Protected by UNESCO Heritage listings, the historic capital of Laos, Luang Prabang, captures the very heart and soul of Lao culture. Here’s what it’s like to visit this exquisite little river town.
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Sitting on the confluence of the mighty Mekong and the crawling Nam Khan Rivers, Luang Prabang is a pretty, prosperous town, full of interesting laneways, thriving markets, fun riverside restaurants and elegant temples.
Its colonial heritage is also well-preserved. The smart, brick-and-balcony French buildings blend with traditional Lao timber, wattle and daub architecture, which ramps up the romance of the town.
With the help of UNESCO protection as a place of Outstanding Universal Value, Luang Prabang’s historic riverine streets are here to stay.
This is the last stop on our Laos by Train itinerary, organised by brilliant global tour operator InsideAsia Tours that creates fully tailored cultural adventures around Asia. You can book this itinerary here.
Our trip is a perfect example of how InsideAsia Tours can create itineraries that look deep beneath the surface of a destination and bring you to experiences you probably wouldn’t find by yourself.
And it’s not just Laos that InsideAsia Tours travel through. They also have amazing itineraries in Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, Borneo, Singapore, Hong Kong, and South Korea, which they’ve developed since they started in 2013.
If you want to see our overview of our trip in Laos, click here and if you want to see the other destinations we visited in more detail, click here.
We have also written a review of the high-speed train through Laos.
Things to do in Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang was once the royal and religious capital of Laos. Civil war stripped the country of its monarchy and handed the capital to Vientiane in 1946.
Perhaps it because of this noble history that there’s a quiet confidence to Luang Prabang. A sense of deep pride.
Where to Stay in Luang Prabang
With its own international airport and the new high-speed train that hurtles in from Vang Vieng and Vientiane, Luang Prabang’s tourism industry is on the rise. There’s a healthy range of accommodation here, though there’s a lean towards more upmarket hotels than budget hostels.
Our hotel, the verdant Maison Dalabua, is a dreamscape of bamboo, broad-leafed tropical plants and lagoon-like UNESCO listed lily ponds. Little timber bridges and over-water walkways link the restaurant and bar to the rest of this low-key resort, and our room has a homely yet luxurious feel.
This is a Lao-owned hotel that’s been in the same family for generations. Its name is the perfect fusion of French and Lao cultures respectively — Maison Dalabua meaning House of the Lotus Princess.
Things to Do in Luang Prabang
There’s a lot to do in and out of Luang Prabang. We have listed our favourite ‘in town’ and ‘out of town’ activities here, but for more detail, head to two separate stories:
Things to do outside of Luang Prabang
In Town
Temples
There are over 40 temples in Luang Prabang, but our favourites are Vat Xieng Thong, Vat Sene Souk Haram and Vat Xieng Muan.
Museums
We really enjoyed the Traditional Arts & Ethnology Centre, the former Royal Palace, now the National Museum, and the historical Huan Chuan House.
L-R: traditional Baci ceremony; artist Tiao Nith; Luang Prabang night markets
Cultural Experiences
Visiting local artist, bon vivant and member of Laos’ former royal family Tiao Nithakhong Somsanith, is truly incredible.
Taking part in a Baci ceremony, a Sanskrit celebration of the spirit that pre-dates Buddhism is a Laos highlight.
Luang Prabang’s night markets are awesome and take over most of the main street of the peninsula.
Sunset cruise on the Mekong
Our private sunset cruise on Southeast Asia’s biggest river is incredible. It’s just us, the pilot and our excellent IAT guide, AK on a traditional Lao riverboat.
The cruise ends with an easy walk to the centre of town and its night markets, now in full flow.
L-R: us on a sunset cruise on the Mekong River; Buddhist monks taking alms at dawn
Monks’ Morning Quest for Alms
Known as ‘sai bat’, the giving of alms to monks at dawn is a daily ceremony around Lao. This is a very important cultural ceremony but also a fascinating spectacle.
Finding Coffee
The coffee in Lao is arguably the best in Southeast Asia. They grow their own beans here and have perfected the roasting process. You’ll find good filter drip coffee here, but also great espresso too.
For more detail on all of these and more, click here: Things to do in Luang Prabang
Out of Town
Living Land Farm Experience
Not far out of town, the Living Land Farm Experience takes you through the complex and labour-intensive processes involved with growing, harvesting and processing rice.
L-R: us at Living Land Farm project; Kuang Si Waterfalls
Kuang Si Waterfall
These beautiful falls, about 30km from Luang Prabang, are one of the most popular attractions of the area. There’s also a sanctuary for Asiatic Black Bears here and an excellent restaurant.
Laos Buffalo Dairy
The Water Buffalo Dairy Farm is a social enterprise that ‘rents’ buffalo from locals in a form of agistment, milking them for various dairy products. You also get to interact with the animals here and taste the delicious food the dairy makes.
MandaLao Elephant Conservation
Hike with Asian elephants in MandaLao Elephant Conservation, the only no-ride, no-wash elephant sanctuary in Laos and one of the few in Southeast Asia. Each group is limited to eight people.
How to spot an ethical elephant sanctuary
Where to Eat And Drink
Luang Prabang is full of excellent places to enjoy a drink and a nibble. Here are some locally owned places we recommend:
Limkong Restaurant is a rickety riverside bar and eatery perfect for views and ice-cold beer.
Artisan Bar is tiny and only sits about 10 people. Its cocktails would fit in anywhere in Sydney, Melbourne or even NYC.
For food, if you don’t visit the night market at least twice, you’re missing out.
Saffron Cafe is a lovely little cafe selling tasty cakes and great coffee.
Tamarind Restaurant serves well-developed local dishes like duck laab and chicken stuffed into lemongrass stems. It also runs a cooking school.
Find more detail on these recommendations, plus our best food experience here: Things to do outside of Luang Prabang
