The mesmerising metropolis of Luang Prabang in Laos, is full of golden temples, vibrant night time markets and plush turquoise waterfalls. Primarily based between the Mekong River and Nam Khan River, this UNESCO World Heritage Website is without doubt one of the most non secular cities in Southeast Asia. For those who’re questioning what to do in Luang Prabang try this journey information and add these superior issues to do in Luang Prabang Laos to your bucket checklist.
This text might comprise affiliate hyperlinks. If you are going to buy by means of these hyperlinks, I could earn a small fee at no extra value to your self. This helps in direction of the maintenance of this web site for which I’m grateful.
Issues To Know Earlier than You Go to Luang Prabang Laos
Easy methods to Get a Visa for Laos
While it’s doable to get an e-visa earlier than arriving within the nation, the Laos visa on arrival is the quickest and least expensive strategy to get a vacationer visa.
The visa might be obtained should you’re arriving at both Luang Prabang airport, Vientiane airport or 25 different border checkpoints surrounding Laos.
The visa on arrival for Laos is accessible for many nationalities and solely requires 1 passport photograph and US {dollars} for the appliance charge.
The Laos visa on arrival charge varies between 30 USD to 40 USD relying in your nationality (UK and US residents are at the moment $35) plus 1 USD for the visa service charge. Vacationer visas in Laos final for 30 days.
What Forex Does Laos Settle for
The foreign money in Laos is the Lao Kip, and the change price is roughly 9000 LAK to 1 USD.
There are many locations to change cash in Luang Prabang, nevertheless they provide totally different charges depending on the denomination of the invoice.
$100 payments will get a greater price than smaller payments, to counteract this, convey bigger denomination USD payments with you and store round for one of the best change charges.
It is usually doable to change GBP, EUR and different main currencies into Laos Kip.
When to Go to Luang Prabang Laos
The finest time to go to Luang Prabang is in the course of the dry season from October to April.
That is the most well-liked and costly time to go to, however there are extra Luang Prabang issues to do, like visiting Kuang Si falls and doing out of doors yoga.
The finest time to 12 months to go to Luang Prabang is in April.
That is when Luang Prabang celebrates Lao New 12 months by having a water pageant.
The celebrations final three days and the streets of Luang Prabang flip into one huge water battle.
You may anticipate to be drenched wherever you go, as water is alleged to convey pleasure, luck, happiness and security within the coming 12 months.
How Lengthy to Spend in Luang Prabang Laos
You may keep anyplace between three to seven nights in Luang Prabang, relying on how a lot time you need to spend enjoyable.
Nonetheless, 4 or 5 nights permits sufficient time for many of the issues to do in Luang Prabang, Laos.
What to Pack for a Journey to Luang Prabang Laos
In addition to the standard vacation packing checklist be sure you don’t skip the next packing necessities for Laos:
- Garments that cowl your shoulders and knees so you’ll be able to go to the Buddhist temples.
- Swimming costume, water footwear, and a compact fast dry towel to benefit from the lovely Kuang Si waterfalls
- European plug adapter with two spherical pins for Laos
- Backpack or duffel bag, because the roads in Laos aren’t constructed for suitcases with wheels
- Journey insurance coverage that covers all of the adventurous Laos issues to do
Easy methods to get to Luang Prabang Province
- Fly to Luang Prabang Worldwide Airport on a number of worldwide carriers resembling Air Asia, Bangkok Airways, Lao Airways and Vietnam Airways.
- Drive to Luang Prabang from Vang Vieng or Vientiane. Minivans from Vientiane to Luang Prabang value 180,000 Kip and take 8 to 10 hours. Minivans from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang take 4 hours, value 100,000 Kip, and run 5 occasions a day, 7am, 9am, 12pm, 2pm and 3pm.
- Cruise to Luang Prabang from Houay Xay in Thailand. A two day sluggish boat runs alongside the Mekong River to Luang Prabang and is commonly described as among the finest boat journeys in Southeast Asia.
Easy methods to get round Luang Prabang
The easiest way to discover Luang Prabang is on foot or in a tuk tuk. Rides are low-cost however most locations in Luang Prabang might be walked to in solely half an hour.
The place to Keep in Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang has loads of decisions for lodging, from luxurious (usually positioned removed from city) to hostels.
I visited Luang Prabang throughout peak season so opted for a mid-priced resort that was centrally positioned.
MyLaoHome is ready in a colonial home and is just a brief stroll away from the Luang Prabang Evening market, the Royal Palace, Mount Phousi and the Mekong River.
On high of that Luang Prabang Worldwide Airport is just a 20 minute drive away.
Visitors at MyLaoHome can get pleasure from complimentary breakfast, free WIFI, air-con and free water.
MyLaoHome has a 24-hour entrance desk which is nice for organising therapeutic massage therapies on the in-house spa (with an additional 10% low cost for friends) and native excursions and shuttle providers round Laos.
Location: MyLaoHome, 4-5 Hua Xieng Village, Luang Prabang Laos
15 Finest Issues to do in Luang Prabang
1. Discover Kuang Si Falls
One of the crucial well-known factors of curiosity in Laos is Kuang Si waterfalls.
Situated 30km from Luang Prabang city centre, the cascading waterfalls are open day by day from 8am to five.30pm.
There are a number of sections you’ll be able to swim in so you’ll want to convey your GoPro and seize some underwater photos within the crystal clear waters of Kuang Si.
The doorway charge for the waterfalls is 20,000 Kip (approx. USD 2.25).
There are many minivans that run between Luang Prabang and Kuang Si Falls a number of occasions a day for 50,000 Kip for the return journey.
Minivans keep for two.5 hours which provides you loads of time to discover the waterfalls, swim within the crystal clear water and go to the Moon Bear sanctuary, one other in style factor to do in Luang Prabang.
2. Go to the Moon Bears
While exploring the Kuang Si waterfalls, be sure you carve out a while to go to the Tat Kuang Si Bear Rescue Centre and help the work the charity do to care for greater than 70 moon bears.
Most of the bears had been destined for bile farms or stored illegally as pets. Nonetheless since 2003, the Tat Kuang Si Bear Rescue Centre has been a secure haven for the moon bears, the place they will loosen up in hammocks, play with new mates and stay a secure, wholesome life.
You may help the rescue centre by buying T-shirts, making donations or becoming a member of a Bear Care tour – some of the distinctive issues to see in Luang Prabang.
3. Cease by the Buffalo Dairy Farm
Cease for buffalo ice cream in your strategy to, or from Kuang Si Waterfalls.
Ask your minivan driver to cease on the small hut on the aspect of the highway, promoting conventional and seasonal flavours of ice cream (I like to recommend the lemongrass and coconut), in addition to buffalo mozzarella, feta, ricotta, blue cheese, and yoghurts.
There’s an outside area to get pleasure from your snacks, and when you have extra time be a part of a tour of the buffalo farm and be taught in regards to the work they do there for the area people.
Location: Laos Buffalo Dairy, Ban Muang Khay, Luang Prabang Laos
4. Hike Mount Phousi Through the Day
Excessive above Luang Prabang is the well-known Mount Phousi.
It’s in style amongst vacationers for its elevated sundown views of the Mekong river.
While the sundown expertise is gorgeous, I counsel going earlier within the day to get pleasure from Mount Phousi with out the crowds.
For those who can deal with the warmth, head as much as the highest of the mountain by way of the steeper, again route (not by way of the primary entrance reverse the Royal Palace).
The again route begins near the Bamboo bridge, and has the identical entrance charge of 20,000 Kip.
This hidden gem of a path, is comparatively unknown and solely utilized by monks and locals.
The views are lovely and the path is full of golden buddha statues and temples, that you just’ll possible get to discover all by yourself.
5. Take pleasure in Sundown on a Mekong River Cruise
Top-of-the-line issues to do in Luang Prabang, Laos is the Khopfa Sundown Mekong River cruise.
The cruise takes place each night from the pier exterior the Belle Rive Boutique Lodge, and entails two hours on board the gorgeous luxurious boat, decked out with solar beds and hammocks.
The Khopfa cruise is exclusive because it has a number of terraces with 360 diploma views of the Mekong River and is without doubt one of the most inexpensive issues to do in Luang Prabang at solely $15 USD!
Location: begins and ends exterior the posh resort, Belle Rive Boutique, 99 Baan Phonhueang, Luang Prabang Laos
6. Strive a Laos Cooking Class
Luang Prabang is understood throughout Laos for its cooking courses.
The half day cooking class, is a good way to find out about conventional Laos delicacies in addition to the native lifestyle.
Lessons happen outdoor, utilizing contemporary components and herbs grown on website.
The cooking class contains genuine and conventional on a regular basis Laos dishes, and after you’ve cooked your three course meal you’ll be able to sit down and revel in your lunch.
Favourites from the menu we created, had been the lemongrass stuffed rooster and the mango sticky rice for desert!
7. Store on the Evening Market
The Luang Prabang Evening Market is open day by day from 5pm till 11pm.
Throughout this time the roads are closed to automobiles and tons of of vibrant purple and blue stalls are arrange alongside the primary avenue in Luang Prabang.
As much as 300 distributors promote a spread of products from food and drinks to clothes, homeware and souvenirs.
You may spend hours roaming the streets, feasting on the mini coconut pancakes and admiring the products on sale.
I purchased a portray and eyed up a couple of cushion covers however didn’t have area for them as I used to be travelling round Asia for 17 days with solely hand baggage!
8. Go to the Buddhist Temples in Luang Prabang Laos
There are 33 temples (or wats) sprinkled round Luang Prabang.
Most are residence to monks and might be visited pretty freely so long as you’re dressed appropriately and act respectfully.
The very best temples to go to are the Royal Palace Museum Luang Prabang and Wat Xieng Thong.
Some have entry charges and are solely open for a couple of hours a day so test earlier than you go to, nevertheless I like to recommend heading over to any of the Buddhist temples at round 6pm so you’ll be able to expertise the monks and novices collaborating of their day by day prayers and chants.
9. Expertise Almsgiving in Luang Prabang Laos
The day by day almsgiving ceremony is a 600 12 months previous custom.
It takes place at dawn, starting on the primary avenue and spreading out to the aspect streets across the city of Luang Prabang.
If you wish to get entangled, purchase a pot of sticky rice from one of many native distributors, and discover a spot on one of many empty stools to attend for the monks.
Ensure you don’t make bodily contact with the monks and gown appropriately along with your shoulders, and legs lined.
10. Strive Dawn Yoga Open air
The easiest way to begin the day on this non secular city, is with a serene view of the Nam Khan river.
Luang Prabang Yoga supply day by day dawn yoga courses at Utopia at 7.30am. Drop in courses are 40,000 Kip for one hour and mats are supplied.
Location: Utopia, Ban Aphay, Kingkitsarath Street, Luang Prabang Laos
11. Expertise Sundown Alongside the Banks of the Mekong River
Top-of-the-line free issues to do in Luang Prabang is wander alongside the banks of the Mekong River at sundown.
It could actually take half an hour to stroll all the best way alongside the riverbank, and the golden hues presently of day are excellent for images.
There are additionally loads of locations for dinner and drinks alongside the banks if you wish to keep awhile in a single place.
12. Take pleasure in Dinner and Drinks at The Spirit Home
Top-of-the-line issues to do in Luang Prabang at night time is to go to The Spirit Home.
With a sister restaurant in Vientiane, The Spirit Home is understood for its fusion of Lao and Western staples.
The cocktail menu is essentially the most in depth in Luang Prabang and I can extremely advocate the Nationwide Day Martini, uniquely embellished with an edible Laos flag.
The Spirit Home serves every thing from tapas to salads, and wraps to buddha bowls. Parts are hearty, and dishes are designed to supply wholesome meals choices for guests.
I can advocate the Kai Hin (crispy river weed specialty in Luang Prabang), the Moo Hom Paa (Laos model of pigs in blankets) and the meat and lemongrass crispy spring rolls.
Location: The Spirit Home Luang Prabang, Baan Hua Xieng, Luang Prabang Laos
13. Volunteer at Large Brother Mouse
The right strategy to volunteer in Laos, particularly in case you are low on time, is to go to Large Brother Mouse.
You may both assist by buying books to be distributed to varsities or by volunteering your time to assist the youth of Laos practise their English, on the Large Brother Mouse drop in centre in Luang Prabang.
Situated near the Popolo restaurant, Large Brother Mouse is open twice day by day from 9 to 11am and 5 to 7pm.
You may be paired with younger adults, monks, and novices who need to practise their English with native audio system, so it is a nice alternative so that you can ask about Laos tradition and share your personal experiences.
Location: Large Brother Mouse, Phayaluangmeungchan Street Wat Nong, Luang Prabang Laos
14. Have a Conventional Laos Therapeutic massage
Luang Prabang is a good place to get an affordable therapeutic massage. The spa at MyLaoHome has opening hours from 1pm to 10pm and provides a number of several types of therapeutic massage.
I can personally advocate the normal Laos therapeutic massage, which is analogous to a Thai therapeutic massage, and prices 100, 000 kip an hour.
Bear in mind friends of MyLaoHome get an additional 10% low cost!
Location: MyLaoHome Spa, 4-5 Hua Xieng Village, Luang Prabang Laos
15. Cross the Bamboo Bridge
One of the crucial distinctive issues to do in Luang Prabang is cross the Nam Khan River on the rickety Bamboo Bridge.
The bridge will get washed away every wet season, and the 5,000 Kip crossing charge, helps native households rebuild the construction annually.
On the opposite aspect of the Nam Khan river, is an open air restaurant with native dishes, together with a scrumptious aubergine dip.
The ground cushions on the restaurant are excellent for watching travellers and monks cross the wobbly bridge.
A go to to the bamboo bridge might be accompanied by the hike as much as the highest of Mount Phousi utilizing the again route.
Location: Bamboo Bridge over Nam Khan river, Kingkitsarath Street, Luang Prabang Laos
Disclaimer: MyLaoHome kindly gifted my lodging, and DiscoverLaosToday (Supported by the Laos Tourism Board) gifted each the Laos Cooking class and Khopfa cruise.
Save High Issues to do in Luang Prabang Laos to Pinterest for later
