UNESCO World Heritage Site and capital of Northern Laos; Luang Prabang is one of the country’s most popular tourist hotspots – and for good reason! From trekking to cycling tours, ethical elephant sanctuaries and waterfalls, amazing markets and cheap eats, the unhurried delights of Luang Prabang relax travellers into a state of bliss, with many staying much longer than planned!
Plus, with the arrival of the new Laos China Railway, it’s never been easier to get to or from Luang Prabang!
Luang Prabang, Laos – Backpacking Guide
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Luang Prabang Map & Resources
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🇱🇦Laos Travel Guide
📍Laos Itinerary
🧑🍳 Must Do Activity: Take A Cooking Class
🚌 Nearby Places: Nong Khiaw | Luang Namtha | Vang Vieng
Best Time to Visit Luang Prabang
The best time of year to visit Luang Prabang is November to February. Temperatures tend to hover around the mid to high twenties during the day, although it can be chilly in the mornings and evenings. There is almost no rain this time of year. Beware though, it’s peak season, so prices tend to be higher and accommodation books up in advance.
May to September is the traditional rainy season in Luang Prabang but rainfall tends to be concentrated in the mornings, leaving afternoons cool and clear. There are fewer travellers than in the dry season, so you can often pick up accommodation and tours for much cheaper.
March and April see the temperatures soar and burning season in full swing. This can cause high levels of pollution and make breathing difficult for some travellers. We recommend avoiding Luang Prabang during this time.
October is an excellent month for budget travellers. Rain is less frequent, temperatures are comfortable and prices are yet to go up to peak season levels.
Where to Stay in Luang Prabang
Old Quarter – The vast majority of visitors to Luang Prabang stay within the Old Town. This area, neatly sandwiched between the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, is characterised by a blend of Lao and colonial architecture and contains a myriad of hostels, hotels and guesthouses, as well as the majority of tourist attractions within the city.
Elsewhere – There are a few upmarket resorts a considerable distance from the centre of Luang Prabang. Some are located on the banks of the Nam Khan River, while others sit further into the mountains. These areas offer amazing, unique stays but can make exploring Luang Prabang itself a challenge.
Best Accommodation in Luang Prabang
La Casa Hostel – Backpacker’s Choice
La Casa Hostel is part of a growing chain of family-run hostels in Luang Prabang; La Casa, La Casa de Jardin and La Casa Nostra. Each offers an amazing stay with some of the friendliest staff we’ve ever encountered! Dorms and private rooms are available in each and all three are within a short walk of the night market and Mt. Phousi.
Breakfast is included and family dinners are provided every Monday, Wednesday and Friday night completely free of charge for all guests! This buffet-style dinner is essentially an all-you-can-eat, as they always provide way more food than is needed. It makes for a great place to get to know your fellow travellers, as well as the staff at the hostels! Ideal for solo travellers craving connection.
Mad Monkey Luang Prabang – Best for Party Animals
If you’re looking for a super social time in Luang Prabang, you can’t go wrong with the infamous party hostel chain, Mad Monkey. Their Luang Prabang offering hosts all the regular events, games and tours you’d expect from Mad Monkey. The staff are super friendly and the facilities are clean and in good working order. The onsite restaurant features a wide array of dishes but it’s certainly not the cheapest place to eat in Luang Prabang!
The downside of Mad Monkey Luang Prabang is its location. It’s about 25 minutes on foot to reach the centre of Old Town.
Funny Riverside Backpackers – A Laidback Stay
Tucked away down a little side street and offering amazing views from the riverside communal area, Funny Riverside Backpackers is an ideal spot for travellers wanting a social but laidback stay in Luang Prabang. Featuring only dorms, and no private rooms, this is a hostel that knows who its target audience is! Breakfast is included with your stay, as well as complimentary hot drinks all day, every day!
Xuan Keo Place House 2 – Budget-Friendly Hotel
Looking for hotel vibes without the price tag? Look no further than Xuan Ken Place House 2. Rooms are basic but clean and comfortable and an excellent breakfast is included. The staff are attentive, friendly and really go above and beyond to make your stay the best it can be. For this price, you won’t find a better guesthouse in Luang Prabang!
La Nuit de Laos – Mid-Range Hotel
Located just a short walk from the night market and Mt. Phousi, La Nuit de Laos offers standard, deluxe and family rooms. All rooms are spacious, clean and well-maintained. The staff are available 24 hours a day and are willing to help with anything; restaurant reservations, onward transport, scooter rental etc. Breakfast comes at an additional fee but you won’t find better value for money in any cafes in town!
Thongbay Guesthouse – The Luxury Choice
Located on the banks of the Nam Khan River, Thongbay Guesthouse offers a luxury stay in Luang Prabang. Private bungalows, beautiful landscaping, riverside views, quiet shaded corners and spotlessly clean facilities combine to make this one of the most memorable stays in the city. It’s a 35-minute walk from the guesthouse to the night market but never fear, there’s a free shuttle bus that runs three times a day to and from the centre, making exploring easy!
Things to Do in Luang Prabang, Laos
1. The Alms Giving Ceremony
If you wake up at the crack of dawn, you’ll witness the local monks receiving morning alms from villagers on the streets of Luang Prabang. Sadly, the once traditional spiritual ritual is becoming increasingly more touristy and travellers are encouraged to take part by hawkers, eager to sell them food to present to the monks. If you want to get involved, grab some food and sit in the small plastic chairs that line Chafe Ngum Road near the junction with Sisavangvong Road.
2. Climb to the Top of Mount Phousi
One of Luang Prabang’s loveliest temples is positioned on a hill in the middle of the town. There are great panoramic views of the whole area atop the hill and many people take the climb at sunset when it’s cooler. There’s also a Buddha Cave and supposedly a preserved footprint of the Buddha himself! As Mount Phousi is a sacred location (Phousi directly translates to sacred mountain), appropriate temple attire is required.
Buying Birds for Karma 🐦🚫
Don’t be tempted to join the throngs of people buying caged birds from stalls near the temple. The idea here is that by releasing a trapped animal, you’ll be rewarded with good karma. A nice idea in principle but capitalism has got in on the act (even in a communist country) and now birds are trapped deliberately so they can be sold to those in need of a karma boost. It doesn’t take a genius to work out that taking birds out of the wild to be left in cages out in the sun with no food or water for hours on end amounts to animal cruelty. Karma won’t actually be on your side if your money is the reason these birds are being tortured in the first place…
3. Kuang Si Falls
The famous Kuang Si Falls can be easily visited from Luang Prabang by a variety of transport methods. You can either rent a motorbike (around 150,000 kip for 24 hours), jump in a shared minivan (around 100,000 kip per person) or get a tuk tuk from town (around 50,000 kip per person). Bear in mind, if you opt for a shared vehicle, you may have to wait a little while for it to fill up before leaving!
If you’re feeling energetic, you can even hire a bicycle and cycle the 64 km round trip! The journey there takes you through the countryside where you’ll pass villages, local schools, farms, witness traditional Laotian life and be waved at by excited local children.
4. Tad Sae Falls
A little quieter and less visited than Kuang Si, the multi-tier waterfall at Tad Sae Falls offers a more relaxed experience than its bigger brother. It takes around half an hour to reach the falls from town and requires a short boat trip to access.
Tuk tuks from town cost 100,000 – 200,000 kip and the boat costs around 10,000 kip per person. Tad Sae does get very busy with locals at the weekend, so we recommend visiting midweek for the most relaxed experience!
Visiting Kuang Si and Tad Sae Falls?
If you want to visit both sets of falls in one trip, you’ll probably need to arrange private transport. Most group trips only visit one or the other. Make sure you ask around before agreeing on a price for the day as quotes can vary from a few hundred thousand to a few million depending on who you ask!
5. Visit Wat Xieng Tong
This twinkling temple; one of the oldest and most beautiful in Laos, was built around 1560 by King Setthathirat. One legend says that Luang Prabang itself was founded here by the placing of a boundary stone by two hermits. Located in beautiful surroundings on the banks of the river, the Wat is definitely worth a visit for its intricate mosaics and carvings, notably the Tree of Life mosaic. There are many other temples around Luang Prabang, but this was our favourite!
6. Luang Prabang Night Market
Unashamedly touristy, but fun nonetheless, the Luang Prabang Night Market takes over the entire Sisavangvong Street in Luang Prabang from sundown to around 10pm each evening. Squashed and a tad stressful to manoeuvre through at times, it’s an atmospheric affair that can get really busy, with vendors selling a myriad of silks, souvenirs, jewellery and artisan goods. The market takes place every night of the week and is a must-visit, even if you’re not looking for souvenirs.
7. Trekking and Other Eco-Adventures
There are loads of adventure trips to be taken to the surrounding mountainous countryside. Kayaking, rafting, trekking to hill tribe villages, and rock climbing adventures can all be arranged from Luang Prabang.
8. Ten Pin Bowling
Whisper to the tuk-tuk drivers where the best place to carry on the drinking sesh is and they’ll no doubt suggest the nearby bowling alley. It seems as though the bowling hall has been solely created for foreigners not wanting to go home as the alley packs with backpackers from midnight onwards.
A bit of a strange thing to do in Laos, we admit, but a popular and good place to meet other travellers – if you’re not already too drunk by the time you make it here.
9. Visit Pak Ou Caves
Either an hour by road or an hour and a half by boat, are the ‘Buddha Caves’ of Pak Ou. The site is now a major tourist attraction, meaning it’s lost some of its magic. But time it right and you can get the place to yourself – the earlier you go, the better! Some trips include a stop-off at a local ‘whisky village’ where local rice spirits are made. If you’re not a fan of dead animals in whisky bottles, it’s worth trying to skip this stop!
10. Take A Yoga Class
There are a couple of well-rated yoga studios in Luang Prabang – Namkhan Resort put on daily classes and Luang Prabang Yoga offer classes in two locations in the city.
11. Elephant Experiences
While neighbouring Thailand may be better known for its elephant sanctuaries, there are some really good conversation projects in Laos too. As with any kind of animal tourism, make sure you do your research beforehand to choose somewhere that truly cares about the welfare of the animals. Check out our recommended elephant sanctuaries in Laos here.
Beware 🐘
There are elephant camps around Luang Prabang that allow you to ride elephants. We always advise against visiting such camps.
12. Haw Kam (Golden Hall)
Once home to King Sisavang Vong, Luang Prabang’s Royal Palace was taken over by the government after the 1975 revolution. Twenty years later, it was re-opened as the National Museum of Luang Prabang and today houses artefacts telling the story of Lao history. Be aware, shoulders and knees must be covered to enter the museum and photography is strictly prohibited.
13. UXO Visitor Centre
Home to a small collection of inert shells and weapons discovered in Lao’s forests and countryside, you won’t need long to visit but the story of the ‘secret war’ and the damage of the USA’s unexploded ordnance still littering the Lao countryside is something that needs to be told.
14. The Traditional Arts and Ethnology Center
The Traditional Arts and Ethnology Center (TAEC) is a small museum that paints an illuminating view of the people of Laos. Exhibitions rotate regularly, covering everything from history and language to rituals, attire and culture.
15. Garavek Story Telling
Interested in the folktales, myths and legends of Luang Prabang? Look no further than the Garavek Story Telling Theatre. With the assistance of a traditional bamboo mouth organ, the narrator takes you through an hour of traditional Lao stories which include the origin stories for Mt. Phousi and the Mekong River!
16. Sunset Cruise on the Mekong
A classic tour available in almost every Mekong town I’ve visited, Luang Prabang is the perfect place to embark on a sunset cruise. Thanks to high competition, sunset cruises on the Mekong from Luang Prabang are available at any budget and much better quality than you’ll find elsewhere. Just wander along the riverfront and peruse your choices – you don’t need to go far before people will try to get you onto their boats! Alternatively, book ahead of time at your accommodation or one of the tour agencies in town.
17. Ock Pop Tok
Whether you’re looking for a traditional souvenir or a deeper understanding of Lao handicrafts, Ock Pop Tok has you covered. There’s a shop in town and their Living Craft Centre just a couple of kilometres away – plus a free electric tuk tuk between the two; just pop into the shop and ask!
Visit the Living Craft Centre to learn all about the role weaving and handicrafts play in Lao culture and enjoy a meal or drink in their riverside café! If you truly fall in love with the place, it’s possible to stay overnight in their amazing Mekong Villa!
18. Learn to Cook Traditional Lao Cuisine
There’s no better souvenir to take home than the ability to cook a cracking meal for your friends and family. Wow them with the skills you’ve made on your journey of discovery to Southeast Asia! There are several cooking schools in Luang Prabang but our favourite is Tamarind.
Book Tamarind Cooking School Here!
19. Nam Dong Park
A beautiful and under-visited park around 10 km from the centre of Luang Prabang – renting a scooter is the most cost-effective way of getting here. The park features lush jungle, amazing plant and animal life, as well as beautiful rivers, streams and waterfalls. There are plenty of places to relax with a picnic too, so bring lunch with you!
For the adrenaline seekers among you, Nam Dong offers zip lining and a treetop walk as well – make sure you bring plenty of cash if you want to try these out!
20. Free Cinema at Sanctuary Hotel
If you’re in Luang Prabang for a few days, don’t miss the nightly free screening of the film ‘Chang’ at Sanctuary Hotel. You’ll be expected to buy a meal or a couple of drinks while watching this documentary about 1920s Laos but prices are reasonable and it makes for a pleasant change to the usual travel evenings!
21. Take the Slow Boat to or From Thailand
Travelling along the Mekong towards or away from the Lao/Thai border is one of the best journeys in Southeast Asia. It takes two days but sure beats riding the bus along Laos’ bumpy, mountainous roads! The route is most popular with travellers coming from Thailand into Laos but can be done in reverse for those ending their Laos trip in or around Luang Prabang!
- Spacious & comfortable.
- Boats regularly serviced. Life vests for every passenger.
- Freshly cooked lunches & refreshments.
- 1 night's accommodation in Pak Beng.
Food and Drink in Luang Prabang
Night Market
Luang Prabang’s night market is more than just souvenirs. You’ll find an array of food options from vegetarian buffets, freshly grilled fish, steamed bao and even Korean noodles, all for much cheaper than you’ll pay in a restaurant!
Bouang Asian Eatery
Bouang is a creative little restaurant with a homey feel serving a delicious mixture of classic food with an Asian twist. Try the Green Curry Gnocchi for an amazing fusion of Italian and Asian cuisine!
Indigo House
Right beside the night market, you can’t miss it because every night they sell some mouth-watering cakes right outside! This restaurant has a warm welcoming feel and the food is very tasty, well-presented and doesn’t break the bank.
Joma Bakery
There are two Joma Bakeries in Luang Prabang, both on the main strip near Mt. Phousi. Air conditioning, comfy seating, good coffee and a range of food stuffs make Joma a reliable choice whether you’re looking for a quick caffeine hit or full-on meal!
Tamarind
Next to the river, this restaurant is owned by Lao/Australian duo Joy and Caroline. As well as top-rated cooking classes, the restaurant serves delicious traditional Laotian cuisine.
Luang Prabang Cat Café
Not a cat cafe in the traditional sense – the doors are wide open and the resident kitties are free to come and go as they please – Luang Prabang Cat Cafe serves a wide variety of vegan takes on classic Lao and western dishes. The food is delicious and money from the cafe goes towards helping the local feline population!
Suggested 2-Day Luang Prabang Itinerary
After just 48 hours in Luang Prabang, this itinerary will leave you equal parts educated, well fed and relaxed! The town has a refreshingly laidback vibe you’ll quickly discern from the locals. After all, worry-free is the way to be!
By Julia Miller.
Day 1 in Luang Prabang
MORNING: Grab a bite to eat! – Whether you’ve flown in, arrived by boat or have ventured over by bus, you’ll probably be a bit famished when you arrive. If you’re staying for a few days, a SIM card may not be worth it. To kill two birds with one stone, Joma Bakery Cafe has both steady WiFi and a good cup of Joe to get your morning started!
Take a ride – Whether you prefer the motorised version or a regular bicycle, you can find both very easily and cheaply in Luang Prabang. Preloaded maps on your phone are always great backup, but half the fun is tossing your cell phone in your bag and seeing where the wind takes you!
AFTERNOON: Visit the TAEC and UXO bomb museums – The Traditional Arts and Ethnology Center (TAEC) is a small museum that paints an illuminating view of the people of Laos. Exhibitions rotate regularly, covering everything from history and language to rituals, attire and culture. The UXO Lao Visitors Center is an educational site to gain an understanding of Laotian history. It’s a sobering reminder that the ramifications of war still impact life today.
Climb Mount Phousi – A definite must-do in Luang Prabang, regardless of the length of your stay. The climb of the roughly 300 steps to the top is eased by the fact that there are a handful of Buddha statues along the pathway. It’s recommended to visit late in the afternoon so you can time your hike with a sunset view! The peak provides one of the best vistas of Luang Prabang.
EVENING: Stroll through Luang Prabang Night Market – Conveniently located at the bottom of the Mount Phousi stairs, the night market is the perfect place for an evening walk after your climb. There are a variety of local vendors selling everything from souvenirs to handmade items. A number of street food vendors are mixed in with the stalls; the coconut pancakes are a scrumptious snack!
Dine At Bouang. Not far from the night market, Bouang is making a name for itself in Luang Prabang. The casual restaurant has one of the most aesthetically beautiful interiors with high-quality food to match. In case you’ve been traversing the region without a proper salad in weeks, this is your spot!
Day 2 in Luang Prabang!
MORNING (6am): Rise early for the Alms Giving Ceremony – The Alms Giving Ceremony occurs at sunrise each morning when the monks walk the streets and each collects one meal’s worth of sustenance for the day. Remember to buy your offerings in advance and arrive early so as not to disrupt the ceremony, as this is a religious practice. If photography is your main goal, keeping a distance from the procession is essential.
Practice yoga by the river – Get into the flow with a yoga class to start your morning. Few things are more peaceful than practicing a sun salutation next to the Nam Khan River.
AFTERNOON: Experience the splendour of Kuang Si Falls – Another day trip worth the ride is to Kuang Si Falls, the majestic three-tiered waterfall just outside of Luang Prabang. Remember to don your swimsuit if you’d like to wade in the water. In case hiking is more your style, there’s also a trail to the top. I recommend venturing up via the left side. Nobody is in a rush–it’s Laos after all–so feel free to take your time, especially once you reach the stairs. The water pummels down these steps with full force and any athletic shoes you’re wearing will be completely soaked. Most people leave their shoes near the tree before the stairs. Remember to pack a secondary pair of footwear or carry your shoes up with you, as there’s still a bit more walking on unpaved ground before you’re at the top. Once you reach the lookout, safely push past a few branches for a gorgeous view.
Getting Around Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang is a small town, so most of your journeys will be by foot. Most guesthouses and hostels are within a fifteen minute walk of Mt. Phousi and the main tourist strip. For further afield – bus stations, railway station, Kuang Si Falls, etc – there are plenty of taxis and tuk tuks in and around town. Just walk past them and they’ll let you know where they’re heading!
How to Get to Luang Prabang
By Boat from Thailand: One of the most popular ways of getting to Luang Prabang is via the two-day slow boat from Huay Xai , on the border of Thailand and Laos. It’s one of the well-trodden routes with hoards of backpackers cramming on wooden boats departing every day. The journey takes in the wonders of the Mekong; passing remote villages on the banks of the mighty river. You’ll stay one night in the tiny village of Pak Beng, before arriving in Luang Prabang around sunset the evening later.
Fly: Luang Prabang’s airport now caters to flights from Vientiane, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Hanoi and Siem Reap. Although most backpackers travel by bus, flights can be really cheap and for those short on time or not wanting to endure Laos’ arduous overnight buses – flying can be a pleasant alternative.
From the airport, it’s about a half an hour taxi ride into the town.
By Bus: Buses from Vang Vieng leave northbound for Luang Prabang every day taking around 6 hours. There’s some gorgeous scenery on the way – and as with all buses in Laos – the journey can be unpredictable.
By Train: The introduction of the Laos China Railway has revolutionised travel in Laos. It’s now possible it get to Luang Prabang in just over an hour from Vang Vieng and in around 2 hours from Vientiane! Tickets can be easily purchased on the official LCR app.
Where to Go Next:
Vang Vieng: Once a notorious party town renowned for tubing, Vang Vieng is becoming an eco-adventure hub with rafting, ballooning, rock climbing and caving! 4-6 hours from Luang Prabang by bus or just over an hour by train.
Vientiane: The sleepy capital of Laos is where many travellers cross the border to Nong Khai, Thailand.
Nong Khiaw: Head north for fewer tourists, incredible mountain landscapes and amazing trekking opportunities to hill tribe villages.