Luang Prabang: Ultimate Travel Guide

Everything you need to plan the perfect trip to Laos’ UNESCO town

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Lying beneath the misty mountains of northern Laos, Luang Prabang is one of Southeast Asia’s most underrated destinations. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995, the town is famous for its ancient Buddhist temples and gentle, laid-back atmosphere. Here’s our ultimate travel guide to Luang Prabang, Laos – everything to see, eat and do in the cultural heart of Laos.

How to Get To Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang has an international airport (LPQ), with regular flights from neighbouring countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and China, as well as domestic flights from Vientiane. Flights from Europe and the US/Canada will need to change somewhere like Bangkok or Singapore. You can also reach the town by bus or private car from Vientiane, the capital of Laos, which takes around 10-12 hours. The journey here is scenic but winding, best suited for the more adventurous traveller or those with time on their hands! But truly, one of the most scenic ways to reach Luang Prabang is via boat, along the mighty Mekong river. Popular routes run from Vientiane and Chiang Rai, Northern Thailand, the latter taking a few days.

The Best Time to Visit Luang Prabang

The best time to visit Luang Prabang is between November and February, during the dry season when the weather is cooler. Temperatures range from 18°C (64°F) to 28°C (82°F), making it perfect for exploring the city. The rainy season runs from May to October, which often causes flooding in rural areas.

Amantaka, Luang Prabang

Where to Stay in Luang Prabang

Luxury

Amantaka
No one does understated luxury quite like Aman, and this garden estate in the heart of Luang Prabang does everything right. Each room features teakwood four-poster beds, rattan accents, and tiled floors, opening onto private pools or courtyards. Curated Laotian experiences include Sai Bat rituals, silk weaving and Mekong River cruises. For more options, see our Guide to the Best Hotels in Luang Prabang.

Villa Maly, Luang Prabang

Mid-Range

Villa Maly
In the heart of town, Villa Maly is a boutique hotel set in a colonial-style villa, built in the 1930s. The beautifully appointed rooms are set around a lush garden and swimming pool, with old world charm a-plenty and free bicycles to explore the winding streets of Luang Prabang.

Sa Sa Lao, Luang Prabang

Budget

Sa Sa Lao
Thatched wooden bungalows are scattered throughout bamboo groves and coconut palms in this picturesque stay located 1.5km from the town centre. Rooms are large and comfortable, some with beautiful views overlooking the river. An on-site restaurant serves up French-Laos fusion cuisine, with a shuttle available to take you further into town should you want to leave this little sanctuary.

What to Do in Luang Prabang, Laos

Explore the Temples and Monasteries

The heart and soul of Luang Prabang are its working temples, many of which date back centuries. Start with Wat Xieng Thong, one of the most stunning and well-preserved temples in Laos. Built in the 16th century, the mesmerising mosaics depict Buddhist legends, with peaceful gardens to explore. It’s the perfect introduction to the spiritual side of Luang Prabang.

Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham is known for its gold leafed façade and its views of the Nam Khan river, while Wat Phu Si sits atop the iconic Mount Phousi, with panoramic views of the town and the mountains that surround it.

Witness the Morning Alms Giving

One of the most iconic and unique experiences in Luang Prabang is the morning alms giving ritual. Every morning at dawn, hundreds of Buddhist monks walk through the streets collecting rice and offerings from the local community. This centuries-old tradition is deeply embedded in the culture of the town, representing the relationship between the monks and the local people. You can observe and even participate in this ritual every morning, here’s our Guide to Experiencing the Alms Giving in Luang Prabang, Laos.

Take a Boat Ride on the Mekong River

No trip to Luang Prabang is complete without a boat ride on the Mekong River. This mighty waterway is the lifeblood of the town, and has been the source of food and trade for centuries. Take a traditional longboat for a morning cruise, watch the sunset turn the mountains gold around you or head a couple of hours north to the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, home to thousands of Buddha statues and a sacred pilgrimage site for Laotians.

hand picked tours we love:

Explore the Kuang Si Waterfalls

Just 30km from Luang Prabang lies one of the most stunning waterfalls in Southeast Asia – Kuang Si Waterfalls. The falls cascade down multiple tiers, creating clear turquoise pools surrounded by lush rainforest. You can also visit the Bear Rescue Centre at the base of the falls, which rehabilitates rescued Asiatic black bears. Read our Guide to Visiting Kuang Si Waterfalls here.

hand picked tours we love:

Shop at the Night Market

The Luang Prabang Night Market comes to life as night falls across the town. Held every evening on Sisavangvong Road, it’s full of handmade textiles (Laos is famous for its weaving tradition), silver jewellery and painted artworks. It’s a far-cry from the tacky souvenir shops and raucous happy hours so often found in night markets, and instead is full of artists and craftspeople from nearby villages. You’ll also find street food stalls a-plenty – try the small, fluffy coconut pancakes, and thank us later.

For more ideas of what to do in Luang Prabang, read our Guide to the Best Things to do in Luang Prabang, and for the more curious amongst you, discover the Best Hidden Gems in Luang Prabang here.

Where to Eat

Luang Prabang has a thriving food scene that fully embraces traditional Lao flavors. Here’s our pick of some favourites, but for more ideas, read our Guide to the Best Restaurants in Luang Prabang here.

1. Tamarind

Tamarind is a beloved favourite for those looking to experience authentic Lao cuisine. From spicy larb to mok pa (steamed fish in banana leaves), this is an immersion into the tastes and flavours of Laos, with wonderful staff and even a cooking school for those wanting to learn more.

2. Dyen Sabai

Head to Dyen Sabai for some of the best Laos BBQ in town. Sit in the open-air restaurant on the banks of the river, while you cook baskets of meat and fresh mountain vegetables over the hot coals in the centre of your table.

3. Manda de Laos

Set in a colonial villa surrounding a flowering lotus pond, Manda de Laos is possibly the most beautiful restaurant in Luang Prabang – with food to match. Different tasting menus explore various elements of Lao cuisine. You’ll dine on banana blossom salad, buffalo lao lao, steamed fish in spices and banana leaves, washed down with a cold Beer Lao and finished with a decadent coconut creme brulee. A must-visit before you leave Luang Prabang. Booking is essential.