How to Spend 72 Hours in Luang Prabang:
The Perfect 3 Day Itinerary

Everything you need to see, do, and eat in just 72 hours in Luang Prabang

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Tucked between misty mountains and the lazy currents of the Mekong, Luang Prabang feels like a place suspended in time. With its golden temples, crumbling French villas, saffron robed monks and the scent of frangipani on the breeze, this UNESCO heritage town offers a rare kind of stillness and beauty that lingers long after you’ve left. One minute you might be winding through the night market, the next, waking at dawn to witness the ancient ritual of tak bat. Three days here is enough to let the town get under your skin and still leave you coming back for more. This is your perfect 3 day itinerary for experiencing the soul of Laos in 72 unforgettable hours.

Day 1 - Traditional Laos

Morning: The Old Town and Wat Xieng Thong

Start your day with a leisurely stroll down Sisavangvong Road, the main street that cuts through the heart of historic Luang Prabang. Pop into one of the many cafes that line the street – the coffee here is exceptional and the laid back atmosphere is unique amongst most major towns in Southeast Asia. We love Le Banneton Cafe, a French bakery serving up crispy, fluffy pastries and delicious, freshly brewed coffee. Grab an outside table if you can and watch the world go by.

Wat Xieng Thong, Luang Prabang

After breakfast, stroll down the winding streets of the Old Town, where you’ll find working temples and traditional wooden houses alongside French colonial mansions. Make your way towards Wat Xieng Thong, without doubt the most iconic temple in Laos. Built in the 16th century, it’s a masterpiece of Lao design, known for its grand architecture and peaceful atmosphere. Explore the breathtaking ornate mosaics, depicting scenes from Buddhist mythology, and wander the quiet gardens surrounding the temple. It can be said that you haven’t visited Luang Prabang until you’ve set foot inside this temple, such is it the spiritual heart of the town.

Manda de Laos Restaurant, Luang Prabang

Afternoon: The Royal Palace Museum

After Wat Xieng Thong, make your way to the Royal Palace Museum. Once the residence of Laos’ royal family, the palace is now a museum dedicated to the country’s regal past. Here you’ll find ancient royal regalia alongside displays of beautiful Lao art. The grounds and buildings are spectacular too, and worth exploring in and of themselves. Don’t miss the Pha Bang, the sacred golden Buddha statue that the city is named after.

For lunch, head to one of the most picturesque and highly loved restaurants in Luang Prabang, Manda de Laos, set in a traditional Lao house with lily ponds and fragrant lush gardens. Immerse yourself in Lao cuisine here, feasting on larb (spicy minced meat salad) and tam mak hoong (green papaya salad). Ingredients are local, the food is delicious and you might find it hard to drag yourself away.

Mount Phousi Viewpoint, Luang Prabang

Evening: Sunset at Mount Phousi and Dinner at L’Elephant

As the afternoon draws to a close, take a short hike up Mount Phousi for panoramic views of Luang Prabang and its surrounding mountains. The climb is steep but manageable, and the reward at the top is a breathtaking vista of the town, the Mekong River and the forested valley that stretches beyond. It’s the perfect spot to catch the sunset and an iconic spot in Luang Prabang. There’s also a beautiful little temple at the top to explore while you’re there.

For dinner, head to the legendary L’Elephant, a French-Lao fusion restaurant that serves up creative dishes like duck confit with tamarind sauce. It’s housed in a beautiful colonial building, right on the main street, and is a favourite spot to watch the evening come to life around you.

Kuang Si Falls, Laos

Day 2 - Surrounds of Luang Prabang

Morning: Kuang Si Waterfall and Bear Rescue Centre

After a day of exploring the cultural heart of Luang Prabang, it’s time to head beyond the city and experience some of the breathtaking beauty that surrounds it. Today, you’re swapping temples and shrines for waterfalls and river cruises. Start your second day early with a visit to Kuang Si Waterfalls, located about 30km outside of Luang Prabang. The journey takes around 45 minutes by car or tuk-tuk, taking you through rolling Laos countryside and past local villages. The waterfall is a truly stunning sight, cascading over multiple tiers of turquoise pools surrounded by dense jungle. It’s one of the most famous sights in Laos for a reason. You can swim in the lower pools, so pack your swimsuit and a towel for a dip! Before you leave, head to the Bear Rescue Centre next to the waterfall. This centre is dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating Asiatic black bears, giving them a sanctuary to call home after a lifetime of abuse and trafficking. Read our Full Guide to Visiting Kuang Si Waterfalls here.

hand picked tours we love:

Afternoon: Lunch at Dyen Sabai & River Cruise

After your morning at the waterfall, return to Luang Prabang and head to Dyen Sabai for lunch alongside the water. The bamboo deck overlooks the Nam Khan river, where you’ll likely see traditional fishing boats gliding past and local kids splashing on the shores. You can enjoy local delicacies such as mok pa (steamed fish in banana leaves) and sticky rice, but the real star of the show here is their Laos BBQ – which you cook right on your table atop the glowing coals.

Mekong River, Luang Prabang

Head back to your hotel after lunch to rest and get ready for an epic evening. As the day draws to a close, head to the legendary Mekong river for a sunset cruise along this mighty waterway. Glide past jungle-clad hills in a traditional wooden boat, watching as farmers tend to their rice paddies and cows laze in the grass. Sip on a cocktail or an ice cold Beer Lao and enjoy the gentle heart of this peaceful country.

hand picked tours we love:

Luang Prabang Night Market

Evening: Luang Prabang Night Market

No visit to Luang Prabang is complete without exploring its famous night market, a bustling handicraft and food market that takes over the main street as darkness falls. Unlike other markets in Southeast Asia, this one is relatively calm, without the raucous crowds and tacky souvenirs that usually dominate. Instead, you’ll find handwoven textiles, wooden carvings and Laotian jewellery, with many of the artisans from small villages surrounding the town. It’s a lovely place to pick up an authentic souvenir. You’ll also spot local Lao street food stalls selling everything from skewered meats to the iconic (and delicious!) khao nom kok (sweet coconut rice cakes) that we can’t guarantee you won’t get addicted to. For a truly unique Luang Prabang experience, head to the Vegetarian Buffet, otherwise called 10,000kip Market. Taking over a side street off Sisavangvong Road, you’ll find heaping platters of delicious, freshly made vegetarian food – including aromatic salads, steaming coconut curries and deep fried snacks. Pay for your plate and fill it up as big as you can!

Alms Giving, Luang Prabang

Day 3 - The Heart of Luang Prabang

Morning: Morning Alms Giving

Wake up early to witness one of Luang Prabang’s most famous and deeply spiritual traditions: the morning alms giving. At dawn, hundreds of monks leave their monasteries and walk through the streets, collecting alms from the local community. It’s a ritual that has endured for centuries, and it’s possible to participate if you wish. It’s a magical, otherworldly experience for any visitor to the town. Read our Guide to Experiencing The Alms Giving in Luang Prabang here.

Afterwards, head to Saffron Coffee for breakfast, a gorgeous roastery serving up some of the best coffee in town by skilled baristas. Take it easy this morning and browse some of the local shops, walk the streets or head back to your hotel for a couple of hours before lunch.

Ock Pop Tock, Luang Prabang

Afternoon: Discover Ock Pop Tok

Just outside the city, you’ll find Ock Pop Tok, located within a beautiful craft centre. It’s dedicated to preserving and promoting traditional Lao textiles and weaving, with hands-on workshops and a gallery to immerse yourself in this age-old tradition. They play a major role in empowering local artisans, especially women, by providing fair wages and training. It’s a fascinating place to explore, and the works on display are breathtaking. While you’re here, grab lunch at their Silk Road Cafe, situated on the Mekong river and with delicious, locally grown food.

Evening: Unwind

For your final evening in Luang Prabang, treat yourself to a much-needed spa experience at our favourite Green Jungle Massage, tucked away down a side street and housed in a greenery-clad traditional wooden house. By day, butterflies and hummingbirds flit around the gardens, and by night, glowing lanterns light up the veranda. The masseuses are skilled and the prices are great value. Start with a gentle foot ritual massage, choose your main treatment and finish with a cup of herbal tea in their charming lounge area. After 3 days of exploring, we can almost guarantee this will feel like heaven on earth.

Tamarind, Luang Prabang

For your final evening, head to Tamarind, a beloved family-run restaurant serving some of the most authentic and delicious Laotian food in the town. It tops our list of the Best Restaurants in Luang Prabang, for good reason. The atmosphere is gently buzzing, the staff are warm and attentive, and the food speaks for itself. If we had to recommend anything, it would be their tasting platter, followed by the stuffed lemongrass, buffalo laap or their famous barbecued cured pork. For the adventurous foodies, you can’t miss the stir-fried frog with chili and basil.