Travel Guide: 6 Things To Do in Luang Prabang, Laos

I’m just gonna come out and say it. After coming back from a whirlwind trip through Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos, one place has stood out as my favorite: Luang Prabang in Laos. This city (a big town, really) has completely captured my heart. But just because it’s small, don’t be fooled. There are so many great things to do in this city.

So if you’re planning a trip to Laos and looking for things to do in Luang Prabang, this post is for you. Keep reading because I’ve done the legwork for you! I’m going to share the 6 best things to do in Luang Prabang.

Pro Travel Tip: If it’s your first time traveling to Luang Prabang, I highly recommend hiring a guide, at least for seeing all of the temples. A guide can provide knowledge and history that will add context to everything you’re seeing. I hired Sonexay, a local guide,  and thought he was great. You can get in touch with him here on Facebook. 

6 Things To Do in Luang Prabang

1. Explore the Temples

There is no shortage of temples to see in Luang Prabang, and what’s great is they are all within walking distance from the center of town! If you only have time to see a few, then these are the ones that should be at the top of your list.

Pro Travel Tip: On the day you are visiting temples, remember to dress more modestly. Shoulders and knees must be covered or you won’t be allowed to enter.

Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham

Constructed in 1780, the Wat Mai temple is one of the largest and most ornately decorated of the Buddhist temples in Luang Prabang. It is one of the only temples that was left intact after the Chinese invasion of Laos in 1887. It is known as the ‘new temple’ because of additional architectural features that were added after it was originally built, including the verandah.

The temple is located on Sisavangvong Road, one of the main thoroughfares of the old town, next to the Royal Palace. It is definitely worth visiting to see the detailed gold carvings on the front facade which depict the story of the many lives of Buddha.

Haw Pha Bang at the Royal Palace

This is one of the most popular temples to visit in Luang Prabang because it is also the home of the Royal Palace, which has been turned into a museum. While you can’t enter the inside of the temple, you can take pictures out on the terrace. It’s definitely one of the more commanding temples in Luang Prabang.

While there, it’s also worth visiting the Royal Palace to learn more about royal family life in Laos. Please note that you will need to check your bag in a locker before visiting, and you also need to remove your shoes before entering the royal palace.

Wat Xieng Thong

I found this temple to be the one that was most interesting to visit because, in addition to the ornate decoration that you see at many of the other temples, this one also has beautiful, mirror colored mosaics.

Wat Xieng Thong was built in 1559 on the banks of the Mekong River. Similar to Wat Mai, this temple also survived the Chinese invasion in 1887. It remained a temple used by the royal family until 1975 when the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (LPDR) was formed.

Wat Xieng Mouane

This temple is interesting because of the incredibly detailed, painted mural on the front façade of the temple. It depicts the story of the many lives of Buddha. And of course, the temple also has beautifully carved, ornate decorations on the doors and the roof as well.

Wat Nong Sikhounmuang

Personally, this was one of my favorite temples. I was completely dazzled by the design. This temple is located right in the center of town, on Kounxoau Road, across from the well-known Elephant Restaurant. It’s a very peaceful temple and I was fascinated by the ornate gold and maroon details on the doors, columns, and roof.

2. Kuang Si Falls

Kuang Si Falls is definitely worth a visit. To get there, you need to either hire a car or catch a tuk-tuk from town (the more budget-friendly option). The ride is about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic. Wear or bring your suit with you. (There is a place to change but there is nowhere to stow your bag except by the side of the falls, so if you’re traveling alone, don’t bring valuables with you.)

The falls consist of a series of pools of bright, aquamarine-colored water, some of which you can swim in! The water is quite cold but refreshing, especially on a hot day. I recommend getting to the Falls early because it gets quite crowded. I arrived at 9 am and there were only a handful of people there. By the time I left at 10:45 am loads of people were entering the park.

If you’re up for it, you can hike to the top of the falls. The path is a bit slippery and steep at points, so I highly recommend wearing sneakers for this. The trail down (different from the trail up) is also a bit treacherous and slippery. There are handrails but some of them are broken so this was not an easy descent!

3. Experience Tak Bat – Giving Alms to the Monks

Every morning, just before sunrise, the Buddhist monks in Luang Prabang go on a morning procession to collect alms. What does this mean? Essentially, the monks chant prayers and collect food which will be their breakfast and lunch for that day. (Buddhist monks in Laos do not eat dinner.)

There has been a bit of controversy about tourists participating in and watching this ceremony. I think much of this is because, in the past, there have been tourists who blatantly disregarded the rules and traditions surrounding this ceremony. It’s a shame because many tourists and travelers just want to respectfully observe and/or participate in this solemn tradition.

If you do want to watch or participate in the ceremony, they are very clear now about the guidelines:

• Wear appropriate clothing (cover your shoulders and knees)
• No flash photography
• Do not stand in front of or next to the monks and don’t distract them
• If you are giving alms, make sure you are lower than the monks, kneeling or sitting.

I chose to actually take part in the ceremony. Why? Because when I was traveling in Cambodia, I was on a group trip and learned that our guide, Chansip, had spent time as a Buddhist novice monk before leaving to work as a tour guide. He did this because he was from a poor family in the countryside, and this was the only way he could get a good education. It turns out that many (but not all) of the young Buddhist novice monks are boys from poor families and this is how they can get a good education.

Whether or not you participate in the ceremony is a personal decision. For me, I decided it was the right thing to do because I support education for everyone, and if giving food to these monks means they will be able to eat and continue their studies, then I was happy to do so.

4. Watch the Sunset at the top of Mount Phousi (or Ock Pop Top)

This is another one of those experiences like I had at Angkor Wat when I went there to watch the sunrise. (You can read more about my experience there in my post: 5 tips to know before visiting Angkor wat.)

Simply put, watching the sunset from Mount Phousi is a bit of a shit show. Why? Because of the crowds. But if you like people watching, it’s also a lot of fun. (And some of the best sunsets I’ve seen in my life have been in Luang Prabang.)

I decided to have fun and enjoy the experience. It was a beautiful sunset. And yes, almost all of my pictures had people in them. I accepted that it was part of the experience of watching the sunset from this very popular vantage point.

So if you want a perfect shot of Luang Prabang at sunset without any people, then I do not recommend climbing to the top of Mount Phousi. If you don’t mind the crowds and the circus-like feel, then go for it.

Pro Travel Tip: It’s much more enjoyable if you can get a seat so I recommend getting to the top of Mount Phousi about an hour before sunset.

If you’re not up for the crowds of Mount Phousi for sunset or prefer a libation while you watch the sun go down, then Ock Pop Top is the place for you. This riverside café, just outside of town, has great views of the sunset. Order a cocktail, kick back, and relax as the sun drops and the sky turns a fiery red.

5. Shop at the Night Market

I know, I know. There are night markets EVERYWHERE in Southeast Asia. But for some reason, I really loved the night market in Luang Prabang. Something about this market feels more intimate and authentic.

The night market in Luang Prabang sets up every night around 5:30 pm on the main street that cuts through the old town. It starts right in front of Mount Phousi, so it’s the perfect thing to do after watching the sunset.

Take your time wandering among the stalls. While the vendors are all selling similar handicrafts, what I liked is that there was more variety compared to other markets I’ve been to in Southeast Asia. And remember to bargain! They are expecting it. If you want some great, local food at dirt cheap prices after you’re done shopping, wander down one of the side streets where all of the food vendors set up shop every night.

6. Spend an Afternoon at Utopia

Utopia is the hot spot in town. It’s the one restaurant and bar that all of the backpackers and tourists seem to know about. While it is the place to go at night for their wild parties and loud music, I prefer spending time here during the day, when it has a completely different vibe.

Perched high above the meandering Mekong River, with Bohemian and beach-style décor to boot, this laid back café is the perfect spot to while away an afternoon. Their fruit smoothies are among the best I’ve had, and the eclectic menu will please vegans and carnivores alike, with a range of options including Western and Laotian dishes.

Are You Ready to Visit Luang Prabang?

So, what do you think?

Has this list of things to do in Luang Prabang piqued your interest?

Are you ready to visit this magical and charming city nestled between the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers?

I promise you will be charmed.

There are so many things to do in Luang Prabang. Or…you can just arrive, find a perch by the river, and take it all in. Either way, you’ll remember this special place long after you’ve left.

As for me, I’m already planning my return!

Looking for more Southeast Asia travel guides?

Check out my favorite coffee shops in Chiang Mai and my favorite restaurants in Chiang Mai.

And if you’re heading to Angkor Wat in Cambodia, make sure to read my post: 5 things to know before you visit Angkor Wat.