Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang is a UNESCO-listed town on a Mekong peninsula, with gilded monasteries, French colonial shophouses and a dawn alms procession of monks. It is small, walkable and deliberately low-rise. Kuang Si waterfall and Mekong boat trips fill the days around the town itself.
How long to stay
November to February; March and April can be hazy from burning.
Typical daily budget
No budget published for this place yet
Best time to go
No seasonal guidance published for Luang Prabang yet
Is Luang Prabang right for your trip?
Based on what this guide covers, not a score. This is what Luang Prabang is known for.
Great for
- Food
- Couples
Less of a focus
- History & culture
- Nightlife
- Nature
- Family
- Solo
Build your Luang Prabang trip
Top things to do
Kuang Si Falls
Entrance $2.95 · VerifiedLuang Prabang
Turquoise limestone pools stepping down through forest, with swimming areas and a bear rescue centre at the entrance.
Mount Phousi
Free entry · VerifiedLuang Prabang
A 100 m hill in the centre of town with 300 steps to a stupa and the standard sunset view over the Mekong.
Wat Xieng Thong
Entrance LAK 50,000 · VerifiedLuang Prabang
The 16th-century royal monastery at the tip of the peninsula, with a sweeping roofline and a tree-of-life mosaic.
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Popular activities
Alms giving observation
Respectful early-morning observation of the monks' procession with a local guide.
Lao cooking class
Market visit then cooking laap, jeow and sticky rice.
Mekong slow boat to Pak Ou caves
River trip to caves filled with thousands of Buddha images.