Asia is a fascinating and at times chaotic continent to visit. It often feels necessary to take a step back from the noise and crowds and find somewhere peaceful to reflect on the travel experience and rejuvenate your soul. A place where you can sit by a mighty slow river, sip a mighty long drink and contemplate just how good life can be. Luang Prabang in northern Laos is that place and this post is your magic carpet ride of things to do in Luang Prabang.
Read on for the when, why, how and what of visiting this ancient royal capital.
What You Will Find in This Post
1.When is the best time to visit Luang Prabang?
When should always be the first thing on any Travel List.
The When for Luang Prabang is October to April. This is the best time to visit Laos in general as the entire country should be dry then. Having said that I’ve visited Asian countries when an afternoon downpour is a blessing in disguise.
Luang Prabang’s climate is divided between Wet and Dry Seasons and having visited at the end of the dry season we do recommend the Wet Season. Of course we are from North Queensland Australia and were raised in a hot humid climate.
Read on to come to the decision that is right for you.
Dry season (Nov-Apr) The town sits in a valley some 300 km north of the Laos Capital of Vientiane. It hides beneath a slash and burn smoke haze during March/April. We totally underestimated the extent and severity of the smoke and how it would affect photography. When rumbles of thunder give way to the first downpour of the wet season, the haze magically clears from the valley.
Wet season (May-Oct). It will be rain every day, but rain cools everything down and adds fun to the experience. Arrange your day so you are resting in your room during the daily afternoon downpour of about one hour.
If rain is not for you, November through February is your season, remembering that this is also Peak Tourist time. Prices will be higher (but not extreme) and accommodation will be more difficult to find so book in advance.
I was smitten with Luang-Prabang long before we arrived and as April was our only window of opportunity, we had no choice.
You can read more about the weather HERE.
Smoky haze in the Luang Prabang valley before the beginning of the Wet Season in Luang Prabang.
This photo shows a different Luang Prabang minus the smoke – I know which I prefer. Hover over photo for attribution.
2.Where is Luang Prabang?
Luang Prabang site on the banks of the mighty Mekong River where it meets the Nam Kahn (river).
The town fills the raised peninsula between the two rivers and water is never far away, although it is far below on the Mekong side.
Rivers mean boats and boat trips.
I can’t think of a more interesting place to be than Luang Prabang Laos.
3.Why Visit – Or – Things to do in Luang Prabang?
Luang Prabang Wats.
Luang Prabang is Wats. It is also a Unesco World Heritage City whose name translates to Royal Buddha Image.
Where there are Buddhas there are Wats or Temples – the reason for the town’s Unesco listing.
Low swooping roofs distinguish Lao Wats from those in other countries. There are thirty-two temples under Unesco protection in Luang Prabang Laos, the most famous of which is Wat Xieng Thong, but there are more than sixty in total.
Wat Xieng Thong is a show piece Wat, but you should definitely hunt down some smaller lesser known compounds for comparison.
Ask your guesthouse to direct you to their LOCAL FAVOURITE.
Buddhist Monks are approachable and easy to talk with, but women should remember that touch is not appropriate.
Low Swooping Roofs are indicative of Wats in Laos
Monks Luang Prabang Style.
Literally thousands of bag-wearing umbrella-toting monks and novices roam the town – a sight that describes Luang Prabang more than any other.
Monks in Luang Prabang start their day before sunrise for almsgiving.
What is almsgiving?
The Luang Prabang Alms Ceremony is when Monks and Novices hit the streets to collect rice and other food from locals and tourists in the Tak Bat almsgiving ceremony.
Be sensitive when photographing this sacred ritual. There is an etiquette involved – read about it HERE.
Luang Prabang Monks Drumming
In the late afternoons the sound of beating drums flows into the streets announcing evening prayers. It’s a beautiful sound and if you’re lucky your hotel will be near a Wat.
Who are the Monks of Luang Prabang
A fair percentage of novice monks are young boys from poor families. They come in search of food and a free education and are often accepted into a temple.
Although some might progress to monk-hood, a fair percentage will move on to higher education or gain a job with their monk funded education.
The life of a monk, especially a novice monk, who could be as young as seven, is not glamorous. They are up well before dawn chanting and meditating. Their days are filled with jobs and study and they share basic dormitory accommodation. They could be living without heating in winter or cooling in summer.
Adding to these hardships is their families are often too far distant to visit. Most families will have one member as a novice monk in a Wat somewhere.
Monks at Tak Bat Ceremony.
Meet Luang Prabang Locals
The Laos are quiet, gentle and unhurried people. Even their markets have a relaxed vibe. They are fun loving in a laid back way as you will discover if you arrive during Lao New Year. Everyone from the older generation, Mum and Dad, Teenagers and toddlers will be intent on dousing you in water. Keep your phone in a water proof case.
Enjoy Laos Food and Laos Fruit Shakes
A cold fruit shake never failed to freshen us up in the mid-day heat. Our favourite place in the main street was had a stunning orchid display out the front.
Enjoy cold fruit shakes all over town.
Luang Prabang night market food.
The buffet food offerings at Luang Prabang Night Market are the stuff of legends. The video below shows the handicraft market first which merges into the adjoining night food market at about 2.50 minutes.
Luang Prabang Cafes and Restaurants
Luang Prabang Cafes offer a variety of Western and Laos food. There are many good places to eat in the town centre including the main street.
Mekong River Restaurants in Luang Prabang line the high banks of the Mekong River. These are the place to dine by candlelight beneath palm trees and fairy lights. It is a magical way to spend an evening.
The Nam Khan (River) also has it’s share of riverside restaurants.
Dyen Sabai Restaurant
Cross the Nam Khan, on a thatch bridge near Wat Phan Luang, on Phousi Road and dine on the deck of Dyen Sabai, amidst floor cushions, candles and free wifi. Try the Lao Starter plate and Lao Hot Pot. A little pricey but in a good position with nice atmosphere. Arrive early or book if your party is large. Could be asked to share table.
We loved crossing the Nam Khan on a thatch bridge to eat at Dyen Sabai, but what is really striking about this restaurant is it’s longevity. I know personally that it has been around for eight years which is a long time in the restaurant world. As far as I know it has been run by the same woman all that time.
A recent 2019 Trip Advisor Review says:
What an extraordinary treat such an exotic restaurant in a mysterious land. Right on the water amazing barbecue. The staff was attentive and helpful and the food absolutely incredibly fresh and delicious. Can’t say enough good things about our time there, not only a good meal but great memories.
The French Influence on Luang Prabang Food including Crepes
As in Vietmam, we can thank the French for a legacy of great baguettes, good coffee and pastries which persist even though their protectorate finished prior to WWII.
Crepes are a speciality. You must taste them at the Night Market on Sisavangvong Street or in the nearby streets. Marty’s favourite was banana and chocolate. I liked sugar and lemon. Coconut is also popular.
Drink Beer Lao
Indulge in the local brew Beer Lao at Sunset in one of the open air river view restaurants. I drank this beer continuously and loved it.
Indulge in Tropical Fruit in Luang Prabang
Tropical Fruit breakfasts are de rigueur in Luang Prabang. The fruit salad below was part of my breakfast at Manichan Guesthouse.
The markets sell covered plastic cups, full of pre-chopped fruit just waiting to be whizzed up on the spot.
Luang Prabang Markets
Morning Market Luang Prabang
Spread at ground level and on table top, the morning markets are an exciting mix of live frogs and fish, piles of fresh eggs, insects destined for the dinner plate, dried fish and asian greens.
With a sprinkling of motorbikes and a crush of people, the food market is a photographer’s dream. Best visited early, try combining the markets with the dawn Tak Bat ceremony to minimise early mornings.
Luang Prabang Night Markets
The night markets offer one of the most relaxed market experiences I’ve ever had. The no pressure sales tactics meant we visited every night and subsequently bought plenty. See Video above.
Expect hand embroidered bedspreads from the Hmong Villagers and various other handicrafts aimed at tourists. When walking away from the city centre through the markets look out on the right for food street.
If you are visiting Bangkok next, use Thailand’s cheap and reliable postal service to send your purchases home.
Views from Mt. Phousi
The golden stupa on the top of Phousi can be seen from all over town.
Climb the white staircase to Mount Phousi in the centre of the historic area for views over the town and river, choosing sunrise over sunset to escape the crowds.
There are two entrance/exits. Ascend by one and descend by the other to take in all the sights.
Check out the many impressive BUDDHA STATUES ON MT PHOUSI, the Russian machine gun mounting, Buddhas footprint.
Suggestion: Buy offerings at the base of the stairs near Wat Pahouak to place at the Stupa on the summit.
Laos New Year.
In the days leading up to Pii Mai held on 14-16th April, toddlers encouraged by parents, aim hoses and water pistols, while teenagers mount 44 gallon drums of water on the back of a jeep and go looking for fun. There are more organised celebrations, so ask your Guesthouse prior to arrival if you want to join in. This is the hottest time of the year so the sprays of water are welcome.
Explore the surrounding countryside.
Mekong River Boats at Pak Ou Caves, a day trip from Luang Prabang, Laos.
Book your own Pak Ou Cave Trip here.
Dusty Buddha Statues in Pak Ou Caves, Mekong River.
Mekong River Water Buffalo.
Luang Prabang’s main street Th Sisavangvong is full of places selling day and half day tours.
Things to do Around Luang Prabang
Elephant Rescue Centre (a must if you have not met elephants before),
Boat trip up the Mekong River to Pak Ou caves (the boat trip is the draw-card although I found the caves interesting too).
Hiking, climbing and canoeing trips are also available.
Hire a boat and driver at the riverside to explore more Wats across the Mekong from Luang Prabang.
Kouang Si waterfall – Cool Off in a Luang Prabang waterfall, the best being KOUANG SI, a half or full day trip from town. If the weather is hot arrange a full day excursion so you can stay and keep cool. Free the Bears run a bear rescue centre at the entrance to the waterfall which houses mainly the Asiatic Black Bear (Moon Bear) – Donations welcome.
Take a Kuang Si Waterfall Tour in a mini-bus.
How long should I stay?
Five days is the minimum amount of days to spend in Luang Prabang. It’s likely that you will not want to leave after this time is up though.
How do I to get to Luang Prabang?
How to get to Luang Prabang from Bangkok? Bangkok Air and Laos Airlines.
From Siem Reap and Hanoi? Vietnam Airlines.
The boat trip to Luang Prabang from Huay Xai, is a slow boat stopping overnight in Pak Beng. Fast Boats are available but are noisy and dangerous – crash helmets compulsory!
Luang Prabang to Vientiane? 340 km on Route 13. Overland bus – 10 hours – check for travel warnings.
How to Pronounce Luang Prabang?
Loo-ahng Pra-bahng or try Loo-ung Pra-bung.
Tourist Visas
Available on arrival for most passport holders ($30US for Australians), but there are exemptions. Please check! You will need the money in US Dollars (Best Option) or Thai Baht (1400), and bring 2 passport photos with you.
Luang Prabang Accommodation
There are many friendly local accommodation options varying everywhere on the scale from budget to luxury. These two options are a good starting point.
Budget Accommodation –
MANICHAN GUESTHOUSE Ban Pakham Unit 4/143, Luang Prabang 00000, Laos. Right next to the morning food market. I can personally recommend this guesthouse. It has changed hands since we stayed there but it still gets great reviews and is still very affordable. We had a double A/c room upstairs with a beautiful shared bathroom (which we never had to wait to use). The building has beautiful timber floors and staircase. There is a courtyard with flowering vines at the back where breakfast is eaten.
Look and Book Manichan Guesthouse here.
Luxury Accommodation –
Sofitel Luang Prabang Hotel. Ban Mano, Luang Prabang 00600, Laos. Former French Governor’s Residence 20 minutes walk from Old Town. I have not stayed in this luxurious hotel, but my friend has and she loved it.
Add a link to your travel post at the link up below. I am co-hosting Nancie’s Travel Photo Thursday with Ruth from Tanama Tales and Rachel from Rachel’s Ruminations.
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I like the look of Luang Prabang and Laos in general. It seems to be a little less hectic that some of the other countries in SE Asia. I could happily float in that emerald coloured water in the stream to cool off. Beautiful!
Yes it is much more laid back than Cambodia and Vietnam, Kathy.
I would like to visit several cities in each South Asian country. Luang Prabang is definitely on my list. I wouldn’t mind going in the wet season since I am from a rainy place. I have been to Central America in the rainy season and I have enjoyed my time. Like you said, kind of a sauna on steroids but it can be refreshing during certain times.
You would love it in Luang Prabang. There are other places in Laos you would like too I think. I’ve not been anywhere else in Laos but would like to go to Vientane and 4 thousand islands.
I hadn’t heard of Tak Bat ceremonies and I google it. I saw a lot of people complaining about tourists ruining it by pushing themselves and their cameras in the monk’s faces. There were others saying street vendors sell tourists rice to give to the monks and charge ridiculous prices. Did you see any of that going on Jan? I wonder what makes a young man decide to become a monk? It looks like a truly fascinating place to visit and the architecture is gorgeous. Love this post.
Definitely, tourists (local tourists too) get right in the face of the monks with cameras and video cameras. We stood back across the street and our cameras weren’t that good back then. Still Pic Monkey helped me edit them. It is always best to get the rice from your guesthouse if you want to join in Tak Bat. I would feel a little weird doing so seeing I am not Buddhist. I’m sure some enterprising person would sell rice at ridiculous prices.
Such a lot to see and experience! looks so wonderful and different from a busy city life. I am sure spending a couple of days here will bring a lot of peace to mind.
It really was a peaceful place Indrani.
Luang Prabang looks wonderful, and with so many UNESCO sites, it looks like it’s worth an extended stay.
Yes Rachel, Loads of temples and we loved the monks and the lovely people. We stayed at a lovely guesthouse Manichan, the owner was French and a cook and our breakfasts were superb.
You got me with that bowl of fruit.
My first thought was that the dry season would be the better time to visit but it sounds like it doesn’t rain all day. I could manage that! Thanks for the tour, Jan!
They make wonderful fruit drinks that are so refreshing Marcia.
Luang Prabang looks absolutely beautiful and your before and after shot really shows the striking difference between the hazy dry season and the rainy season. I think I’d go during the rainy times especially since it clears the air so well.
Yes Jim, With a choice I’d go with the wet season. You know you’re in the tropics with the warm rain tumbling down in the afternoons.
I have not been to Laos but hopefully I will get there one day soon. I love your photos, especially the waterfalls.
Those waterfalls were lifesavers Anne!
We went on an electro-bike in Luang Prabang for the first time of our life! It was great #TPThursday
That would be an excellent way to discover Luang Prabang. I wish they’d had them when we were there.I checked out your site but couldn’t see any blog posts on Luang Prabang.
Hi Jan. Thanks for the trip down memory lane. I loved Luang Prabang when I was there in 2007. I would love to go back and experience it all again. I’m really intrigued by the morning market and ceremony. I traveled there with a friend, who was not an early riser. We shared a room, and I always felt mean when I would get up early in the morning and try to get ready to go out early. Next time, I’ll go solo, or have my own room! Thanks for hosting this week!
Yes Nancie I would return there too. I’m not an early riser that is why I suggest combining the morning market, the ceremony and then climb Mt. Phousi afterward. Then back to sleeping in again lol.
I’d love to visit Luang Prabang and Laos. I was speaking to someone yesterday who said Cambodia was pretty full on with aggressive hawkers, but you paint a calm picture in Laos. The emerald water and the bright saffron of the monks robes make for beautiful images.
It was 2010 when we were there Jo but I’m sure it is still a fairly laid back place to visit, especially compared to Thailand and Vietnam.
Damn.!
seriously, that would be really fun, enjoying the weather out there in a different location with the traditional local food really a fantastic experience it will be and for sure a fascinating place to be in.
Ah, I remember the wonderful fruit drinks like that when I was in Vietnam and Cambodia. This place looks great. I haven’t been to Laos but it is definitely a country I’d like to visit. A friend of ours just visits most of Southeast Asia (being born in Asia herself) and said that Laos was probably her favorite destination she’s visited which says a lot!
I really wanted to visit Luang Prabang so grabbed at the chance to have four days there, but would love to see more of the Country. It is good to know that your friend rates it so highly also.