Things to do in Luang Prabang, Laos

Being the most popular tourist town in Laos, Luang Prabang is a paradise for all kinds of tourists. Whether it is an adventure, a romantic staycation or a nature retreat, there are many things to do in Luang Prabang. Read on to know more.

Oh Luang Prabang, you’re simply Beautiful is Laos tourism tagline and I couldn’t agree more. Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage town with lush green mountains, undulating river valley, French colonial style architecture and wats or temples that make Luang Prabang beautiful. 

It is a cute town with a lot of influx of tourists. One of the best things about this town is that it follows ethical tourism and one can read all about it here – Sustainable Tourism in Luang Prabang, Laos.

I highly recommend adding Laos to your South-East Asia itinerary. Check out the top things to do in Luang Prabang.

THINGS TO DO IN LUANG PRABANG

Witness Tak Bat

Witnessing the Tak Bak in Luang Prabang is an enriching experience that must not be missed. 

Also known as the alms giving ceremony that is popular in other Asian countries too, Luang Prabang is probably the only place in the world where Buddhist monks still collect food from the local people everyday at sunrise as a part of the age old tradition. 

Everyday at around 5:30 am monks of all ages clad in their saffron robes collect cooked rice in their ceramic pots. Tourists can participate in the alms giving ceremony in Luang Prabang for Buddhist, as it is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Luang Prabang. Visitors can buy rice from the vendors selling it on the streets. 

It can be offered to the monks (keep in mind only a spoonful is to be offered to each monk), otherwise the pots tend to become heavy and I saw some of them throwing it in bins.

Swim in the Kuang si Waterfalls, Luang Prabang

Known as one of the best waterfalls in Luang Prabang, the Kuang Si Waterfalls are located 23 km south of Luang Prabang and it takes about 45-60 minutes to reach from the center of town. 

After arriving at the gate, visitors have to walk along a marked trail to reach the first set of pools. One can see a lot of people swimming and it will most certainly tempt you to dive in. But before you do, it is best to check out the entire area, decide on the right pool and then swim in the best! Yes, swimming is allowed at Kuang Si falls!

Continue on the trail uphill and notice how the pools get bigger with cleaner waters. Also explore the small waterfalls cascading over limestone rocks, thick trees engulfing the entire area overhead and small fishes at the feet – like a fish spa. No matter what you decide to do, you will certainly fall in love with the place.

Trekking at Kuang si waterfalls

For the adventure junkies, there is an option of a small trek in Kuang si Falls. Near the final and the biggest falls, there are steps pointing towards the trek. These steps lead the visitors to the top of the waterfalls. 

This short hike of 20 minutes will take you into the untouched and surreal world. A steady stream of water flows at the top before it hits the 50m drop forming the stunning waterfall. You can take a canoe ride on this stream. A small shop owner who sells water can help you go on this ride.

If you have more time in hand, trek for 3 km to reach a Secret cave near a spring and have the entire area to yourself.

Cruise on the Mekong river

If you are looking for an activity in Luang Prabang, I will highly recommend this.

The Mekong river has been the lifeline for the landlocked country of Laos and is one of the most important rivers in the six South Asian countries that it flows through. You cannot miss the Mekong river, as it is probably the first and last thing you will see in Luang Prabang. It is visible from the aircraft, from the hotels, in the city center and you will probably end up eating dinner on its banks on most days. I’d highly recommend the morning breakfast at Saffron Cafe and dinner at Bille River

Hop on to a boat which can take you on a ride over the Mekong river and maybe also visit some Laotian villages. Soak in the earthy colour of Mekong against the limestone mountains which forms a spectacular sight. This was one of my favorite things to do in Luang Prabang.

Enjoy the panoramic views of Luang Prabang from Mount Phou Si

The Mount Phou Si, translates to sacred mountain, is located in the heart of Luang Prabang and rests at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan river. The mountain is about 100 meters high and has 355 steps for a climb up and a popular sight with visitors of the city. If you are up for a hike, choose a time at the sunset to soak in the peaceful views of Luang Prabang from the peak.

The Royal Palace Museum

The Royal Palace is one of the must visit places in Luang Prabang. The museum is also known as “Haw Kham” and in early days was the country’s Royal Palace. This is the best place to know about the history of Laos. 

It was built in 1904 for the King Sisavang Vong, and like the town, is the perfect blend of French and Lao architecture. The palace was converted into a national museum and opened to the public in 1995. There are several buildings in the palace compound including the Royal Barge Shelter, a conference hall, and Haw Pha Bang (an ornate pavilion) that houses the standing Buddha statue called Prabang.

Luang Prabang Night market

Luang Prabang comes alive at the Luang Prabang Night Market. 

Popular for the Lao street food and souvenirs, the Luang Prabang night market is closed for vehicles between 5 pm to 10 pm everyday as it turns into a colorful and eventful place. Local community members set up temporary stalls and display the materials for sale. Lao coffee, indigo dyed clothes, bed sheets, purses, handicrafts and artifacts are all sold here. And like all south east asian countries, even Snake whiskey. 

There are money exchange shops on the street so don’t worry if you run out of the local currency Kiep. The best part is they accept US dollars and even Thai Baht if you do not have local currency at all!

The night market is also a foodie heaven and you can try delicious yet inexpensive street food like Tam Mak Hoong (Papaya Salad), Khao Niaw (Sticky Rice), Mok Pa (Steamed fish in banana leaves), Khao Piak Sen (Noodle Soup), Naem Khao Tod (Crispy Rice Salad), fried seaweed, etc.

Get blessed at the temples of Luang Prabang

Wat Phon Phao, Wat Aham, Wat Mahathat, That Chomsi, Wat Pa Phai, Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham, That Makmo, Royal Temple.. the list is endless. Most of the temples are Buddhist temples in Luang Prabang.

Each temple is unique with elaborate art and intricate designs – wood carvings, Buddha murals and even Laotian festival depicted on the walls of temples. The designs and colour will definitely catch your eye and you are guaranteed to feel blessed and mesmerized with its beauty and tranquility.

Experience the Baci Ceremony

Baci ceremony (locally called Pha Kwan) is conducted to celebrate a special event, welcoming guests, homecoming, wedding, birth, or conducted even during Loatian festivals. 

The Baci ceremony consists of a silver dish or bowl on a white cloth in the center of the room. On its top is a cone made from banana leaves  and contains flowers. This setup is connected with long white cotton threads.

A village elder generally conducts the ceremony and the person for whom it is being conducted sits opposite to him. He chants some verses wherein the person is supposed to hold the thread from the opposite side. After that a group of senior local women tie these white threads around the person’s wrists and offer blessings. Fruits, snacks and eggs which are offered during the ceremony are later distributed amongst the participating persons.

After the ceremony, everyone shares a meal as a member of the community. The meal consists of sticky rice, local vegetables, soup served with chicken and fish, etc.

Taste Ethical Cheese

Laos Buffalo dairy farm was started as a social enterprise and on the concept of sustainability. Located approximately 40 kms from Luang Prabang, the dairy is a great half a day activity which is a must visit. 

It consists of a petting area where visitors can pet rabbits, pigs and cows. They can bathe the cows and learn the process of making ethical cheese.

Visit Pak Ou caves

Extend the Mekong river  to visit the pak ou caves which are famous for the Buddha structures in varying shapes and sizes. Pak means mouth and the two caves at the mouth of the Ou River are Tham Ting and Tham Theung. The caves are revered as a place for spirituality and were thought to be occupied by spirits by the animists. Later Buddhist monks started bringing the Buddha statues to the cave.