Things to see & do in Luang Prabang

Set within a narrow valley at the confluence of the Mekong and the Nam Khan rivers, Luang Prabang was until 1975 the royal capital of Laos, and today it remains the one unmissable destination on any vacation to the country. Ranked as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, which describes it as ‘the best preserved city in Southeast Asia’, Luang Prabang is the cradle of Laotian culture, with over 30 temples, fading yet still handsome French Colonial architecture, and, despite its immense popularity with tourists, a sometimes quite sleepy feel.

Always the highlight of any Laos itinerary, Luang Prabang is often reached by a cruise on the Mekong, with Chiang Rai in Thailand a popular departure point, or a particularly striking route over mountain roads from the famous Plain of Jars. Bounded on one side by the river, Luang Prabang is wrapped in mountains while the surrounding area has deep limestone caves and fabulous waterfalls to explore. In the evenings, the night bazaars showcase the cuisine of a multiethnic population, while if you’re looking for a sit-down meal, the riverside restaurants see a lot of competition for tables with the best views.

Most visitors agree that the one essential activity when in Luang Prabang is getting up early to watch as hundreds of Buddhist monks, draped in their saffron robes, leave the temples with their wooden bowls to collect alms. The monks are not allowed to eat anything after midday, so local people line up outside their homes to give them food every morning, something that will hopefully give them a little extra credit when it comes to the afterlife.

Phu Si Hill lies just outside Luang Prabang. It’s a climb of almost 330 steps to the summit, which rewards you with stunning panoramas of the city and the Mekong below. The path zigzags up past a number of temples, ‘til you reach a glittering golden stupa at the top. Another of the most popular excursions from Luang Prabang is the Kuang Si Falls a short drive away. You can swim in the blue pools formed by the beautifully cascading waterfalls. Leave early to beat the crowds, and you may encounter local children having their picnic breakfasts there before school.

You can learn about Luang Prabang’s long and proud history at the Royal Palace Museum, also the site of Wat Wisunalat with its watermelon-shaped dome. The city has a Fine Arts School showcasing traditional handicrafts, while if you hire a bike to look visit the Hmong communities in the area, then a short ride brings you to Ban Chan, a village known for its pottery.

Most people spend a day or two in Luang Prabang before heading on to Vang Vieng, the Plain of Jars or Vientiane. If you’re interested in staying longer though, to get to know this beguiling city a little deeper, then consider a themed itinerary. Photography tours brilliantly capture the morning procession of the monks, the night markets, and the magnificent river sunsets, while volunteering vacations are also available. You could spend a month with a women’s empowerment project here, or help out at a wildlife sanctuary.