7 BEST Things To Do In Luang Prabang, Laos [UPDATED FOR 2026]

After the combination of the chaos and beauty of the one-time party town of Vang Vieng, it was time for a very different atmosphere with Luang Prabang.

This regal and sacred town on the banks of the mighty Mekong is home to 33 UNESCO-listed temples and more bright orange-clad monks than you can wrap your head around. It oozes a peaceful and sophisticated charm that only a crumbling post-colonial town in Southeast Asia could.

Heading to Luang Prabang, Laos almost feels like a pilgrimage, whether you follow the Buddhist religion or not. The air of devotion that is personified in this town is mysteriously illuring and when you combine that with the serenity of the nearby countryside… Well, it’s downright intoxicating and feels like proper old-school travel. 

So I’ve put together this list of the best things to do in Luang Prabang, plus a handy guide to where to stay and how to get here.

7 Best Things To Do In Luang Prabang

Let’s take a look at the best and most epic Luang Prabang things to do so you can make the most of your time in this magical city.

1. Wake Up Early And Watch The Monks Receive Alms

One of the most special things to do in Luang Prabang, Laos involves setting your alarm clock for an ungodly hour for the most religious of activities in Laos! Waking up before the sunrises you get to sample just a small part of the devotion it takes to become a monk.

Each morning as the light begins to arrive over the horizon hundreds of monks form silent orange lines across the town collecting “Alms” from people knelt in prayer on the streets.

This mesmerising sight is actually commonplace all across the Buddhist region but here in Luang Prabang Laos due to the amount and proximity of the temples, it is much more concentrated.

The monks receive their food for the day from others wishing to gain “merit”. In recent times many Westerners and more often Chinese tourists have taken some of the magic from this daily event.

Our advice would be to head down some of the smaller side streets to see more of a peaceful and authentic procession and always be respectful!

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2. Tour The Unesco-Listed Town And Visit The Many Wonderful Temples

Of course, coming to Luang Prabang Laos you must take the time to visit many of the 33 temples that make up this UNESCO-listed area. The entire town is one of the most sacred in the country and wherever you turn you are sure to see yet another stunning temple and many monks tending to the grounds.

This sight has been the same for centuries and even with the influx of tourism these temples remain peaceful pockets of serenity where one can take time to reflect. One of the top things to do in Luang Prabang is to spend at least a day just exploring them.

Those not to miss include:

• Vat Xieng Toung
• Vat Khili, Vat Sibounheuang
• Vat Sirimoungkhoun Sayaram
• Vat Sop Sickharam
• Vipassana temple

Not only does the town draw visitors in due to the abundance of glittering temples but it is also one of the finest examples of crumbling colonial architecture in the region.

Put this together and add a dash of bright and colourful flowers that seem to be growing on every street and you have one of the most picturesque and stunning towns in the world.

A day spent strolling down the side streets and main through fares provides a wonderful insight into the unique culture that has been cultivated in this one-time royal capital.

3. Get A New Perspective From Above The Town

Technically another of the town’s many temples and shrines Phou Si/Chomsy Hill offers something a little extra! A short but steep hike up a winding stone staircase brings you to the highest point of Luang Prabang.

From here you can take in the panoramic view of the golden temples that punctuate the lush green surroundings as well as look down over the confluence of the Mekong and the smaller Nam Khan which almost seem to surround the town!

Along the way, there are various smaller stupas, temples and even lookout positions for cannons and most inexplicably “Buddha’s footprint” which appears to be at least 2 feet long! It’s one of the most wonderful things to do in Luang Prabang if you want to take in the majesty of the city as a whole.

Our Favourite Backpacks

Osprey Farpoint/ Fairview

We’ve used the Osprey Farpoint/ Fairview for all our backpacking adventures over the past 5 years and highly recommend them!

The main area of the pack opens like a suitcase, which is great for using packing cubes to keep everything organised and they even come with a detachable day pack!

> Farpoint: Buy It Here
> Fairview: Buy It Here

4. Cross The Bamboo Bridge And Explore The More Rural Side Of Luang Prabang, Laos

Over the other side of the Nam Khan River lies several smaller villages and temples that show the more rural life on the outskirts of this colonial-era town.

Crossing one of the rickety bamboo bridges for a small fee you are likely to encounter a much more local feel, children playing in the river, novice monks bathing and women washing their laundry are all common sights. It’s one of the great things to do in Luang Prabang that gets you off the beaten track a little.

Climbing the steps to the other side you can visit one of the small villages that have specialised in paper making for hundreds of years, still today employing the same age-old techniques to make this flower-infused paper.

5. Visit The Lesser-Known And More Authentic Areas

If you want to really see Luang Prabang Laos off the beaten track then take one of the ferry boats across the Mekong, the only way to cross within the city as UNESCO guidelines prevent a bridge from being built!

On this side, you will find an even more laid-back atmosphere and many smaller temples that are frequented only by locals, monks, and the odd stray dog! It was one of my favourite things to do in Luang Prabang when I wanted to escape some of the crowds. Plus, it’s a totally different experience from the river tubing in Vang Vieng!

Walk just a little way through the dense and lush jungle over here and you will find yourself in tiny villages many of which are still characterised by their bamboo houses and very traditional way of life. It really is like sailing over to another world!

6. See The Colour And The Chaos Of The Many Markets

If Luang Prabang wasn’t so famous for its temples then second on the list would be its markets. It really is a tale of two halves also with the more local morning market beginning around the same time that the monks start their sunrise procession.

As always the local shoppers are keen to get there early and bag the best produce, including some of the most amazing and also the most grim things we’ve ever seen on sale for human consumption.

The freshly cut jackfruit and traditional Laos cakes were an amazing purchase but I had to toe the line at gutted cat, fried rat and boiled frog. As a vegetarian, I was on the edge of nausea but there is just something gruesomely fascinating about seeing what other cultures call food!

If the morning market was just a little too “local” then hold out for the evening craft market instead. The town’s main through fare is transformed into a mile-long explosion of patterns, colour and creations!

If you want to get yourself some of those fancy traveller pants or a unique souvenir then this is the spot!

If that worked you up an appetite then down the far end is an array of offerings of crapes and baguettes, showing the influence the French have had on this one-time colony. If you want to see the authentic side to the city, then going in the morning is one of the most wonderful things to do in Luang Prabang.

7. Take A Trip Out To Kuang Si Waterfall

One of the most amazing things to do in Luang Prabang is actually just outside of the city itself. A trek up a steep mountain track takes you to the incredible sight of Kuang Si Waterfalls. The milky blue-green waters are on several levels, each running into the next.

On the lower levels, this jungle-lined waterfall is relatively calm, yet still beautiful, looking with several shallow pools and gentle trickling water.

As you progress up there are many larger pools where swimming is possible, but you might be surprised by the cool temperature of the water in such a warm and humid location. Not only that, but the water is also home to “doctor fish” which might just fancy having a bit of a nibble.

But the real highlight remains further up the track, this is when the falls open up into the magnificent main drop of 60 meters (200 ft). Cross the footbridge to fully take it all in, I can guarantee you’ll be blown away.

But it doesn’t end there. Make sure you bring some proper shoes because now you can hike right the way up to the top of the falls where you can take in views of the surrounding areas as well as further shallow pools in the surrounding jungle.

Getting here can be done by either tuk-tuk, renting a scooter or taking a tour.

How To Get To Luang Prabang

Right, so we’ve covered the things to do in Luang Prabang, let’s have a look at how to get there now.

When I first visited Luang Prabang the only way to get here was on a hellish 7-hour mini bus from Vientiane, but since the construction of the useful but controversial bullet train, that journey is now 2 hours on a comfortable train. However, the minibus is still the cheapest way if you want to keep things as cheap as possible.

Mini Bus

The mini-bus is the cheapest and the most classic way to get to Luang Prabang. From Vientiane, it takes roughly 7 hours and will set you back £14 each.

Train

By far the quickest and most comfortable way to get to Luang Prabang is on the brand new bullet trains. These take a hellish 7-hour journey right down to just 2 hours. It is also much more comfortable as you can get up, walk around and go to the toilet at will!

You’ve got two types of tickets, 1st and 2nd class. Both are comfortable but first class does offer bigger seats with much more room.

1st class costs £33 and 2nd class is £24.

The Slow Boat To Chiang Mai

From here you might also be interested in doing the Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai slow boat. This magnificent journey takes two days sailing down the incredible river Mekong.

You’ll stop in the town of Pak Beng along the way and take in some amazing scenery on this super chilled-out journey. It’s highly recommended.

This can be booked either as a package via Get Your Guide

Or you can book each leg separately. For example, you’ll have to take the boat from Luang Prabang to Pak Beng on day one –

Then you’ll have to jump on the boat from Pak Beng to the border town of Hua Xay.

From there you’ll take a tuk-tuk to the border, cross the “friendship bridge” on a government bus, and then you’ll have to organise a minibus with other travellers to either Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai or head to the nearby town of Chiang Klang on a tuk tuk for the night. The following day you’ll be able to take a cheaper public bus onwards.

You can also pre-book your accommodation in Pak Beng here so you know you have digs for the night!

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Where To Stay In Luang Prabang

Right then, if you’re coming to Luang Prabang you’re more than likely going to need somewhere to stay I reckon! Well, after several visits I’ve put together this handy guide to my favourite ones at several different budgets.

The Best Backpacker Option: Sabai Sabai Luang Prabang Hostel

Offering both private and dorm rooms, this hostel is a super cool place to stay. With a swimming pool and terraces and plenty of areas to chill out, it’s one of the best hostels I’ve ever stayed at. It’s also located close to all the main things to do in Luang Prabang.

• Free breakfast
• Terrace
• Outdoor pool
• Curtains on dorm beds

The Best Budget Hotel: My Dream Boutique Resort

Located by the Nam Khan River, this hotel offers traditional bungalow-style accommodation with a boutique vibe. Set in gardens with an outdoor pool and an onsite masseuse, it’s the perfect place to relax after a day of exploration.

• Balconies in each room
• Breakfast buffet
• Outdoor pool
• elegant stinted wooden bungalows

The Best Boutique Hotel: Satri House Hotel

For those wanting world-class service in elegant surroundings for their time in Luang Prabang, then look no further. This beautiful colonial hotel offers 2 pools, stunning interior decor, gardens, a spa and a sauna. It’s also ideally located for all the amazing things to do in Luang Prabang.

• 2 Swimming pools
• Onsite restaurant
• Wellness Centre
• Bicycle rental

Don’t forget your insurance for your trip to Luang Prabang

Whilst Luang Prabang is pretty chilled out compared to the backpacker party hub of Vang Vieng, it’s still well worth the peace of mind that good quality travel insurance brings. We always recommend SafetyWing with its super flexible policies so you can crack on with all the wonderful things to do in Luang Prabang without a care in the world!

Final Thoughts On A Guide To Luang Prabang

Are you planning on visiting Luang Prabang, Laos? For me, it’s one of the most wonderful places I’ve ever visited and I just loved the peaceful ambience the temples, monks and river create. Combined with the stunning natural surroundings like Kuang Si Waterfall, it’s easy to see how anyone could easily fall in love with Luang Prabang.

Hopefully, these tips on the many things to do in Luang Prabang will make planning your trip a bit easier. I hope you love it as much as I do.

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