car. Several years ago, we rented a motorbike and drove to the falls on our own which took a bit longer. The entrance fee is 20,000 kip (~US $2.50).
Tallest waterfall at Kuang Si - what a difference between rainy and dry season! (left - July 2011, right - Dec 2018).
You can swim in several of the pools so be sure to bring your swimsuit! When the water level is high, you may be able to swing from a rope into one of the lower pools.
Swinging into the falls in July (2011) - clearly I forgot my swimsuit!
Same location as above, but no swing in December (2018). Looks like part of the stump is also gone!
Planning to visit the falls? Check out these 'Tips for Visiting Kuang Si Waterfall in Luang Prabang'!
2) Stroll through Old Town and Tour the Temples
Old town Luang Prabang is a picturesque mix of French colonial architecture and Buddhist wats (temples). Walking around town, you can pop into some of the handicraft shops, wander into the wats, and grab a fruit shake to cool you off.
A few sites not to miss:
Wat Xieng Thong
Built in the 1500s, this is one of the oldest wats in Luang Prabang and one of the few to survive invasions. It was used for coronations of Lao kings and other important festivals.
Wat Haw Pha Bang
Only completed a few years ago, this new wat is located in front of the Royal Palace. It was built to house the sacred Pha Bang Buddha image for which Luang Prabang is named. The façade of the wat is stunning, especially when the sunlight hits the gold decorations just right.
Wat Haw Pha Bang - in July
Royal Palace
This palace is not the most ornate I’ve been to (or even close), but I found it interesting to visit nonetheless. The museum's exhibits present a good picture of the lifestyle of Laos’ former royalty.
Royal Palace Tips: 1) The palace complex closes for lunch (~11:30am-1:30pm) so plan accordingly. 2) You cannot bring any purses, cameras, or bags into the palace itself so head to the locker room first to store your belongings.
3) Rent a Motorbike & Tour the Countryside
Renting a motorbike (or scooter) and driving around independently is one of my favorite activities. Luang Prabang is surrounded by rolling hills of lush greenery, sleepy villages, and flourishing rice field terraces.
Being able to stop to take photos, buy some fruit at a roadside stand, or just admire the scenery are luxuries that renting a motorbike affords.
Nothing says rainy season like a bright yellow poncho!
There are always risks you accept when renting motorbikes.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind for renting motorbikes in Laos:
4) Support Local Farmers by Drinking Delicious Coffee at Saffron
What is better than drinking a delicious cup of coffee by the Mekong? Knowing that your caffeine-addiction is contributing to a sustainable livelihood for Lao farmers. Saffron Coffee has been partnering with local villages to grow coffee as an alternative cash crop since 2006. The cafe has expanded since our first visit and now has a deck overlooking the Mekong.
Saffron iced coffee
5) Climb Mount Phousi for Incredible Views
The incredible views at the top of Mount Phousi, a hill in the center of Luang Prabang, are worth the number of steps you have to climb to get there. From here, you can see out over the valley and the newer section of Luang Prabang set at the foot of beautiful mountains.
View of Mekong from Mount Phousi
View of Nam Khan from Mount Phousi
Many people climb this hill for sunset (and maybe sunrise), so if you plan to do so, show up early to claim your spot!
6) Eat Traditional Lao Dishes at Tamarind
Bursting with herbaceous and spicy flavor, Lao food is a must-try when you’re in Luang Prabang. If you haven’t tried Lao cuisine before (or even if you have), I recommend starting at Tamarind.
They offer several set menus, ranging from safe and mild to adventurous and spicy, which will introduce you to the highlights of Lao food. It’s a good way to discover what you like so you know what to order elsewhere, plus the food is delicious!
Tamarind also offers cooking lessons which you can sign up for on their website. Book early, especially if you go during high season.
Tips for Eating Lao Food
7) Ride a Boat on the Mekong
Luang Prabang’s setting on the mighty Mekong River gives you the perfect opportunity to hop on a boat. Walk down the road next to the Mekong and you’ll find a slew of boat drivers offering half-day trips, sunset cruises… anything you want!
In fact, when we visited Luang Prabang with my parents a few years ago, we decided that a 1-hour boat ride on the river was the perfect amount of time for us. We just sailed up the river admiring the scenery, then turned around.
Pak Ou Cave & Whisky Village
Many people choose to do the half-day (~3-4 hour) trip to the Pak Ou Cave and Whisky Village. The boat ride to the cave takes ~2 hours (going upriver) but coming back it takes only about an hour.
Once you arrive, you’ll have time to see the caves and walk around a bit. The first cave is just a few steps up from the boats. This is where most of the Buddha statues are. If you don't mind a bit of a climb, you can also walk up to the upper cave which is darker and has a few more statues.
Pak Ou Cave
Back in the boat, you’ll head to Whisky Village where you can taste several whisky - original and flavored - and shop for handicrafts.
Whisky village stop and handicrafts to purchase
We've visited Pak Ou Cave and the Whisky Village twice now. Once on a boat trip from Luang Prabang back in July 2011 and once on our Mekong River Cruise in December 2019.
While interesting, if you have limited time in your Luang Prabang itinerary, I'm not sure if this trip is worth the time investment. The cave is small and generally very crowded with tourists. But if you’re hankering for a long boat ride and want a destination, it might be perfect for you!
Luang Prabang Tours
Make your trip even more relaxing by having the details handled for you as you explore Luang Prabang with these tour options.
8) Shop at the Night Market
Luang Prabang doesn’t have a lot going on after dark. The liveliest part of town is the nightly handicraft market.
As late-afternoon rolls around, vendors begin arriving near the Royal Palace to claim their spots and set up their wares. It’s a family and social affair - sellers gossip as their kids catch up on homework and babies sleep.
Scenes from Night Market at Luang Prabang
Stroll through rows of colorful cross-stitched purses and pillowcases, intricate Lao sinhs (skirts), paintings, woodwork, and more. If you see something you like, ask “thao dai?” (how much).
Pro Tip: Bargaining in Laos is more of a game than a serious negotiation. Remember to smile and be polite and you’ll probably get a discount, especially if you purchase more than one item.
9) Watch Sunset over Mekong River with a Beerlao
Stop at any of the restaurants along the Mekong, order some papaya salad and a Beerlao and watch the sunset. If it’s hot outside, drink it like a local and put some ice in it. Yes, this counts as an activity. You’re relaxing, remember?!
Final Thoughts
With beautiful natural scenery, historic temples, and excellent coffee, Luang Prabang is a perfect spot to sit back and enjoy a few days of relaxation! Hopefully this article gives you some ideas for your next trip to Luang Prabang.
Other Articles on Laos You Might Enjoy
As you plan your trip to Laos, you may also enjoy the following articles:
Happy travels!
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Great post, so impressed with the tranquil atmosphere of Luang Prabang city. If I had a chance to visit Luang Prabang, I would try to savor a coffee cup while observing the beauty of city >.<
Great post, will save for later and share with our network once the borders are open again – so many great reasons to come and visit Luang Prabang. Love the pics!
Thanks so much for checking it out and sharing with your networks. Looking forward to returning to Laos once borders reopen!
I didn’t know Laos whisky was a thing. I thought only a few countries made it. Laos is another one of those places that intrigues me. Temples, Markets, cool road and boat trips- what doesn’t it have. I had a friend from Laos when I was in Chicago. He was great fun. So obviously people are cool too
Indeed Laos has many awesome things to do! And Lao people are wonderful – friendly, welcoming, and always up for a good time!
It looks like a great place to stay for a few days and relax. I could use some of this relaxation right now.
Luang Prabang is the place to go for relaxation once everything reopens! In the meantime, I certainly hope that you’re able to relax wherever you are. 🙂
I would be interested in visiting Old Town and as many handmade markets as possible. I’ve never had Laotian food but I would like to try some dishes.
Old town Luang Prabang has wonderful handicraft shops and beautiful things for you to see! I hope you’ll get a chance to visit!
It looks like there is so much to do in Luang Prabang, plus I would always be content just hanging out on a riverside balcony. I’ve not spent any time in this part of Asia yet. Really looking forward to it down the road.
Luang Prabang is definitely the type of place where you could just sit and relax on a balcony overlooking the river. But also a great jumping off point to get out and explore the countryside as well. I hope you’ll be able to visit someday soon!
Ohhh you brought me right back to Luang Prabang! Such a beautiful town to explore. I loved wandering over the bamboo suspension bridge & exploring the quieter side of the river, too. Thank you for this great post. I’ve definitely saved it for when I return!
Thanks for reading, Jen! I’m glad I could bring back some fun memories of Luang Prabang for you. Those bamboo bridges are so neat – guess that means you visited in dry season?
I haven’t been to this part of Asia yet – one day!! I love your waterfall pictures – one of the things I like about visiting somewhere more than once is you get to see differences like that. It looks a great place to visit.
I hope you’ll make it over this way one day! Luang Prabang is a great place to squeeze into a Southeast Asia itinerary since it’s so chill and relaxing. I took my parents right after a visit to Bangkok and I think they appreciated it after all the hustle and bustle of the big city.
One of my absolute favourite places! I visited Laos in December 2017 and have been hankering to return ever since. This was a nice trip down memory lane.
That’s awesome that you’ve been to Laos, Lucy! Which places did you visit on your trip? Glad I could take you back with this post. 🙂
Never been to Asia and when I do this looks like a great place to go.
Laos is a beautiful and relaxing place to visit on a trip to Asia. Certainly different from some of the hectic, megacities.
Ahh. I’ve never been to Luang Prabang! It’s been a regret, having lived “closeby” twice in my life! I’d loooove to go visit the waterfalls! And what’s this whisky village? you know that piqued my interest 🙂
PS – my brother in law’s family is from Laos, so I know allllll about the delicious Laotian foods!!
Hopefully you’ll get to Luang Prabang one day – it’s a beautiful place! It’s funny having visited “whisky village” 10 years ago and going back this past year – clearly they’ve made money on the whisky and handicrafts because the village is much more developed and even has a new temple!
That’s awesome that your brother-in-law’s family is from Laos! Do you know what part they’re from? Has he cooked for you before?
How lovely to read about a country I don’t know – and so colourful. It looks fabulous. And I had no idea you could go whisky tasting in Laos – now that’s different! 🙂
I’m so glad you enjoyed this post on Luang Prabang, Carole! The whisky tasting in Laos is certainly a different experience than I’ve had in other places and a fun thing to try. 🙂