Overview

The picturesque riverside town of Luang Prabang has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995. The serene city is tucked between the mighty Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers, in the heart of mountainous Northern Laos. The Old Town blends traditional Lao architecture with charming wooden houses, well-preserved European colonial buildings, and features over 30 Buddhist Temples. Luang Prabang is a vibrant town with plenty of things to see and do. It is one of the most popular destinations in Laos, and is a popular stop for many travelers on their way to and from Thailand. 

Things to see and do

Visit the Buddha Caves (Pak Ou Caves) that hold over 6,000 standing, sitting, and reclining Buddha statues, which are still used today by locals for worship. A scenic boat ride up the Mekong River with views of the stunning surrounding landscapes will lead you to the two caves, Tham Ting at the bottom and Tham Theung at the top.

Check out the Royal Palace Museum, also known as the National Museum, which was previously the royal residence of the King of Laos. A wonderful museum housed in a beautiful building in central Luang Prabang, filled with many items that hold historical significance and cultural importance. The palace was built in 1904 and features French and Lao architecture. 

See Mount Phousi, the highest mountain in Luang Prabang. Get 360 views from the top, which can be reached after climbing 300 stairs! The panorama is simply breathtaking over the surrounding countryside and the mighty Mekong River. The summit is a popular place to capture an incredible sunset, theres a concession stand to purchase drinks and snacks! And there is a golden Buddhist shrine named Wat Chomsi at the top, dating back to 1804. 

Enjoy a sunset cruise on the Mekong River.There are many cruise operators that offer a soothing sail down the river with a cocktail in hand and views of the riverside wildlife. There are many restaurants along the riverfront, which are great places to stop for dinner. 

Visit the famous Kuang Si waterfalls, a beautiful three-tiered waterfall that flows through the limestone-rich jumble and cascades into a series of azure pools. A great place for a day trip to enjoy the beautiful surroundings, bring a picnic, and enjoy nature and cooling off in the refreshing waters. The falls begin atop a steep hillside, the main fall drops from 200 feet, there are some great lookout points, and hikes in the area with panoramic views over Lao’s stunning countryside. There are some rope swings in the main pools that hang from tree limbs and provide hours of fun for the whole family. 

Visit the Wat Xieng Thong Monastery (Temple of the Golden City), one of the most famous and beautiful temples in Luang Prabang. The magnificent temple with its low swooping roof and richly decorated gold exterior dates back to 1560. It was built by King Setthathilat and is one of the oldest monasteries in the city. The temple is covered with detailed mosaics, sculptures of rare Buddhist gods, and elaborate wall carvings to see and adore. 

Witness an Almsgiving ceremony by the local monks. A highly sacred ceremony where a procession of monks files Sakkaline Road to collect alms of rice from villagers and tourists. It's a popular thing to see and do in the city with hundreds of people lining the streets every morning. 

Shopping

There are some good shopping opportunities to explore in the city of Luang Prabang. Many of the best shopping options can be found in the town center, where there are a number of independent shops, souvenir stores, specialty shops, and plenty of local markets. Luang Prabang is famous for its high-quality textiles, handicrafts, and silverware. Shopping in Luang Prabang is a fun experience for those seeking some retail therapy. Begin your day by visiting the bustling Luang Prabang morning market, where you can pick up everything from local produce to locally made souvenirs. In the afternoon, visit a private gallery where you can meet with talented artists and view their works of art. Visit a local village and witness the production of handicrafts and other items, as well as the artisans creating them. At the end of the day, you can visit the Luang Prabang Night Market, enjoy some dinner on the go, and pick up unique souvenirs to take home. Many of the items sold in Laos at markets are made by local ethnic groups whose handicraft skills continue to be practiced through the generations.

Dining

The cuisine in Luang Prabang is delicious, and there are plenty of great restaurants where you can sit back and enjoy a nice dinner. The city of Luang Prabang is a gorgeous heritage city offering an abundance of mouth-watering northern Lao food and culture to its visitors. Luang Prabang offers a unique blend of Lao and French culinary traditions and is known for its spicy, flavor-filled taste. Popular dishes are made with amazing fresh herbs, and spices, and ingredients like fermented fish and cured meats are used to cook with. The French influences can be found in the presence of baguettes, pastries, and many French-inspired restaurants and menus dotted throughout town. There are some influences from the neighboring Thai and Vietnamese cuisines found in dishes and on menus throughout Luang Prabang. A lot of places showcase traditional cuisine as well as international flavors, so there are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to dining.

Lao dishes are made with a mixture of spicy, savory, and sweet flavors with a strong emphasis on fresh ingredients and unique regional specialties. Staple ingredients may include lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, mint, fish sauce, tamarind, and chili peppers to name a few. Some classic Lao dishes include Laap (minced meat salad), Khao Piak Sen (rice noodle soup), Khao Niaw (sticky rice), Mok Pa (steamed fish), Sai Oua (Lao sausages), Luang Prabang salad with a zesty dressing, Jaew a dipping sauce, and more adventurous options like rat stock based Khao Soi Soup, which is a local specialty. A few popular dishes to be sure to try include Khao Niaw (sticky rice), often served with grilled meats, fish, salads, or omelets.

Nightlife

The nightlife scene in Luang Prabang is a laidback, chilled-out atmosphere with some local bars and nightclubs on offer in Old Town. It's not a late-night town; most things close by 11:30 pm. In Old Town, the main street is lined with fun local bars and welcoming pubs between Mount Phousi and the Nam Khong. They offer a rustic, bohemian, classy, upbeat atmosphere and vibe for some drinks, dancing, and music. A fun spot to spend the evening in Luang Prabang is the local Bowling Alley. And the bustling Night Market, where visitors can enjoy delicious street food with a local beer, and pick up unique souvenirs. There are other nightlife options on the outskirts of town that stay open later.