LA
Luang Prabang
A UNESCO-listed former royal capital of gilded temples where the Mekong meets the Nam Khan
A UNESCO-listed former royal capital of gilded temples where the Mekong meets the Nam Khan
Built around 1560, this is the town’s most celebrated temple, with sweeping tiered roofs and a glass mosaic ‘tree of life’ on the back wall of the main hall.
Cover shoulders and knees, and remove shoes before entering.
Photo: Jakub Hałun, CC BY-SA 4.0
The former royal palace, now the National Museum, shows the throne room and royal apartments. Haw Pha Bang, the ornate temple in its grounds, houses the revered Phra Bang Buddha image.
Photo: Jakub Hałun, CC BY-SA 4.0
At dawn, lines of monks walk the streets collecting sticky rice from kneeling residents. It is a religious ritual, not a show.
Watch quietly from a distance, do not use flash, and only take part if you do so respectfully.
Photo: Christophe95, CC BY-SA 4.0
A climb of over 300 steps leads to a small stupa on the hill in the centre of town, with views over the rivers and rooftops. It is popular, and crowded, at sunset.
Photo: Balon Greyjoy, Public domain
About 30 km south of town, turquoise water cascades over limestone terraces into pools where you can swim. A bear rescue centre is near the entrance.
Go early to avoid crowds; there is a small entry fee.
Photo: Alexkom000, CC BY 4.0
Two caves in a cliff above the Mekong are filled with thousands of Buddha images. Most visitors arrive by boat from Luang Prabang, about two hours upstream.
Photo: Bjørn Christian Tørrissen, CC BY-SA 4.0
Try khao soi (Luang Prabang’s noodle soup with pork and tomato), or lam (a herby stew), Mekong river weed (khai paen), larb and sticky rice.
The night market has cheap food stalls, and riverside cafés serve Lao coffee and French-style bread.
Luang Prabang International Airport has flights from Bangkok, Hanoi, other regional hubs and Vientiane. The Laos–China Railway links Luang Prabang with Vientiane in about 2 hours and also continues to China.
Luang Prabang station is about 12 km from town; shuttles meet trains. Slow boats run down the Mekong from Huay Xai on the Thai border in two days. Many nationalities can get a Lao visa on arrival or an e-visa; check current rules and fees before you travel.
Laos uses the kip (LAK), which has lost much of its value in recent years, so prices change often; some hotels and tours quote in US dollars or Thai baht. Carry cash, as cards are not widely accepted outside larger hotels.
Prices are approximate; the kip fluctuates, so check current rates.
Temples, waterfalls and the river.
Watch the alms round at dawn, visit Wat Xieng Thong and the Royal Palace, then climb Mount Phousi for sunset and browse the night market.
Spend the morning swimming at Kuang Si Falls, then take a cooking class or relax by the Mekong.
Take a boat upstream to the Pak Ou Caves, stopping at riverside villages.
Dress modestly and never touch a monk; women should not hand items directly to monks.
Avoid unbranded spirits and free shots. Since six foreign tourists died of suspected methanol poisoning in Vang Vieng in November 2024, several governments advise avoiding local spirits, free shots and cheap cocktails in Laos.
March and April can be hazy from agricultural burning.
Bring US dollars or baht to exchange, and carry kip for small purchases.
Quick answers for planning time in Luang Prabang.
By train in about 2 hours, by plane, or by bus on a long mountain road.
About 30 km, or 40–50 minutes by road.
It starts around dawn, typically between about 5:30 and 6:30 am.
Yes, the town has been on the World Heritage List since 1995.
November to February, when it is dry and cooler.
Lao script is hard to read; a translation app with camera mode helps.
Free
Planning a wider trip? Our Laos travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.