Discover Luang Prabang: 12 Awesome Things to Do & More

12 Best Things to Do in Luang Prabang

1. Spend a Day at Kuang Si Waterfall ☀️ Great Day Trip

First, we will take a day trip to what I believe is one of the most impressive waterfalls you will see in Laos. Kuang Si Waterfall is a massive waterfall nestled between the rolling hills and the deep green jungles of Northern Laos.

The place is well known for its impressive amount of water, picturesque multi-tiered cascades, and pristine turquoise blue waters in which you can swim. There is also a nature trail where you can walk around and explore all of its beautiful waterfall tiers.

Due to the remote location of the waterfall, in order to reach there, you can either rent your own motorbike and ride west from Luang Prabang for about 40 minutes to get to the parking lot, where you can then pay for the parking fee (5000 LAK).

The road to Kuang Si Waterfall is mainly paved but not in the best condition. Therefore, be sure to ride carefully, especially when it rains. If you do not want to drive yourself, you can also go on a 6 USD shared transfer which will pick you up at your accommodation around 11:30 AM, take you to the waterfall with around 3 hours of free time, and they will take you back to Luang Prabang around 4 PM.

Three hours is definitely enough for Kuang Si Waterfalls. You can spend the first hour walking the nature trail and another hour swimming, and you will still have time to admire the waterfall, relax, and have lunch, etc., before your departure time.

Another cool thing about Kuang Si Waterfall and its nature trail is the fact that, as you walk along the path, you will also be passing through a bear rescue center, a sanctuary for bears that were rescued from illegal poaching, and you can observe them as they roam around a playground built specifically for them.

Despite their intimidating looks, they are surprisingly friendly and highly receptive to visitors. The moment one saw us approaching, it climbed all the way up to greet us. Can they get any more adorable?

The entrance fee to the waterfall is 25,000 LAK per person, and once you buy the ticket, you will be transported to the waterfall's entrance with a golf cart. The waterfall is open from 8 AM to 5 PM every day. Visiting the Kuang Si waterfall is definitely the highlight of Luang Prabang, so be sure not to miss it while you are here.

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2. Admire the Beauty of Haw Pha Bang

Haw Pha Bang is probably one of the most recognizable landmarks in Luang Prabang. Located near the Royal Palace, this temple complex is a great example of the traditional Lao architectural style, with its multi-tiered wooden roof, gold-colored decorations, and intricate carvings.

Although this UNESCO heritage site may appear old, the temple's construction was completed in 2006. That being said, the construction actually began all the way back in 1963, but the work was halted during the rise of communism. The construction continued again in the 90s.

The temple can be seen from anywhere along the main street of Luang Prabang's old town, with the best view being along the porch of the staircase that goes up to the top of Phousi Hill.

With its stunning exterior and impressive interior, Haw Pha Bang is definitely a temple worthy of being in the Royal Palace. To get inside, you must pay the entrance fee to the Royal Palace, which is 30,000 LAK per person. By paying this fee, you will gain access to both the museum inside the Royal Palace and the temple.

Unfortunately, no photos are allowed in the temple. The temple is open from 8 AM to 11:30 AM and again from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM, so be sure to plan your visit carefully.

3. Stroll Around the Royal Palace

After you are done with Haw Pha Bang, you can check out the Royal Palace Museum, which is housed in the former royal palace. This palace was built in 1904 during the French colonial period as a residence for the Laotian royal family. The palace served as the official residence of the monarchs until the monarchy was abolished in 1975.

The architecture of the Royal Palace Museum is a blend of traditional Lao design and French colonial influence. The building features intricate woodwork, ornate carvings, and a distinctive multi-tiered roof, which is really cool to see.

Inside the museum, you will find several well-preserved rooms of the Royal Palace, from the main hall called the Throne Room to the bedrooms of the royal family. As you walk around the museum, you will get a glimpse of what life was like for the royal family back then. You will feel like you are being transported back in time.

Unfortunately, the Royal Palace has very strict rules regarding clothing and photography. No photos are allowed anywhere inside the royal palace. In fact, you can't even bring any bags inside, as you will be asked to deposit them in the locker room before being allowed to enter.

You are also not allowed to wear tank tops and shorts in the museum. You can rent a pair of pants at the locker room for about 10,000 LAK each. A minor inconvenience but very understandable.

The entrance fee to the Royal Palace is 30,000 LAK per person, and the place is open from 8 AM to 11:30 AM and again from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM, so be sure to plan your visit carefully.

4. Participate in Luang Prabang's Almsgiving Ceremony

The Almsgiving Ceremony is a significant and traditional Buddhist practice, and you can often witness or even participate in it, even if you are not a Buddhist. The ceremony involves offering food and other essentials to Buddhist monks and nuns to make merit, and they are often done in the early morning, around 5:30 AM to 6:30 AM.

If you have never experienced almsgiving before, it is definitely worth waking up early to witness it. The ceremony often occurs along the street near temples as the monks make their way around the city. I saw the ceremony right on the main street, but I've also heard reports that you can also see one in front of Wat Sensoukharam.

Since Luang Prabang's almsgiving ceremony is popular and attracts tourists from all over the world, the locals are definitely capitalizing on it with pre-packaged alms you can buy if you wish to participate, at a premium price, of course.

Personally, I found the one in Sangkhlaburi in Thailand to be more impressive, and if you have the chance to visit that town while you are in Thailand, do it. That said, if you have never experienced an almsgiving ceremony before, the one in Luang Prabang is definitely worth checking out. Just be sure to be on location around 6 AM so you don't miss it.

5. Explore Luang Prabang Morning Market

After you are done with the almsgiving ceremony, you should also check out Luang Prabang's Morning Market, which has sprung up along the back alleyway, one street away from the main road.

Walking around the morning market is a great way for you to experience the local life here, as the Laotians come out in droves and mingle with one another. I've never seen a morning market quite as active as this one, which happens every day of the week.

At the market, you can find many vendors selling all kinds of things like local fruit, vegetables, meats, and more. You will also find small restaurants along the street serving traditional breakfasts like Lao-style congee, Khao Soi, and more, which you can try.

I highly recommend you try the congee at this unnamed restaurant I accidentally stumbled upon as I explored the morning market. Get the congee and a few pairs of fried dough to dip in it, and you are good to go.

The morning market starts at around 5 AM and goes on until around 10 AM daily, so if you are an early bird, check out Luang Prabang's morning market.

6. Hike Up Phousi Hill for Sunset ♥️ Must Visit

One of the best things to do in Luang Prabang is to hike up to the top of Phousi Hill at sunset and admire the incredible 360° view of the surroundings while you bask in the lights of the golden hour.

Phousi Hill is a small but iconic hill in the heart of Luang Prabang's old town. At the top, you will find a small temple and a pagoda with an observation deck to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the city, the Mekong River, and the surrounding landscapes.

To reach the top of Phousi Hill, you need to climb a series of staircases that wind their way up the hillside. The climb is relatively easy for most people and should take no more than 10 minutes to reach the top.

The staircases are lined with shaded areas, trees, and various Buddhist statues and shrines, which make for an enjoyable experience no matter what time you decide to hike. However, early mornings and late evenings are recommended as the light is best during these periods.

There is a small entry fee of around 20,000 LAK to access Phousi Hill, which helps with site maintenance. The viewpoint is open from 5 AM to 11 PM daily, so if you are looking for the best viewpoint in Luang Prabang, you can't go wrong with Phousi Hill.

7. Be Blown Away by the Golden Decor of Wat May Souvannapoumaram

Located not too far from the Royal Palace, you should also check out Wat May Souvannapoumaram, a beautiful 18th-century temple that is considered to be one of Luang Prabang's largest and most richly decorated temples.

This temple is one of the few structures that survived the destruction by Chinese invaders in the late 19th century and is highly revered. Even the Lao royalties are known to frequent this temple, thanks to its proximity to the Royal Palace.

The temple features some of the most beautiful decor I've seen in Laos, from the intricately designed wall carvings that greet you as you enter its premises to the replica of the Emerald Buddha image. This image is one of Laos' most venerated Buddha images and now resides at the Grand Palace in Bangkok. It was taken from Laos during the Siam reign of the area.

It is a nice quick stop along the way as you explore other temples in Luang Prabang. The temple is open from 8 AM to 5 PM every day, and the entrance fee is 20,000 LAK per person.

8. Discover the Traditional Lifestyle of the People here at Heuan Chan Heritage House

If you are interested in learning a bit more about the lifestyle of the people here many centuries ago, Heuan Chan Heritage House is a great museum you should visit while you are here.

The museum is housed inside an impressive Lao traditional pre-colonial house built on stilts, made entirely out of wood that dates all the way back to the 19th Century.

Inside, you will find a collection of well-preserved rooms featuring some exciting pieces of history, such as old photographs of Luang Prabang in black and white, traditional attires, a beautiful Lao Apsara tiara, and more.

It is a great place to stroll around and glimpse what Laos' pre-colonial traditions are like. The museum is open from 9 AM to 5 PM every day, and the entrance fee is 20,000 LAK.

9. Visit Wat Xiengthong

Another temple you should definitely visit in Luang Prabang as you make your way east is Wat Xiengthong, an awesome temple complex with many impressive structures such as a classic Lao-style ordination hall, the Chapel of the Funerary Carriage that houses the elaborate and ornate funeral carriage used for royal processions, and more.

The temple was built in 1560 by King Setthathirath, one of the most revered monarchs of the Lao Kingdom of Lan Xang. Over the centuries, it has undergone renovations and restorations due to past conflicts in the region, but its original essence and architectural style have been largely preserved.

As you enter the temple grounds, you will find yourself surrounded by several beautiful Laotian-style structures with their gracefully sweeping, multi-tiered roofs, intricate and ornate gold stenciling, and exterior walls adorned with beautiful murals showcasing the traditional craftsmanship of the people here.

Be sure to spend at least half an hour here before we continue to explore other parts of Luang Prabang. Wat Xiengthong is open from 8 AM to 6 PM every day, and the entrance fee is 20,000 LAK.

10. Learn Why Laos is the most bombed country in the world at UXO Lao Visitor Center 🏛️ Best Museum

Want to know why Laos is the most bombed country in the world? There is no better way to learn about it than the UXO Lao Visitor Center, a small museum dedicated to telling the stories of the horrible remnants of war, the terrible consequences of using cluster bombs, and their effect on the people here long after the conflict ended.

During the Vietnam War, the US dropped an estimated 2 million tons of bombs on Laos from the 1960s to the 1970s. More than 30% of the bombs failed to detonate, creating large, inhospitable lands full of UXO (unexploded ordnance) that continue to kill people to this day.

The saddest part is that this is not even their war. It was the conflict between the US and Vietnam, but since Laos shares a border with Vietnam, the North Vietnamese often used the remote jungles of Laos to transport troops, weapons, and supplies from North Vietnam to South Vietnam along the so-called Ho Chi Minh Trail.

Inside the museum, you will find an extensive collection of bomb fragments that were recovered from around the country, as well as information explaining how these bombs work, how they impact the local people, and how steps are being taken to defuse them one by one.

There is also a presentation room where you can watch an interview video of victims of UXO, with a pretty graphic recreation of how it happened for each one of the victims. It was an incredibly eye-opening experience.

Imagine you playing with your friends in your backyard when you were young, and you accidentally detonated a UXO that has blinded you to this day. That's what happened to one of the victims in the video.

The museum is open from 8 AM to 12 PM and again from 1 PM to 4 PM on weekdays only. It is closed on Saturdays and Sundays, and entrance is free, but donations are accepted.

11. Check out Wat Wisunarat

As you make your way back from the UXO Visitor Center, be sure to drop by and check out Wat Wisunarat. It is another impressive temple, home to a large Buddha image and a unique-looking white stupa shaped like a lotus bud, which is not something you see every day.

The temple was founded in the 16th Century by King Wisunarat, from which it gets its name. Inside the main temple, you will find yourself in a large, spacious hall with a collection of old Buddha images by the altar and a large, beautiful golden Buddha image towering over it.

To enter the main temple, you must pay the entrance fee of 20,000 LAK. However, it is free if you only want to appreciate the beauty of the white stupa outside. The temple is open from 8 AM to 5 PM daily. If you choose to walk back to Luang Prabang for the UXO Visitor Center, make sure to visit Wat Wisunarat along the way.

12. Stroll Around the Night Market

Every night in Luang Prabang, the main street in front of the Royal Palace is closed off from traffic and turned into a Night Market where you can stroll around and go on a shopping spree.

The night market is extremely active every day, with lines and lines of shops selling all kinds of unique souvenirs, from Sabaidee t-shirts to trinkets made out of bomb fragments.

It is a great place to browse for things you might want to buy for your loved ones at home or for yourself. The prices aren't costly as long as you don't mind negotiating.

Even if you do not want to buy anything, it is still a great place to stroll around and go people-watching. The market is open from 5 PM to 11 PM every day, so don't forget to check it out.

What to eat and drink in Luang Prabang?

1. Chill Out at Yuni Yupoun

If you are looking for a nice, cozy place to sit and enjoy local foods with a glass of beer while you relax and enjoy the views of the streets of Luang Prabang, I highly recommend Yuni Yupoun.

The restaurant is located not too far from the night market, and it has a really cozy atmosphere with plenty of seating areas inside across 2 floors. They serve all kinds of dishes, both local and international, but I would recommend you try out their Discover Platter where you will get a bunch of small portions of local food like Sai Ou (local sausage), sticky rice, etc., to try.

They also have happy hours in the evening, so if you are looking for a place to hang out with friends, this is the place to be. The restaurant is open from 11:30 AM to 11 PM every day.

2. Eat Traditional Congee for breakfast at the Morning Market

While you explore the morning market, if you are looking for a place to try traditional breakfasts, I highly recommend you check out this unnamed congee restaurant located right along the morning market's street.

They serve traditional congee with pork and garnish; you can also order a few pairs of fried dough to dip in. They also serve Khao Soi and other delicious local dishes at a very affordable price.

When I was there, everyone in the restaurant was local, which is always a good sign, so don't forget to check them out. The restaurant is open from 6 AM to approximately 10 AM.

3. Enjoy French Pastries at Le Banneton Café French Bakery

Last but not least, one of my favorite cafes in Luang Prabang is Le Banneton Café French Bakery, a cozy cafe with a great selection of pastries, breakfast, and coffee to choose from. It is a great place to drop by if you crave Western-style breakfast and bakery goods like croissants, bagels, and more.

There is plenty of space to sit inside and a few seats in front of the café, which is perfect for people-watching. The food selection was excellent, tasted great, and the atmosphere was perfect. What more could you ask for, right?

The café is open from 6 AM to 6 PM every day. If you are looking for a place to get coffee or take a break during the day while exploring the city, be sure to check out Le Banneton Café French Bakery.

How to Get to Luang Prabang?

The best way to get to Luang Prabang is to use the Lao-China speed train, which you can use to travel from either Vientiane or Vang Vieng. It is the most convenient way to get to Luang Prabang, as the road to the city is notoriously mountainous and in poor condition.

Whereas the bus would have taken more than 8+ hours, the train only takes around 2 hours from Vientiane to Luang Prabang and around 50 minutes from Vang Vieng. The train should cost about 30 USD per person. You can check the schedule and book the train ticket here.

Remember that the train stations in Laos are often located quite far from the city, so you will have to organize a taxi with your accommodation in advance. The train stations in Vientiane and Luang Prabang are almost 40 minutes away, so be sure to spare some time.

The shared minivan service from the train station in Luang Prabang to the old town and vice versa should cost around 35,000 LAK, and you should find plenty of minivans waiting in front of the train station. Pretty straightforward.

For more information on train travel in Laos, check out:10 Tips For First-Time Laos Train Travel

How to Get Around Luang Prabang?

Luang Prabang is quite walkable, with many tourist attractions I listed here easily reachable on foot. For places further away, like Kuang Si Waterfall, you can either rent a motorbike, which should cost about 150,000 LAK per day, or you can rely on this shuttle service that will take you there and back for 6 USD.