The 10 Best Things to do in Luang Prabang, Laos
Insider's Guide: What Not to Miss in Luang Prabang, Laos
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Lying at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, Luang Prabang is Laos’ cultural and spiritual heart. This UNESCO World Heritage town is small but mighty, with French-colonial charm and gilded temples backed by mountains. Here’s our pick of the 10 best things to do in Luang Prabang, to help you get into the heart of this beautiful corner of Laos.
1. Witness the Alms Giving Ceremony at Dawn
This is undoubtedly one of the most iconic experiences in Luang Prabang. Begin your day before sunrise with one of Luang Prabang’s most cherished rituals, Tak Bat. Monks draped in saffron robes walk silently through the streets, collecting alms – primarily sticky rice – from locals and respectful visitors. This is an ancient tradition rooted in the monks’ vows of abstinence from worldly needs, and their connection to the communities around them. Join quietly and observe with reverence. Read our Full Guide to Experiencing the Alms Giving in Luang Prabang here.
2. Climb Mount Phousi for Panoramic Views
Located in the centre of town, Mount Phousi is a 100m tall hill crowned by Wat Chom Si. At the top you’ll find spectacular 360-degree views over Luang Prabang. Climb the 329 steps in late afternoon to catch the sunset as it bathes the rivers, rooftops, and mountains in gold. Remember your camera – this is one of the city’s finest views.
3. Explore Wat Xieng Thong
Regarded as the jewel of Lao architecture, Wat Xieng Thong is an ornate, centuries-old temple complex known for its distinctive roofs and glittering mosaics. Admire the richly gilded interiors and the mesmerizing “Tree of Life” mosaic, a testament to Lao artisanship and devotion.
4. Shop and Eat at the Night Market
As evening descends, Luang Prabang’s main street transforms into a lively night market, filled with stalls selling Laotian textiles, silver jewellery and, of course, street food. Tucked away down a side alley off the main road – Sisavangvong Road – you’ll find the famous Vegetarian Buffet Night Market, otherwise known as the 10,000kip Market. Fill up your plate with mountains of fresh vegetarian food, including noodles, curries, fried rice, spring rolls, salads, steamed vegetables, tofu stir-fries, and plenty more. You only pay for your plate, so pile it as high as you want! Plates start at only 10,000kip which is around 36p – so you can see why people return here night after night. Aside from the buffet, you can find street food stalls selling local specialties like crispy coconut pancakes, freshly grilled river fish, and spicy Lao sausage.
5. Cruise the Mekong to the Pak Ou Caves
Set aside a leisurely half-day to drift along the legendary Mekong River toward the Pak Ou Caves. Carved into limestone cliffs, these sacred caves house thousands of Buddha statues left by pilgrims over centuries. The peaceful river journey itself is as enchanting as the destination, cruising past the idyllic Laos countryside. Read our Guide to Visiting the Pak Ou Caves here.
6. Visit the Kuang Si Waterfalls
Just a short drive from town, the spectacular Kuang Si Waterfalls cascade into sky-blue pools surrounded by dense jungle. Swim in the refreshingly cool waters, hike to the upper falls, or relax at one of the picnic areas. You’ll want to spend a few hours soaking in the beauty of the place – these really are the kind of waterfalls you remember long after you’ve left. Read our Guide to Visiting Kuang Si Waterfalls here.
7. Discover Lao Cuisine Through a Cooking Class
Experience Lao culture hands-on by taking part in a cooking class at one of Luang Prabang’s culinary schools, such as Tamarind or Bamboo Tree. Explore the lively and colourful morning markets, gather fresh ingredients and prepare traditional dishes like spicy laap, fragrant mok pa, and sticky rice served in bamboo baskets.
8. Immerse Yourself in Local Crafts at Ock Pop Tok
Laos has a rich and ancient weaving tradition, which you can immerse yourself in at Ock Pop Tok. Learn about natural dye processes, silk spinning and weaving techniques passed down through generations at this socially responsible initiative on the banks of the Mekong. Additionally, Ock Pop Tok actively supports female artisans across Laos, ensuring fair wages and sustainable livelihoods through ethical practices. The stunning riverside café is perfect for sipping fresh smoothies while overlooking the water too.
9. Cycle Through Traditional Villages
Rent a bicycle and pedal into the countryside, exploring traditional Laos villages. Stops like Ban Xang Khong and Ban Xieng Lek are renowned for handmade paper crafts, silk weaving and local craft shops. Once you leave the streets of Luang Prabang, you’ll immediately feel like you’ve entered the real Laos. You’ll cycle past traditional houses, gardens with chickens and women weaving in the front yard. Cycling is one of the best ways to appreciate the gentle rhythms of village life and the natural beauty surrounding Luang Prabang.
10. Find the Bamboo Bridge
Made entirely from bamboo, this bridge spans the entirety of the Nam Khan river, connecting the bustling Luang Prabang to quieter neighbourhoods on the opposite bank of the river. But that’s not all – every year, during the rainy season, the rising river levels wash the bridge away. Then, as the rainy season comes to an end, local families rebuild the bridge entirely by hand. Walk across the bridge as it gently creaks beneath you, with spectacular views over the river as fishermen float past you on their way to get their daily catch. A small fee (usually about 10,000 kip) is charged to cross, which supports the families who carefully rebuild and maintain the bridge every year. A beautiful symbol of Luang Prabang and of living in harmony with the cycles of nature.
Things to Do
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