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Laos is a truly fascinating country, and Luang Prabang is its drawcard attraction. As the cultural heart of northern Laos, travelers fall in love with Luang Prabang’s countless historical and natural attractions. If stopping by on your Southeast Asia trip, there is truly no shortage of things to do in Luang Prabang.
As an ancient city and the royal capital of Laos until as recently as 1975, plenty of heritage is visible in the city today. Just like elsewhere in Southeast Asia, much of the history takes the form of Buddhist temples. What makes Luang Prabang unique, though, is its picturesque riverside setting, remnants of French colonial-era architecture, excellent street food, and leafy tree-lined streets, which collectively grant the city a somewhat chilled-out feeling.
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How many days in Luang Prabang?
Anyone following our Laos itinerary knows that three days is the absolute minimum time to devote to Luang Prabang. Ideally, you would need around five days to take things slow and chill out in this atmospheric city.
Don’t try to squeeze all of the following things to do into just two days. Instead, slow down, find your own corner of the city, and soak in Luang Prabang’s unique atmosphere.
When to visit Luang Prabang?
November to early March is generally the best time to visit Luang Prabang. At this time of year, the rain has eased off and the temperatures are not too high.
Towards mid-March, however, visitors should be aware of the infamous “burning season.” Farmers all over northern Laos and northern Thailand regularly “slash and burn” their crops from around the middle of March until late April. The burning of crops can lead to unfavorable levels of air pollution and low visibility. For this reason, try to avoid planning your trip in March and April.
The 7 best things to do in Luang Prabang
1. Participate in the Buddhist monk alms offering
One of the quintessential things to do in Luang Prabang is to observe the sunrise alms-giving ceremony. This time-honored tradition in Laos Buddhism is known locally as ‘Sai Bat’. In the proceedings, Buddhist monks process through the streets of the city and accept food from devotees among the community.
The alms offerings generally take place along the main street (leading from Wat Xiengthong to the National Museum), and they start every day at around 5 am. If you would like to make an offering yourself, buy some sticky rice from the vendors stationed along the monks’ procession route or at the local market earlier.
Travel tip: It is important that you remain silent throughout the alms offerings, and don’t distract the monks with flash photography.
If you don’t plan on making an offering, keep your distance from the route to avoid distracting those involved. You must also cover your legs, shoulders and chest when attending the ceremony. Ask local people if in any doubt about how to attend the ceremony correctly.
2. Visit Wat Xiengthong
Luang Prabang is dotted with innumerable Buddhist temples (wats), and visiting them is one of the essential things to do in Luang Prabang. One of the largest and most historical Buddhist temple complexes is Wat Xiengthong. Situated near the end of the peninsular between the Nam Khan and Mekong Rivers, its name means ‘Temple of the Golden City’.
The temples’ ornate carvings, intricate mosaics and gilded decorations make it one of Southeast Asia’s most visually appealing Buddhist temple complexes. Beside this, there is a small reclining Buddha inside one of the temple buildings. You will regularly see working monks walking around the temple grounds.
Wat Xiengthong is set among the lush greenery which characterizes northern Laos. Nevertheless, there is not much shade, and it can get very hot during the heat of the day. For this reason (and to avoid some of the larger tour groups), try to visit in the morning or early evening.
3. Eat your way through the Luang Prabang Night Market
Perhaps after taking in the late afternoon scene at Phousi Hill, you really shouldn’t miss the vibrant Night Market that takes place every evening in Luang Prabang. The hub of the action takes place along Sisavangvong Road, which is closed off to vehicle traffic.
Most food stalls congregate at the intersection between Sisavangvong and Kingkitsalat Roads. Also, the market spills over to fill the surrounding streets and alleyways.
Most of the hundreds of stalls lining the main road sell locally produced handicrafts, such as textiles, paintings, ceramics, shoes, baskets, and more. Respectful bargaining is expected, but even if you don’t buy anything the sight is impressive in itself.
In terms of food and drink, you’ll find all of the Laos classics such as noodle soups, larb, coconut curries and sticky rice, as well as international dishes such as dumplings, roti and more. Turn up any time after 6 pm and the market will already be in full swing. Things tend to slow down at around 10 pm.
4. Observe the art of traditional Lao weaving
Having explored the Night Market, you probably will have seen some of the local arts and crafts on sale. You will also find these on sale at smaller markets on the outskirts of town, and the tradition of using wooden looms to produce handmade weaved products is still very much alive today.
Either follow a tour or travel by bicycle or tuk-tuk out to visit Phanom village. Here, you can visit some of the workshops which produces the handicrafts for sale at the Luang Prabang Night Market. Colored silks and traditional weaving techniques give the items a distinct local quality, and they are an ideal souvenir to take home from your trip to Laos.
Weaved products are an important source of income for the locals, so it is recommended to buy directly from the artisans. The village of Ban Phanom is a lovely short excursion from Luang Prabang itself, and is a great place to just enjoy the natural surroundings too.
5. Excursion to Kuang Si waterfall
One of the most popular excursions away from Luang Prabang is a trip to the impressive Kuang Si waterfall. In its magical jungle setting just an hour west of Luang Prabang town, these impressive waterfalls are one of the best things to do in Luang Prabang.
Visitors can swim in some of the natural pools fed into by the multiple tiers of the waterfalls. In the tropical heat of Southeast Asia, a refreshing swim at such a beautiful location is a very welcome experience. You can also climb beside the waterfalls to reach the top, and numerous short trails also take you to smaller, less crowded waterfalls away from the main area.
It’s very possible to travel here independently, but for convenience many tours will be able to help you with arrangements.
6. Chill out in the Luang Prabang’s cafés and restaurants
The laziness of the Mekong River slowly flowing past the town is a reminder to you: Luang Prabang is a great place to just relax. Beside the must-see sights, there’s something to be said for just sitting with your food and drink of choice and simply disconnecting from the outside world. There’s something special about the atmosphere here, perhaps why it has captured the hearts of so many savvy travelers.
By the river, some of the best places to check out are Mukdong Restaurant, Luang Say Restaurant, and Longlai Coffee. You don’t need to have a riverside view to soak up the atmosphere, though. For great local Lao food in the town center, check out Tamarind, Pa Lai Restaurant, and Khaiphaen.
Café Le Petit Prince is a truly excellent vegan restaurant right in the center of town. Lost in Baan also does fantastic international fusion food. Some of best cafés in Luang Prabang include Rosetta Café, LuLaLao Coffee, and Zaori Café.
Onward travel – slow boat river cruise to Pak Beng
Many travelers visiting northern Laos and Luang Prabang may have heard of “the slow boat.” This two-day river trip runs from the town of Huay Xai (on the border with Thailand) down to Pak Beng, where most travelers spend a night before continuing downstream to Luang Prabang.
Most people take this river boat downstream, which means that Luang Prabang is their final destination. However, there are benefits to departing from Luang Prabang and traveling upstream, despite this being slightly slower. Since the boat leaving Luang Prabang is less popular, it is a much more leisurely and less crowded experience, and normally does not require advanced booking.
On the journey you’ll get to pass by disconnected Lao villages seemingly suspended in time, admire beautiful forested karst cliffs, and leave behind all worries from your daily life as your slowly make your way upstream. Make sure you take a good book (or two), and simply enjoy the journey.
Travel tip: If aiming for Thailand and not wishing to spend two whole days on the boat, I recommend finishing your river journey in Pak Beng.
After that, make the short bus trip to the Thai border at Huai Kon. From there, it is another bus trip to the highly-underrated city of Nan, Thailand.
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