9 of the Best Hidden Gems in
Luang Prabang, Laos
Off-the-beaten path in Luang Prabang: Secret spots only locals know
We may earn a commission from purchases made through some affiliate links on this website
Luang Prabang is Laos’s spiritual heartland, and is a city that quietly charms rather than demands attention. Known for its UNESCO World Heritage status, this former royal capital is no secret amongst travellers. But beyond its picture-postcard colonial streets and ancient temples, Luang Prabang hides a few less-explored treasures. Quiet temples tucked down winding lanes, secluded riverside cafes and hidden workshops are waiting for the more curious amongst you. Here, we help you discover the best hidden gems in Luang Prabang – places and experiences off the beaten path yet within easy reach of the city.
1. Wat Pa Phon Phao: The Forest Temple
Nestled on a forested hillside outside the city centre, Wat Pa Phon Phao is often overlooked by visitors who flock to the temples in the centre of town. Yet, this peaceful retreat is one of Luang Prabang’s most atmospheric hidden gems. The temple is known for its meditation practices, and the peaceful grounds are quiet and tranquil. The golden stupa glimmers in the sunlight, surrounded by forest and with panoramic views of rice fields and mountains.
2. Tamarind Cooking School
Tamarind Cooking School is set along the quiet banks of the Nam Khan river, with intimate and authentic cooking classes that introduce travellers to traditional Lao cuisine. You’ll be guided through local markets to handpick ingredients before creating dishes like mok pa (steamed fish in banana leaves), fragrant lemongrass salads and fiery jeow dipping sauces. The setting, overlooking lush gardens and a quiet stretch of river, is the perfect paradise to dive deep into this often overlooked cuisine. And it’s not just us that think so – National Geographic filmed here for a feature with Gordon Ramsay.
3. Garavek Storytelling Theatre
Hidden down a quiet side street, Garavek Storytelling Theatre is where you’ll find intimate evening performances of Lao legends and folklore. Here, tales of river spirits, mythical serpents and ancient kings come to life through storytelling accompanied by traditional Lao instruments. The small theatre seats only a handful of visitors, offering up an authentic experience of local culture that’s difficult to find elsewhere.
4. Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre (TAEC)
Despite being a well-curated museum, the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre often remains a hidden gem due to its discreet location just off the main thoroughfare. Carefully selected artefacts, clothing and crafts from the country’s minority groups tell stories of traditional life and its merging with the modern era. The small adjoining boutique sells ethically sourced handmade crafts, helping support the local communities you are learning about.
5. UXO Lao Visitor Centre
Did you know that Laos remains the most bombed country per capita in the world? During the Vietnam war, more than 270 million cluster bombs and four million large bombs were dropped on this small landlocked country. Today, it remains one of the most contaminated countries for unexploded ordnance (UXO), affecting families across the country every day. This underrated museum sheds light on the tragic legacy of UXO’s leftover from the war. Poignant personal stories and in depth displays provide historical context and a profound understanding of the real cost of war. Far from gloomy, the museum is a beacon of resilience and community empowerment. It’s impossible to leave without feeling a deep sense of empathy and appreciation for the gentle determination of the Lao people.
6. The Secret Bamboo Bridge
Once the monsoon rains have stopped and the rivers return to a normal level, local families painstakingly build these delicate, picturesque bamboo bridges that span the Nam Khan river, connecting the main town to local neighbourhoods. Crossing these bridges takes you into another heart of Luang Prabang – a place where you’ll find traditional houses, small cafes, artisan workshops and quiet temples. When the rainy season comes around again, the rising river dramatically washes away the bamboo bridges, only for them to be rebuilt again when the dry season returns. The bridges are another symbol of Laos resourcefulness and resilience, and something that is quintessentially Luang Prabang.
7. Nahm Dong Park
A short drive from central Luang Prabang brings you to Nahm Dong Park, an eco-friendly sanctuary hidden in the lush rainforest. Rarely crowded, Nahm Dong feels like a secluded secret, perfect for quiet hikes, picnics by gentle streams, or strolls through fragrant herbal gardens. Here you’ll find gentle walking trails, crystal-clear swimming pools fed by natural springs and opportunities to learn traditional Lao farming and handicrafts. We could easily spend days exploring here, which feels a little bit like paradise lost.
8. Visit the Artisan Villages
Just beyond Luang Prabang’s historic core, the neighbouring villages of Ban Xieng Lek and Ban Xang Khong are famous amongst those-in-the-know for their handmade crafts. A walk through the streets here and you’ll witness skilled artisans making delicate paper from mulberry bark and local women weaving colourful textiles on giant looms, their hands and feet skilfully dancing across the pedals and threads. Observe the processes up close and chat with the craftspeople who’ve mastered these skills over generations. These villages offer genuine cultural immersion and a chance to support ethical, community-based tourism.
9. Cross the river to find Ban Xieng Mene Village
In a country where time seems to stretch out gently, it’s not too hard to find places in Laos that feel genuinely untouched. One such place is Ban Xieng Mene, a small Khmu settlement nestled along the far bank of the Mekong River.
Though only a short hop from the main town, Ban Xieng Mene is a distinctly different experience. Removed from the tourist circuit, the village is a quiet study in the everyday: unpaved footpaths, children playing by the river, elders weaving in shaded courtyards. For those seeking meaningful cultural exchange without spectacle, it’s a place worth crossing the river for.
Things to Do
things to do
