Luang Prabang is such a perfect Laotian getaway for both nature and culture aficionados. Situated in the northern mountainous region, this gem offers a range of attractions from the fusion of Lao and French architecture to the mind-blowing natural beauty – not to mention the historical Buddhist temples and the abundance of delicious foods. Before journeying to the Lane Xang capital, read this informative “Best Things to Do” guide first.
1. Escape to Kuang Xi Waterfall
The super gorgeous Kuang Xi waterfall, a mere 45-minute drive from the city center, should be your first destination. You can enjoy the translucent water cascading down limestone formations into shallow pools, as well as swimming and jumping into the turquoise pool. Other points of interest include the Asiatic black bears near the entrance.
Kuang Xi Waterfall
Address: Luang Prabang, Laos
Admission Fee: 20,000 LAK (2.5 USD)
2. Enjoy the sunrise and sunset from Mount Phousi
Are you a sunrise or sunset addict? Spend a couple of hours at the summit of Mount Phousi, the highest point of the city. To get there, you need to step up some stairs. You can also enjoy the scenic old city and the meandering Mekong river. For a spiritual experience, bring your offerings and pray at the temple nearby.
Mount Phousi
Address: Luang Prabang
Opening Hours: 7 am to 6 pm
Admission Fee: 20,000 LAK (2.5 USD)
3. Engage in morning alms giving ritual
Wake up early in the morning, set yourself at the road with some food donations and feel the sensation of morning alms giving when the Buddhist monks are approaching you. A can’t miss attraction, visitors can see this daily ritual in the city’s main road. Before participating, be sure to know the local etiquette and be respectful by wearing the appropriate dress.
Morning Alms Giving
Address: Luang Prabang, Laos
Time to See: 5 am to 6 am
4. Dive into the morning market
If you love hunting for fresh cooking ingredients or cheap knock-off backpacks, the morning market is the place for you. The fact is, it’s much more attractive than the night market. The vendors lining the street offer unusual items such as freshly caught giant catfishes and live frogs. While shopping, interact with the locals to feel the culture.
Luang Prabang Morning Market
Address: Luang Prabang, Laos
Opening Hours: 5 am to 10 am
5. Go temple hopping
Known as one of the UNESCO world heritage sites, Luang Prabang is a place where a ton of historical temples with amazing ornaments stand gracefully. Visiting temples is absolutely a great way to discover the old city. If you find a magnificent temple with ornate carved walls and artistic Lane Xang-style architecture, Wat Xieng Tong is about to dazzle you.
Wat Xieng Tong
Address: Khem Khong, Luang Prabang, Laos
Opening Hours: 8 am to 5 pm
6. Street food tour (16 USD)
If you want to experience authentic Laos food, look and search out the traditional restaurants to find real Laotian dishes. You may have a harder time on your own though; so why not set aside two hours of your time of non-stop culinary treat? Know that there is more to the Laotian sticky rice. Six dishes are waiting for you along Luang Prabang’s intimate alleys! Chow down on orlam (meat stew), khao soi (rice noodle soup), and sai oua (pork sausage), and fried egg. Nibble on coconut cakes and seasonal fruits. Definitely a treat for your stomach. Just bring your own drinking water and you are all set.
Street Food Tour
Price: 16 USD
Duration: 2 hours
7. Stroll through the Old Quarter
Taking a stroll and sightseeing in the old quarter in Luang Prabang is such a good way to spend your day leisurely. You will see Lao-French buildings, street vendors offering their cool items and friendly Lao people with simple lifestyles that you meet on the street. Don’t forget to say “sabaidee” and “khop cai” to the locals to feel the real flavor of Laos.
Luang Prabang Old Quarter
Address: Luang Prabang, Laos
Opening Hours: 24 hours
8. Bite into a baguette
A simple thing you can do to delight in the paradise is to try the French delicacy, the baguette. You can opt for different fillings from cheese to salad to bacon at the makeshift sandwich stands in the hub of the city. The fresh tropical fruit shakes and delicious crepes are also worth a try.
9. Take a slow boat ride on the Mekong river
If you are about to explore the Mekong river and enjoy a laid-back life, there is nothing more recommended than taking a slow boat ride on it. You can start your trip from Luang Prabang and end it at the Thai-Laos border. Your two day journey is subject to a life perfection as you will see a lot of attractive things, ranging from the tropical jungle to unique caves to Laotian villages.
Mekong Smile Cruise
Price: 240,000 LAK (29.5 USD)
Website: mekong smile cruise
10. Do voluntary teaching at Big Brother Mouse
Posted by Big Brother Mouse on Tuesday, 4 April 2017
Are you anti-mainstream travelers who love teaching children? Help the young locals and monks with your English conversational skill at Big Brother Mouse learning center, located in the north of city center. Being a volunteer in Laos really adds your values as a human who cares each other and gives you more opportunity to learn the local tradition. You can also make some donations by buying and giving books.
Big Brother Mouse
Opening Hours: 9 am to 5 pm
Website: Big Brother Mouse
11. Weaving with village seamstress (33 USD)
Cotton and silk textile weaving in Laos is an age-old tradition that is still practised by women up to the present day. Sets of yarn are intertwined at a determined angle and woven together using hand-operated wooden looms to create intricate patterns and designs. Book this workshop for an intense yet thoroughly enjoyable course on weaving. Under the supervision of an expert weaver, weave your chosen pattern and come home with beautiful and high-quality gifts for your family and friends. The package comes with a standard 70 cm (27.5 inches) soft cotton scarf. You can upgrade to a 170 cm (66.9 inches) size or silk scarves at an additional cost. Arrive at your destination comfortably with round-trip transfer included. Don’t forget to bring you own drinking water and mosquito cream/repellent!
Weaving with village seamstress
Price: 33 USD
Duration: 4 hours
12. Wood carving with Royal Palace artisan (24 USD)
Laos is always associated with traditional crafts like metalsmithing, basket and mat weaving, and wood carving. With close to 50 ethnic groups, you’ll be amazed by the variety of craft styles and tastes unique to their native heritage. The Lao people are world-class carvers. Oftentimes, you will see beautiful wood-carved images in churches and temples. Join this fascinating half-day workshop and learn the tricks of wood-carving. Under the apprenticeship of our master wood carver, create your own wood treasures and carved memento. Be immersed and captivated by his stories about carving palaces for royal families. An epic experience not to be missed! Remember to bring your sunglasses and mosquito cream/repellent for protection.
Wood carving with Royal Palace artisan
Price: 24 USD
Duration: 4 hours
13. Knife-making with master blacksmith
This is another great activity for making a memento of your visit. Book this one-of-a-kind workshop and immerse in the life of an expert blacksmith hand-crafting traditional weapons, knives and farming tools in various shapes and sizes. Get ready for a day of sketching, hammer forging, shaping and heat treating, sanding, and polishing. Your host has a depth of knowledge to help you create nearly any shaped knife. The standard package includes a knife with a bamboo handle. Upgrade options are available at an extra cost. Come prepared bringing your sunglasses for protection, wearing appropriate clothing & trekking shoes, and drinking water.
Knife-making with master blacksmith
Address: 34 USD
Duration: 4 hours
14. Lao wine-making with Khmu farmers (21 USD)
Lao Hai is the traditional sweet alcoholic drink in Laos made from rice wine, fermented three to four days in earthen ware jars called ‘hai’. It is a popular choice during New Year and other major festivities and celebrations. Drinking lao hai is a very special ceremony. The wine is not poured into cups but drunk communally through long and curved bamboo straws directly from the jars as another person pours water into the jar to maintain an even balance between alcohol and water. Elders and special guests are first in the queue to sip, followed by younger guests. In this activity, learn the stages of making wine and preparing your own bamboo straw for the ultimate authentic drinking experience. Plus, you get a bottle of wine to bring home! The price includes transport from your hotel to the farm site. Don’t forget to bring your own bottled water.
Lao wine-making with Khmu farmers
Price: 21 USD
Duration: 2 hours
Luang Prabang is where you enjoy the real Laos
Luang Prabang has a lot of fascinating things to offer. It’s a place where everything looks exquisite and perfect. In order to understand how Laos has magnetized global wanderers and made them fall in love with the country, you need to experience the outstanding old temples, the waterfalls, the delectable foods and the people’s warmth.
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